Janda Baik

Geographically located in the state of Pahang, Malaysia (03 31N Longitude 101 55 E)ranging from 1500 to 4500 feet above sea level.The climate here serves in between 23° and 28°Celsius during the day and below 22°Celsius in the evenings. A simple Malay kampong or village with a population of approximately 1000 people. Janda Baik is set amidst a small valley bounded by thick rainforest laced together with picturesque streams and cool rushing brooks of waterfallswith. Located approximately 45km and about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, the place is a popular holiday and recreational destination for city folks, not to mentioned foreign visitors especially global backpackers.
"Janda Baik" means "the good widow" in Malay. As the story is told by local folks, in the old days a path that connects Selangor and Pahang beats its way through the village. It was said that a mercenary, who was returning after fighting in a civil war in Selangor stopped at the village for a rest and to nurse some wounds he had sustained in battle. Upon seeing this ragtag team in the vicinity, a kindly widow immediately offered help and tended to the mercenary's wounds. The man was thankful and deeply cherished the kindness. As a mark of respect for this kind widow, the leader of the warrior pack would always advise his men to call on the woman whenever they were in the vicinity.
Friends of Janda Baik (FOJB) was set up to promote the awareness and importance of preserving and protecting the its ecological system and beautiful nature of Janda Baik and its surrounding hills and streams, while keeping and sustaining the original existing concept of Malay 'kampung (village)' environment and development.
Janda Baik had attracted an increasing number of visitors due to its strategic location for weekend escapism. It attracted investors to come here and build up semi-resort type accommodations, commercial facilities and training camps. However, the need for controlled development has to be taken into placed in order not to destroy the tranquility of real village character.
The other challenge faced by Janda Baik citizens is the rape of its surrounding hill, due to illegal hill farming and de-forestration activities. These have resulted in a rise in temperature, pollution of rivers and streams, erosion and landslip, and decreasing stream water level.
Nevertheless, Janda Baik has a wide variety of semi-type resorts that offer motivational courses, obstacle challenges, flying fox and abseiling. Camping grounds are available. Backpackers' chalets, however, are still very limited.
For those who wish to pursue rainforest trekking and 4-wheel drive trails, there is a local-run organisation facilitating such endeavors.

By car

Janda Baik is 45 km north of Kuala Lumpur and 1/2 hr drive from K.L. via the Gombak-Karak Highway. After the first tunnel, turn left, make a U-turn and turn left again after the Petronas petrol station and McDonald's. On that left turn, all the way in and there will be a junction and a 'Welcoming Arch'. Turn right into the main access to Janda Baik. There are signboards along the roads. Along the journey, you will see TanaRimba and Electricsola Factory on your right side. After the factory, either turning left at the T-junction at the Janda Baik's surau (small mosque) which is on the left side of the road or going straight in takes you to the centre of Kg. Janda Baik.

By rental car or taxi

The nearest airport is Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 100 km away. If you are flying in there, you should use either the ERL (Express Rail Link), taxi or shuttle bus, and get off at KL Sentral. From KL Sentral, you can either rent a car or get a taxi to go Janda Baik. Car rental prices vary according to the company. Taxi charges range from RM 100.00 to RM180.00 for a one way trip. A few of the major resorts in Janda Baik such as the Seri Pengantin Resort provide an airport transfer for their guests, and advance reservation is required. Charges apply and must be made upon reservation.

Janda Baik is a good place to seek rest and recreation because of its proximity to Kuala Lumpur. The following are the interesting places that one should explore and enjoy these unique experience.

• Pulau SantapWhat happens when two rivers meet? A kind of chemistry takes place. The meeting of the Bunus and Ceringging rivers is the birthplace of Janda Baik. In the early days, there was a small islet where Sultan Abu Bakar of Pahang took his meals. Santap is the language of the royal courts which means the Sultan is having his meal. The place was aptly named Pulau Santap. The islet is no more to be seen but the place still entices visitors to have a picnic or take a dip in its shallow water.

