Tropical Spice Garden, Batu Ferringhi

At the Tropical Spice Garden, get ready to experience an enchanted paradise and South-East Asia’s one and only award-winning spice garden. The spice garden is also Penang’s first specially designed & equipped cooking school to date. This tourist hotspot is ranked number 2 out of 38 top must-visit attractions in the island of Penang, so it is definitely a must visit on your trip to Penang. A visit to the spice garden is a magnificent way to learn about spices and know all of its benefits. You can even take full advantage of the availability of fresh spices by cooking with the spices plucked right out from the garden. The cooking class conducted is very relaxed and laid back in manner, and you don’t worry about doing the washing up later on.



When it comes to the cooking class, you may choose from the Malay, Chinese (Nyonya) or Indian cooking courses. Cooking in the garden that looks like a spitting image of an oasis of calm can be rather serene, albeit mischievous monkeys in the garden which are great if you’ve brought young children with you! Although the Tropical Spice Garden charges a relatively high entrance fee of RM25 (including the guided tour), rest assured that you’ll find the fees worth it. The garden is very well-maintained and the view at some parts in the garden is quite breathtaking, especially for lovers of nature. With a great and very informative tour guide for the garden, you’ll receive so many wonderful facts about the spices. There is also a gift shop and the amazing Tree Monkey Restaurant restaurant to refill your tummies, so everyone will not leave empty-handed nor hungry. The restaurant is very popular in Penang, it is opened daily until midnight and there’s even free wifi.



The Tropical Spice Garden is situated on the hillside near Batu Ferringhi. Apart from spices, there are also tropical vegetation and medicinal plants. The garden is on a hill but you do not have to be in top physical shape to climb up. There are steps that take you up but people with mobility difficulties (or with really low stamina) might find it a little inconvenient to make their way there. Those with elderly visitors should take note that the garden’s facilities such as parking and access road could prove to be a challenge, therefore it is advisable to drive your car up the base of the stone ways to drop the elderly off.



All in all, the Tropical Spice Garden is a must-visit especially for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. With a combination of local food cultures blended as one, you should make a booking if you are visiting with a group to avoid disappointment. Visiting hours are from 9a.m. to 6p.m. daily, giving you ample time to explore the gardens at leisure. Directly opposite the Tropical Spice Garden there is a nice public beach, where many locals hang out. There are also a few nice local places to enjoy a meal.

Contact details & address

Tropical Spice Garden
Lone Crag Villa, Lot 595 Mukim 2,
Jalan Teluk Bahang,
11100 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: +604 881 1797
Fax: +604 881 3794
Email : info@tropicalspicegarden.com
Website: http://www.tropicalspicegarden.com

How to get to the Tropical Spice Garden

To get to the Tropical Spice Garden, take a RapidPG bus ride from the center of Georgetown. Buses that pass the Spice Garden are #102 (Airport – Teluk Bahang – Airport) and #101 (Weld Quay – Teluk Bahang – Weld Quay). Every taxi driver knows the place, but it might be difficult finding a driver that agrees on using the meter (Penang taxi drivers are notorious for that). Also finding a taxi to take you back might be difficult at some times. If you are exploring Penang by rental car, you can park it directly in front of the attraction.

Map of Tropical Spice Garden

Lake Gardens Kuala Lumpur

Situated right smack in the city is the Lake Gardens but despite being in a central location, many have not ventured into this lovely park. Many working in the area are not even aware of its existence, which is such a shame!

The Lake Gardens covers 91.6 hectares spanning parks and gardens. Established in 1888, the place was built around an artificial lake and many joggers and families flock there for a stroll, jog or just a fresh breath of air. There is a jogging track for the runners who can also work out at the many exercise stations along the jogging route. Families with kids in tow might favor the playground more where the kids can squeal in excitement as parents give them a gentle shove on the swing or bounce them up and down the see-saws – definitely quality family time indeed.


