SD Guthrie Unveils Elaeis Gardens, Transforming Private Estates Into Public Eco-destinations

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- SD Guthrie Bhd (Guthrie) today unveiled ELAEIS GARDENS, turning its traditionally private estates into accessible living landscapes where visitors can explore, learn and engage.

The rebranded eco-destination, Guthrie said in a statement, invites the public to immerse themselves in four core experiences: Stay, Dine, Golf and Experience, marking the company's bold move towards greater openness and operational transparency.

“At the heart of ELAEIS GARDENS is the philosophy of Di Sisi Alam (Alongside Nature), which underscores Guthrie’s belief that industrial operations can coexist with the environment.

“Through this approach, ELAEIS GARDENS offers spaces where visitors can unwind, reconnect with nature, and gain a deeper understanding of palm oil production carried out responsibly on the ground,” the statement read.

ELAEIS GARDENS already spans nine locations nationwide, but the crown jewel is its flagship site on Carey Island, Selangor.

It offers visitors a rich mix of accommodation, dining, and discovery, featuring heritage bungalows, an 18-hole golf course, the "Know Your Palm Oil" programme, a palm oil museum, and the Dapo Carey restaurant.

Other ELAEIS GARDENS locations span Peninsular and East Malaysia, including Merlimau and Eco Retreat in Melaka; Sua Betong in Negeri Sembilan; Tangkak and Layang-Layang in Johor; Dublin Golf Club in Kulim, Kedah; Rajawali in Bintulu, Sarawak; and Tasik Impian in Kunak, Sabah.

Visitors can savour authentic Malaysian cuisine at Dapo Carey or Dapo Devon in Melaka, and choose from heritage or nature-based stays.

The rebrand signals a new direction toward openness, responsible land stewardship and meaningful public engagement, said Guthrie Group managing director Mohd Haris Mohd Arshad. 

“ELAEIS GARDENS represents an evolution in how we share our landscapes and our story. The brand reflects our commitment to responsible ecotourism and community connection.

“Guided by our philosophy of Di Sisi Alam, we are opening our plantation landscapes as places for learning, connection and discovery, while continuing to uphold the highest standards of responsible production. This is about transforming heritage preserved into heritage shared,” he said.

The name Elaeis is derived from Elaeis guineensis, the scientific genus of the oil palm, a fitting symbol of Guthrie's deep roots in the industry and its century-long role in Malaysia's development.

-- BERNAMA