1. Pasar Besar Bentong (Bentong Market)

Credit: j2kfm.com 

The Bentong market is well known amongst market enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fresh food, otherwise known as your mom or neighbourhood aunty. It is also a popular stop for tourists from around the country, and our neighbours down South, Singapore. This makes it one of the top places to visit in Bentong. In the big market (as it’s appropriately named), you’ll find a variety of goods, most of which are brought from the vendors own estates to sell. And because it’s all straight from the plantations and estates, you can enjoy extraordinarily fresh vegetables and fruits, farm products like eggs and chickens, as well as homemade products.

When you find the perfect vegetables.

Credit: Comedy Central via Giphy

There are a few things that make the market a must-visit place. There’s the famous Bentong ginger, known for being more “lat” (hot), chunkier and juicier than the average ginger. It’s also said to have great health properties. The market is also famous for tofu and tofu puffs (tau pok), which you’ll have to come early for. It can go out of stock as early as 8am.

The market is a huge red building located in between Jalan Pasar and Jalan Chui Yin in Bentong; you won’t miss it unless you’re in another dimension.

Coordinates:

3.523115, 101.907509

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Get there from Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat (34.5km).

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2. Jalan Chui Yin

Credit: gobentong.com

Right next to the market is Jalan Chui Yin. The unassuming road is totally transformed at after 4pm into a food den, or a snack haven, or a glutton street. Well, whatever you want to call it, it has lots of warm, delicious, mouth-watering food perfectly complementing the cool night air. This is because it’s at 4-10pm that the hawkers will bring their stuff out for you to enjoy.

Living to eat, that’s what we believe in.

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If you like simple roadside fare, you’ll feel at home here. However, unlike your pasar malam at home, this one is made even more awesome because it’s cooling enough that you don’t have to feel like a sardine in a can. And, the stalls mostly bring their own homemade dishes, so you can be sure that whatever you eat, it’s tasty. Among some of the goodies that you’ll find are handmade desserts, old school style. The char koay teow is quite famous; it is the owner’s own secret recipe. Don’t forget to pick up some snacks along the way.

3. Chamang Waterfall

One of the places to visit in Bentong for a nature escape is the Chamang Falls. The Chamang Falls are a great, well maintained recreational spot for all to enjoy. For the families, there is a picnic area, and a wading area. Bring along all your prepacked picnic goodies like sandwiches, buns and sausages. If your kids are in the water, do remember to keep an eye out on them and be close by. Like be in the water with them to keep them safe. After all, if you came here to spend time with your family, well, spend time with them.

Swimming time.

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For the more adventurous sort, there are areas of the fall where you can actually swim. However, there are areas that have very dangerous currents and whirlpools. We don’t care if you swim better than Michael Phelps, or if you think you’re part submarine, accidents to happen. So be careful, and look out for the warning signs as you explore the falls.

Coordinates:

N03° 30.56′ E101° 51.47′

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Get there from Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat (43.7km).

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4. Bentong Hot Springs

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You don’t have to get tickets to the Land of the Rising Sun to enjoy some natural hot springs. Right here, in Bentong, there is a place where you can soak in the natural, relaxing waters of a hot spring. Presenting, *drumroll* the Bentong hot springs.

The Bentong hot springs are an open, public pool, mostly enjoyed by the locals in Janda Baik or Bentong. It is also maintained by local volunteers. The hot springs are in the open air, and you’ll get a nice view of the surrounding forests as you relax. However, we are not in Japan. So, we’d advise against going all out naked when enjoying the facilities.

Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh…. that’s the spot.

Credit: Giphy

Do note that there are a lack of facilities such as changing rooms or a storage area for bags and clothes. You may want to plan what to bring before travelling to the springs. Also, the Suria Hot Springs, are a hotel next to the public pool. They do allow public access for a RM10 charge.

Address:

Lot 2527, Mukim Bentong, 26700 Bentong, Pahang

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Get there from Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat (18.9km).

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5. Kow Po Ice Cream

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If you want ice cream in this day and age, you’d normally think about those hipster cafés with super uncomfortable furniture and expensive ice cream. Well, in Bentong, there’s Kedai Kopi Kow Po. Well, it doesn’t have fancy lightbulbs or chairs hanging from the ceiling, but it does have great homemade ice cream at a reasonable price.

Ice cream, awesome ice cream!

Credit: Nickelodeon via Giphy.

The parlour has been around for a whopping 40 years, serving up ice cream, floats, ABCs and more. So, if you’re looking for a place to cool down after a day of traveling through Janda Baik and Bentong, Kow Po is awesome. Do note that sometimes, it’ll be packed with tourists.

Address: Kow Po Ice Cream, No. 2, Bentong Heights, 28700 Bentong, Pahang

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Get there from Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat (34.1km).

