Farm stay in Bentong, Malaysia

MONDAY, January 11, 2016

Old MacDonald had a farm … so the nursery rhyme goes. But we’re not talking about that kindergarten song. Nor are we talking about the “Happy Farm” social network game in the virtual world of smartphones and laptops.

Rather, I’m talking about a real life place called the GY Happy Farm that’s closer to home; in Bentong, Pahang.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like roughing it out on a farm, Malaysian-style, then you might want to pay this place a visit.

Located about 10km just outside Bentong town, the farm offers a unique experience where visitors can experience staying on a farm, waking up early for a sunrise trek through the countryside where vegetables and fruit are planted, and where animals like goats, chicken, fish and prawns are reared. But don’t worry, you don’t have to sleep on the proverbial haystack as there are chalets (with basic amenities).

My friends and I started driving out to Bentong in the morning. It was a hot day and on the way, we stopped for the famous ice-kacang in town. There are three coffeeshops that serve this: T.A.K. Ice Cream Corner on Jalan Chui Yin near the marketplace, plus Kedai Kopi Kow Po and Kedai Ais Krim both on Jalan Loke Yew.

The way to the farm is on the same road going towards Bentong’s famous Chamang Waterfall, a popular picnic and swimming spot with the locals.

Learn how vegetables and fruits are planted at GY Happy Farm in Bentong, Pahang.

By the time we arrived at the farm, it was afternoon and the heat was sweltering. We were shown to our accommodation for the night – little chalets with basic amenities like a standing fan, bed and small bathroom. Don’t expect towels, soap or shampoo in your room – it’s a farm, not a five-star resort!

There was no Wi-Fi and no TV (oh God, could we city slickers survive?) but I resisted the temptation to turn on the 3G data connection on my handphone. Instead, I went for a walk to check out the vegetable patch nearby.

Some other visitors had arrived earlier for the long weekend and were playing football in a nearby field. Other visitors had made their way to the nearby Chamang waterfall for a dip in the refreshing waters.

Home-cooked food at the GY Happy Farm. - MING TEOH/The Star

READ FULL STORY

http://www.star2.com/travel/malaysia/2016/01/09/live-near-your-food-farm-stay-in-bentong/