Believe me, word of mouth is actually a very powerful tool when used in the good way. It was a conversation between two friends that prompted me to visit Bukit Tinggi Bentong, in Pahang, Malaysia. I listened to my friend, then googled the place, and I was totally amazed. I had to go there.
What is so unique and glorious about this place? – you will ask. Well, Bukit Tinggi Bentong, popularly known as Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills, is a charming resort set at 2,700 feet above sea level. Designed in village style, it is listed amongst the top popular destination for visitors from around the nation, who go there to unwind with families and friends. One of the reason is surely the cool climate and comfortable atmosphere. Yet, there is more than just a resort to be discovered.
Located within a lush tropical rainforest, Bukit Tinggi Bentong was created by Berjaya Hotels and Resorts, built in the year 2000 and modelled after 16th century Colmar town, north-east of Alsace, France. The resort also incorporates architectural designs and elements from ancient surrounding villages of Riquewihr, Turckheim and Kaysersberg.
Colmar Tropicale website states that “the realization of this French-themed village derived from the wish list of Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, who upon his visit to the region of Alsace was so impressed that he inspired Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the founder of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, to replicate the actual Colmar town in Malaysia“.
Being a huge resort in an area of 80 acres, the resort offers quite a wide range of activities and places to visit for either families, groups and honeymooners.
Horse riding: For those interested in trying horse ridding, Bukit Tinggi Bentong is exactly what you are looking for. A registered Malaysian and British riding centre, sanctioned by Malaysian Equine Council and managed by a professional international coach as well as experienced horse whisperers, the place has an internationally qualified and professional team. All their horses are constantly trained, properly cared for and kept fit at championship standards. Furthermore, with 16 acres of rolling green hills, valleys, rainforest and open countryside, a horse ridding session there will be a most wonderful and unforgettable experience.
Sport Complex: In the sport complex, you can enjoy the facilities provided such as swimming pool, pool table, archery, squash court and gymnasium.
Adventure Park: Bukit Tinggi is complete with an adventure park offering activities such as flying fox, paint ball, jungle warfare, high rope obstacle course, canopy walk and rope climbing.
Japanese Village: This is one of my favourite places to visit. I like the architecture and relaxing feeling there. The garden was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kaio Ariizumi and built by a team of 22 skilled craftsmen from Japan. It consists of Tea House, Tatami Spa, Botanical Garden, Ryo Zan Tei Japanese Restaurant and Ume Tatami Suite. Do remember not to miss the opportunity to try Japanese traditional clothing, the Kimono.
Botanical Garden: At the Botanical Garden, you can see various types of plants and flowers.
Bukit Tinggi Bentong also has a golf course, an animal park, various entertainments, an international restaurant and a 6D Motion Ride.
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I found Bukit Tinggi Bentong to be a wonderful place, nicely decorated and arranged. Weather apart, this place amazed me for its views, activities and places to visit. Sure, you will need to take long walks, but walking is a healthy activity that should be practiced by everyone. By walking you release stress and tension while indulging in the magnificent views. Bukit Tinggi Bentong can be done as a daily visit, yet, to experience the place to its best, book a hotel and stay for the night.
Getting there
From Kuala Lumpur, you can either:
Drive there yourself: Take the Karak Highway to Kuantan and after the Genting Sempah rest area, take the junction on your right to Bukit Tinggi. I drove there, and the trip took me about 45-minutes at a time when traffic was minimal. It was a great adventure, since I love stopping where I fee, especially at shophouses to try the local food.
Take a bus: this is also a great option, buses leave from Berjaya Times Square
Tickets
Bukit Tinggi Bentong is open to public with a charge for adults of RM 13 and children at RM 8. Some facilities and the stay at the resort are charged extra. There are several horse riding packages you can choose from, from a 10 minutes to a 90 minutes ride, with prices for all pockets. At the Japanese Village, trying the Kimono is RM20. The restaurant provides different kind of food at prices to suit every budget.
For more information on this wonderful place, I suggest you visit their website at http://www.colmartropicale.com.my
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