If a playground sounds boring for you, get in touch with your environmentalist in you by getting to know the 3,000 over birds within a walk-in aviary in the KL Bird Park within Lake Gardens. There are even daily stage feedings and bird shows at around noon each day, so time your visit around then for some bird-fun. The admission fee to the aviary is RM45 for an adult and RM35 for children.
After a long stroll admiring the colorful feathery friends, you’d be thirsty and hungry for some refreshments. Stop at the Hornbill Café which is just next to the bird park’s main entrance. While a spotting of a hornbill is not guaranteed, the café does serve sandwiches, soups and pasta as well as a kids’ menu for the little ones who really love tea time snacks.
If you are game for more of God’s flying creations, there is the KL Butterfly Park within the Lake Gardens too which is home to 6,000 butterflies of 120 species. The park has a landscape of 15,000 plants to create a natural rain forest environment for the butterflies. If you are coming in a large party, maybe the butterfly park would be easier n your pocket as the entrance fees costs lesser than the bird park at RM18 for adults and RM8 for children. The park opens from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
If you’ve had enough of birds and butterflies fluttering around you, the beautiful orchid and hibiscus gardens would be the perfect stops for a breezy stroll. Don’t worry as there are no charges for these! If you have more time on hand, you can also explore the deer park located on the undulating slopes and valley of Kuala Lumpur lake gardens. There is also the National Monument that you can visit close to the Lake Gardens which was built in the commemoration of those who died fighting for the nation’s freedom.

Life isn’t just all about waking up and braving the traffic to work, and braving the same traffic on the way home. On weekends, it is likely the same routine but probably battling others to get to the mall this time. Take some time out to appreciate the simpler, more beautiful things around us, which is why spending time with family or just alone at the Lake Gardens will relax your weary mind.





A nice attraction at Lake Gardens is a fun boat ride around the lake. Besides rowing a small boat you can also rent a water bicycle. Next to the mini-jetty is a small shop that sells snacks and drinks.

Nearby attractions

Popular attractions nearby Lake Gardens are the National Monument which lies just northwest of the park, and the National Museum and National Mosque to the east of the park.

Opening hours

The outdoor park is opened daily, and officially you are only allowed in between sunrise and sundown. Most of the attractions (Bird Park, National Planetarium and Hibiscus Park) within the park are open between 9am and 6pm.

Entrance fees

Entrance to the park is free of charge. There are fees for visiting the attractions within the park (Bird Park, Hibiscus Park, National Planetarium) and when you want to use the rowing boats or water bicycles.

Contact details & address Lake Gardens

Jalan Parlimen
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: + 603 2693 4132

How to get to Lake Gardens

Take a KTM Komuter train to the Old Kuala Lumpur station. From there cross the street and walk past the National Mosque. You can also walk from KL Sentral, but this is a tricky path along the highway; the distance however is shorter. Alternatively, buses B115, B112, and B101 all stop within a 5-minute walk of Perdama Lake Gardens. Every taxi driver knows how to find the park. To get a taxi back to KL you are best off by walking to the Bird Park, as there are always taxis waiting for customers there.

Map of Lake Garden

Highlands in Malaysia

Malaysia has many highland retreats offering a cool and relaxing retreat from the heat and bustle of the city. Each highland has a panoramic view to be enjoyed and a distinctive character of its own to be discovered. Four of the main highland destinations in the country is located in the state of Pahang, namely Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill and Bukit Tinggi. Another highland retreat of popular choice is Bukit Larut in Perak.

Cameron Highlands

Located at an altitude of 1,828 m at the north western corner of Pahang, the Cameron Highlands are the largest and most genteel hill resort in Malaysia. Popular attractions at Cameron Highlands include tea plantations, strawberry farms, rose gardens and the marketplace at Brinchang. There are also many nature trails offering a spectacular view of the highland forests. Make the 3-hour drive to Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur an enjoyable one by stopping at the hot springs or the many interesting picnic spots along the way.

Genting Highlands

The exciting city in the clouds, Genting Highlands, is nestled at 1,800 m above sea level on one of the mountain peak on the Titiwangsa Mountains, which lies on the border of Selangor and Pahang. Genting Highlands is the most developed hill resort in Malaysia and offers the only legal gambling venue in Malaysia, an outdoor and indoor theme parks with over 50 rides for families to enjoy, convention halls and numerous shopping and dining outlets. A drive up to Genting Highlands from Kuala Lumpur takes only about an hour. Opt to park at the cable car station for another interesting experience of going to the top of the mountain in a cable car.

Fraser’s Hill

The idyllic Fraser’s Hill is an ideal destination for nature lovers and city dwellers looking for a relaxing escape. It is built on seven hills straddling the Pahang-Selangor border, about 105 km north of Kuala Lumpur. An endless list of activities at Fraser’s Hill include bird-watching, jungle trekking, white-water rafting, archery, abseiling, golfing, hiking, fishing and horse-riding; there is bound to be something for everyone.

Bukit Tinggi

The main attraction at Bukit Tinggi is the Colmar Tropicale which is a replica of the Colmar Village in France. Just over an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, there is also a Japanese Village, a Botanical garden, a golf course, a rabbit park, an archery arena and spas to enjoy at a cool altitude of up to 1,000 m. Bukit Tinggi is also located close to Genting Highlands if you yearn for more entertainment options.

