Tropical Spice Garden

Did someone say the weekend’s almost here?

For those working regular weeks, every weekend is an opportunity to rest, recharge and create more space - for the mind, body and soul.

That said, we’ll be back on the mat with this Sunday - we’ve got a handful of spots left. See you hopefully!

For info and registration, visit tsgspicefam.com 🙏🏽

"Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow."
~ Anita Desai, Novelist

📸 Antoine Loncle - Photographer

Bringing you closer to nature, by curating experiences you’ll remember.

Looking to spend more time in nature?
We have something for everyone, every week.
The great outdoors is where you’re meant to be.
Join the Spice Fam community and you’ll see.

Subscriptions start at RM25/month.
Cancel anytime with zero fees and hassle.

Get started here — tsgspicefam.com 🌿

This beauty, native to Malaysia and Indonesia, stands out with its striking red stalks that beautifully contrast against its lush green leaves.

The vibrant colour of its stem resembles the red wax once used to seal official documents centuries ago, giving this palm its intriguing common name, the Sealing Wax Palm.

You’ll find it thriving in tropical climates, where humidity and warmth allow it to reach up to 16 meters in height.

Savasana.

Flowers floating gently down as we relax and let go, listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves at the end of our yoga practice.

🌼Nature's magic.✨️

Come, join us for 𝘠𝘰𝘨𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 and other soulful sessions with a Spice Fam membership. Learn more here: https://tsgspicefam.com/faqs

📸

Turtles have long been cherished in Southeast Asian cultures, and you can find our gentle friends at the Turtle Pen near the Heart of the Garden.

In ancient myths, turtles are believed to carry the world on their backs, connecting the sky and the earth. Their slow, steady nature symbolises endurance and stability—qualities we can all learn from.

In Chinese culture, turtles are one of the Four Auspicious Beasts, representing prosperity and wisdom. In Vietnamese folklore, they protect cities and impart knowledge. Meanwhile, in Malay and Indonesian stories, turtles often embody longevity and protection. Indian mythology depicts the universe upheld by four elephants standing on a turtle’s back, representing balance and endurance.

Wondering how turtles differ from tortoises? Turtles are water-based omnivores with flatter, streamlined shells, while tortoises are land-based herbivores with round, dome-shaped shells.

When you visit the Garden, don’t forget to stop by the Front Office and grab some greens to feed our wise and peaceful residents.

📸 .bonkle Antoine Loncle - Photographer

Regular Forest Bathing (or Shinrin Yoku) offers a wealth of benefits - boosting your immune system, reducing stress, lifting your mood, and supporting your cardiovascular health.

But beyond the physical benefits, Forest Bathing is a profound sensory experience. It brings you back to yourself, grounding you in the present moment. As you immerse in nature’s beauty, it can feel like you're seeing the world with fresh eyes, filled with a renewed sense of awe and calm. The connection with the vastness of nature is humbling, soothing, and incredibly restorative.

😌Discover this transformative experience for yourself with our regular Forest Bathing Walks. Register here: https://tropicalspicegarden-online.globaltix.com/attraction/forest-bathing-57925

The torrential rains didn't stop our game fun last weekend at the Petal Plotters launch. Just reflecting back on the whole process of producing this card game and sharing some precious moments along the way. Having Rebecca Duckett- Wilkinson illustrate these cards for us sort of etches her legacy into Tropical Spice Garden in such a meaningful way. We are so pleased with the outcome and the cleverly designed game by Cheah.
LUMA, here's to more fun and games under the Tropika! universe :)
Spice Fam, these games make great Christmas stocking fillers, or and played during pre-dinner waits, boring rainy afternoons or evening drinks on the balcony! 15% discounts on Petal Plotters just for you SF.

LUMA

A place of creativity and inspiration.

Whether you're an artist seeking a serene spot to sketch, a writer in search of a peaceful place to pen your thoughts or simply someone wanting to reconnect with nature, our Garden offers the perfect backdrop.

