The Bentong Farm, a name synonymous with exceptional animal encounters, is thrilled to share the news of nomination for the coveted ‘Best Animal Encounter’ title in the esteemed TripZilla Excellence Awards 2023.
The TripZilla Excellence Awards serves as an annual tribute to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding travel companies that consistently provide exceptional experiences, propelling the travel industry to new heights. Award recipients are determined through an online poll hosted by TripZilla, Southeast Asia’s leading travel inspiration platform, reaching an impressive monthly audience of over 20 million travellers.
For Bentong Farm, the nomination for the TripZilla Excellence Awards carries profound significance. It reflects the unwavering commitment and dedication our team has invested in delivering top-notch products and services. This recognition, coming from our valued customers, esteemed partners, and respected peers within the industry, is a testament to the quality of our work ~ Rajagopal Yagambram, Park Manager
Embrace Nature’s Welcome at The Bentong Farm
Nestled a mere 8 minutes away from Bentong town and just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, The Bentong Farm fulfills its promise as an earthly paradise. Its stunning showcase of natural beauty and serene landscapes provides a perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle to a realm of peace and tranquility.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our supporters, for placing your trust in us and providing unwavering support. We wouldn’t have received this nomination without you.
We invite you to continue backing us by casting your vote in our favour from October 16th to October 30th, 2023. By doing so, you also enter a draw for a chance to win an S$380 eCapitaVoucher – a token of our appreciation for your participation.
The winners of the TripZilla Excellence Awards will be revealed on November 9th, 2023, and we look forward to sharing more exciting news with you on that day.”
Dato' Allan Phoon
A Fantastic Journey from Childhood Passion to the Malaysian Petting Zoo
Dato’ Allan Phoon, bestowed with the title of ‘Father of Petting Zoos’ by the former Chairman of the National Veterinary Association was a city boy who grew up in an urban environment but had a deep love for nature, has become a distinguished figure in the field of Malaysian petting zoo and leisure farms. His story is an inspiration for people to pursue their dreams and create a fusion of village charm and nature within the city. His professional career is marked by innovation and adventure. Here are his notable experiences.
During his childhood, Dato’ Allan Phoon had a strong fascination with nature and animals. He frequently escaped the city to explore the natural beauty of the countryside, catching small fish, observing hatching birds, and enjoying joyful moments on his father’s farm. These experiences ignited a profound love for nature in him.
Inspired by the fairy tale “Snow White,” Dato’ Allan Phoon dreamed of getting close to small animals in nature, just like the princess. As a result, he founded Malaysia’s first petting zoo, merging city life with nature. His petting zoo attracted a large number of visitors, but later faced multiple challenges, including epidemics and flu outbreaks.
Despite facing difficulties, Dato’ Allan Phoon continued to strive and became the Animal Park Director Advisor for the Sunway Group and served as a management consultant at Jerudong Park in Brunei. He continued to accumulate experience and knowledge, laying the foundation for his dream.
In 2009, Dato’ Allan Phoon decided to establish a petting zoo that could bring his ideals to life – Farm in the City. He spent several years preparing for it, including site design, tree planting, animal introduction, and building a professional team, among other things. In 2012, Farm In The City officially opened its doors.
Farm In The City is different from regular zoos; it emphasises deeper interaction and physical experiences. Over 90% of the gentle animals can interact with visitors, making it a popular destination for family tours and educational activities. Dato’ Allan Phoon’s goal is to create unforgettable memories for visitors, allowing them to forget their smartphones and focus on intimate interactions between nature and animals.
Dato’ Allan Phoon’s story tells us that by following our passions and interests, we can achieve our dreams, even in the city. Through Farm In The City, he provides people with an opportunity to have close encounters with nature, enabling them to enjoy the wonders of the natural world and create beautiful memories. This story is a model of success and inspiration.
