After breakfast, our next stop was an uphill hike behind the Betong Merlin Hotel to explore an intriguing temple. The temple, seemingly abandoned, stood quietly amidst the greenery, offering a peaceful, sweeping view over Betong town. We took in the scenery for about 30 minutes before heading back to our hotel, where we hopped into the tuk-tuk we’d arranged the night before. Our driver, seemingly channeling Speedy Gonzales, zoomed down the roads with little regard for speed limits.
With a tight grip on the tuk-tuk bars, it felt like a Formula 1 ride - but I enjoyed the thrill, soaking in the sights of Betong speeding past. Hungry again after our light breakfast, we asked the driver to take us to a noodle place. Instead, he pulled up at a Muslim eatery—a bit of an unexpected detour! With limited options, we ordered the local Betong Roti Canai, though it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression.
Our next destination was Wat Ki Lo Si Temple, a hilltop sanctuary that turned out to be an enchanting experience. Modest yet deeply authentic, the temple was filled with the gentle chimes of bells and gongs. Its serene surroundings invited reflection, and from its vantage point, Betong lay beautifully below, touched by the early morning breeze and the sun climbing like a bold, orange fire in the sky. I savored the quietude and the view before we continued our journey.
After about 20 minutes, we set off in the tuk-tuk again, on a winding path surrounded by wild durian trees and thick jungle. The road narrowed, barely traveled by anyone else, and soon we arrived at the famed Piyamit Tunnel. A shaded jungle path led us down stairs to the tunnel entrance, where we were greeted by a former communist fighter who shared his story of escaping from Malaysia to Betong. We probed a bit about the restricted passageways within the tunnel, but he remained tight-lipped - maybe these secrets stay hidden even today.
Beside the tunnel, we visited a museum displaying artifacts from the communist era, a somber reminder of a violent struggle I found difficult to glorify. After a moment at an outdoor altar, we entered the tunnel itself, joining a lively group of Chinese tourists as another former communist guided us. The tunnel was narrow and dim, just enough space for two people to walk side by side. We glimpsed what life might have been like underground, where they ate, slept, and perhaps even raised families. This dimly lit, cramped space was unlike any other sightseeing experience, leaving a strong impression.
Emerging from the tunnel, we trekked through the jungle until reaching the Piyamit Millennium Tree - a sprawling, ancient beauty with roots stretching across the earth. We lingered to take it all in, looping back to the entrance and indulging in a refreshing cold drink at one of the stalls outside, perfect for reviving our legs after the journey.
Next up was the Betong Hot Spring, a popular spot where tourists could unwind in a sprawling, park-like area. With the sun blazing down, we decided to dip our legs in, testing out the legendary healing properties of the thermal waters. A full bath wasn’t on our agenda, but locals swore by the health benefits of soaking in the warm waters for at least 20 minutes. After an hour or so, feeling refreshed, we made our way to lunch, still immersed in the charm and mystery Betong had to offer.
To be continued.
(Ms. Nava, a spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at the vibrant age of 58. With over 22 years as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling 365 days a year. However, she embarks on her enchanting 'Zen Journeys' whenever her yoga instruction, coaching, and counseling profits allow her to).
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