Adrian ChewBentong is a town located in the western part of the Pahang state in Peninsular Malaysia. Genting Highlands and Bukit Tinggi are some of the well-known tourist attractions located there. But do you know that it has plenty to offer apart from its two highlands destination? From food, heritage and culture to natural wonders, it is the place to escape the non-stop honking of vehicles, the hectic city life and the hot and dusty air.
Ready for a whole new adventure? These are some of the best things to do and places to visit in Bentong:
1. Japanese Village
Image credit: Conny Sandland
The first stop in Bentong is the Japanese Village. The setting here is similar to what you’d see in Japan or your favourite Japanese TV series. Situated in Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi, this is the place for young couples, kids and families. To get here, you need to walk uphill and climb up 88 steps, so a certain level of fitness is required.
You can take in some fresh cool air while making your way to the top. The koi ponds are the star attraction and a good spot for a photography session. Ladies and girls, if you love those kimono costumes, you can rent them and take a photo of yourself wearing the stunning traditional attire.
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)
How long to spend here: Around 2 hours
2. Botanical Garden
Image credit: Conny Sandland
Another major attraction that is located near the Japanese Village is the Botanical Garden. At this magnificent garden, you can get closer to nature and take in sights of herbs and orchids, or view wildlife like monkeys. To get here, you can hop on the free shuttle bus from Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur. This is a great place to unwind and escape the city centre.
Address: KM 48, Persimpangan Bertingkat Lebuhraya Karak, Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Bentong, Pahang, 28750, Malaysia
How long to spend here: Around 2 hours
3. Bentong Walk
Image credit: Bentong Walk Facebook Official Page
Bentong Walk is an initiative of the locals in town, both young and old, who transformed the entire historic streets into a major tourist attraction. This initiative also paved the way for Bentong youths to develop entrepreneurship skills and get involved in street arts. Before you come here, take note that this attraction only opens once a week on Saturdays.
Apart from the unique, colourful and creative murals along the street, this is where you can hunt for your souvenirs, try some local delicacies and see what the locals are up to. There is a lively night market with all sorts of activities happening at the same time. Do not be surprised to see a stall selling smelly tofu as this snack is popular not just in Taiwan but Malaysia too. Bentong ginger, soy sauce, honey durian and handicrafts are favourite souvenirs among foreign tourists and locals.
Address: 92, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Saturday only (5.30pm to 10pm), closed on other days
How long to spend here: Around 3 hours
4. Lentang Forest Reserve
Image credit: Abdul Rani Abdul Rahim
How about a picnic while on vacation? Look no further than Lentang Forest Reserve, also known as the Lentang Recreational Forest. Activity-wise, there is plenty you can do here apart from having a picnic. Take some pictures of the wild mushrooms and Rajah Brooke butterflies at the forest reserve. Also, you can dip into the river to cool yourself before moving on to the next point of interests.
The best time to visit the Lentang Forest Reserve is during the dry season; try to avoid coming here during the monsoon season for safety reasons. If you do not have time to prepare any food, you can buy some food from the stalls located within the area.
Address: Karak Expy, Lentang, Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (8am to 5pm)
5. Bilut Extreme Park
Image credit: Bilut Extreme Park Facebook Official Page
Calling all extreme sports enthusiasts! There is one particular activity that you can enjoy at the Bilut Extreme Park. The hint is in the picture above. How’d you like to ride an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)? You will pass through the stream and oil palm plantation as part of the ride. A professional ATV driver will lead the way so that everyone is on the right trail. Other than that, you can also have fun with paintball and be Robin Hood for a day by trying out archery. All activities are suitable for all age groups.
Address: Kampung Baharu, 27600 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (9.30am to 6pm)
How long to spend here: Around 2 hours
6. Bentong Hot Spring
Image credit: Wikimedia
Looking forward to a place to rest your legs, enjoy a hot dip and relieve muscle strain after a long day of walking and travelling? Head over to Bentong Hot Spring. Although hot springs are beneficial in general, avoid taking a dip that’s longer than 15 minutes. This hot spring is strictly for adults only, and you can see some signboards with warning messages around the hot spring. After some relaxation, go ahead and admire the colourful murals around the area.
Address: Kolam Air Panas, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (2am to 8pm)
7. Chamang Waterfall
Image credit: Kerina yin
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to picnics and recreational activities. If Lentang Forest Reserve does not appeal to you, Chamang Waterfall is another alternative option. Try to avoid weekends as it is packed with locals and tourists from other parts of Malaysia. This is definitely one of the well-known waterfalls in Bentong town. Bring some sandwiches or snacks for your picnic. After enjoying a swim at the waterfall, take a break and have your food. Take note though, avoid the top part of the waterfall for safety reasons.
Address: 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (24 hours)
8. Jimmy’s Durian Orchard
Image credit: Jimmy’s Durian Orchard Facebook Official Page
There are many orchards around Bentong but the durian is the No.1 fruit in the town and also the whole of Malaysia. If you are not sure which is the best orchard to enjoy the King of Fruits, drop by Jimmy’s Durian Orchard – you won’t go wrong. Many tourists and locals come to this highly-raved place for the delicious durians.
At the orchard, Jimmy or his family members will attend to you and you can make a selection of the various types of durians available. There are the kampung types, Musang King, D38, Tekka, D24, D2, and many other variants. Remember to have extra cash with you as the high-quality durians here can be expensive. The weight, size and type of durian will determine the price.
Address: Jalan Lama Bentong – Karak, 28600 Karak, Pahang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (9am to 5pm)
Duration: Around 2 hours
9. Bentong Gallery
Image credit: Bentong Gallery Facebook Official Page
For history buffs or curious museum enthusiasts, learn the historic past of this town and how it was like during the mining era. It is time to check out Bentong Gallery to immerse yourself in Bentong’s culture and history.
There are three halls in the gallery. Hall 1 is the starting point as you will get to know the man behind the development of this museum. His name is Mr. Loke Yew, one of the earliest Bentong residents during the tin mining era. This is where you get to know about the early development of the town as well as the origin of its name. Next, you should move on to Hall 2 to find out more about the tourist attractions throughout the town. If you are in Hall 3, you will get to see the past and present of Bentong as well as contributions by the Sultan of Pahang as well as the former and present Members of Parliament of Bentong.
Before stepping out from the museum, visit the BG Store to buy back some unique souvenirs. Apart from that, you can also have a drink at the café, located within the museum.
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
10. Bentong Market
Image credit: williamnyk
Bentong Market is different from the night market at Bentong Walk. It is a daytime market and you need to go as early as possible since it is the main market for the locals to shop for their groceries. It is also a place to buy locally made products like ginger and durians. You can also check out the souvenirs, clothing and handicrafts at the wet market. There are plenty of food and drinks too, so get some for your breakfast while walking around the market area.
Address: Pasar Besar Bentong, Bentong, Pahang
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (5am to 10am)
Bentong is a destination that you can visit any time of the year. The market, durian orchard, bee farm and other natural wonders are not the usual things you normally see or do in other parts of Malaysia. You will conclude your trip with a big smile and satisfaction from the experience that you gain at this charming town.
Also read: Top 24 Places to Visit in Malaysia