• Ulu Tampit WaterfallUlu Tampit waterfall is in Latto Charok. It is recommended to visit the waterfall if you are visiting Janda Baik. Many would find that Ulu Tampit waterfall is the most enjoyable one! There are seven floors of waterfall and 4th, 5th and 7th floor, are the most common floors people go to visit. It only takes about 45 minutes of light trekking and hiking through the jungle to get to the top floor. During raining season it is not advisable to go there because first of all the water is not clear, secondly many ‘pacat’ or leeches and lastly you may fall down during the hiking because of slippery.; At the 5th floor of the waterfall, the panoramic view is so beautiful while at 7th floor is the best to dip into the water! The water is so cold and so deep, yet you will not be carried away by the current. It is one of the safest waterfalls to plunge into the water. Kids enjoy it the most at the 5th floor.; How to get there? Unfortunately, visiting the waterfall will only be allowed if you are accompanied by an experienced guide. The guide is available with an advance booking. Kindly call 019 6152 150 for further assistance.; For those who are looking for something tougher, it is recommended to go hiking to Gunung Nuang through Janda Baik. It takes 10 hours of trekking to go up and down. Good luck!

• Mount NuangGunung Nuang or Mount Nuang (1493m) is the highest in the state of Selangor, which is in Hulu Langat. Gunung Nuang is among the famous mountain for local and foreign trekkers and it is also a "training centre" for those who plan to challenge the Mount Tahan in Pahang and Mount Kinabalu in Sabah. Trekking up Gunung Nuang in Hulu Langat offers intrepid trekkers endless opportunities to observe exotic and rare tropical flora and fauna. Striding through the forests of this mountain, the lush vegetation displays Malaysia's primeval and largely unexplored rainforests. The hilly terrain makes trekking up to the peak of Gunung Nuang more arduous. The vibrant ecosystem that stretches throughout the trek will expose visitors to nature at its most natural form. ; It is estimated at about 11 hours of journey from the main entrance. Along the journey, there are 2 campsites, where you can have a rest and refresh your energy before continuing another hard trek to the summit. The view from the peak is spectacular with fresh air breezing. A satisfaction guaranteed when reaching this famous summit.

• Elephant Conservation Center

  phone: +60 3-9075 2872
  Located in Kuala Gandah, 40km from Bentong, this center is dedicated to rescuing and protecting the country's elephants. Take a close look at these friendly jumbos during their feeding times or watch the fun as they enjoy a muddy splash in the nearby river. Activities are held from 14:00 to 15:45 with handfeeding and short elephant rides. Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave donations in the form of Anlene Gold Milk for the small elephants' lunch as well as for the staff welfare fund which will be used to employ part-time local tribal and Malay youths to work with the center.

• Orang Asli Museum

  phone: +60 3-6189 2113 ext 216
  The Orang Asli Museum in Jalan Gombak, 24km away from Janda Baik and Batu Caves, is an impressive and informative centre showcasing the history, customs and traditions as well as the social and economic development of the peninsula's early inhabitants.; Managed by the Orang Asli Affairs Department, the museum displays models and exhibits highlighting the lifestyle of the tribes including their dwellings, personal adornment, arts, costumes, musical instruments, hunting and agricultural tools, animal traps and traditional medicine.

Rainforest TrekkingJanda Baik holds local avid trekkers and offer guide to those interested. This are fully run and managed by local trekkers. They are very active in nature preservation works and rescue mission. The trails varied from a day walk to a week depending on the peaks trail along Banjaran Titiwangsa ( Titiwangsa Range) natural rainforest. Contact: +60 19-2031256 (Adino).
4-Wheel Drive Trails These are fully run and managed by local Janda Baik . Location Kg. Hulu Lurah, Janda Wan Sharizan Baik. Contact: +60 19-611 2124 (Zaini)

• Di Hilir Brasserie

  phone: +60 3 4270 1700
  This elegant restaurant is located at the Seri Pengantin Resort in Kampung Sum-Sum Hilir Off Kampung Janda Baik. Embark on a culinary adventure, a dwelling within lush tropical environs within scenic view of the resort's swimming pool and the Sum-Sum Hilir River. The menu commands as much as the views, ranging from local favorites, Western classics to Asian exotics.

• Restaurant BudiyahLocated at the stretch of shoplots at the downhill of Kampung Bukit Tinggi and nearby to a BP petrol station. Also, this restaurant can be easily seen and accessed from the main highway. This restaurant is popular among the highway stopovers and the locals as they serving fresh hot 'kelantanese' dishes and pahang's specialities.Operates from morning till late daily.

• Restaurant Cik MekLocated in Kg. Cheringging off Kampung Janda Baik. Served hot from the kitchen. This restaurant is popular for its kelantanese food and live cable television entertainment showing latest sports and etc.

• Genting Sempah Rest AreaThere are endless choice of eateries in this area. One of the popular ones is McDonald Restaurant which also have a 24 hour drive-thru counter.

