“It’s funny, but we’ve all grown so much in this environment, somehow we’ve all been touched by the magic of the place. There is a very natural instinct to share the Garden with the people, to see it thrive, it’s hard to explain. Nature and the Garden have this power to educate and inspire. In this sense, we’ve stayed true to the original essence of the project.” - Katharine Chua, Garden Custodian

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Heart and soil. Hati dan bumi.
We are returning to where we started, with the ground. We are simplifying, stripping down to the heart of our identity.

When the Tropical Spice Garden first opened its gates more than two decades ago, our aim was to tell the story of Penang’s early history as a spice island and its role in the expansion of colonialist power in the region. Here on this still-quiet part of the island overlooking the Straits of Malacca, we grew and thrived over the years as one of Penang’s staple ecotourism destination, a place where nature and culture connects.

The global pandemic that took place in 2020 was an extremely difficult moment for the Garden. We were, as everyone else was, cut off from the world. But it was through that moment of darkness that Spice Fam came to light. We quickly realised that we needed a pivot: to walk closer with the people of Penang, our neighbours and local communities. To build resilience and relationships not just for dollars and cents, but to truly protect and share the wonders of this healing green space. It was a timely reminder that we have a beautiful garden that teems with life and renews us with its clean, fresh air - a perfect ecosystem that sustains us.

And so, Spice Fam is far from the average membership program. It’s community-driven and community-powered. Our events, activities and programs are a reflection of all the folks we collaborate and partner with. Passionate people who not only love what they do, but do it with intention and heart. People who we call our friends, and Fam.

It is the community that makes this space and place. And our work is to amplify the voices that matter, inspire one another, while bringing people together, closer to nature.

We hope you’ll join us on this journey.


With gratitude,
Jon
Chief Storyteller