You can easily take a day trip for some top things to do in Bentong, Western Pahang, Malaysia.
An hour of the journey will take you from the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur to a quaint, charming town with friendly locals.
When you reach the expressway, the route quickly changes to a narrow, winding road weaving through thick forests.
The drive will take you over a barrier of mountains, the Titiwangsa Range (Malay: Banjaran Titiwangsa), which forms the backbone of the Malay peninsula.
Top things to do in Bentong
There are plenty of activities to do in Bentong for a day trip.
The best is to have more time for a 2D1N stay to enjoy the small town.
Interesting towns are an excellent option for the locals for the long weekends.
If you’re visiting Malaysia for the first time, you will enjoy this short trip away from the city.
I did a 2D1N trip, which included eating delicious Pahang Durian, eating local food in Bentong, drinking coffee, and staying at a resort with a river tubing activity.
Where is Bentong?
Bentong is a district in Western Pahang, Malaysia.
Selangor borders it on the west and Negeri Sembilan on the south.
Bentong is a mere 80 km drive from Kuala Lumpur across the main range, Titiwangsa Mountains.
Genting Highlands and Bukit Tinggi are in Bentong District of Pahang.
Travel time from Kuala Lumpur to Bentong
Reaching Bentong from Kuala Lumpur is easy using the highway.
If you start your journey at 8.00 am, you will reach Bentong by 9.00 am.
The shortest route is 58 min (68.3 km) via Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur – Gua Musang/E8.
Is there any famous food in Bentong?
While this small town in Pahang is famous for its Bentong Ginger, locally produced Bentong Soy Sauce, and Bentong Tofu Puff, other local delicacies are to try.
there are lots of local delicacies to try in Bentong
Bentong Morning Market
The first pit stop for visitors is the wet market, a hive of weekend activity.
You get to experience a lively morning vibe and blend in with the daily life of the locals.
Most shoppers are Malaysian retirees on a one-day tour of Bentong on a popular itinerary of shopping, simple meals, and sightseeing.
Business in the wet market is brisk over the weekends, as tourists mostly buy the Bentong Ginger and Bentong Soy Sauce.
Malaysians like the health benefits of Bentong Ginger compared to a poor man’s ginseng.
Chinese mothers take this during confinement to help dispel wind from their bodies after giving birth.
Local Fruit and Vegetables
The fruit traders are the friendliest I have ever met.
They offer tasting samples of freshly cut fruit you can try before buying.
I’ve tasted the best “super sweet” pineapples, which are golden, juicy, and fragrant MD2 (bananas comosus)
- Bentong Ginger
- Petai
- Guinea eggs
- Salak (Salacca endulis) or Snake fruit
- Durian
- Turkey Berry (Pokok Terung Pipit)
- Asam Gelugor or Assam Keping (Garcinia atroviridis)
The traders are welcoming and helpful. Many would even share recipes on cooking the raw ingredients in soups, dishes, and even curries.
The people in small towns are proud that visitors admire who they are and what they have — the old town charm.
Bentong Morning Market | Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia |Opening Hours: 5 AM – 10 AM
Bentong Morning Market
Top things to do in Bentong – Thong Kee Coffee Shop
Small towns still have the simple grandfather’s era Tong Kee Kopitiam, where morning Coffee is a must.
- Ice Butter Toast, crispy hot toasts with melting butter
- 6 minutes eggs with Bentong’s soya sauce and pepper powder
- 1+1 signature drink, which is coffee, is mixed with red tea
Try their Egg Sandwiches, Hainanese butter kaya toast, and croissant butter kaya toast
Thong Kee is about 5 5-minute walk from the wet market.
Just walk along the Bentong Walk road and look for the shop sign.
Thong Kee Coffee Shop | 4, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong Town, Pahang, Malaysia | Business Hour: 5.00 am to 4.00 pm daily
Local Kopitiam scene in Malaysia with customers sometimes sharing tables to eat together.
Get Your Durian Fix in Bentong
There are two places you could go during the Durian season. I prefer to head towards Bentong Wet Market.
The durian prices are reasonable, and you get to experience eating on makeshift tables and plastic stools by the roadside.
Alternatively, you could join a trip to one of the durian orchards.
Jimmy’s Durian Orchard is a family-owned orchard that offers 100% organic durians. The entrance to the orchard is free.
However, the prices for the durians vary based on the specific type and weight.
Some types of durians are available
- D24
- Tekka
- Musang King
Jimmy’s Durian Orchard | Jalan Lama Bentong – Karak, 28600 Karak, Pahang, Malaysia | Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Daily)
Hidden Trails Top things to do in Bentong
Aside from marketing and eating, the sleepy town of Bentong is surrounded by lush greenery, beautiful waterfalls, and serene rivers.
