Lexis Suites Penang

Located in an eight-acre valley fronting the shores of Teluk Bahang, George Town, Penang, the Tropical Spice Garden Penang is approximately 31 kilometres away from Lexis Suites Penang. The Tropical Spice Garden Penang is considered one of the prime tourist attractions in Penang and is in fact, Southeast Asia’s only tropical spice garden. The Tropical Spice Garden Penang used to be an abandoned rubber plantation along Penang’s northern shores until its founders, David and Rebecca Wilkinson and their talented team transformed the rubber plantation into one of Southeast Asia’s award-winning eco-tourism destinations. With more than 500 varieties of exotic tropical herbs and spices, one gets to experience the tranquillity surrounding the enchanted paradise at its most natural form. At the Tropical Spice Garden Penang, there are three different trails for visitors to try on and each trail lasts for about 20 to 25 minutes. The three Tropical Spice Garden Penang trails consist of the Spice Trail, which features over 100 varieties of tropical spice and herbal plants; the Ornamental Trail, which exhibits a huge collection of exotic flora; and lastly, the Jungle Trail, which showcases jungle flora such as ferns, wild orchids, palms and more. A guided tour is recommended as the guide will be able to explain and share the information you need to know about the garden. When visitors complete the trails, they will be led to Lone Crag Villa, a bungalow that has been converted into a visitor centre. Within the villa there’s the Spice Museum, the Spice Café, a gift shop and a garden shop where visitors may shop and dine.

It is the biggest of the waterfront settlements in Georgetown and was part of the Clan Jetties Penang settling at the southern section of Weld Quay. The wooden piers built by the Chinese were divided between the different surname-based clans such as “Lim”, “Tan”, “Lee”, “Yeoh” and finally “Chew”, which was the most famous of all. Chew Jetty has also become one of the focal points of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Penang in recent years. Back in 1918, the Chinese ancestors of Chew Jetty Penang heard that jobs were aplenty in Penang and many were attracted to earn a living there. The Clan Jetty was built on stilts by Chinese immigrants and each jetty comprises row houses on stilts joined by wooden walkways over the water. The most joyous moment with a carnival atmosphere at Chew Jetty Penang is when the Weld Quay settlements celebrate the Jade Emperor’s birthday by making offerings on a 20-metre long altar decorated with sugarcanes, a colourful dragon, joss sticks, roasted piglets, traditional cakes and fruits that are offered to the deity. During this event, throngs of people, be it devotees, locals or tourists, will visit Chew Jetty Penang to enjoy the lion dance and fireworks lit at midnight. The historical Chew Jetty Penang has become a popular tourist attraction with many of the row houses at the jetty selling souvenirs, handcrafted items and food. Some row houses have even been turned into restaurants and are known for selling local delicacies, attracting the hungry tummies of the visitors strolling on the wooden walkways of Chew Jetty Penang.

Situated approximately 30 kilometres away from Lexis Suites Penang, the Penang National Park (also locally known as Taman Negara Penang or Taman Negara Pulau Pinang) is believed to be the smallest national park in the world. Home to a rich natural heritage comprising more than 1,000 species of flora and 271 species of wildlife, it is used by scientists, researchers and nature lovers who are interested in exploring its natural treasures.