BENTONG

BENTONG

Bentong is an old time favorite place among Malaysian intending to visit Thailand. It is located near to Gerik, Perak - about 3 hours drive from Ipoh.

I used to go to Bentong in the early 2000s with my family member until it was declared unsafe to do so. 

Betong is an amazing small town hidden in the valley, the town rich of natural resources, multi-cultural and traditional ways of life. Locals earn their living by cultivating rubber plantations and fruits while others offer tourist services.

Betong is a Malay name meaning “bamboo” - it become an icon of the town – the Betong Municipality constructted a reinforced-concrete bamboo replica as a water tank at Suan Sud Siam (Public Park).

Historically, Betong has struggled against obstacles including distinct weather, wars and town establishment. Formerly named as Yarom, it was later althered to Betong to name it after a Tambon name when its administration centre moved from Ban Ha-ngud, Zone 1 to Ban Kampung Masjid, Zone 6, Tambon Betong in 1930.

LARGEST MAIL BOX IN WORLD

At the Betong town centre – one can take photograph with the biggest and tallest mailbox in the world – located on the corner of Sookayang Road, next to the Clock Tower. It is a symbol of Betong which is now renovated as 3.5 times bigger than the old one, in front of and both can be used regularly.

WADBUDAWAD TEMPLE

Wadbudawad Temple is a developing mode temple of Betong with the most beautiful and remarkable architectures and paintings, located on the hill on Ratanakij Road.

PHRA MAHATHAT JEDI PHRA BODDHADHUM PRAKRAD

Another interesting temple worth visiting is the Phra Mahathat Jedi Phra Boddhadhum Prakrad – is the biggest “Jedi of the South”, located in Buddhawad Temple, Ratanakij Road, on the hill.

Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Mongkolpayura Kesanonda Suphaphithan is the biggest Golden Buddha in Thailand which is parts by parts delivered from China by ship, surrounded with trees on Ratanakij Road. 

PIYAMITR TUNNEL SITE

Next, is the Piyamitr Tunnel is used to be a communist battle filed, it is now called a historical tunnel – both sides are surrounded with natural orchids – located at Piyamitra Village – 3-km from natural spa. Here, visitor can wriggle into the tunnel – to view the utensils, bed and kitchen left behind by the communists.

The Central Mosque – there is no evidence can disclse the history of this mosque except a narrated story from old generation that this mosque was built with 6 round log topped with 6 thatch roofs.

Kuan Im Temple – standing with the Sino architecture housing a 7-tier stupa, shrine with statues of Chinese gods and goddess – this temple gain fame from its superb viewpoint of Betong – becoming a tourist attraction.

HOT SPRING

Another interesting place is the Hot Spring, famous for spa in Betong, which is located at Bor-nam-ron (spa) village - 5-km from Betong – is believe that spa sinking is healthy.

I like the food in Betong especially the Betong Chicken – tender steamed chopped chicken flavored with soy sauce. Other popular dishes include - Steamed China Fish with Plums, Kao Yok (pork with taro marinated in herbs), Phak Nam (watercress)Kao Lam (sticky rice in bamboo), Chao Kuay (a Chinese-vegetable black jelly), Chogun orange, vermicelli noodle and traditional coffee.

Recommended 3D2N is sufficient for visitors to explore Betong, and do not missed the massage SPA, here.

SEPTEMBER 1, 1998, 2001, 2004