Cradled in the heart of nature, amidst the gentle rustle of leaves, sun-dappled paths, and vibrant colors of tropical flora, you'll find an environment that nurtures the soul and sparks the imagination.

Come, find your muse in this lush green sanctuary. Let the beauty of the garden inspire your next masterpiece and leave with a heart full of peace.

Back this Sunday, with : experience the healing and transformative power of sound. A literal bath in frequencies that can help your body and mind return to a more balanced and harmonised state.

15 Sept / 10am / Glasshouse, Tropical Spice Garden

Full info and registration via tsgspicefam.com or the link in bio.

Wonder why these Calathea leaves have these dark undersides?

In the dense, shady world of the rainforest understory, every bit of light counts! Which is why many plants have evolved to have dark-coloured undersides on their leaves.

This clever leaf adaptation helps them capture and reflect even the faintest light back into the leaf, maximising photosynthesis in these low-light conditions.

The purplish-red pigmentation also helps to reduce the chances of water loss, helping these plants thrive in the humid, shadowy environment of the rainforest floor.

On your next visit to the Garden, take a closer look and see if you can spot this fascinating feature!

Other leaf adaptations for the understorey include large, thin and wide leaf shapes and a waxy coating.

The Beehive Ginger

Meet the Zingiber spectabile, commonly known as Beehive Ginger—a tropical treasure that stands out with its striking, honeycomb-like bracts. These vibrant bracts, resembling a beehive, transition from yellow to deep red as they mature, making it a captivating sight in any garden.

But there's more to this beauty than meets the eye! The bracts serve as natural reservoirs, collecting water that nourishes the plant and provides a home for tiny creatures. A true testament to nature's ingenuity. Can you spot the little ant taking a sip of water?

While often admired for its ornamental value, the Beehive Ginger also plays a role in traditional Southeast Asian medicine due to its antimicrobial properties.

Whether you're a botany enthusiast or simply love the wonders of the natural world, the Zingiber spectabile is a sight to appreciate. We spotted this one hiding just behind the ticketing and reception building at the Garden’s entrance.

Did you know that spending time in nature can support a child’s physical, mental and social development? Time outdoors also promotes a love for the natural world - which will inevitably encourage healthier decision making in the long term.

After a short break, our much-loved facilitators (and super mums) and are returning with Kids Movement & Play.

Activities include:
~ mindfulness and yoga-inspired fun
~ craft session (refreshed monthly)
~ playtime and Garden exploration

Upcoming session: 21 September / 9.30am-12:30pm

Visit tsgspicefam.com and subscribe as a Spice Fam member to enjoy free class access!

Selamat Hari Merdeka to all Malaysians!🇲🇾

As we celebrate our freedom and being the custodians of this country, let's also remember to be custodians of the rich flora and fauna that comes with it.

📸 Part of the team of custodians at the Garden - Front Office staff Hayati, Wan and Kathleen are feeling the spirit of Merdeka today!🌿

Looks like an ordinary plant. But it’s far from.

This is the extraordinary Patchouli Plant. At first glance, the Patchouli plant might seem unassuming, but it holds a world of extraordinary qualities within its leaves.

An aromatic powerhouse, its rich, earthy scent is a key ingredient in perfumes, incense, and essential oils, which is why it has been prized over centuries. Savour the scent of the patchouli essential oil by Omalaya Botanicals at the Tropical Spice Garden Gift Shop to experience it for yourself.

Culturally significant, it is used in traditional medicine and rituals across Asia, Patchouli has a deep-rooted history in many cultures. Its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, make it as useful as it is aromatic.

Take a closer look at the Patchouli plant during your visit, and let its extraordinary qualities surprise and delight you. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the most amazing things are hidden in plain sight!

How do those towering emergent trees in the rainforest stay standing so tall?

Deep roots, right? Actually, that’s not the case! Rainforest soil is usually damp, and essential minerals often leach away, leaving it nutrient-poor. That means these giants actually have shallow roots, spreading just beneath the surface to absorb nutrients from decomposing leaves and organic matter.

