What to do in Bentong, Pahang: A Simple Trip

It was a spur-of-the-moment trip to Bentong, Pahang - a chance to explore the town and see what it had to offer. Located about an hour and a half drive from Selangor, Bentong is a small town in the heart of Pahang. We set off on a quiet weekday with no real plans, ready to let the journey unfold as it would (TOP THINGS TO DO IN BETONG, THAILAND). 

While Bentong was once a peaceful town, it has now grown with more visitors and activity. Even on a weekday, the traffic was busy, and finding a parking spot was a bit tricky. After finally parking, we began our stroll through the town to check out the coffee shops.

Thong Kee Kopitiam
We stopped at Thong Kee Kopitiam, a local spot bustling even at 11:00 a.m. We ordered Wanton Mee, Pan Mee, Chicken Rice, and hot drinks. The food was decent, not exceptional -just the kind of comfort food you’d find at many kopitiams in Malaysia. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it was still a good experience. Sometimes, it’s these simple, unassuming places that make travel more interesting. You never know what you might find when you explore on your own.

Hot Spring Bentong
After walking around and looking for a place to stay, we decided to head over to Hot Spring Bentong, a bit off the main road. None of the other options we saw caught our eye, so we figured this would be a good place to unwind. The room was cozy, though we had a few issues with the WiFi and water heater. After a chat with the staff, the water heater was fixed, and we were good to go (PENANG SIGHTSEEING DESTINATIONS).

We were excited to try out the hot spring but were met with heavy rain. Disappointed, we decided to skip the springs and have some fried mee for dinner instead. After a simple meal, we called it a night. The next morning, we had a buffet breakfast included with our stay. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to start the day. Overall, Hot Spring Bentong offered a peaceful spot to relax and recharge in the middle of nature.

Market Bentong
By 9:00 a.m., we checked out and headed into Bentong town. We strolled through the streets, exploring the shops, where you can find all sorts of Chinese ingredients and food items. Our next stop was market Bentong, a bustling place filled with fresh produce, local snacks, and various goods. 

The atmosphere had a nostalgic feel to it - no rush, just taking our time to explore. We couldn't leave without picking up some of the famous Bentong Ginger, known for its organic, natural quality. It's regarded as some of the best in Malaysia. After purchasing the ginger, we bid farewell to Bentong and made our way toward Fraser's Hill.

We didn’t visit every tourist spot this time, and we skipped Bukit Tinggi, having already visited it in the past. This trip wasn’t about ticking off a list of attractions; it was about enjoying a slower, more spontaneous journey. Bentong offered us a chance to relax, enjoy some simple meals, and explore at our own pace. If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Selangor or just want to experience a different side of Pahang, Bentong is worth a visit.

(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).