Stop and smell the spices at Tropical Spice Garden

Tropical Spice Garden © Adrian Cheah

One of Penang's popular attractions is the Tropical Spice Garden which is located in Teluk Bahang, a few minutes drive from Batu Feringgi. For those seeking peace, tranquility and to immerse one's self in the splendour of Mother Nature, this veritable secret garden is the place to be.

Step into this little pocket of paradise and Nature's sights, smells and sounds will instantly take over, obliterating all traces of the hustle and bustle that is associated with urban living.

Spread over 3.2 ha, this garden microcosm of diverse ecosystems houses more than 500 varieties of flora from Malaysia and other regions. Visitors will find landscaped trails and natural pathways, stream crossings, cascading waterfalls and interesting structures made from recycled material such as tiles and timber salvaged from demolished pre-war houses.

The best way to explore the place is to follow the three undulating trails leading to distinct Garden Rooms: Water Garden, Cycad Room, Banana/Heliconia Bank, Spice Terraces, Bamboo Garden, Ginger Walk, Sugar Terrace, Ornamental Valley, Croton Wall, Fern Walk and Jungle Trail.

These “rooms” are designed for visitors to walk into and through and feature special plant collections to emphasise particular themes.

Each garden trail provides sufficient interest for a 25 to 45-minute walk with varying degrees of the adventure.

Tropical Spice Garden © Adrian Cheah

A privately funded agro-tourism project endorsed by the Penang State Government, the garden is aimed at fostering understanding and appreciation of tropical plants through programmes of conservation, display, education and research.

The garden also houses a pre-war Straits Colonial country bungalow called Lone Crag Villa, which would later be converted into a visitor centre featuring a spice museum, cafe, gift shop and garden shop.

It is said that the best time to catch the garden's lovely scents is first thing in the morning, or after the rain – gingers release a faint tingly aroma while the pandanus an earthy-sweet scent.

If city life is wearing you out, isn’t it time to drop by and take a deep breath?

Cooking classes

The Garden also offers cooking classes. A first of its kind in Penang, the school is custom-made with 10 individual purpose-built workstations that allow for a memorable hands-on cooking experience. Under the guidance of experienced chefs – each specialising in Nyonya, Malay and Indian cuisines – you can learn to cook local favourites such as Nasi Lemak, Assam Laksa, Chicken Tandoori and even concoct refreshing spice inspired beverages. To find out more, contact Tropical Spice garden at +604 – 881 1797 or +6012 430 7795.

An ideal venue for wedding parties, team building, seminars

The Garden is not just for visiting! It is the perfect destination for weddings to team building events.

For more information, opening hours and admission rates, visit http://tropicalspicegarden.com

---------------------------------------------------------
Written by Chin Mun Woh © All rights reserved
Photographed by Adrian Cheah © All rights reserved