A spicy walk in a tranquil garden

published by Asianpost on Mon, 01/09/2006 - 15:38

For those seeking peace, tranquility and to immerse one‘s self in the splendour of Mother Nature, Penang‘s Tropical Spice 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 hectares, 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 11 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 emphasize particular themes.


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


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 has been converted into a Visitor Centre with a built-up area of about 5,500 square feet.


Visitors are recommended to spend some time here and savour some of the offerings at the Centre.


They include a Spice Museum with permanent exhibits on the origins of the spice trade, historical spice routes and how spices are produced or processed.


A themed gallery features different exhibitions.


Budding botanists (or the merely curious) are encouraged to enquire at the Garden Shop about any of the interesting and unusual plants that catches their fancy in the garden, many of which are cultivated for sale.


Gardening accessories and organic fertilizers and a helpful gardening tip or two are also available.


You can‘t possibly tour the entire grounds without a break, so give those tired feet a break at the Spice Cafe.


Perched on a hilltop, the cafe is the ideal setting for a relaxing cup of spiced tea or coffee with superb bay and sunset views.


The menu features innovative set meals and delicious teas made from fresh local herbs and spices. Catered services for special occasions are available.


Don‘t forget to check out the Gift Shop before you go.


They have a fantastic selection of gift and souvenir items including spices, toiletries, T-shirts, caps and stationery exclusively designed for the Garden and a comprehensive selection of horticultural literature for both beginners and specialists.


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 pandanas an earthy sweet scent.

How to get there

The Tropical Spice Garden is located in Teluk Bahang, three kilometres away from Penang‘s famous Batu Ferringhi beach. As you drive along the road, look out for a door on high grey wall. The Spice Garden is behind the wall.


Visiting hours: 9 am to 6 pm daily. Last admission at 5.30 pm.


Entrance fees: Self-guided–RM28 for family (C$9). Private tours by appointment only; functions can be held at the garden and cafe area. Ideal for parties, birthday and for details, call 04.881.1797 or access http://www.tropicalspicegarden.com/

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