Farmstay in Bentong, Pahang

I was scouting for a farmstay holiday the past month and after much reading online I decided to contact a permaculture farm in Lenggong, Perak named Ladang Teh Lenggong (Lenggong Tea Plantation). Apparently it used to be a tea plantation until it shut down in the 80s.

Plan had a change after a friend informed me about a farm in Bentong. I attended their talk in town and turns out they just launched a 'mini land lease' scheme. For a small fee which includes ten 2D1N stay one gets to rent a tiny piece of land to farm on. 

So off we went on Saturday, November 8th for Bentong (slightly over 80km away). Traffic was light and we drove at a somewhat leisurely speed. We reached the farm, GY Happy Farm about 2.30pm and the coolness was a welcome reprieve from the humidity and pollution back home. This is what 'greeted' us. Looking good so far.

I like!

 Gorgeous Nicole and Lavenders

Papaya Trees

Drip Agri System

Next we drove out to the Chamang waterfall about 5km away to hook up with Pastor Caleb and the main party. The site is a popular haunt for both locals and out of town folks too.

Check-in time into the little chalet. Spartan but it will suffice. Next to the canteen for a welcome and introduction to the farm's vision. The owner, Mr Gan's vision is to emulate the Israeli kibbutz way of life - sounds like a plan from my heart. Well the way prices of daily necessities are rising there may come a day not too long where a communal farm is the wiser option. Brings to mind a 70s song that goes, "a piece of bread could buy a bag of gold".

Day Two and I slept well. We got up at six am and gathered at 7 am to take a 15 or so minute trek up to the Prayer  Mountain. The view from up here was awesome. We stood in the clouds. Worship began soon after and Pastor Phillip and entourage from Kuala Lumpur arrived bringing with them half a dozen shofars and banners. Far out!

Next agenda - the goat farm. The farm enquired and were gifted forty Boer (South African) goats by our Agri Dept. The children had a blast playing with the baby goat. 

 (above) Specimen from prawn farm (below) Red Tilapias

Nic planting a Roselle sapling

Overall we had a great time. Granted that the owners are newbie farmers I think they are on the right track. I dream of the day the kibbutz becomes reality. I shall return. Hopefully very soon.

I'm city born but I love the country life