Tuesday, January 9, 2018

8 acres Raub Pahang

I think it’s important that every now and then we take a little time away and spend it with our besties, whether it’s just a meet up for lunch, or spa or bungee jumping.

It’s a time to reflect on one’s sanity with the person who knows one best.

So for this year, me besties and I decided on a trip to the outzone( out of mobile network zone). After much googling (who knew Bentong and Raub had SO many getaways) we all agreed on 8 acres in Raub Pahang. At a cost of RM250 per pax per night, we thought it was ok considering that breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided for and there is free flow of coffee, tea, biscuits and roselle juice. Also included are activities like board games, pony rides, petting zoo, chicken feeding, goose chasing(I might have made that one up, but you are welcome to try) and waterfall with tiny nibbling fish(if I am not mistaken, the fish are called garra rupa) which are all for free.

Getting there isn’t exactly a maze as long as you don’t turn off on the wrong road. After Bentong, head to Kampung Lebu. Go past the Felda land, turn left and then turn right into the Lembih Temir road. Here’s where you will start to loose phone coverage but worry not, there is plenty of signboards to 8 acres along the Kelapa Sawit and Getah road. The first part of the road was just tarred about 3 months ago, this will then open up to a more rustic-pothole- laden road and later to a road that can only fit one vehicle at a time.
First part of the road

2nd part of the road
The last part where only one vehicle goes through at a time

After about 6km, we reached the Lembih Temir resort entrance and less than a 1km further, we were driving into the gates of 8acres. The parking at the resort is limited, and everything is pretty much self service. There is a reception booth, but not exactly a receptionist, so there isn’t any formal “check in procedure”. Mr George, the friendly manager, happily greeted us, and showed us where our cabin is, then proceeded to  give us a dos and donts briefing and off we went to lunch.

Our room entrance sign. Named after the Mulberry Bushes planted around the rooms

Recycle your stuff! Note the green bucket on the left, thats where guest need to drop their plates and cups after food
Unsure where to go? check out the map at the Brick House

There were a couple of other families there and lunch was served in a buffet style with about 5-7 dishes and fruits on the side. After we had our meal, we went up Mulberry Place, our little home for next 2 days, changed and happily trotted down to the waterfall which is about 200 meters from our room. It was a cloudy day and the minute the drizzle started , we left the waterfall and went over to the Tatami room to check out that we could play. Some people were asleep, some were playing caroms and mahjong, so we settled on the white board and played Win Lose or Draw. Who was the winner you ask? Heh heh heh. (sorry pekster and diplodocus, better luck next time)
Waterfall
These guys were the first to greet us when we arrived
Petting zoo area, see the rooster at the front? got into a "fight" with him early one morning as he wouldnt keep it down..

Around 7, we heard a gong ring 3 times and some people started jumping “dinner, dinner”(ok that explained it). We settled comfortably with our simple dinner at a table behind some kids watching cartoon on the common TV. After dinner we decided to have a few, and though alcohol is allowed in the resort, it is off limits in the Tatami room and the common dining area.
Brought back childhood memories
This guy rings 3 times a day


The resort's little store that sells tee shirts, insect repellent and home made soaps and oils
Mdm Pony

Mr Ram

We spend the next day, taking walks around resort. Some parts of the land have a steeper elevation and there are smaller huts on these higher ground. We also paid a happy visit to the local pony and ram. There’s an interesting story behind this pair. The resort had initially owned a Male and a Female pony. The male had passed on and the resort had taken in the ram. Both became the best of buddies and the ram had assigned itself as the pony’s bodyguard. He does not go anywhere without her and no one can get close to her without his permission. Even we got headbutted to move 5 feet away, one morning.  Now if that isn’t a love story, nothing is.
nasi lemak on our second morning! Chicken and eggs from their own farms
Blue butterflypea drink. Supposedly good for memory

Rest of our 2nd day was spent eating, splashing about the waterfall, enjoying the serene-ness and in Pekster and Diplodocus case, enjoying the view of a “jalsaenggin oppa”.
nope, not a banana tree
The resort's Durian Trees didnt bear much fruit this year so they got us the seller from Raub to come in with some Musang Kings. At Rm45 per kilo, we bought 2 fruits and couldnt eat anything else until dinner. Surprisingly the same seller has a store at Sg Besi Indah, which is pretty near to my home.


We decided to take the complimentary walkabout on the last day with the very informative Uncle Kam whose son owns 8 acres. He informed us that the resort only sits on 2 acres of the land, and the rest are plantations and orchards. He gave a very detailed explanation on the types of trees that they have, both local and imported, and how to recognize the different durian trees.  Uncle Kam also shared valuable information on the 900 trees planted about the resort and the history of the land. Makes one think of the bond we each have with our Mother.

Ok, I think I am a little more sane now.

who dat on the roof? Duckies!