If you’re looking for a Bentong campsite within a farm that’s not too far from Kuala Lumpur, consider Bentong Farm Campsite for its scenic beauty and soothing hot springs.
Two onsen-temperature pools line the campsite close to the river for tired campers to soak aching muscles.
Set against a panoramic backdrop of cloud-capped mountains and starry skies, this rustic campsite near Selangor brings you close to nature with decent facilities!
How to Get to Bentong Farm Campsite (BFF)
There are 2 ways to get to BFF: using the Karak Highway, or the trunk road via Jalan Gombak. During the long holidays, the Karak Highway halts to a standstill at the Batu Caves infamous crossroad.
The trunk road, on the other hand, detours away from the traffic. However, if you are prone to car sick, the winding road makes the journey worse!
Finally, look out for the turn-off to the campsite on your right which can be easily missed as there is no signage.
Campsite Layout
The campsite sits on a mildly undulating ground comprising of 2 tiers, namely one that runs parallel to the river (lots 1 - 9, 16 – 18) and an upper deck (the remaining lots).
We pitched our tent close to the river and beside the hot spring (lots 16, 17 18). While these lots are bigger than most others, they face the sun's full brunt from 11 am onwards.
Facilities At Bentong Fruits Farm (BFF) Campsite
Both spring water pools prove to be extremely popular.
During the day, children frolic and play there, while adult chatter breaks the silence late into the night. The water in the pool is piped from the nearby hot spring, while water through the taps is filtered from the river behind the campsite for consumption.
2 blocks of washing area is equipped with dishwashing liquid, a hair dryer, and sufficient plug points to charge your gadgets. There’s also a Coway water filter that provides unlimited, clean drinking water. You can also store meat and perishables in a freezer.
The 9 toilet cubicles prove to be adequate for the fully occupied campsite that holds 22 campers.
Come nightfall, the campsite is in pitch darkness as there are no additional lights at the camping ground. Be sure to bring along additional lights to hang at the top of the tents so you won’t have to grope in the dark.
Nevertheless, the bejeweled sky is filled with sparkling stars of different colors – a beautiful sight to behold.
When the clouds blanket the sky and the stars are no longer visible, take heed that rain is just minutes away.
Pet-Friendly Campsite
The owner has 2 mongrels on-leashed most of the time. So this pet-friendly campsite attracts doggos of different breeds, and other fur babies too.
Areas for Improvement
(from left to right: Different views of the narrow, dammed river)
While mangosteen trees dot this picturesque landscape, its leaves are not lush enough to shade campers from the scorching sun. The river has been dammed and narrowed. This reduces the water surface which in turn affects its ability to cool its surrounding temperature.
From 11 am to 3 pm, the unrelenting sun torches the lots on the right. So choose your spot wisely and bring along additional stand fans to beat the heat.
Planting more trees could help buffer the campers from the heat. If you need respite from the heat, head over to the gazebo where a stand fan provides some relief.
Water pressure is a little weak compared to the usual currents from at-home taps. But it’s decent enough to clean the pots and pans.
As for the Coway water filter, water volume trickles to a halt especially when campers attempt to fill a liter full of water.
Cleanliness
During our 3-day, 2-night stay at Bentong Fruits Farm, the garbage was left to stack at a corner of the site. Garbage bins can be seen piling to the brim and over-spilling, and the staff on-site cleans them out only based on a schedule.
The toilets were not cleaned daily and were probably cleaned after all the campers left on the third day.
Activities
Apart from dipping in the spring water pool and exploring the river, there isn’t much to do. Bring along board games, reading materials, and toys for kids or organize games to keep them occupied.
Campsite Distance To Parking Area
You can park close to your campsite lot, which means unloading and packing up is easier.
There is ample parking space at this Bentong campsite too.
Phone Coverage
Phone coverage here is on par with city standards. So you need not bring along a dongle or worry about an unstable connection.
Price
The price per lot starts from RM100, with more spacious sites priced at RM180. Pricing is moderate but neither is it cheap, and it will likely defray the cost to run the hot spring.
Bentong Fruits Farm Campsite Review: Conclusion
The heat at BFF can be scorching and planting more trees can help to protect campers against the weather.
While the amenities are complete, it doesn’t come close to glamping facilities. There are areas for improvement, like more powerful water pressure and on-site hygiene.
The river is narrow and damned with concrete, so it loses its natural appeal. The water turns murky at times due to the upstream ECRL rail development. But there are fishes swimming at the edges – evidence that water quality is decent enough to support life.
Given that it has all the amenities to support a decent camping experience, BFF attracts family and friends looking for an escapade away from the city life.
If you enjoy basking in the hot spring, then this campsite is perfect for you.
Address: Jalan Kuala Lumpur, Batu 9, Lama, 28700 Bentong, Pahang
Business Hours: 9 am – 6 pm (daily)
Contact: 019-662 5668
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