Dine in sync with Mother Nature

In a world of cement and glass, nature has great appeal. For most modern day city folk, retreating into the embrace of lush greenery can be immensely pleasurable —especially when there’s scrumptious grub to go with it. Which is what makes Tree Monkey, a ‘back to nature’ alfresco restaurant at the Tropical Spice Garden in Teluk Bahang, rather unique. It is perhaps the only place in Penang where you can dine amongst centuries-old rain trees.

For those from George Town, the southern parts of the island and the mainland, getting there may entail a fair bit of driving — which probably explains why many locals aren’t even aware of its existence. But it’s all worth it, for an experience unlike any other awaits. Dining here is a two-fold feast — one for the taste buds, the other for the eyes. While tucking into delicious food, one can also gaze upon stunning vistas of the Andaman Sea afforded by the restaurant’s lofty perch roughly 30m above sea level. The restaurant’s pork-free menu is a mixture of Asian, Thai and Western offerings, many of which incorporate fresh aromatics from the adjacent spice gardens. From snacks to hearty meals, there’s quite a variety to be had.

A recent addition is the Western Tapas, a combination platter of bite-sized snacks. Simply pick the items you want, in combinations of eight or 12, from a preset list. The platter comes with two bowls of soup, a salad, french fries and a trio of dips. This complements their already popular Thai Tapas and Asian Tapas menu, a favourite with those seeking something to chew on and while the time away with good company. For something a little more substantial, go for the Kaeng Kari Tiger Prawns served with Pasta or Tumeric Rice. The pair of huge, succulent prawns dressed in a slightly spicy but aromatic gravy goes equally well with either of the neutral-flavoured side dishes.

Another new dish, the Sizzling Spicy Seafood, packs a rather more fiery punch, thanks in part to the bunches of green peppercorns that it is cooked with. Other great items to try are the interestingly-named creations — Son-in-Law Eggs (deep fried boiled eggs in sweet tamarind sauce), Weeping Tiger (sizzling beef) and Waterfall Beef (beef salad). Besides food, the restaurant also has great selection of tantalising cocktails and mocktails, should you just want to sit back and take in the gorgeous views — especially at sunset, when vivid orange skies contrast the silhouettes of Teluk Bahang’s jagged coastline.

Signature creations include the Tom-yum Martini and Monkey Jump Over the Tree, both of which pack quite a kick. It’s also worth checking out the Absolute Thai and Cosmopolitan.
During the Sunset Hour promotion from 6pm to 7pm daily, the Sunset Paradise Mocktail is available for a special price of just RM10. Formerly a colonial hillside villa, the Tree Monkey now exudes a rustic, kampung-style ambience with its hardwood and attap decor. And as its name may allude to, one may also catch a glimpse of monkeys swinging from tree to tree — such is its proximity to nature. As the restaurant is open to the public and operates independently from the spice gardens, no entry fee is required and diners may enter via a separate entrance.

Its unique ambience, combined with its secluded location far from the city, also makes it an exclusive venue to hold private parties, functions and celebrations for up to 50 pax.
The Tree Monkey is open daily from 9am to 11pm (up to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). For more information or reservations, visit www.treemonkey.com.my or call 04-8813494.
-thestar online.