You Didn’t Know This Hidden Spiritual Getaway Exists at Bentong

Kechara Bentong

As the Recovery Movement Control Order continues, Malaysians are continuing to seek local getaways during the weekends and holidays as the international borders stay closed. The local tourism industry has been buzzing with activity as many hotels are fully booked especially on weekends.

As more Malaysians flock to tourist spots around the country, many more are looking for getaways from the crowd as the Covid-19 pandemic is still a threat. With that said, you can check out our coverage of hidden resorts away from the crowds where you can enjoy your getaway with peace of mind.

Adding on to that list, we have something a bit different from the typical resort that you can usually find. This hidden gem—the Kechara Forest Retreat is located in the heart of Bentong, Pahang and it’ll take less than a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

The Kechara Forest Retreat is a 35-acre retreat centre which is the first of its kind in this region. Set amid a lush tropical forest, the place is designed to develop a perfect balance of total wellness—body, mind, and spirit. Offering comfortable accommodation, extensive facilities, and the promise of peace and tranquility, this is the perfect destination for the spiritual at heart.

Not A Typical Spiritual Retreat

I know what you’re thinking, you may be worried that during this spiritual retreat, you’ll be staying in a tent in the middle of a forest getting bitten by mosquitoes!

Don’t worry as Kechara Forest Retreat is unlike your typical retreats as you will have access to fully furnished accommodations with modern facilities, such as air conditioner, hotel-styled beds, and of course stable wi-fi connection!

There are two different spaces for your getaway stay where you can choose from Manjushri Guest House and The Enchanted Forest. The Manhushri Guest House has very homey and peaceful vibes as it sits on a beautiful hill overlooking a beautiful forest landscape.

While the Enchanted Forest is more of a bright and airy space that’s fully equipped with all the amenities of a home where you can enjoy the views of the hills and lush greens, watch the resident geese amble in the gardens, or just relax and read a book amidst the soothing sounds of nature.

Weekly Activities at Kechara Forest Retreat

As a spiritual retreat, Kechara Forest Retreat has plenty of events to heal the body, mind, and soul such as their 2 days 1 night Inner Peace Retreat event. This programme only happens once a month and is a meditation and wellness programme packed with insights into how to live well by reducing your stress levels through meditative practices.

Participants get to unwind and relax through meditation and contemplation exercises guided by experienced facilitators in beautiful and tranquil surroundings.

Furthermore, they also just concluded their first-ever Pet’s Day Out event where the public brought their pets over to the retreat for a nice walk throughout the 35-acre retreat.

The event was organised due to the non-stop stream of requests from members and public guests asking for permission to bring their beloved pets for a visit and soak up the positive energies of the retreat, and pets could even get a special pet blessing from the pastors.

More About Kechara Forest Retreat

Although most people only know about Kechara through their other entities such as Kechara Soup Kitchen, Kechara Forest Retreat has been around for 8 years already since its inception in 2012, and since then they have grown to become a renowned Tibetan Buddhist Retreat and Wellness centre, known for result-focused spiritual and meditational programmes.

The retreat was built to be a place for finding peace and harmony, in nature. Kechara’s founder, His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche was known for his love of animals. Thus, when Kechara Forest Retreat was being developed, it was meant to be as much a sanctuary for animals as it was for people.

In particular, a purpose-built walk-in Aviary provides a new lease of life for birds rescued from abuse, neglect, and a life in captivity. Today, it is home to over 40 birds including Sulphur-crested White Cockatoos, Cockatiels, African Greys, and Budgies.

If you’re interested in a spiritual retreat or just want a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, head over to Kechara Forest Retreat!

  • Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram for more updates and the latest happenings around Malaysia!