However, a trip down to The Acacia Retreat last week seems to have been the cure. This hidden gem which has been operating since August 2016 is located in the jungles of Bentong, Pahang and is only a one half hour drive from the city to the location. It was not that hard to find as well. You've got to exit the highway onto a dirt road right before the exit to Sungai Dua. Waze was of tremendous help in finding the place otherwise we would definitely have missed the dirt road.
Upon arrival it is clear that the place is well maintained. Almost to the point of it being micro managed. The grasses were neatly cut and plants were perfectly trimmed. There were mud and gravel on the front door and yet the floor was squeaky clean. The first impression we got was that the resort is one with nature. It was evident that the whole area and the surrounding structures were a fusion of wood, metal, earth and water. It was designed with purpose. It had Balance.
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| Water |
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| Earth |
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| Wood and Metal |
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| Balance (Credits to Acacia website) |
The resort staff and crew were awesome. Apparently we hit a snag on our online reservation. Lucky for us we were informed of the problem beforehand and it was settled with ease in under 5 minutes upon our arrival. A plus point given to the hotel manager and the front desk crew for their excellence in communication. The whole team seems to have a firm grasp on the problems at hand despite the receptionist only started working there for 3 months. Kudos.
Even the kitchen crew was at their best despite being under staffed during peak season and swamped with an event from an SME bank that night. Luckily a waiter politely ushered us to a Japanese style dinner table and delivered our orders in less than 10 minutes while the kitchen is serving a full house. Drinks that night were on the house for the inconvenience caused by the on going event. Who would say No to bottomless orange juice?
If you are too lazy to make the 20 minutes drive down to the nearest town (which is either Bentong or Karak) and did not bring any extra munchies for your stay then have no fear! The food served on site was good and reasonably priced for a resort with an assortment of menu ranging from local to western cuisines. Although for the time being we would advise against putting the same high hopes on their breakfast buffet. On certain days the breakfast buffet is a bit stale sprinkled with a dash of disappointment.
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| Even the green plants covering the whole restaurant was real. |
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| Breakfast buffet |
We were informed that guests could also have a go at the local fruits if requested. We saw some guests devouring durian and rambutans by the bucketload. In Malaysia, we call that 'Makan Sampai Lebam'.
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| Dinner for two! |
There were also the Metal Hubs which are vintage decommissioned buses that have been converted into small cabins for guests but we heard they were still under construction. Ever wanted to try living in a bus like a rock band on tour? There you have it.
We saw some guests whipping out their fishing rods and started fishing in the main lake outside their cabin balconies. Since the lake looks murky with mud we're guessing the only thing they are pulling out of that lake would be a mud monster. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous you could rent the ATV's and bicycles provided at the front desk. There's also jungle trekking and rock climbing activities if you're up to it.
In short, our 3 days and 2 nights stay at the Acacia was the perfect quiet getaway we needed and we recommend the resort to those looking for good food, a serene atmosphere and a peaceful night's sleep.
The Acacia Retreat
Website : http://www.theacacia.my/
Email : enquiry@theacacia.my
Tel. : 010-826 3579 | 010-820 3579
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