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Vanilla scents have always been my thing. There’s something about their warm, calming, and luxurious aroma that wraps around me like a cosy blanket. It’s more than just a scent—it’s a feeling. It lingers softly, creating a sense of peace and comfort that I can’t resist. Whether it’s the aroma in my lotion, the tea I sip on quiet evenings, or the fragrance that fills the air at home, vanilla has always been my little pleasure.

During the early days of our relationship, I jokingly told my partner,

“One day, I might just start my own vanilla farm and create my own line of vanilla-scented products.”

He said it was probably impossible to grow vanilla in Malaysia because of the warm weather. Being the curious and thoughtful man he is, he Googled it. It turned out that vanilla farms exist in Malaysia! He even found a YouTube video and said,

“I’ll take you there someday.”

Fast forward to yesterday; he surprised me with a trip. 

Our day started earlier than usual for a weekend. He told me to wear a simple outfit—jeans, but nothing “sexy.” I could tell he had something planned. I didn’t ask where we were going because, honestly, I love surprises. I like it when my man plans something for us and I don’t have to use a single brain cell. Over the past year, I’d mentioned countless times how much I enjoy unplanned trips, but this was the first time he’d ever done something like this. 🥰

At first, I thought we might be heading to Genting Highlands. Then I considered Kuantan. As we drove further, I still couldn’t figure out where we were going until he eventually told me—Temerloh. I couldn’t help but smile. This wasn’t just about the destination; it was about the thoughtfulness behind it—a gesture that showed how much he listens and how much he cares.

We really enjoyed our lunch. 

We arrived in Temerloh a bit later than he had originally planned, thanks to the traffic! Hungry, we went straight for lunch, but the restaurant he had in mind was closed. He quickly thought of another option and soon decided on Kedai Kancil D’Patin Bangau Tanjung. The restaurant was packed, which was a good sign.

Luckily, there were plenty of tables, and we chose one with a view of the river. We ordered patin tempoyak, a dish the area is known for. To be honest, the gravy was just okay—not the best I’ve had, but yeah, still enjoyable. It wasn’t too spicy, which I appreciated since my tolerance for spicy food is embarrassingly low these days. The highlight, though, was the fish. It was incredibly fresh, and I loved every bite of it!

He surprised me with another destination.

After lunch, he told me there was another surprise destination. I was thrilled! When we arrived, a smile immediately spread across my face. Yup, he drove us to the vanilla farm we had talked about months ago! The place is called Amani Vanilla Temerloh, and it’s open for visitors to explore and learn about vanilla.

We parked across the street, and when we entered, the setup was a bit confusing—entry was free, but visitors were required to purchase something from the café first. So we got vanilla ice cream with peanut topping, which turned out to be delicious! The vanilla flavour was rich, and the texture was thick and creamy. My partner even noticed it melted more slowly than the regular ice cream we usually buy.

With our ice cream in hand, we walked into the garden. It wasn’t very big, as it was designed primarily for visitors, but we learned that the main farm is located elsewhere. A guide walked us through the process of growing and harvesting vanilla, and it was fascinating! They also have their own line of products, like vanilla extract, perfumes, vanilla powder, aromatherapy oil, and other vanilla-based products. I was so impressed! 

If you’re interested in knowing more about their products, you can visit their website here: Amani Vanilla Temerloh.

The perfume smells nice, though oddly enough, I’m not much of a perfume person. I prefer the subtle, soft scent of lotions with a few drops of vanilla essential oil. There’s a gentleness in how the fragrance stays on the skin—like a whisper rather than a shout. It feels more “me,” more natural. This preference even extends to my partner. I love him without perfume, too. There’s something uniquely intimate about his natural scent—unfiltered and unmasked. It’s familiar, comforting, and, in a way, reminds me of vanilla itself—a signature fragrance that’s entirely his.

Before heading home, we made a quick stop to buy some fresh tilapia—because a trip to Temerloh wouldn’t be complete without bringing back some fish!

I was so happy with the entire outing, which my partner jokingly called a “field trip.”  While he taught me about fish in Temerloh, we both learned something new about vanilla. It was such a fun day—a reminder that small gestures can make the biggest impact. It showed me how thoughtfulness and love can turn even a casual outing into a cherished memory.

I can’t wait for more trips like this in the future!

X, Hani.