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There you have it folks, 5 top places to visit in Bentong. And of course, if you need a place to chill out, relax and take a few days off while exploring all Janda Baik and Bentong have to offer, why not book Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat? It’s quiet, peaceful, and close enough for a visit to Janda Baik and Bentong attractions.

The post Top 5 Places to Visit in Bentong first appeared on Rest.Pause.

Janda Baik. Nestled in the thick, lush rainforests of Pahang, this tranquil village is a hidden gem of sorts for those in search of a quick getaway from the hectic life of the city. However, you may be wondering, what’s there to do? What’s there to see? And of course, the most important question of life, what’s there to eat? To help you explore the great attractions this humble village has to offer, we’ve compiled a list just for you. Here are the top 5 places to visit in Janda Baik.

1. LataTampit Waterfalls

The twin falls at level 4.

Credit: waterfallsofmalaysia.com

We’ll start things off with something for the nature enthusiasts. LataTampit, also known as Ulu Tampit is a 7-tier waterfall that hikers of all levels will enjoy. It’ll take at least 30-40 minutes to reach to good spots; the level 4 twin falls or the level 5 fall that has a pool suitable for swimming. Though the hike takes a while especially with children, we can tell you it’s worth the walk. And if you want to go chasing waterfalls instead of the rivers and lakes you’re used to, you can make your way up to level 7 with this guide.

When you reach level 7 at the falls.

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A few things to note; parking is at the privately owned LattoCharok chalet. You can call its owner, Jafri at 019 3470 772 to arrange your parking. Of course, you’ll want to prepare appropriately, with clothes for swimming, and the proper shoes to prevent slipping. Drinks and snacks are great for a picnic. And if you do visit the falls, do be civilised and keep the place clean. It’s one of the places to visit in JandaBaik; don’t turn it into the dirtiest.

Coordinates:

N 3 19.211 E 101 50.711

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Get there from Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat (17-minute drive).

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2. Restaurant Remember 126

Credit: ahlianahbeng.blogspot.com

Ok, ok, we’re going to go to food. One of the places to visit in JandaBaik for good food is Restaurant Foon Lock. They are famous for their assam fish, a good way to warm your soul in the cool air of Bukit Tinggi. It’s a good place to bring your family or as a foodie outing with friends.

When someone gets a table before you.

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The restaurant is a food destination for KL folks who’ll drive up for a delicious dinner. If you’re planning to visit, you’ll have to come in early, and put your kiasu mode on for a seat.

Address:
No. 84, Kampung Bukit Tinggi,, Jln Bukit Tinggi, Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Bentong, Pahang

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Get there from Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat (14-minute drive).

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3. Bukit Tinggi New Village

Credit: The Malay Mail Online

If you appreciate delicious vegetables on your plate, you’ll appreciate them even more when they’re fresh from the farm. Bukit Tinggi New Village is not only home to great restaurants, but stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables. Now you may be thinking, vegetables and fruits are available at my local market, why would anyone go all the way to JandaBaik or Bukit Tinggi to get them? Our answer is, can you get them as fresh as the ones sold here?

Awesome, fresh vegetables!

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One unique vegetable you won’t find anywhere else is a vegetable known as yin yong. It’s a mix of choy sum and kalian, and it’s known to be crunchy and sweet. You’ll also be able to stock up on your red bananas, and other delicious fruits such as mangosteens, passionfruit and even a durian or two. Oh, if you love eggs, good news! There are stalls which sell kampung eggs fresh from the farm.

Address:
Kg Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, Pahang.

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Get there from Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat (16-minute drive).

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4. Sungai Benus

One of the fishing sites of Sungai Benus, Janda Baik

Credit: Facebook/Sungai Benus

Consider yourself a Malaysian Bear Grylls? Have a heart for adventure? Among the places to visit in JandaBaik is Sungai Benus. The river is great for an adventurous trek. Fishing enthusiasts will also love the river with its diversity of fish. Some of the fish found in the river include the mahseer, hampala barb and catfish.

Don’t worry, there’s no shark in the river.

Credit: Giphy

A fishing expedition will require a bit of researching and planning your route, and it may be difficult to bring children along. However, if you love fishing, this river is the perfect spot in JandaBaik for you.

Address:

Click here for map

Get there from Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat.

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There are many places to visit in JandaBaik. More importantly, it feels liberating to be away from the hectic hustle and bustle of the city life. No tall skyscrapers, no smog, and no stress. It almost feels like everyone’s hometown. Good food, good views, what more could you ask for?

And the best part is, you can visit them all from the comfort of Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat. They’re all less than 20 minutes away by car from the retreat! Book your stay now, click here.

The post Top 4 Places to Visit In Janda Baik first appeared on Rest.Pause.