Bentong is a town in Peninsular Malaysia’s Pahang state, in the western region of the country. Some of the well-known tourist sites in the area include Genting Highlands and Bukit Tinggi. But, other from its two upland destinations, did you realise it has a lot to offer? It is the location to escape the nonstop honking of vehicles, the frantic city life, and the hot and dusty air, with gastronomy, heritage, and culture as well as natural treasures.
Japanese Village
Japanese Village, a mini-Japan in Malaysia, was conceived by a Japanese architect and erected by a Japanese team of professional labourers. The garden, which is surrounded by a tropical rainforest, includes a teahouse and a tatami suite, as well as other traditional Japanese attractions. You can rent a kimono and take photos in traditional Japanese attire, or you can participate in a tea ceremony to learn about Japanese culture. Inspirock’s suggested itineraries helped me plan my vacation to Bentong.
Address: KM 48, Persimpangan Bertingkat Lebuhraya Karak, Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Bentong, Pahang, 28750, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (6am to 6.30pm)
Jimmy’s Durian Orchard
There are many orchards in the Bentong area, but the durian is the most popular fruit in the town and throughout Malaysia. If you’re unsure which orchard to visit to experience the King of Fruits, go to Jimmy’s Durian Orchard – you won’t be disappointed. Many tourists and residents flock to this hotspot for the delectable durians.
Jimmy or one of his family members will greet you at the orchard, and you can choose from the numerous sorts of durians available. Musang King, D38, Tekka, D24, D2, and many other varieties are among the kampung kinds. Remember to bring extra cash with you because high-quality durians can be pricey in this area. The price is determined by the weight, size, and type of durian.
Address: Jalan Lama Bentong – Karak, 28600 Karak, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (9am to 5pm)
Bentong Gallery
Learn about the town’s history and what life was like during the mining era for history aficionados and curious museum visitors. It’s time to visit Bentong Gallery and learn about Bentong’s culture and history.
The gallery is divided into three sections. Hall 1 is the starting place for learning about the guy behind the museum’s creation. Mr. Loke Yew was one of the first settlers of Bentong during the tin mining era. This is where you may learn about the town’s early history as well as the origin of its name. After that, you should go to Hall 2 to learn more about the town’s tourist attractions.If you visit Hall 3, you will be able to observe Bentong’s past and present, as well as contributions from the Sultan of Pahang and previous and current Members of Parliament.
Before leaving the museum, stop by the BG Store to pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Aside from that, there is a café within the museum where you can have a drink.
Address: 17-18, Jalan Loke Yew, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday (10am to 7pm), Saturday (10am to 10pm), Closed on Wednesday
Bentong Hot Spring
After a hard day of walking and travelling, you’re looking for a spot to relax your legs, take a hot bath, and reduce muscle tension. Make your way to Bentong Hot Spring. Although hot springs are generally healthy, don’t stay in for more than 15 minutes. This hot spring is strictly for adults only, and there are caution signs posted throughout the hot spring. After you’ve had your fill of relaxation, take a look about at the colourful murals that dot the neighbourhood.
Address: Kolam Air Panas, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (2am to 8pm)
Bentong Morning Market
After another 30 minutes, we arrived to Bentong Morning Market / Pasar Besar Bentong, a pleasant spot to take in the busy morning mood of Bentong while blending in with the residents’ daily lives. The market isn’t huge, with stalls reaching out like there’s no tomorrow for you to shop, but it contains everything you’d expect from a morning market: meat, fish, veggies, fruits, dried goods, cuisine, and even clothes! Here you may purchase Bentong ginger, Bentong soy sauce, and other local products.
Address: Pasar Besar Bentong, Bentong, Pahang
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (5am to 10am)
Bentong Walk
Bentong Walk is the result of a community effort by both young and old residents to restore the town’s historic streets into a major tourist destination. This initiative also provided opportunities for Bentong youths to learn about entrepreneurship and participate in street arts. Before you go, keep in mind that this attraction is only available on Saturdays once a week.
Apart from the street’s unique, colourful, and imaginative murals, this is where you can find souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and observe what the people are up to. There is a bustling night market with a variety of activities taking place simultaneously.Expect to encounter a stall selling stinky tofu, as this dish is famous not only in Taiwan but also in Malaysia. Foreign tourists and locals alike enjoy Bentong ginger, soy sauce, honey durian, and handicrafts as mementos.
Address: 92, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Saturday only (5.30pm to 10pm), closed on other days
Lentang Forest Reserve
While on vacation, how about a picnic? The Lentang Forest Reserve, commonly known as the Lentang Recreational Forest, is the place to go. Apart from having a picnic, there is enough to do here in terms of activities. At the woodland reserve, photograph the wild mushrooms and Rajah Brooke butterflies. You can even take a plunge in the river to cool yourself before moving on to the next attraction.
The optimum time to visit the Lentang Forest Reserve is during the dry season; for safety concerns, avoid visiting during the monsoon season. If you don’t have time to cook food, you can purchase food from one of the area’s stalls.
Address: Karak Expy, Lentang, Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (8am to 5pm)