Nestled in Tanjung Tokong, Penang, the combination of the Penang Avatar Secret Garden and dining at Pearl Garden Seafood Café offers a unique and memorable experience. The Penang Avatar Secret Garden, located within the Sea Pearl Garden, is a Chinese folk religion-themed garden that has been transformed into a mesmerizing nighttime attraction. Illuminated by an array of colorful neon lights draping from tree branches, the garden creates an otherworldly ambiance reminiscent of the movie "Avatar." Visitors can wander through illuminated pathways, admire statues of deities like the 12-foot-tall Tua Pek Kong, and enjoy the serene beachfront adorned with sculptures of dragons, dolphins, and more.
Adjacent to this luminous garden is Pearl Garden Seafood Café, a modest establishment renowned for its fresh, charcoal-baked seafood. Patrons can indulge in dishes such as baked crabs and prawns, which are lightly seasoned to highlight their natural flavors. The café maintains a traditional approach, offering diners wooden mallets to crack open crab shells, enhancing the rustic dining experience. Prices are considered reasonable, with offerings like half a kilo of prawns priced at RM48 and a kilo of crabs at RM60, as of 2018.
Visiting during the evening is ideal, allowing guests to savor a leisurely seafood dinner before exploring the illuminated garden as night falls. The area tends to attract crowds, even on weekdays, so planning accordingly is advisable. Parking is available for a nominal fee, and the location is accessible via ride-sharing services by setting the destination to "Thai Pak Koong Temple Tanjung Tokong."
In summary, combining a visit to the Penang Avatar Secret Garden with a seafood dinner at Pearl Garden provides a delightful blend of culinary satisfaction and visual enchantment, making it a worthwhile experience for both locals and tourists.
