Nestled near the Titiwangsa mountain range, the town is surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills, making it a nature lover’s favorite destination in Malaysia (BETONG THAILAND THINGS TO DO).
Trip to Bentong, Pahang
Bentong is
about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive (around 70 km) from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak
Highway. For a slower, scenic route, the older trunk roads are ideal. This
route passes near Genting Highlands (via an exit), continues toward Karak town,
and connects to Raub if you turn north from Bentong via Route 8.
Located close to the Selangor border, Bentong has a unique mix of laid-back Pahang vibe with a touch of Selangor’s energy, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed, free-and-easy getaway. However, be prepared for occasional traffic congestion, even on weekdays, due to narrow roads. Parking in town can also be limited, so planning ahead is recommended (CRAB ISLAND/PULAU KETAM SIGHTSEEING).
Planning a day trip or an overnight stay in
Bentong? Visiting on a weekday allows a casual walk around town to view
available accommodation. In‑town options are generally easy to find and include
motels, small rooms, or simple guesthouses.
Online booking
is recommended during peak travel seasons, as Bentong can get busy on weekends
and public holidays. Most options in town are modest, including small hotels,
budget motels, and basic rooms. Staying closer to the town center makes it
convenient to reach local shops and eateries, while nature retreats or
homestays outside town provide a quieter environment surrounded by greenery.
When selecting
accommodation, consider transport and accessibility. If staying outside the
town center, ensure there is easy access by car. Basic amenities such as Wi-Fi
or breakfast vary between properties, so check in advance if needed.
The choice of
accommodation can also depend on trip type: for a quick day trip, in-town
options are sufficient, while for a relaxed nature escape, properties further
out may be more suitable.
Things
to Do in Bentong, Pahang
Truth be told, there aren’t many things to do in Bentong, Pahang. In fact,
there’s literally no sightseeing in Bentong. It’s really about getting away
from the bustling cities and enjoying a stroll through old town Bentong.
What makes it meaningful is the feeling of
returning to an old town where life seems to have stayed as it was back then.
Not much has changed. Bentong town is still preserved with classic Chinese
shops lining the streets.
A walk can begin at Jalan Chui Yin, the main commercial stretch, also known as Bentong Walk, which hosts a weekend night market. From there, the stroll can continue to Jalan Loke Yew, where the heritage vibe of Bentong remains untouched.
Bentong Market
A typical Malaysian market, but Bentong Market has its own charm. It bustles in the morning with locals and offers fresh produce like seafood, meats, homemade sauces, fruits, and street food. Mainly Chinese ingredients and homemade items. Some fruits may be unfamiliar, such as pulasan, a tropical fruit closely related to rambutan. Often sweeter than rambutan and lychee, it is popular thanks to Bentong fruit plantations.
Bentong Ginger
Bentong ginger is also a highlight at the morning market. Prized for its organic, natural quality, it is regarded as one of the best varieties in Malaysia. The ginger is freshly harvested and often still earthy, aromatic, and vibrant in color. Though Bentong ginger is now available throughout the country, picking it up fresh from the market is still a little special.
Street
Food in Bentong
Halal Food in Bentong
Bentong has food for everyone, including
halal options, mostly traditional Malay dishes. Street stalls appear at
different times of the day.
In the mornings, Bentong Pasar Tani (the
local farmer’s market) comes alive. Local farmers and traders sell fresh
vegetables, fruits, meats, herbs, flowers, and sauces. Among the stalls are
Malay breakfast and snack options like Nasi Lemak, noodles, and sweet or savory
cakes—easy to grab while moving through the market.
Street food continues throughout the day. Morning stalls have breakfast items, lunchtime features mix rice and other meals, and in the evening, tea-time snacks line the roadsides. Malay food in Bentong is worth trying for its homestyle flavors, affordability, and genuine taste.
Chinese
Food in Bentong
Bentong is definitely a top spot for Chinese food. From coffee shops, known
locally as kopitiams, to street stalls, the choices are plenty. Some of the
popular places include Thong Kee Kopitiam, Yong Kee Kopitiam, Restoran Anson,
and Kedai Kopi Seng Kee.
These eateries have the classics. Hainanese
Chicken Rice, Wanton Mee, Curry Mee and of course, old-school toast with coffee
or tea.
Things to Eat in Bentong
Beyond full meals, Bentong has no shortage of snacks, both sweet and savory.
Sold in canisters or freshly made, some local favorites include Tau Fu Fa, a
soft and silky homemade tofu pudding, and Bentong Ginger Ice Cream. Musang King
durians and durian-based treats like ice cream are also popular. Chinese
cookies and Bak Kwa, the sweet smoky grilled dried meat, are must-tries in
Bentong.
Bentong Hot Springs
Just a 20-minute drive from Bentong town, Bentong Hot Springs is nestled in a lush, green natural setting. The water here is naturally heated through geothermal activity, making it ideal for relaxation and therapeutic purposes. Soaking in the springs is said to ease muscle aches, reduce tension, and even improve sleep, attracting visitors looking for natural wellness experiences in Malaysia.
For a public option, the free roadside hot spring, Kolam Air Panas Bentong, is accessible to everyone. It has two pools with different water temperatures - hot and warm. The pools are open to the public, though using the toilet facilities may require a small fee. This makes it a convenient stop for as part of Bentong attractions.
For a more complete experience, Hot Spring Bentong is part of a 3-star resort. Guests staying at the resort have full access to the hot spring pools, which remain open until 11 p.m. Visitors not staying overnight can purchase a day pass per adult.
The resort features two large pools. One filled with hot spring water and another with cold water—along with a swimming pool and a children’s pool. Its natural surroundings and well-maintained facilities make it a key destination for those searching for hot springs near Bentong or relaxing resorts in Pahang.
