By: Mymuslimin.com
We’d been talking about exploring Bentong for a while — the name always came up whenever people mentioned good food, fresh air, and that nostalgic “bandar lama” feel. So finally, a couple of weeks ago, we made it happen. Just a simple day trip, no big plans, just good intentions and the hope for some good makan.
Lemang To’ki
First stop: Lemang To’ki — a name that’s popped up on more makan shows and FB reels than I can count. Famous for serving lemang with rendang not just on Raya mornings, but every single day of the week. That alone deserves a visit.
And Alhamdulillah, the place didn’t disappoint. The lemang was soft and smoky, the rendang rich and tender, and the ayam bakar… let’s just say, we understood the hype. Simple food done right.
Interesting too was how there were tables and tables of visitors from Singapore who basically ordered and tried everything. And it wasn’t even a weekend!
Bentong Gallery
Next, we made our way to Bentong Gallery, housed in beautifully restored shophouses once owned by the town’s mining pioneer and early investor, Loke Yew. Entry was free and the gallery was a quiet gem. Inside, we found:
Hall 1: The town’s early tin-mining history, with black-and-white photos and maps that make you pause.
Hall 2: A more tourism-focused section, great for first-timers — with a detailed town map and nearby attractions.
Hall 3: Honouring local heroes — from Sultans to MPs, and Bentong’s own community leaders.
There’s also a nice little café attached — BG Café — and a shop selling local specialties like Bentong ginger, kicap Bentong, and ice cream in flavours like Musang King and kacang merah. We lingered longer than expected.
Town Driveabout
We then took a slow drive around Bentong town — just to see what life’s like for the locals. Plenty of old-school kopitiams, grocery stores, and corner lots that looked like they’d been there since the early 1900s. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone. And looking at the elderly residents sitting outside sipping coffee or walking unhurriedly along the five-foot ways, we could see it — that quiet contentment. Life here runs at its own pace.
Masjid Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah & Local Durian
We also stopped by the town’s main masjid — Masjid Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah. A brief visit, but enough to soak in the peacefulness and take a quiet moment before hitting the road again.
And since it was durian season, we did the necessary — sat down at one of the roadside stalls and ate a couple of Bentong durians. Creamy, not-too-sweet, and perfect.
Janda Baik Detour
On the way home, we took a slight detour to Janda Baik for coffee. It was a weekday, so we had the cool hills pretty much to ourselves. Just the sound of birds, breeze, and the aroma of hot latte. A serene end to a well-spent day.
Would we go again? Absolutely.
Bentong may not be loud or flashy, but it quietly wins you over — one bite, one story, one roadside smile at a time. InsyaAllah, we’ll be back.
mymuslimin.com 
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