Are you getting tired of staring at the concrete jungles of Klang Valley? Your eyes probably need a break from all that screen time and your lungs could really benefit from some fresh air! It’s time for some “healing” vibes at a quiet café nestled in the forest. Janda Baik is a popular spot as a weekend getaway for city folk as it’s just about 50 minutes away by car, not to mention the chill drive on long highways you’ll get to vibe to, surrounded by lush green mountains and wide skies. If you haven’t had the chance to frequent this part of Pahang already then you’re missing out! We’ve rounded up some of Janda Baik’s most popular cafés for you to enjoy, surrounded by jungles, an ideal space for some peace, relaxation and quiet (none of that annoying traffic noise like in the city!). The location and overall ambience of these cafés are guaranteed to make any nature-lover smile, plus the food is yummy too.
1. Pintô Coffee+
This open-concept café offers a relaxed setting surrounded by plants and nature noises. The rustic and airy place is ideal for a relaxing time, with an interior reminiscent of a treehouse.
The coffee here is freshly roasted and famous for its aromatic taste, using beans imported from Gayo Highlands in Central Aceh, Sumatra. With each taste, you can expect an earthy yet delicious aroma.
We also recommend the Avocoffee, a creamy blend of iced arabica espresso and avocado.
Location: Pintô Coffee+, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Operating Hours: Open Daily except for Monday, Thursday & Friday, 10am – 6:30pm
2. Pineyard
Pineyard is plotted on a vast ground in Janda Baik that’s rich with blooming green flora and even a pretty pond, perfect for your Instagram feed. The wooden café has high ceilings which allows plenty of natural sunlight in so it’s beautiful during the day.
This café is one of the most highly rated ones on the list and has a great reputation for being very crowded during the weekends so come early to avoid waiting in long lines! Pineyard serves a high range of food and drinks on their menu that look pretty “atas“, from their hearty main courses to their scrumptious pastries.
If you love eating pastries and sipping on coffee with a view then don’t miss this spot!
Location: C1, Jalan Tanarimba Pine 28750 Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 9am – 6pm, Friday & Saturday 9am – 8pm
3. Kopi N Kraf
Kopi N Kraf is a quaint little café hidden along the quiet road leading into Janda Baik that often goes overlooked by non-locals. From the moment you walk through the stone gate, the entire café exudes rustic charm. Its interiors feature old wooden furnishings and antiques covering the walls and cabinets, giving a homey cosy feel.
You can relax on one of the cafe’s benches and take in the fresh air, paired with a classic kopitiam-style breakfast. The menu here has a limited selection, but the food is decent and affordable.
Location: 27796, Jalan Sumsum Hilir, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Operating Hours: Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, open the rest of the days from 9am – 5pm
4. Istana Lemuni Cafe
Istana Lemuni is an event space in Janda Baik that features authentic reconstructions of old Terengganu palaces from the 1800s. The site provides scenic views of the Lentang Forest Reserve’s breathtaking landscapes. The Lemuni café here adopts a farm-to-table concept, having its own orchards growing produce and pens to rear chickens.
You’ll need to make a reservation before your visit and they have several options of meals to choose from. From breakfast buffets to simple snacks, Lemuni guarantees authentic and fresh Malay kampung-style cuisine.
Location: Lot 9756, Kg Chemperoh, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Operating Hours: Closed from Monday to Wednesday. Open on Thursday, 12pm – 5pm, Friday t0 Sunday, 8am – 5pm.
5. Benefigs Farm & Café
This small little garden spot is owned by a fig farm in Janda Baik that produces locally grown figs all year round! Here you can even experience picking your own figs from their orchard. This garden café does not have a set menu and options are usually limited but the ingredients used are always fresh!
Get to know your local farmers as you support their businesses and local produce! What’s not to love about this place?
Location: Jalan Belia 1, Kg Janda Baik, Bentong, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Open on weekends, Saturday 8am – 2pm, Sunday 8:30am – 3pm
6. Sentosa Janda Baik
This next place is truly special. It’s far from a café or any other event space you’ve been to, so you can’t just walk in here whenever you want. This space was purchased in the 1960s by Tan Sri Kamarul Ariffin Mohamed Yassin’s family and serves as a weekend residence for them where they built art galleries and grew their own lush garden.
There are more than 7 structures on this plot of land, 3 of them being art galleries filled with intricate, priceless artefact collections (of which you can get a guided tour).
Other kampung houses here serve as homestay residences for guests and of course, Sentosa also hosts events such as workshops and buffet lunches.
This place is a perfect spot for big families to gather away from city life. Check out their website and social media for more information on their events and “Lunch By The Pond” offers.
Location: 121 & 260, KG Sum Sum Hulu, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Operating Hours: Open during weekends, 9am – 3pm
7. Bi Forest (Bijou Coffee & Eatery Café)
This café was opened post-pandemic and is built on vast green space by the river. Bijou Coffee & Eatery has a simple, minimal interior, making way for nature to really take centre stage.
They pride themselves in not using any MSG and preservatives, as well as less salt, sugar, and oil, ensuring your health is well taken care of.
This café is loved by guests for its coffee selection as well as its beautiful and equally delicious desserts! Perfect for tea time.
Location: Sumsum hilir janda baik 28750 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Open Daily except for Wednesdays, 8:30am – 5:30pm
There you have it, folks! Our top picks for the next chill cafe in the forest that you’ll head to, perfect for a lunch/brunch break during a road trip or even for a short getaway from the city after an hour scenic drive.
You deserve a change of scenery even if it’s just for a while, so what are you waiting for? Share this article with your friends and family to plan your next adventure!
This post first appeared on WORLD OF BUZZ.
