Aug 4, 2019

Tropical Spice Garden @ Penang, Malaysia

In this post, I want to recommend a tiny spot in my hometown which is not so popular amongst the tourists (yet). If you don't already know, I'm from Penang Island. It is probably the most touristy island in Malaysia. With all the hustling and bustling, you can find a peaceful sanctuary here at the Tropical Spice Garden. I can't believe I paid to see plants. I could see plants in the nursery or botanical gardens which are free. But this is a different thing altogether.



Location: Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Opening hours: 9AM-6PM daily

To begin, I’m not sure how to describe this place. Although it’s called a garden, it’s more like a jungle to me. And it’s also a living library of 500 spices here. Scientist do come here to study on herbs and spices. Throughout the entire passage here, you can find plants that are used for food and medicine.

The example of spices which you will get to see in the garden

As you enter the garden, there is a massive lotus pond greeting you. There are fishes living in the pond. If you're lucky, you can find some frogs on the lotus pad just like how you see in the storybook.



At different sections of the garden jungle, you will find a setup of herbs. This indicates that the plant is nearby. You really have to pay attention to the pamphlet that is handed out to you at the entrance to spot the plants. Although those plants are planted deliberately, they are also left to grow in the wild as nature intended. 


Below is the Fish Killer Tree. The fruits are poisonous and when it is dropped onto the water, it will kill the fishes when they eat it. It is also unfortunate that this tree is commonly grown on river banks. I guess this is the way God controls the fish populations and it is intended to grow right next to the river.


It is not all trees and plants here. You can find art installation in random places around the garden. Some are breathtaking but are just (insert your word here - not sure what to say since art is subjective).


If you get thirsty, you can find one of these water fountains. It is safe to drink as the water source comes from the mountain.

To be safe, they also provide herb tea. The tea are made from the herbs that are planted in the garden. They change the brew frequently to give visitors a different taste, literally.


At the exit of the Tropical Spice Garden, there is a Thai Restaurant called Tree Monkey. After the long walk in the garden, we had to get some snacks to keep our energy going. 


To summarize the trip, you will need a lot of energy to walk around the garden. I have also missed out the giant swing where you can take a swing while facing the seafront. Overall, this place is not packed with tourists compared to other places of interest in Penang. You will get to chill, relax and take a stroll while educating yourself with all the herbs and plants. 


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1 comment

Willie Griffeth said...

Unless you have enough space for clearly defined garden "rooms" have an overall theme. is a galvanized steel safe for vegetable garden Put in a twisting narrow stairway down the hill surrounded by terrace garden beds that are separated by retaining walls.