Engaging All Five Senses

During our field research in Penang, Malaysia, we participated in a forest bathing experience at the Tropical Spice Gardens. This is a practice that invites you to slow down and truly notice your surroundings using all of your senses (hearing, feeling, seeing, smelling and tasting). By immersing ourselves in the environment, we not only deepen our connection to nature but also develop a better understanding of the gardens, the destination we are researching, and most importantly, ourselves. If you're curious about the concept of ‘forest bathing’, check out this short documentary:

Hearing

As we started our session, the world slowed down. The guide invited us to close our eyes and simply listen. We took deep, deliberate breaths, feeling the rhythm of our own heartbeats. The forest accompanied us by revealing its hidden rhapsody.

The calls of birds echoing between the trees, the hum of echoed between the trees, joined by the vibrant hum of crickets weaving an unseen symphony that highlights Penang´s identity and powerful nature. Then, as if in gratitude for our presence, the trees offered us a gift. Golden leaves carried by the whisper of the wind, landed softly on our yoga mats-a tender gesture from nature itself. At that moment, we realised that the forest accepted us as one of her own. Each sound, once overlooked, became a note in nature’s orchestra, wrapping us in a sense of stillness, connection, and belonging. For a moment, there was nothing but the music of the forest—and us, as a vital part of it.

Feeling

Gently, we reached out to the trees, feeling the lines and surface of their bark, as if reading a story written by nature. Some portions were smooth, others rough, their textures whispering to us the secrets of rain, wind, and sun in a language only the forest knows. We pressed our foreheads against them, our faces supported by their steady embrace, and absorbed their quiet wisdom.

Then, we laid down and closed our eyes, letting our feet explore the rough bark, feeling the ridges and the warmth, grounding ourselves in something enduring and alive. Rising slowly, we carried this stillness with us, as we began to walk through the forest, and connect with the plants and flowers. Each touch was a conversation, a silent exchange between skin and nature, between breath and earth.

Seeing

Next, as we move slowly and barefoot through the gardens, we focus on mindfully taking in our surroundings. We focus on the delicate details up close—the rough textures of tree bark, tiny insects crawling along a leaf, and the delicate hairs protruding from flowers of various shapes, sizes, and colours. If you look closely enough, you might even spot an unexpected visitor, like a small snake camouflaged among the branches of the trees. At the same time, we let our gaze stretch into the distance, noticing how the shifting patterns of light and shadow alter the colours of the leaves and flowers. A gardener quietly sweeps fallen leaves from the path, while a couple pauses, taking in their own small discovery. In this way, the essence of Penang’s lush natural beauty invites us to connect with the environment in a deeper, more meaningful way. By truly focusing on what is there to see, we learn to appreciate the beauty of our world—an experience that reflects the harmony between nature and culture that Penang has worked so hard to preserve.

Smelling

The sense of smell was key in connecting us to the environment during our forest bathing experience. In addition to breathing in the fresh, wet scent of the rainforest and the earthy smell of the ground, we also focused on the distinct aromas around us.

With our eyes closed, we participated in an activity over a wooden bridge to identify the smells of the Pandanus tree, curry leaves, and Thai basil. This activity helped us connect more deeply with the landscape. These scents are not just part of the Tropical Spice Garden but are also deeply tied to Penang’s identity. The sweet, grassy fragrance of the Pandanus tree reminds us of the island's lush greenery, while the sharp, spicy aroma of curry leaves evokes Penang’s rich food culture. Thai basil, with its fresh, slightly peppery scent, brings us back to the street food of Penang, where it is commonly used in local dishes.

Together, these smells reflect Penang’s unique blend of nature and culture, connecting the island’s environment with its food traditions.

Tasting

The final step in our journey was tasting nature through infused tea—a simple yet profound way of bringing the essence of nature in. As part of this ritual, we gave back to the environment by pouring a few drops of our delicious brew back into the river, symbolising our connection to both the land and water.

Tasting is a key element of Penang's identity, a destination renowned for its multicultural cuisines and vibrant food stalls that dot the island. Tourists are often delighted by the diverse array of flavours that embody Penang’s rich culinary heritage, offering a direct link to the sense of taste.

Who would have thought that, during this immersive forest bathing experience in the Spice Garden, taste would also emerge as an unexpected but powerful sense to connect with nature and the place?

Through this sensory forest bathing journey in the Tropical Spice Garden, we connected with Penang in a deeper, more meaningful way. By listening, feeling, seeing, smelling, and tasting, we experienced the destination’s rich nature and culture beyond what we usually would. In slowing down and truly noticing, we discovered that sense of place is not just about where we are, but how we connect with it. 

Will you take a moment to slow down and engage your senses the next time you explore a new place? We can highly recommend it! 😊

By: Ariana Nistor, Arnau Bosch Ruiz, Joëlle Verhaaren

#senseofplace #theartofnoticing #Penang

This blog is part of the fieldwork in phase 2 of the master’s programme Tourism Destination Management. Other master specialisations of this programme include Tourism and Hospitality Innovations and Urban Tourism and Mobility.