This 180-Acre 'Glamp' Site In Pahang Has A Waterfall, Tubing & Stunning Sunrises
There are options to camp, 'glamp', or stay in a villa.
By Tamara Jayne — 17 Apr 2024, 05:26 PM
Nestled within a 180-acre estate, bordering a forest reserve, lies a tranquil nature retreat just a 1.5-hour drive from KL city
Situated in Karak, Bentong, Zen Forest Retreat offers a villa, as well as various campsites and 'glamping' options for those seeking to escape the confines of their laptops, breathe in fresh air, and perhaps even 'touch some grass'.
Within the retreat, there's a waterfall, fish pond, organic farm, and plenty of activities for all ages.
The villa comes with a view of the stream, and can accommodate up to seven guests comfortably, with four bedrooms and two toilets
If you bring more guests, the retreat can provide up to four extra mattresses for an additional RM99 each, but the maximum number of guests is 11.
You can also book a single room, however, they only offer that during weekdays, depending on availability.
The villa is about a one-minute walk to the stream.
These are included during your stay:
1. Breakfast
2. Transportation service within Zen Forest (including 6.30am pick up from villa to summit for sunrise viewing)
3. A tour guide service that takes you on activities such as sunrise and sea of clouds viewing, rubber tapping, and palm oil harvesting experience
4. Visit Zen Forest Organic Farm and harvest your own fruits. Guests are welcome to purchase organic fruits if you wish to bring them back home.
5. Free 30-minute ATV and bicycle rides for villa guests
Guests can cook their own lunch and dinner. A barbecue rack and kitchen equipment are free to use. The retreat also provides pots and pans, an air fryer pressure cooker, charcoal for the barbecue, kitchen utensils, and porcelain tableware.
There are also several restaurants within a 15- to 25-minute driving distance from the site if you're not in the mood to cook.
If you're up for more of an adventure, there are multiple campsites on the premises where you can pitch a tent and sleep under the stars
There are campsites near the waterfall or stream, or on the summit, where you can wake up to a panoramic sunrise view overlooking forested mountains and a sea of mist.
All of the campsites have separate washrooms with heaters.
Depending on which campsite you book, there are also:
- hammocks or swings
- a campfire pit
- plug points
- a first-aid kit
- a freezer
If you don't have camping equipment, you can book the 'glamping' package, where the team will take care of everything, right from setting up the tent to dismantling it
Cooking equipment, breakfast, and activities around the retreat will also be included during your stay.
Some of the activities you can do include taking a cool dip at the waterfall, floating on a tube along the stream, trying your hand at rubber tapping, picking your own seasonal fruits from the organic farm, or riding ATVs and cycling
For adventure-seekers and hiking lovers, there's also a 45-minute stream trekking activity to a hidden spot in the 'Zen Forest'.
Most of the activities are free for guests, except for the rubber tapping/palm oil harvesting experience and pure kelulut honey tasting experience, which cost RM10 per person.The ATV (RM100/hour) and bicycles (RM10/hour) are also available for rent. Villa guests get 30-minute complimentary rides.
You can find out more info about Zen Forest Malaysia here:
