Bentong Beeest, Pahang
After fixing a day for our road trip, which was already a challenge, came the next big question: where. We threw in a few names, factoring the weather and places we have not been, and we finally decided on Bentong. To say that it was my first time in Bentong is not entirely true- i went through Bentong to get to Raub (in Reached Raub). But this time, i spent time being in the district of Bentong. For a day trip out of KL, i'd say it was beeest (pronounce best with a lengthened e).
We began our journey slightly after 7 and stopped by to fuel up and get cash. Tip: have sufficient cash for the day with you as some places may not accept credit card. Approximately an hour's drive away, through surrounding greenery, we then exited the highway and entered the quaint town of Bentong. Up early, first things first, food.
Funny how we found one. We initially planned for another nearby kopitiam which was supposedly famous but as we drove past it looking for a car park, the crowd wasn't convincing. Instead, we diverted our attention to another busy shop. Bowls of Hooi Ji Wan Tan Mee were being served, alongside another stall with a variety of food snacks, and instinct whispered that this would be our breakfast stop. We found a table and settled in, slowly reminiscing the use of metal pots to make coffee or tea as we looked to the kitchen. The kopitiam vibe surely aligned with nostalgia.
Upon returning to our car, i noticed a yellow paper on my windscreen. Tip: remember to check for parking requirement when traveling to a new place. An unexpected item in our to-do list today.
Just off the road towards Raub, we went to Bilut Extreme Park. There were no cars, shutters closed and only a painter painting a column. We checked online and it mentioned that it closes on Wednesday (we were there on a Tuesday). Quickly, we asked him if it was open. He said yes but probably the boss was late. Patiently, we waited for the boss and his guide to arrive. Apparently, they were on a replacement break since the last few days had been crowded on long weekends. After selecting the Route B and signing on the waiver forms, we were briefed on how to handle the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), already with adrenaline pumping through our body.
Then, we were put on a circuit test, through slopes and curves, maneuvering bends, only eager for more challenge. We pursued our journey off-road among the oil palm trees, wind and sand dusted onto our faces. It was a fine weather to start; clouds shaded us from the scorching noon sun. We drove along streams and bounced on rocky terrain.
We continued our ascent. The higher we went, we were rewarded with a splendid view of the plantation surrounding us. We stopped at the peak to soak in the picturesque sight and re-hydrated ourselves.
It drizzled on and off on our way down but a few droplets did not dampen our excitement. The car drivers could definitely see our playful smiles when we were parallel to the tar roads heading back. We had a great time with our guide, Isabel, and her boss, despite disrupting their time off.
Hard to ignore, there were many roadside stalls selling Nangka Madu (literally translated as Honey Jackfruit). We bought a packet for RM 5 and they were sweet.
Just further down the road from the extreme park, we visited the Valley Agro Park and Bee Museum. Unfortunately, the Bee Museum was closed. We did a quick walk around the area before returning to Bentong town.
This time, we bought coupons for our parking. Lesson learnt. Tip: park anywhere in the town area as places are within walking distance. Coincidentally, i bought the coupons from Kedai Buku Lauu, which is one of the comic bookstores in town. There were drawings/pictures of comic characters too.
After much fun, it was time for lunch. We packed a packet of Chee Cheong Fun with Tofu and sat in Kopitiam Tong Kee. The Chee Cheong Fun was ordinary but the tofu was delectable. It was intact yet soft, with rich soy aroma. No doubt tofu (beancurd) is popular in this area. The Cham beverage i had was good balance of tea and coffee, sweet enough for my liking.
Catching on the likes of other towns, the street art scenes were pretty good here too.
Another thing that Bentong boasts is the desserts, specifically ice cream. Although the recommended shop was closed, the ice cream we had at MSK Fresh Fruits was yummy too. We had a taste of the D24 ice cream, which was creamy, before we shared the Musang King. A step up in durian flavour, for sure!
Time to pay the fine at Majlis Perbandaran Bentong. Oh well, at least i got a different sort of souvenir. Lucky, it was quick.
Because in the distance, we could see dark clouds rolling in and our next stop was another outdoor spot. There was no need for any hike for this. We parked our car just footsteps away from Chamang Waterfall. Water was gushing down the rocks, slightly brown, i guess from the wet season these days.
One last stop before heading back to KL, we stopped by the Suria Hot Spring. It drizzled again, lending a mystical feel to the lone drive to the pools. The water temperature was perfect for a cool weather and relaxing dip. Emerging from these pools always give me the feel like i have superpowers. Can i not fantasize?
Bentong is ideal for a day trip, with potential. Whether for food or adventure, it has a bit of both so you'll have time to do stuffs between meals, suiting your needs. Surprisingly, meal prices in Bentong are quite similar to where i'm from- a plate of noodles cost RM 4.5 to RM 5.5. If you need more reference, check out Go Bentong website. It is informative and definitely handy for travelers like us.
We began our journey slightly after 7 and stopped by to fuel up and get cash. Tip: have sufficient cash for the day with you as some places may not accept credit card. Approximately an hour's drive away, through surrounding greenery, we then exited the highway and entered the quaint town of Bentong. Up early, first things first, food.
Welcoming sign.
Funny how we found one. We initially planned for another nearby kopitiam which was supposedly famous but as we drove past it looking for a car park, the crowd wasn't convincing. Instead, we diverted our attention to another busy shop. Bowls of Hooi Ji Wan Tan Mee were being served, alongside another stall with a variety of food snacks, and instinct whispered that this would be our breakfast stop. We found a table and settled in, slowly reminiscing the use of metal pots to make coffee or tea as we looked to the kitchen. The kopitiam vibe surely aligned with nostalgia.
Looks good, eh? Still with wooden chopsticks.
Upon returning to our car, i noticed a yellow paper on my windscreen. Tip: remember to check for parking requirement when traveling to a new place. An unexpected item in our to-do list today.
Just off the road towards Raub, we went to Bilut Extreme Park. There were no cars, shutters closed and only a painter painting a column. We checked online and it mentioned that it closes on Wednesday (we were there on a Tuesday). Quickly, we asked him if it was open. He said yes but probably the boss was late. Patiently, we waited for the boss and his guide to arrive. Apparently, they were on a replacement break since the last few days had been crowded on long weekends. After selecting the Route B and signing on the waiver forms, we were briefed on how to handle the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), already with adrenaline pumping through our body.
Then, we were put on a circuit test, through slopes and curves, maneuvering bends, only eager for more challenge. We pursued our journey off-road among the oil palm trees, wind and sand dusted onto our faces. It was a fine weather to start; clouds shaded us from the scorching noon sun. We drove along streams and bounced on rocky terrain.
On water.
We continued our ascent. The higher we went, we were rewarded with a splendid view of the plantation surrounding us. We stopped at the peak to soak in the picturesque sight and re-hydrated ourselves.
By the hill.
The plantation view.
It drizzled on and off on our way down but a few droplets did not dampen our excitement. The car drivers could definitely see our playful smiles when we were parallel to the tar roads heading back. We had a great time with our guide, Isabel, and her boss, despite disrupting their time off.
Hard to ignore, there were many roadside stalls selling Nangka Madu (literally translated as Honey Jackfruit). We bought a packet for RM 5 and they were sweet.
Just further down the road from the extreme park, we visited the Valley Agro Park and Bee Museum. Unfortunately, the Bee Museum was closed. We did a quick walk around the area before returning to Bentong town.
Bee this.
Walk.
This time, we bought coupons for our parking. Lesson learnt. Tip: park anywhere in the town area as places are within walking distance. Coincidentally, i bought the coupons from Kedai Buku Lauu, which is one of the comic bookstores in town. There were drawings/pictures of comic characters too.
On foot.
After much fun, it was time for lunch. We packed a packet of Chee Cheong Fun with Tofu and sat in Kopitiam Tong Kee. The Chee Cheong Fun was ordinary but the tofu was delectable. It was intact yet soft, with rich soy aroma. No doubt tofu (beancurd) is popular in this area. The Cham beverage i had was good balance of tea and coffee, sweet enough for my liking.
Catching on the likes of other towns, the street art scenes were pretty good here too.
Spot this and the Chee Cheong Fun stall is right opposite.
Did i tell you that ginger is also popular here?
Another thing that Bentong boasts is the desserts, specifically ice cream. Although the recommended shop was closed, the ice cream we had at MSK Fresh Fruits was yummy too. We had a taste of the D24 ice cream, which was creamy, before we shared the Musang King. A step up in durian flavour, for sure!
Smooth creamy durian flavour. Good for a hot day. Or cold.
Doesn't matter; it's ice cream.
Time to pay the fine at Majlis Perbandaran Bentong. Oh well, at least i got a different sort of souvenir. Lucky, it was quick.
This sounded serious.
Because in the distance, we could see dark clouds rolling in and our next stop was another outdoor spot. There was no need for any hike for this. We parked our car just footsteps away from Chamang Waterfall. Water was gushing down the rocks, slightly brown, i guess from the wet season these days.
The waterfall view.
One last stop before heading back to KL, we stopped by the Suria Hot Spring. It drizzled again, lending a mystical feel to the lone drive to the pools. The water temperature was perfect for a cool weather and relaxing dip. Emerging from these pools always give me the feel like i have superpowers. Can i not fantasize?
Bentong is ideal for a day trip, with potential. Whether for food or adventure, it has a bit of both so you'll have time to do stuffs between meals, suiting your needs. Surprisingly, meal prices in Bentong are quite similar to where i'm from- a plate of noodles cost RM 4.5 to RM 5.5. If you need more reference, check out Go Bentong website. It is informative and definitely handy for travelers like us.
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