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Penang Tropical Fruit Farm
Rising 800ft above sea level on the hilly terrain
of Teluk Bahang, Penang's Tropical Fruit Farm
has an ideal environment for cultivating a wide
variety of tropical and sub-tropical fruit trees.
The 25-acre orchard has over 250 different
species of fruit trees from the region and around
the world including Central and South America,
Central Africa, India, the Middle East, the
Caribbean and the Pacific Islands.
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Today the orchard boasts a growing collection of fruit trees from which visitors can
sample the produce, whilst enjoying in a breathtaking vista of the orchard.
The concept of the Tropical Fruit Farm was first conceived by Quah Eve Kheng (now
the managing director) with an initial investment of RM8 million. The farm opened its
door to a very enthusiastic public in 1993.
Through the years, the farm has grown in popularity. The orchard now welcomes
more than 350 visitors a day. Regardless of age or race, people are drawn to the
orchard.
This regular inflow of foreign tourists are due mainly to the ongoing arrangements
between the farm and various tour agencies worldwide.
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Once you get there, you can choose from many interesting options available at the
farm. For example, a visitor can opt for the guided tour or fruit tasting.
Guided tour: The one hour guided tour invites visitors to explore the orchard. The
orchard has many interesting fruits trees which include avocado, grapes, passion
fruit, pears, peaches, cherries, persimmons, chestnuts and macadamia - fruits you
usually do not find in the tropics.
Another rare species to look out for on tour are the Brazilian grapes. The grape
trees which took seven to eight years to mature and bear fruit are from the
seedlings Mr Quah brought back from Australia.
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Fruit tasting: Those who opt for the fruit-tasting package will get to sample an
array of succulent and nutrient-rich fruits like guava, jackfruit, pomelo, rambutan,
lychee, soursop, nangka, nutmeg, coconut, mangosteen and durian.
During the sampling, an orchard assistant will be on hand to provide information
about the fruits on display. Visitors may want to pay particular attention to the
exotic dragon fruit which resembles a dragon's flaming fire ball. Before you leave the
farm, don't forget to indulge in a cool, thirst-quenching coconut drink.
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Buffet and tour package: The orchard also
organises 20 people and a maximum of 200. The
dinner buffet has a wide selection ranging from
chicken to beef and lamb, and of course a seemingly
endless supply of fruits in season.
The "fruity" theme extends to souvenir items like
fruit-shaped refrigerator magnets, keychains,
hairclips, flower pots, vases and toys which are sold
at the souvenir kiosk.
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Future plans of the orchard include an herbal and spice garden. The orchard is part
of Penang Batik Factory Sdn Bhd's group of companies, which also include Craft
Batik Sdn Bhd, Kasina Baru (M) Sdn Bhd and Adela Sdn Bhd.
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Opening Hour :
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Tropical Fruit Farm opens daily from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
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Admission :
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Adult (aged 12 and above): RM10.00
Children (below 12): Free
School Children (in uniform): RM5.00
Complimentary conducted tours are only available with prior arrangements for a
group of 5 persons and above. All rates are subjected to change without prior
notice. Discounts are available to school bookings and other large groups. Contact
the Mansion for prior bookings and more information to enjoy special rates.
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Written by William Chow and photographed by Adrian Cheah
Courtesy of www.penang tourism.com.my © All rights reserved
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Return from Tropical Fruit Farm to Penang Tourist Attractions
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