We are all hanging off the observation deck and get an occasional slap round the chops from a banana palm.

A comfortable level of humidity was maintained by interior planters, irrigated by recirculating water, and filled with colorful ornamentals, hearty tomato vines and even a fruit-bearing banana palm.

Then; the banana palm leaves are cut into small squares and placed onto a traditional holy bamboo tray known as kumarang.

There were goats and chickens, mango trees and banana palms, and grain drying on the baked earth.

The garden has an exotic, wild feel; banana palms jostle with papaya trees, while bougainvillea sweeps across balconies in an array of colours.