Exotic Penang - Attractions 02c02

Stop and smell the spices
Penang's newest attraction is the Tropical Spice Garden which is located in Teluk Bahang, a few minutes’ drive from Batu Feringgi. For those seeking peace, tranquillity 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 3.2ha, 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 emphasise 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 Gov-ernment, 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 pandanas an earthy sweet scent.
If city life is wearing you out, isn’t it time to drop by and take a deep breath?

Fast Facts

Tropical Spice Garden
Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang 11100 Penang
www.tropicalspicegarden.com
Open
9am to 6pm daily
Free parking available
Admission: RM8.00* (adults) RM4.00* (child)
* For Garden admission only.
Prices may be revised once Visitor Centre is open.
Written by Chin Mun Woh

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