Said to have healing properties, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use the wood to treat digestive issues. It is also known for its distinctly pleasant scent and as such, is used in perfumes and incense.
In Malaysia, more than 200,000 of these trees can be found at the HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley in Gopeng. Spanning approximately 300 acres, the lush plantation is home to a unique hybrid species called “Gaharu Gopeng”.
Describing itself as the first organic sustainable Gaharu plantation in Malaysia, it was founded by David Ho in 1992 with only 200 seedlings and a mission to cultivate and preserve these trees.
The plantation was subsequently opened to the public as an agro-tourism destination so visitors could learn more about these trees, take in the scenic sights, and purchase the “HOGA Agarwood Herbal Tea”, believed to be developed from an ancient recipe and made from the gaharu trees at the plantation.
Journey to the top
At the entrance to the plantation, stands the “Great Wall of Gopeng” – an impressive structure three metres high and two metres wide.
Given the size of the place, there are guided tours in vans called the “HOGA Experience Ride”, which cover three interesting locations: the hilltop, the “tree hugging park”, and the “lover’s park”.
On the journey to the top, there are stunning views to take in: of mountains in the background, statuesque gaharu trees, and even a swiftlet farm.
Visitors are dropped off at the hilltop, and there is a regular shuttle every 20 minutes for pick up to the next location.
At an elevation of over 100 metres, the view from the top is a feast for the eyes as one can see the entire plantation as well as the majestic Titiwangsa range.
Additionally, there is also a rustic café where one can enjoy the fresh air and a hot beverage.
Tree-hugging, anyone?
Next up on the journey is the “tree hugging park”. Here, visitors are encouraged to hug a gaharu tree as a means to “destress”.
Not quite comfortable with hugging a tree? Pick the ones with cute animals drawn on them to help you break the ice!
There are also quirky messages on some trees such as: “Some turtles can live up to 200 years by breathing well, eating healthy, and getting good rest – you can too.” Well said!
Overall, with the soothing sounds of cooing birds and rustling leaves, spending time here is a rather peaceful experience – and whether one hugs a tree or not, it can certainly help alleviate some amount of stress!
The tea-rrific tale of two towering trees
The last stop on the journey is “lover’s park”. And there is an intriguing love story attached to this place too. The story is about two trees named Baji and Mastura that stand next to each other.
It is said that all attempts to cut them down failed, with the chainsaw mysteriously shutting down on its own. As such, it was decided that the two trees be left alone. Subsequently, a park was built around them – which then became known as “lover’s park”.
The romantics at heart can attach a padlock on a metal structure and subsequently throw the keys in a pond to symbolically “lock” their love forever.
And as the tour ends, one can’t help but feel invigorated in mind and body – a clear benefit from spending time in nature. On that note, what better way to cap off the experience than by enjoying some ice cream at the HOGA Deli?
Alternatively, head over to the HOGA shop to sample and purchase the HOGA Agarwood Herbal Tea, a calming and refreshing beverage.
There is also a wide range of HOGA gaharu-related products such as instant noodles, lip balm, hand lotion and body lotion – so shop to your heart’s content.
Or, if you’re still looking to learn more about gaharu trees or the history of the plantation, stop by the HOGA Time Tunnel before heading for home.
Learn more about HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng on Facebook, and Instagram as well as their website.
Tickets for the HOGA Experience Ride are priced at RM10 (adults) and RM5 (children aged three to 12 years old).
HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng
Lot 9840, Kampung Sungai Itek
31600 Gopeng
Perak
Contact: 05-351 1999
Business hours
9.15am to 6.00pm
Closed on Tuesday (except if public holiday or school holiday)