Rediscover nature with waterfall hikes, jungle trekking, and river tubing in the tranquil tropical forest of Pahang.
Two lovely tourist spots are the Bentong Hot Springs and the Chamang Waterfall.
River Tubing Activity
River tubing is a relaxing activity every one of all fitness levels can participate in and enjoy.
You can have a splashing corporate team building and family bonding activity, floating down the river using a tube.
One of the best ways to experience a relaxing water-based activity is river tubing in Malaysia’s relaxing, scenic river.
The Waterway Villa in the forest of Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, is a retreat where you can enjoy fresh air and a stunning view of the tropical rainforest.
The Waterway Villa | Bukit Tinggi, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
If You Want To Stay The Night In Bentong
Check Hotel Availability Here.
River Tubing Activity at The Waterway Villa in the forest of Bukit Tinggi, Pahang.
Bentong Hot Springs
Malaysians enter the natural Bentong Hot Springs to soak their tired legs.
You will sweat as the hot spring aids relaxation.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, warm water works wonders to relieve pain, with effects that last long after your soak.
For maximum therapeutic health benefits, doctors recommend soaking for up to 20 minutes, combined with gentle stretches in the water.
The hot spring is a natural asset the locals enjoy sharing with visitors.
The hot springs are open to the public, and Admission is FREE.
Bentong Hot Springs | Lot 2527, Mukim kilometers, 26700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Opens Daily | Admission: Free for the public hot spring
Chamang Waterfall
Going deep in the pathways, you will find the beautiful Chamang Waterfall, the best attraction in Bentong.
This waterfall has a scenic view surrounded by natural beauty and lush greenery.
You can picnic, dip your feet in the calm waters, and take photos.
For parents with small children, watch those under your care closely.
Check the weather forecast before going to rivers and waterfalls.
When it rains in the hills, the water volume will increase.
As with most waterfalls, the steep rocks are wet and slippery. Please proceed with caution and be careful to stay away from the swiftly moving water.
If you are a MyKad holder, it only costs you RM3 per entry fee.
Chamang Waterfall | 28700 Bentong, Pahang | Tel: 017-366 6223 | Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Learn History at Bentong Gallery
Bentong Gallery is a historical museum in a century-old shophouse on Jalan Loke Yew.
The gallery has three exhibition halls focusing on Mr. Loke Yew’s contribution to the tin mining industry and its early development.
Bentong Gallery – Historical place museum |17-18, Jalan Loke Yew, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia | Opening Hours: Mon-Tues & Thurs-Sun 10 am to 7 pm | Admission is FREE
Bentong Gallery – Historical place museum
Experience Peace and Tranquility at Kechara Forest Retreat
Kechara Forest Retreat is a 35-acre spiritual retreat and wellness center within the forest enclave of Bentong.
You can experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions here if you want serenity and solitude.
You can join a meditation retreat here.
Kechara Forest Retreat | Lot 3189, Jalan Chamang, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia | Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Visitors on tour buses are welcomed to Kechara Forest Retreat in the hills of Bentong, Pahang.
Take a Stroll at Bentong Walk
Bentong Walk only takes place on Saturday evenings.
You can check out colorful murals and street performances and try local food and products on sale at the Night Market.
Bentong Walk | 92, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong, Pahang | Opening Hours: 5.30 pm to 10 pm (Saturdays Only)
Lemang To’ki
The entrance to Lemang To’ki along the main road of Jalan Tras is marked with giant bikes parked outside.
They make Lemang from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and salt wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in a bamboo stick.
They make the delicious Lemang from glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk in hollowed bamboo sticks.
They usually eat Lemang with Beef Rendang, Chicken Curry, or grilled fish, Durian or Tapai.
At Lemang To’ki, you can watch the cooks roast chicken over an open fire.
The restaurant is an excellent value for money, with good food, live music, and a pleasant ambiance.
Travel Tip: Go early to beat the crowds and place orders for the grilled chicken as they sell these quickly.
Lemang To’ki | Batu 2, Jalan Tras, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia | Business Hours: 7.00 am to 7.00 pm | Closed on Monday
Locals in Bentong enjoy a meal of Lemang with Curry Chicken.
Conclusion for Top things to do in Bentong, Pahang
Bentong is a destination that you can visit any time of the year.
The natural wonders, durian orchard, wet market, and incredible Kopitiam culture guarantee a big, happy smile!
Durian, Petai, and Bentong Ginger lovers will appreciate the abundance of these three produce found in Bentong Market.
Recommendations include a 2D1N stay in this charming town.
If You Want To Stay The Night In Bentong
Check Hotel Availability Here.