So, what keeps them standing upright in heavy winds and rainstorms? Meet the incredible buttress roots - extensions from the trunk that provide stability and support while also trapping extra nutrients from fallen leaves.

Nature’s adaptations are amazing, aren’t they? Next time you find yourself in the Garden, take a moment to look up and appreciate these natural marvels!

This September, we bring you something very special: our specially curated Forest Bathing Walks.

Our specially curated Forest Bathing Walks Join us for a gentle, slow-paced journey through our garden sanctuary, designed to help you reconnect with nature and recharge your spirit. Experience the calming practice of Forest Bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, adapted for our tropical forest. Feel your stress melt away as you immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden, guided by our wellness facilitators through grounding exercises and breath work.

We end our journey with a serene reflection and a Jungle Tea Ceremony inspired by the Garden.

Reconnect, recharge, and find peace with us this September. First session is on Wednesday, 4th September at 9am.

Each session is limited to 8 participants to ensure a memorable, reflective, and intimate experience.

Reserve your spots here: https://tropicalspicegarden-online.globaltix.com/

As this weekend comes to a close, here’s a round-up of more wholesome family fun we have in the Garden for you this coming Merdeka week!

Featuring:
- Sound Healing in Nature w/ (28/8)
- Garden Night Walk w/ (30/8 & 31/8)
- Movie Night & Campout (30/8)

Make your plans early, all the info you need can be found on tsgspicefam.com or visit the link in our bio 🌿

What's better than a pen? A Tropical Spice Garden Zero Waste Pen that can transform into a plant after use!

These eco-friendly pens are designed to be practical for everyday writing and drawing tasks and give back to nature. They're made out of wood with a vege capsule at the end which protects the seeds.

Once you've finished using them, just plant it and watch grow into a beautiful flower, tasty herb or nutritious vegetable.

Oh, we also have zero waste pencils if you’d like those

Why not, come plant them with us at our Community Garden? We're there on Tuesday and Friday mornings.😉

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Come rumble in the jungle with us.

14 Sept, Saturday. Limited tickets.
Get yours online via tsgspicefam.com 🪩

The Tree of Life: A Symbol of Connection and Continuity

In many cultures, the Tree of Life is a powerful symbol representing the interconnection of all life, growth, and the continuous cycle of nature. It’s a universal reminder that everything in our world is linked, from the roots deep in the earth to the leaves that touch the sky.

At the Garden, we have our own representation of this ancient symbol - a beautiful mosaic created by the talented Simarjit Singh and designed by Tan Joon Hean from St. Xavier’s Institute. Established on World Environment Day, June 4th, 2006, this artwork still stands and serves as a reminder of our commitment to the environment and the promise of a hopeful future through a connection with nature.

When you visit, take a moment to stand before this mosaic and reflect on its significance. It’s not just a piece of art, but a living symbol of the connections we share with each other and the eternal beauty of the natural world.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a pineapple!

Yes, we have pineapples in the Garden up at the Spice Terraces, but they're only for the creepy crawlies, birds and other fauna.

Did you know that pineapples are part of the Bromeliad family (the rest are at the Bromeliad Bank in the Garden). These South American plants are known for their ability to absorb and store large amounts of water. While most Bromeliads like to attach themselves to another living plant such as the bark of a tree, the prickly pineapples are the only ones to grow in the ground.

Here are some fun facts about our delicious friend:
🍍The pineapple is actually over two hundred little flowers that ripen into tiny seedless berries and then bind together to form what we see as one large fruit. Nature really works hard to give us some of the most wonderful foods on earth!

🍍Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, is said to have various health benefits helping in digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity.

🍍For Penangites, what we now know as Gottlieb Road used to be covered in pineapple plantations a long, long time ago.

Kids need an extra little fun adventure?

Let them embark on a search for these four happy colourful slides hidden within the garden’s lush landscape.

These vibrant slides are perfect for eager little explorers who want to discover new paths and enjoy a little ride along the way.

It’s a fun and active way to experience the garden for the whole family. Come find them all and create unforgettable memories together!