Follow your nose through a collection of aromatic plants and discover some secrets to delicious Malaysian cooking at this eco-friendly jungle of spices.
Take a calming walk through the Tropical Spice Garden, landscaped on natural jungle terrain, to inhale the scents of over 100 herbs and spice plants. Meander through ferns, wild orchids, and palms before stopping to smell the spices and swing in a hammock, while children run around playing the life-sized game of snakes and ladders set amidst the lush jungle.Located on the northwest coast of the island, in what used to be an abandoned rubber plantation, the beautiful gardens feature more than 500 species of plants and animals, making it a pleasant day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city.Pick from three 30- to 45-minute trails to explore the 3-hectare expanse, with each spotlighting a different element of the gardens. Educational signs dot the area, highlighting medicinal and culinary uses for each plant.Sniff over 100 varieties of tropical spices and herbs on The Spice Trail, where you can grind some spices and learn about the historical spice trade routes. Hop on the giant swing and listen to the soothing sounds of the waterfall as you examine the impressive collection of exotic plants on The Ornamental Trail. The Jungle Trail offers a shady walk where you can see ferns, palms and orchids. Spread out through the gardens are also themed garden rooms which feature several plant collections with detailed explanations of the varieties you will spot in the jungle, including ginger, cycads and sugar palms. While some signage makes it easy to explore the garden on your own, a guided tour is recommended to get a better taste of the Malaysian spices. These run throughout the day and can be purchased as part of your admission.Morning cooking classes are also available for the more culinary inclined, where you can have a go at creating authentic Malaysian dishes. Beginning with a guided tour of the garden, the classes then put your spice knowledge to the test under the watchful eye of an expert local chef.For a less hands-on, but equally delicious experience, head to the Tree Monkey Restaurant near the visitor centre for an alfresco meal overlooking the picturesque Teluk Bahang bay.Although the garden is very shady, it can get quite hot and humid in the afternoons, so be sure to be slip on some appropriate clothing and have plenty of water on hand. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as the paths can be steep in places and you will probably be doing quite a bit of walking. The Tropical Spice Garden is located close to the Teluk Bahang coast, just past Batu Ferringhi. It’s open daily and there is an entry fee, with extra charges for the guides and cooking classes.
