SD Guthrie Bhd (Guthrie) officially announced the launch of ELAEIS GARDENS, eco-destinations that have been rebranded to offer immersive experiences rooted in nature, heritage and responsible production.
This represents a move from Guthrie’s traditionally private, functional estates to accessible, working landscapes designed for discovery, guided by four core pillars: Stay, Dine, Golf and Experience.
It also reflects the organisation’s commitment to openness and transparency, inviting the public to experience sustainability in practice.
The official launch ceremony was held at Dapo Carey in the Carey Island Golf Club in Selangor on Tuesday (May 5), and was attended by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry’s deputy secretary-general (tourism) Chua Choon Hwa and director of Selangor Zaharah Isahak.
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 responsible palm oil production on the ground.
Guthrie group managing director Mohd Haris Mohd Arshad said ELAEIS GARDENS’s rebrand reflects the group’s commitment to openness, responsible land stewardship and meaningful engagement with the public.
“ELAEIS GARDENS represents an evolution in how we share our landscapes and our story,” he said.
“The brand represents our commitment to responsible ecotourism and community connection. It reflects our belief that it is possible to balance large-scale palm oil operations with genuine hospitality, education and care for nature.
“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.”
Mohd Haris added that the name “Elaeis” is derived from the scientific genus of the oil palm, Elaeis guineensis, symbolising Guthrie’s deep roots in the industry and its pride in the crop that has shaped Malaysia’s development for over a century.
The new vision reflects this heritage, presenting a warm, inviting brand that balances the structured form of the palm frond with the softness of a garden – signalling a transition from closed gates to open hospitality.
“This is really an opportunity for us to open up what we have to the public. These sites and buildings are part of our history, and we want to educate people about what we do, and help them learn just what sustainable palm oil production is about,” he said.
He emphasised that this rebranding is also part of the organisation’s Beyond Zero strategy, comprising three core elements: Zero, Restore and Transform.
Meanwhile, Guthrie’s Upstream Malaysia chief executive officer Jeffry Faizal Kamaruddin said this move represents a broader journey “from roots to transformation”, in which the organisation continues to push the boundaries of what modern, responsible plantation management can achieve.
“For us, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it is part of our DNA in everything we do. These sites are treasures we have enjoyed for a long time, and treasures we are now excited to show more openly,” he said.
Elaeis Gardens comprises nine locations across Malaysia, offering diverse experiences tailored to different lifestyles and interests.
The inaugural and flagship location is situated in Carey Island, Selangor, featuring heritage bungalows that offer guest accommodation and event spaces, an 18‑hole golf course, the “Know Your Palm Oil” programme, a museum and the Dapo Carey restaurant.
Other locations include Merlimau Training Centre and Eco Retreat in Melaka; Sua Betong in Negri Sembilan; Ledang Golf Club in Tangkak and Guthrie Golf & Country Club in Layang‑Layang in Johor; Dublin Golf Club in Kulim, Kedah; Rajawali Golf Club in Bintulu, Sarawak; and Tasik Impian in Kunak, Sabah.
Adding to the immersive experience, visitors can also enjoy authentic Malaysian cuisine at Dapo Carey in Selangor and Dapo Devon located in Melaka, as well as stay in heritage or nature‑based accommodations.
For more information, visit https://elaeisgardens.com.
