“Last summer, my friend Ryan and I visited Green Acres, an eco-retreat center built on an organic durian farm. I’ve visited more than my share of pretty awesome durian farms, but right away I knew this solar-powered, off-the-grid farm was in another league of coolness.
The three structures on the farm, including the Musang King Tree House, are built using the recycled timber of old village houses. As we stepped into the lower house, I found myself taking a deep breath. The dark wood, smoothed and polished by centuries, created an immediate sense of mellowness.
At the main lodge, Eric informed us that the house was built from half recycled wood, half durian timber felled on the land. I looked at Eric, slightly horrified that he would cut down a durian tree. He laughed, and said the trees were unproductive or sick. By cutting them down, he was saving a forest tree somewhere else.
It turns out durian wood is also beautiful. As we stood in a house made of durian on a durian farm, I couldn’t help but feel like it was just one more tiny, perfect detail that makes Green Acres so special.”
Green Acres Organic Durian Eco-Retreat | Penang, Malaysia