26/06/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | JUNE 26, 2026

12

SMALL TOWN WONDERS

Eight fascinating places in Bentong

o Guide for one-day trip to Pahang town nestled in hills

The Bentong Farm entrance. – PIC FROM BENTONG FARM

The waters of the Chamang Waterfall are typically pristine. – PIC FROM TRIPADVISOR

Ű BY NOEL WONG YAN MING

Chamang Waterfall This recreational spot is easily and conveniently accessed, with no need for a long hike through the dense forest. The water cascades down a gentle slope, before pooling in a vast, rocky basin that has shallow pools, perfect for families with little ones who want to bathe safely. It helps that the water is very clear, though it can turn quite murky if it was raining recently. Do be warned the falls draw large crowds, so prepare beforehand. Also, the currents can be dangerously treacherous. Always be careful of where you and your loved ones are wading through.

J UST over an hour’s drive away from Kuala Lumpur, Bentong is a perfect getaway for folks tired of hectic city life. Surrounded by forested hills, the agricultural town is also equally famous for its ginger and other farm products. However, there are more than just farms to check out for the curious visitor and here is a handy guide to what is interesting in these parts.

The temple draws people in need of financial breakthroughs. – PIC FROM TRIP.COM

God of Wealth Temple Having money issues? Might be wise to ask for divine intervention at this particular temple in Bentong.While not the town’s oldest surviving Chinese temple, this one, dedicated to the Chinese fortune god Caishen, is popular among visitors. There should be no trouble finding this temple, as the road leading to it is lined with colourful flags. It apparently received a facelift relatively recently, with the previous iteration being a lot simpler compared to its grand building today. According to locals, Singaporeans visit quite often, with most apparently hoping to strike lucky with the lottery. In any case, the place is often bustling with devotees, with many large incense sticks left burning. If you are unfamiliar with prayer rituals, worry not as your fellow devotees are often eager to be helpful.

A shrine at the retreat.– PIC FROM KECHARA FOREST RETREAT

The Bentong Farm A sibling of Farm in the City in Selangor’s Seri Kembangan, The Bentong Farm is just eight minutes away from Bentong town. This animal centre covers 27 acres of land, populated by landscaped water features, helping people unwind and stay cool during sweltering afternoons. The animal residents here include exotic but tame animals such as alpacas, lemurs, wallabies and macaques. These creatures are generally safe to be interacted with, even by children. Just be respectful of their existence and comfort! Other than fauna, there is also plenty of flora to admire, with over 80 types of local fruit trees and vegetables growing on the grounds. For the adventurous, all-terrain vehicles are available for rent, so you can go and get that adrenaline spike you so crave. Afterwards, take a dip in the Monkey Spring, a manmade pool designed specially for that purpose.

The Bentong Gallery tells the history of the town. – PIC FROM BENTONG GALLERY

Bentong Gallery Bentong Gallery is the town museum, which tells the tale of how the town was developed via trade, tin mining and agriculture. The gallery is actually housed within well-preserved shoplots which used to be owned by Loke Yew, a famous Chinese entrepreneur. Inside the gallery are three halls, each with its own purpose of telling a different part of Bentong’s story. Once you are loaded up on historical facts, why not check out the gallery’s cafe and souvenir shop?

The soy sauce factory is over 40 years old. – PIC FROM JANDABAIK.COM.MY

The hot springs at Erya by Suria. – ERYABYSURIAPIC

Raka Hill offers a lovely view of Bentong town. – PIC FROM TRIP.COM

Kicap Bentong Factory Soy sauce is a pillar of Malaysian Chinese cuisine and learning how it is made might make you value it all the more. Located in the industrial district of Bentong is an old soy sauce factory that has been around since 1980. The factory is open to visits but if you desire a guided tour, it is advisable to call ahead of your visit. At first glance, you might be surprised to see the factory resembles a two-storey shophouse more than a mechanised factory. This building houses the factory’s offices, and it is the open area next to it where the magic happens. Here, you can see rows of fermentation jars, some of which are see through, so you can see the fermented beans soaking inside. Finding out how soy sauce is made is an informative experience, and you might be tempted to buy yourself some soy sauce products before heading home!

Bentong Hot Spring Since ancient times, people have been bathing in hot springs, believing doing so is beneficial to their health. If you would like to continue this human tradition, Bentong has some hot springs for you to dive into, though probably not literally. The hot spring is open to the public with free admission, and there are plenty of parking spaces available. There are two pools for you to take a dip in, though the maintenance leaves something to be desired. For that reason, some people prefer to wet their toes at most. Alternatively, you could book a room at the hotel next door, which also has hot springs which are more presentable. A wellness retreat where you take a day to immerse yourself in mineral-rich waters sounds like a plan, does it not?

Kechara Forest Retreat Did you know Bentong is home to Malaysia’s largest Tibetan Buddhist temple? You can find it at Kechara Forest Retreat, a place perfect for people seeking a spiritual and meditational experience. This 35-acre retreat centre is nestled within a resplendent forest enclave that doubles as sacred ground. Here, you can pay respects to the ancient, holy pantheon of Tibetan deities while taking time to contemplate life at holy sites. For the young and the young at heart, they can spend time visiting the Aviary, which is home to many birds, some of which were rescued from dismal living conditions. There is also an on-site farm where produce is grown organically before being used for cooking at the in-house cafe.

Raka Hill Given how scrumptious the food in Bentong is, it might be a good idea to burn those calories via an intensive workout. Thus, a hike up the nearby Raka Hill might be just the thing for folks who love keeping fit. Do note that hiking here requires a permit, so do not show up here out of the blue, please! This mountain has two trails, both of which are well-marked with signposts all along the trail. Trail A is the shorter option but has steep ascents while Trail B is longer but is more accessible to beginners. Once you get to the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Bentong town nestled in the valley below.