This patch of Eden is called The Bentong Farm in Pahang. And the upcoming Hari Raya holidays are as good a time as any to take a trip there with the kids in tow.
Located approximately 80 km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre, the 27-acre farm is home to more than 100 species of animals and 60 types of vegetable and fruit trees.
Speaking to FMT about the concept of the farm, park manager Rajagopal Yagambram, 37, said visitors are encouraged to walk into the enclosures here to see the animals up close.
“There are rangers who will explain interesting facts about the animals as we want to make it fun, especially for children,” he said.
The farm, which opened in October 2021, comes under the same management team of Klang Valley’s Farm in the City and KL Tower Mini Zoo.
The FMT team took a tour of the sprawling farm and here are among the team’s favourite animals – although choosing was a hard task indeed!
The sulcata tortoise looked like it just stepped out of a Jurassic Park set. It is said that the tortoise – the third largest species in the world – has a lifespan of between 50 to 150 years.
And then, there are the super adorable meerkats. Members of the mongoose family, they live in groups of up to 30 – and they are led by an alpha female!
When it comes to the baby bunnies, it can be tempting to cuddle one (or every one of them). However, Rajagopal shared that this is only permitted after the baby bunnies are a few months old and have gotten more comfortable with human touch.
The African Pygmy hedgehogs are a big hit with visitors. Despite the fierce-looking spines on its back, they are absolutely adorable!
The Victoria crowned pigeon is a striking sight with its beautiful blue plumage and elegant fan-shaped crest. It is said they are gregarious birds who typically travel in pairs or small groups as they search for food.
Other interesting animals include the pink-backed pelicans, Shetland ponies, deer, and pygmy donkeys.
Calming greens
In the vegetable and fruit garden are fruit trees of every kind – guava, jackfruit, mangosteen, rose apple, and pomelo, among others.
“We don’t use any pesticides or chemicals, so we are 100% organic,” Rajagopal said.
The trail around the garden is scenic with streams, ponds, and waterfalls. The presence of these trees, many of which are rare in the city, add to the overall serenity of the farm.
Other highlights include a quaint well, which Rajagopal said was built so children can experience for themselves what it was like to draw water in the good old days before plumbing was available.
There is also a replica of an Orang Asli house, which Rajagopal said was built to introduce visitors to the community as the farm is located within an Orang Asli village.
There are also giant replicas of a mangosteen, ginger, and durian on the farm – offering visitors some Instagrammable shots for sure.
Hit with a hunger pang after all that walking? Pop into the café along the trail selling snacks and beverages. As adults take a breather here, there are activities in the vicinity to keep the kids occupied like pony rides and “longkang” (drain) fishing.
“Drain fishing is an activity that we recreated because it’s something we used to do as our pastime. But these days, it’s quite difficult to find a proper place to do this. However, the concept here is ‘catch and release’ as we just want our visitors to enjoy the moment,” Rajagopal said. True enough, the loud bursts of laughter came mostly from the adults!
And as one leaves the tranquil farm, rejuvenated from interacting with animals and basking in nature, it is hard to resist planning a second trip back.
Follow The Bentong Farm on Facebook and Instagram, or visit its website.
The Bentong Farm
Lot 6239-6241
Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Lebak
Batu 3, Jalan Chamang
28700 Bentong
Pahang
Business hours:
- 10.00am–6.00pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
- 9.30am–6.00pm (Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, school holidays)
- Closed every Tuesday, except on public holidays and school holidays
Admission rates:
- Adults: RM68 (With MYKAD: RM48)
- Children: RM58 (With MYKAD: RM38)
- Senior citizens: RM58 (With MYKAD: RM38)
Hari Raya MYKAD Promotion (April 19–May 7)
- Family package: RM159 nett for two adults and two children.
- Free for children under 90cm in height.
- For group bookings, contact 010-283 3655 or email [email protected]. (Minimum 30 pax).