Janda Baik Travel Guide

Meaning “the good widow” in the Malay language, Janda Baik is a small Malay hillside village (kampong) with a population of approximately 1,000 people. Janda Baik is located in Bentong, Pahang set amidst a narrow valley, bounded by thick tropical rainforest with picturesque streams and cool rushing waterfalls. The village is reachable within 45 kilometres, approximately an hour’s drive, north of Kuala Lumpur. Due to its strategic location, it is a popular holiday and recreational destination for city dwellers looking for a weekend escape.  

Address: Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang

Elephant Conservation Centre

Located in Kuala Gandah, 40 kilometres from Bentong, this centre is dedicated to rescuing and protecting Malaysia’s Asian elephants. Handfeeding and short elephant rides are held from 2.00pm - 3.45pm.

Tel: 603-9075 2872, Opening Hours: 10.00am – 4.30pm.

East Coast Cultural Centre

Janda Baik lies at the gateway to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the East Coast Cultural Centre (ECCC) is created to bring unique experiences from the east coast region where the Malay culture and traditions are deeply rooted. The ECCC lets you experience preparation of authentic Malay food, dress up in traditional songket and batik, watch a wayang kulit and introduce you to Malay games such as gasing, congkak and sepak raga.

Istana Lemuni is a collection of three historic wooden buildings featuring traditional Malay architecture that have been relocated to Janda Baik as part of a resort and exhibition space.

Janda Baik Discovery Walk

At the heart of Janda Baik is the Sungai Benus river, and this is where locals come to relax. It is ideally suited for a walk in the early evening when the temperature is cooler and the sun is golden.

Traditional Malay Spa

Relax with a traditional Malay Spa. Cinnamon, also known as kayu manis or sweet wood, is the main ingredient used in the spa.

Tudor House

Experience a bit of old Britannia in the Tudor House. A local Malay resident of Janda Baik fell in love with the historic Tudor houses of the United Kingdom, so much so that upon his return, decided to build one for himself.

Hiking and Trekking at Mount Nuang

Mount Nuang, or Gunung Nuang, in the region of Hulu Langat, is the highest peak in the state of Selangor at 1,493m. It is among the top list of famous mountains for local and foreign trekkers and serves as a good training ground for those planning to take up the challenge of climbing Mount Tahan in Pahang or Mount Kinabalu in Sabah.

Picnic and Abseil at Waterfalls

There are numerous waterfalls and picnic spots to soak up the fresh hill air. It is best to go early in the day to avoid crowds. Bentong waterfall feeds into Sungai Tanglir and Chamang waterfall into Sungai Perting. It is a bit of a climb to get to the falls, but the effort is well worth it for the majestic views. If you are looking for adventure, try a waterfall hike and abseiling down LataTampit, also known as Ulu Tampit waterfall. It has 7-tiers that hikers of all levels can enjoy.

Cycling Tours

You can opt for more common on-road routes around the back lanes of kampong Janda Baik, with stop-offs at drink stalls and points of interest around the kampong.

For the more experienced riders, you can choose the off-road routes on muddy tracks across the surrounding jungles. You may bring your own bike and set-off on a rugged adventure with a guide that knows the biking trails well.

Adventure and Jungle Survival Skills

Janda Baik also hosts a range of adventure sports and team building activities. From paintball to lake and river rafting, jungle and river trekking, adventure courses, ATV Rides and archery. There is a well-established network of service providers to help get your rush of adrenaline or teach you essential jungle survival skills.

Horse Riding at Bidaisarai

For some family fun, head over to Bidaisarai where you get the unique chance to experience the rainforest of Janda Baik on horseback. They offer a variety of riding packages from short fun-ride and riding lessons to exploring the forest trails.

Staycation at Janda Baik Luxury Villa

For the ultimate getaway from Kuala Lumpur, book a night or more at one of the luxury villas in Janda Baik. The dreamy views and refreshing cool air in the hills make Janda Baik the top choice for staycations and wedding ceremonies.

The climate in Janda Baik in the day ranges between 23°C - 28°C and in evenings, can drop below 22°C.

By Car 

There is no public transportation to Janda Baik. The best way to get there is by car; either rent a car, arrange a transfer with your accommodation provider or hire a taxi. Located only 45 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, to reach Janda Baik, you will drive through Kuala Lumpur via the Gombak-Karak Highway for approximately 1 hour. There are signboards along the roads that lead you to Kampong Janda Baik.

By Car

The easiest way to get around the widespread attractions across Janda Baik is by car or 4-wheel drive. You may also join a tour that includes transfers to the different attractions or hire a taxi.

By Bike

Many cycling enthusiasts follow the kampong routes to explore the back lanes of Kampong Janda Baik.

On Foot

It may be quite a distance to walk from one attraction to the other. For jungle trekking and waterfall chasing, it is best to arrange with a local guide or at your accommodation.

Herbal Delights

Herbal teas made from medicinal plants, rambutan leaves and other local highland herbs are a delicacy in Janda Baik.

Creamy rice porridge packed with several types of ferns and roots known to the locals as bubur lambuk is not only delicious but also nutritious. 

Locally Grown and Roasted Coffee

There are several cafes in Janda Baik serving locally grown and roasted coffee that you can enjoy.

Figs

The fig industry in Janda Baik has grown significantly in recent years similar to that of Cameron Highlands and strawberries in the early days. Tourist buses drop by fig farms to not only buy fresh figs, but also fig juice, jam and dried fig fruits.

There are a few resorts and homestays available in Janda Baik for accommodation. Whether you are a couple looking for villas with exclusive privacy, or a family with young children looking for a vacation in nature and with child-friendly activities. Some places also offer campsites for groups with customisable group activities.

It is advised to wear a jacket for the cooler climate experienced in Janda Baik. Do also bring a good pair of hiking or sports shoes, extra sandals, a towel and a change of clothes to properly enjoy at the waterfalls.