Hoohaa

Nestled in the lush rainforest of Batu Ferringhi, Penang is the Tropical Spice Garden. Since 2003, this sprawling garden which was once a rubber plantation overlooking the sea has been attracting locals and visitors from near and far.

 There are approximately 500 different species of flora and fauna from across the globe spread out throughout the hilly landscape to check out.

 You can meander through this lush oasis of greenery on three different trails; the Spice Trail, Jungle Trail and Ornament Trail. It takes about 20-45 minutes to walk each trail, depending on how fast or slow you would like to take it.

For foodies, the Spice Trail (follow the orange arrows) is fantastic fun to see where some of your key ingredients come from in their natural splendidness such as torch ginger (bunga kantan), rosy periwinkle (kemunting Cina), Cinnamon, various types of Basil, Cardammon and an assortment of other herbs special to Southeast Asia.

 For the more adventurous, the Jungle Trail (follow the green arrows) leads you on a winding path upwards into the rainforest.

 And for a fun walk, there is the Ornament Trail (follow the red arrows) which leads you on a criss cross of paths dotted with various palm trees and flowers.

Each trail is beautifully landscaped and easy to follow through the rainforest and over streams so getting lost shouldn’t be a worry. There also wooden benches along the way for you to catch a breather.   

 There is so much to see and explore that you really could spend a whole day just inspecting the flora and fauna, savouring the wonderful aromas and get snap happy with your camera. 

 This award winning spicy haven is open daily from 9am – 6pm.The entrance fee is RM14 and there are three daily tours conducted every morning (spots are limited so you have to be early).

 The last batch of visitors permitted to enter the garden is at 5.30pm. However, come 6pm, the main entrance, reception area and gift shop is shut and deserted. Without a single staff member in sight, it probably wouldn’t be wise to be stuck out in the garden in the fading daylight and just in case you miss a step and hurt yourself.  

 So, the best time to visit the garden is in the morning as its fresher, not so humid and a whole lot safer.

 A few essentials:

 Sneakers or walking shoes, comfortable clothing, water bottle, hat, mosquito repellent and a camera.

Getting There:

From town, take the coastal road up Batu Ferringhi. Look out for Bayview Beach Resort. The Spice Garden is about 5 minutes after the resort on the left.

 Visit Tropical Spice Garden for more info.