• Restaurant Foon Lock, Kg. Bukit TinggiPopular among the highway stopovers and the locals. Serving lip-smacking Chinese dishes and great friendly service too!

• Minang Sri Selera

  phone: +60 19-9552451
  address: Warung Minang Sri Selera, Kg Sum-Sum, Janda Baik, 28750, Bentong, Pahang
  Is the best minang restaurant in Janda Baik. Its located in the Kg Sum Sum. The special menu is the Sup Tulang and Cendul Pulut.

There are a few resorts and homestays available in Janda Baik for accommodation.

• D'Ark Training & Resort Sdn Bhd

  phone: +60 9-233 0031, +60 19 386 6268
  address: Ashida Villa, Lot 5303, Pulau Santap, Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang Darul Makmur

• Kampung Janda Baik HomeStay

  phone: +60 19-2991 994

• Latto Charok Chalet

  phone: +60 19-247 0772
  address: Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang Darul Makmur

• Maninjau Chalet and Camp

  phone: +60 9-2330181 or +60 12-2430980
  address: Ulu Cheringin

• Pondok Impian

  phone: +60 12-313 3224
  address: Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang Darul Makmur

• Pulau Santap Chalet Enterprise

  phone: +60 19-988 9830
  address: Lot 2575 Kg Pulau Santap, Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang Darul Makmur

• Riverside Janda Baik

  phone: +60 19-9483100, +60 12-2723140
  address: Lot 5506 Kampung Janda Baik, 28750, Bentong, Pahang
  Riverside Janda Baik is located just beside Pulau Santap area. Provides a nice place for a picnic, chalets, and a large camp site that can accommodate 500 people at one time.

• Sailor's Rest Homestay

  phone: +60 19-217 0152 or +60 19-218 0152
  address: Sailor's Rest, Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang Darul Makmur

• Seri Dinar Training Services Sdn Bhd

  phone: +60 9- 233 0261
  address: 8299 Sungai Panjang, Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang Darul Makmur

• Seri Pengantin Resort

  phone: +60 3 42701700, +60 19 6152 150 (SMS inquiry)
  address: Lot 686 Kg Sum Sum Hilir

• Suria Hill Country House

  phone: +60 9-2330003
  address: Lot 8567, Kampung Janda Baik, 28700 Mukim Bentong, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
  Suria Hill Country House offers 16 guestrooms, all of which have air-conditioning, a 26-inch LCD TV featuring selected ASTRO channels, and mini refrigerator. Some of its amenities include private aromatic jacuzzi, picnic and barbecue area, and fish pond and mountain stream.

• Cherengin Hills Convention & Spa Resort

  phone: +60 3 5633 5726
  address: Lot 5540 & Lot 5936, 28750 Janda Baik, Bentong, Pahang
  A 4-star resort offering 136-saleable rooms. The resort is seated on an altitude of 600 to 800ft above sea level offering a cool day's climate of 23 to 28 degrees Celsius and drops to 22 degrees Celsius when evening dawns.

• Centella Asiatica Resort

  phone: +60 12-3867957 or +60 12-3816024
  address: Kampung Sum-sum Hulu

• Air Tenang Resort

  phone: +60 13-2262030, +60 19-6888240, +60 13-2107703, +60 3-61569251
  address: Jalan Chemperoh, Kg Janda Baik, Pahang

• Kampung Janda Baik HomeStay

  phone: +60 19-2991 994

• Sum-Sum Valley, Janda Baik

  phone: +60 13-3239359
  address: Lot 5348 Sum-Sum Hilir
  Sum-Sum Valley, Janda Baik.

• Mak Lang

  phone: +60 133243900, +60 133329842
  address: Lot 5647 Kg. Pulau Santap
  Mak Lang is located just 2 km away from Pulau Santap area. Provides a real nice and privacy place for a picnic, camping concept chalet, and a real large camp site that can accommodate more than 1000 people at one time. On other site, by crossing the river using "titi gantung", our guest can experiencing feeding our "Kelah Merah" fish in a real 15 fish pond. We also provide Professional Fasilitator Team for Team Building, Leadership, Survival, Family Day and Jati Diri program. Feel the different at our Nature of Life.

• Saufiville Janda Baik Resort

  address: Lot 1223, Kg Chemperoh
  Boutique hotel in the jungle with a pool that goes right to the edge.

• pakcik hussain campsite

• Pahang Tourism

• Bukit Tinggi