Bukit Larut

Bukit Larut, also known as Maxwell Hill, is located approximately 10 km from the town of Taiping in Perak. At an altitude of 1,250 m, it is the wettest area experiencing the highest rainfall and is the oldest hill station in Malaysia. Relax in the preserved quiet atmosphere of a colonial hill station, stroll along nature trails to discover the numerous species of Bukit Larut’s flora and fauna, take leisurely walks in the sweet-smelling flower gardens and be treated to an enchanting view of the West Coast of the peninsula at the summit.

Durian Perangin Waterfall

Many urbanites these days head to the condominium pool, sports center or the water theme park for a swim or a splash about in the water. Seldom does one give thought of nature’s natural sources for some water fun. It is quite amusing that some stay away from the beach or waterfall despite being on a beach holiday, but instead take a dip in the hotel pool! It is time to see what nature has in its lesser-known spots, that includes discovering waterfalls which only nature enthusiasts would know about.

The Durian Perangin Waterfall is located on the northern slope of Gunung Raya, the highest mountain of Langkawi. The thought of water cascading from such a high peak should be enough to tempt you into spending a day dipped in cool gushing waters. The waterfall, which has several tiers place, is a hit among locals but remains relatively favored by visitors, who prefer to visit the more ‘touristy’ places on the island. The grounds of the Durian Perangin waterfall make a great picnic spot where even having a simple meal can turn out to be an enjoyable experience.

If you are adventurous enough to hike slightly higher towards the peak, you will see a well-maintained park. Staying on the path, you will come across several shelters where you can stop to catch your breath while enjoying the view and the soothing sounds of the cascading waters. Continuing your journey, you will encounter the many tiers of the waterfall, at which you can take a dip if you want. Note that caution must always be exercised as the rocks in the water can be slippery as well as sharp, so thread and splash around carefully.


If you do make your way to the summit, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view that is simply breathtaking. If you have come this far, just another 5 km up the track will leads you to the highest peak of Gunung Raya. On your way down, there is a trail that you must explore, which will take you to a destination that you would not expect to find at the foot of a mountain – the Malaysia Book Village. You’d probably think it is absolutely strange to find a library-like facility smack in the middle of a mountain but that’s what it is! The book village is part of the International Book Villages and Book Towns Movement and is the first and only book village in Southeast Asia. Find an extensive collection of new and pre-loved books, all ready to be indulged in against a setting of calm and serenity.

How to get to the waterfall

The Durian Perangin waterfall is just 16 km from Kuah town. You could either drive there in a rented car or get a cab ride there. There are food stalls and shops located at the car park of the waterfall, so you can get some refreshments for your hike or picnic, or some swimming gear if you had not come prepared.

Map of Durian Perangin Waterfall

Black Sand Beach at Langkawi Island

It isn’t difficult to figure out how the beach earned its name – the sand really is black. The sand is actually a mix of black sand and normal sand but up to this day, scientists are still unable to figure out the truth behind the existence of the black sand.


While scientists remain baffled about the black sand on the beach, the locals have believed for centuries that the black sand’s origins are related to a mythical giant half-man half-eagle called a Garuda. The legend starts with the Garuda kidnapping a Chinese princess with a romantic intention in mind but the princess‘s heart has long belonged to her beloved fiance, a Roman prince. A battle soon broke out between the prince and the Garuda with the eagle seeking refuge in its homeland of the Langkawi Island. With the prince determined to defeat the Garuda, the war extended to the island and the black sand seen today are believed to be the remnants of the war. As the end to the story, the prince was reunited with his princess while the Garuda disappeared and was never seen again.


Regardless of how the sand became black, the Black Sand Beach is one of Langkawi’s oldest fishing villages that offer a sense of calm and serenity. There is a jetty which serves as a nice spot for fishing and also doubles as a picturesque spot for photography. Those without patience or a penchant for photo-taking can simply laze at the beach doing absolutely nothing at all. You can have a small picnic there, take a dip in the water or just lay back and enjoy the sun, breeze and the sound of slapping waves. If hunger calls, there are some stalls around the area that sells refreshments and also a few souvenir shops to get gifts or any item that you might need for a day out at the beach.


The beach used to be a place packed with children running around and colorful boats in the sea. However, these days, the beach has turned into a more tranquil spot ideal for those who just want to enjoy some peace and quiet. It is still very much a place where you can come to enjoy the breeze, sand in your toes and the sight of black sand that you will not find anywhere else in the country.

Map Black Sand Beach