“Asia’s Hidden Eden” Wraps Up A Weekend of Unforgettable Arts, Culture, and Nature
Penang, 29 November 2023 — Last weekend, Tropical Spice Garden transported attendees through a sensory journey, marking two decades of botanical beauty, nature education and cultural conservation with Spice Out!, a weekend-long extravaganza of local arts, crafts, music, and immersive experiences. Spice Out! lived up to expectations with a vibrant turnout of families, tourists and passionate nature and outdoor enthusiasts across the three-day celebration from 24th to 26th November.
As Tropical Spice Garden commemorates 20 remarkable years, the team are honoured to have spent two decades educating the community and conserving the local flora and fauna, fostering a deep connection between people and the natural world. Looking ahead, the Garden eagerly anticipates many more years of enriching experiences and a continued commitment to being a green lung for the island of Penang.
“The team at Tropical Spice Garden extends a heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful supporters who have played an integral role in shaping our remarkable 20-year journey. Your unwavering encouragement has been the cornerstone of our success, and we are truly thankful for the relationships we have cultivated with each and every one of you,“ said Katharine Chua, Managing Director of Tropical Spice Garden. She continued, “As we celebrate this significant milestone, we eagerly look forward to the continuous support of our community, partners, sponsors, and tourists from near and far, who have been the driving force behind our mission to educate, conserve, and inspire. Together, we embark on a journey of sustainability, education, and a shared love for the enchanting world of tropical flora and fauna.”
Friday’s Garden Grill and Night Walk:
The festivities kicked off on Friday with Garden Grill, presented in partnership with Jom Layan Records, a homegrown collective of DJs. As the sun set, some of the attendees embarked on a magical guided night walk into the gardens to immerse in the allure of the flora and fauna that gave guests the chance to observe and learn about some of the nocturnal wildlife that call the grounds home.
Saturday’s All-Day Delights:
Saturday was a day filled with awe in nature, featuring a myriad of activities for all ages. One highlight was a guided garden walk with the Garden Curator, Kenneth Khoo, that uncovered the secrets within Tropical Spice Garden’s lush landscapes. Attendees also had the opportunity to start the day with a serene yoga session against the beauty of nature. Culinary enthusiasts delighted in cooking demos showcasing the vibrant flavours of spices from the garden for local dishes such as curry kapitan and roti jala. The evening crescendoed with the garden’s staple music event, Santai Sundown that featured soulful performances by artists such as Kaya the Band from KL, Tan Jen Wei from Langkawi and DJs Asang and Slaxdan, setting the stage for a night of celebration under a starlit sky.
Sunday’s Cultural Feast:
The grand finale on Sunday unfolded with a unique blend of activities. With many free activities continuing in the background, the day started off with a forest and sound bath on the Red Grove Deck. Later in the afternoon, attendees engaged in a Chai & Chat session with Inch Lim, Designer of Tropical Spice Garden, gaining insights into the vision that brought this botanical wonder to life. In closing, the crowd experienced the fluid grace of contemporary dance improvisation led by longtime-friend of the Garden and artist extraordinaire Aida Redza.
Local Crafts Galore
Throughout the weekend, the event grounds also buzzed with vendors offering an array of natural healthcare products, Christmas gifts, hand printed towels & linen, Omalaya essential oils, and Elephant-themed handcrafts by Why Not Elephants.
This extraordinary celebration of Tropical Spice Garden’s 20th Anniversary—Spice Out!—was truly a unique weekend of discovery, connection, and joy in the heart of nature.
Tropical Spice Garden also invites Malaysians to join Spice Fam the Garden’s subscription-based membership program that brings individuals closer to nature within the enchanting space. Spice Fam offers unlimited entry, monthly curated activities & events, exclusive campsite access, discounts, and other wholesome goodness in the great outdoors. By becoming part of the Spice Fam, members not only enjoy the perks but actively contribute to the conservation efforts and educational initiatives championed by Tropical Spice Garden. Those interested can find out more about Spice Fam at https://tsgspicefam.com/.
For more information and event updates, visit https://tropicalspicegarden.com/ or follow Tropical Spice Garden on Facebook and Instagram.
