[2025 Bentong Attraction] Travel Guide for Kechara Forest Retreat (Updated May)

#closetonature Surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air, Kechara Forest Retreat offers a great way to unplug from the hustle of daily life. The retreat is designed for those seeking a calm environment to relax, meditate, and reconnect with themselves. As you walk through the retreat, you’ll find beautiful gardens and serene prayer areas. It’s a place where you can slow down and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, Kechara Forest Retreat lets you feel grounded and refreshed. Whether you want to meditate, take a nature walk, or just clear your mind, this retreat offers a tranquil escape from city life, and it's an experience worth having! #100waysoftravel #malaysia

#traveldiaries Kechara Forest Retreat, located in Bentong, Pahang, is a serene and holistic retreat center that offers a unique blend of spiritual and eco-living experiences. Spanning 35 acres, this retreat is designed to promote total wellness—body, mind, and spirit—through various spiritual retreats, learning opportunities, and conscious living practices. The retreat is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions and features numerous sacred sites, including the world’s largest Dorje Shugden statue, standing at 24 feet tall. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as meditation, prayer, and mantra recitation. The retreat also offers specialized programs like the Medicine Buddha Healing Fountain, where visitors can drink blessed water believed to have healing properties. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, a peaceful escape, or a deeper connection with nature, Kechara Forest Retreat provides a nurturing environment for all.

#traveldiaries If you ever visit Kechara Forest Retreat, there are some unique souvenirs you can take home that perfectly capture the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the place. Here’s a simple guide to what you might want to look out for: Tibetan Incense: One of the most popular souvenirs is Tibetan incense. The retreat is known for promoting calm and mindfulness, and the incense sold here is made with natural ingredients and used in meditation. You can bring some home to create a relaxing space and remind yourself of the retreat’s tranquil vibes. Buddhist Art & Statues: You’ll also find small Buddhist statues, especially of Buddha or other deities, and sacred art pieces. These items make for meaningful keepsakes and can bring a sense of calm and spirituality to your home. Handmade Mala Beads: Mala beads are another popular choice. These are used for meditation and prayer and are often made with care and meaning. Whether you're into meditation or just want a special bracelet or necklace, these beads are both beautiful and meaningful.

#traveldiaries Kechara Forest Retreat is a special place for anyone seeking peace and calm. When I arrived, I could immediately feel the quiet atmosphere. The air was fresh, and the greenery all around made me feel relaxed. The peaceful surroundings helped me forget about the stress of daily life. One of the best ways to calm my mind was by sitting quietly and focusing on my breathing. I found a comfortable spot, surrounded by trees and nature, and just allowed my thoughts to slow down. The sounds of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves were like nature’s music, helping me feel more peaceful. Praying at the retreat was a meaningful experience. There was a beautiful space dedicated to prayer and meditation. I took time to offer my prayers, reflecting on the things I am grateful for and asking for strength and guidance. The act of praying helped me feel connected to something greater than myself, bringing me a sense of peace and comfort.

#familytrips2024 Kechara Forest Retreat is a peaceful place where anyone can go to relax and enjoy nature. Even if you're not Buddhist, you're welcome to visit and experience the serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just unwind amidst the tranquility of the forest. Whether you want to meditate, take a leisurely walk, or simply sit and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, Kechara Forest Retreat offers a calm and serene environment for everyone to enjoy. Address: Lot 3189, Jalan Chamang, 28700 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia

#gentingtrip If my brain had a “reset” button, it would be hidden somewhere in Kechara Forest Retreat. 🧘♀️💆♂️ 8:00 AM — I drove into the quiet hills of Bentong, Pahang, and instantly felt the city stress evaporate. The air was cool and pine-scented, with birds chirping like nature’s alarm clock. Before I even stepped out of the car, I knew — this place was gonna hit different. 🌿 The retreat felt like walking into a calm, sacred bubble. Buddhist statues peeked out between trees, prayer flags danced in the breeze, and the Jewel Chapel glowed under soft sunlight. I slowed my pace without even realizing it. It’s that kind of place. 🛕💫 9:00 AM — I joined a short walking meditation trail, and let’s just say I didn’t expect to be followed by a curious squirrel (who looked slightly judgy, not gonna lie 🐿️). But I kept my cool. Barefoot, quiet, present. For once, my brain wasn’t multitasking. Hidden gem? There’s this giant Dorje Shugden statue with a serene view behind it — totally peaceful and perfect for quiet reflection or a moment of stillness with your camera timer. 📸✨ 10:30 AM — I stopped by their canteen for a delicious, vegetarian nasi lemak with sambal tempeh — spicy, fragrant, comforting. And the iced lemongrass tea? Game changer. 🍛🧊 ⸻ 🕒 Mini Itinerary: 8:00 AM — Arrive & stroll the grounds 9:00 AM — Meditation walk + nature chill 9:45 AM — Visit prayer halls & Dorje Shugden 10:30 AM — Vegetarian breakfast at the canteen ⸻ 🌼 Tips for First-Timers: • Dress comfortably (modest and breathable) — you’ll be walking a lot. • Silence is golden here — bring your calm energy. • No entry fee, but donations are welcome. • Take time to read the wisdom quotes scattered around. They hit deep. ⸻ Sometimes you don’t need a big adventure. Just stillness, trees, and sambal. Highly recommend. 🌲💛🙏

1️⃣ Recommended Attractions👍 ✅ Bentong Old Street: Quaint shophouses with Nanyang flair, perfect for strolling and enjoying local snacks. ✅ Kechara Forest Retreat: A serene environment ideal for relaxation and meditation. ✅ Bentong Hot Springs: Natural hot springs ♨️ to soothe your body and mind. Remember to bring your swimsuit. ✅ Musang King Durian Orchard: A durian lover's paradise. During peak season (June–August), you can pick and savor fresh Musang King durian. ✅ Colmar Tropicale: Colorful houses and cobblestone streets create a French village atmosphere, perfect for taking photos 📷. ✅ Chamang Waterfall: Refreshing air and cascading waterfalls make this a natural oxygen bar, ideal for escaping the heat and embracing nature. 2️⃣ Recommended Food👍 ✅ Restoran Yuen Kee: Offers traditional breakfast 🍳 for an authentic culinary experience. ✅ Thong Kee Kopitiam: Enjoy classic Hainanese tea 🍵. ✅ Bentong Ginger Dishes: Local specialty with a rich ginger flavor, prepared in various ways. ✅ Madam Wo Tofu Pudding: Smooth and refreshing tofu pudding with delicious toppings. ✅ Restoran Loong Foong: A long-standing restaurant specializing in Cantonese and Guangxi cuisine, such as white cut chicken and braised pork belly with taro. 3️⃣ Accommodation Options ✅ Hotels near Genting Highlands: Resorts World Genting hotels 🏨 offer comfortable rooms and mountain views. ✅ Bentong Homestays: Experience local life and a warm atmosphere. Book through homestay platforms. 4️⃣ Transportation Guide ✅ External Transportation: Typically, arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and then travel to Bentong, less than a 1-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. ✅ Internal Transportation: Renting a car offers flexibility; alternatively, take the bus 🚌, but schedules may be limited. 5️⃣ Itinerary Suggestions ✅ One-Day Trip: Bentong Old Street - Bentong Gallery - Colmar Tropicale - Japanese Village. ✅ Two-Day Trip: Day 1: Bentong Old Street - Bentong Hot Springs - Kwong Fook Temple; Day 2: Musang King Durian Orchard - Kechara Forest Retreat - Chamang Waterfall.

#familytrips2024 We're strolling through the serene grounds of Kechara Forest Retreat, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil vibes. As we explore, we stumble upon a charming little shop filled with all sorts of blessings souvenirs. We can't resist picking up a few blessed items, like the beautifully crafted bracelet, a little pouch with calming wordings on it, and tiny little things. It's not just about buying souvenirs; it's about bringing a piece of the retreat's peaceful energy with us wherever we go. As we leave the shop, our heart feels a little lighter, knowing we've brought a bit of spiritual magic into our life.

#familytrips2024 Puja is a ceremony where people pray and make offerings to the Buddhas, asking for blessings and guidance. It's a way to show respect and gratitude. Offering is giving something valuable, like flowers, incense, or food, to the Buddhas or to others as a symbol of generosity and devotion. Charitable giving is donating money or resources to help others in need. At Kechara Forest Retreat, people often give to support various projects and initiatives that benefit the community. These practices help create a positive atmosphere of kindness, compassion, and spirituality at the retreat.