If you love nature or are in need of a quiet holiday, Erya by Suria Hot Spring Resort will not disappoint, writes Laveda Charles
NATURE enthusiasts who are looking for a break not far from Kuala Lumpur may want to consider staying at Erya by Suria Hot Spring Resort.
Surrounded by a rainforest the resort in Bentong, which is only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur and 20 minutes from Bentong town, is perfect for those in need of a rejuvenating and healing retreat soaking in the geothermal hot spring pool.
It is also perfect for families who want a quiet holiday as well as nature lovers, thanks to the various insects and herbaceous plants in the rainforest.
As it is a short getaway, my travel companion and I do not delay taking a therapeutic dip in the 40-degree Celsius sulphuric hot spring pool where the water is directly channelled from the hot springs to the pool. The pool is also open to the public with different rates for children, adults and senior citizens.
Soaking in the hot pool eases tiredness, reduces muscle aches and fights lethargy. However, we are advised not to stay in there for longer than 30 minutes. There is also a cool water spring pool but only the hot pool is open till late night. But those who want their own space with a private jacuzzi pool can book the Jacuzzi Villa.
THE ROOM
Erya by Suria Hot Spring Resort offers three types of rooms but we get the Deluxe Triple which can accommodate three guests. The room is pretty basic with three single beds, dark purple curtains and a wooden floor. Our room is on the ground floor facing the pool. Since it is off-peak season, we do not have to deal with crowds or noise.
The bathroom is basic too with the usual amenities but it does not have a hot water heater which means having to bear cold showers. Brrr!
There is also a restaurant which faces the children’s pool where the breakfast buffet is served. I would recommend dining in as going into town at night can be risky as there are no street lights and it can get really dark.
THE TOWN
During the day, however, it is pleasant to drive into town where you can try some local dishes and do a walkabout. All the shops are quaint and have retained their facade. There is even a wet market that sells the famous Bukit Tinggi fresh ginger and ginger powder. Coffee shops sell all types of food, including the town’s popular yong tau fu.
With limited time to explore the area, we head to Po Lai Kam a coffee shop a short walking distance from the morning wet market for some delicious yong tau fu and wantan mee. Reasonably priced and in a bigger quantity, the yong tau fu tastes way better than the ones I have sampled in Kuala Lumpur.
If you have a sweet tooth, head to Bentong Coffee House. This shop which has red walls, sells Bentong ais kacang with black jelly, an abundant amount of red beans and topped with a creamy scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.
FAST FACTS
HOTEL
Erya by Suria Hot Spring Resort
Lot 2527, Jalan Kuala Lumpur Lama Mukim Bentong, 28700 Bentong Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
Tel : 09-221 0200
Fax : 09-221 0299
Email : sales@suriaresorts.com
Website: www.eryabysuria.com
STAY 80 rooms (Deluxe Twin, Deluxe Triple and Deluxe Quad as well as Jacuzzi Villa). The rooms come with purple and white themes with wooden floor boards and three single beds with a pool view.
EAT Only one F&B outlet — Restaurant Bunga Padi, an all day dining restaurant serving local and international food.
DO Cycling, play pool, indoor games, swimming, children’s playground, reading corner and tennis table.
GO Bentong town, eateries, Botanical Garden, Rabbit farms
HIGHS I love the peaceful environment which offers something different from the bustling KL life and the therapeutic hot spring pool which literally recharges my body.
LOWS I find it hard to access the free WiFi available in the room but it doesn’t matter because I am able to access it in the restaurant. Also getting around at night is pretty risky due to the absence of street lights.
RATES From RM189 nett (Deluxe Triple) to RM252 nett (Jacuzzi Villa)