Benut sits quietly between two rivers, Sungai Pinggan and Sungai Benut. On a map it looks like a small dot. On the road most drivers pass it without a second glance. Yet every time anyone travel from Pontian toward Batu Pahat or make way to Kluang, this little town pulls in. Benut is modest, steady, and full of character. It is the kind of place that keeps its stories close, waiting for visitors willing to slow down for a moment.
What many people call “a town you pass on the way to somewhere else” is actually a neighbourhood that has everything you need. There is a bus terminal, an open public space called Dataran Dato Jalok, convenience stores, morning markets, food spots, and even Pitstop Bateriku Benut are ready to help with roadside assistance. It is a complete ecosystem wrapped in a humble package.
A Story Through Benut Pontian And Why This Small Town Deserves Your Stop
This is a travel guide, written from the road, weaving culture, food, myth, and local charm to shine a light on Benut and to welcome you to our Bateriku Benut outlet whenever you travel through this route.
The Origin Story of Benut
A Town Named By Its Community
Long before highways and road signboards, this place was called Bunut, inspired by the asam bunut trees that grew along the riverbanks. The trees were everywhere and gave the area its first identity. Over time the name changed through the tongue of the local Chinese community who found “Bunut” difficult to pronounce. “Benut” rolled out easier, and soon the name stuck. Today, no one questions it. It feels natural, like it was meant to be this way from the start.
Myths That Shape the Land
The Stories Behind Benut’s Villages
What makes Benut special is how its stories still move through the land. Villages here carry names that hint at old legends. Sungai Pinggan. Sepah Beruang. Puteri Menangis. Parit Gantung. Sanglang. Each name is tied to a tale that locals can recite effortlessly.
The story goes like this. Long ago a Puteri Bunian guarded a collection of plates and bowls used for weddings in the Bunian community. Villagers sometimes borrowed the plates, but one day some went missing or were damaged by roaming bears. This happened near what is now Sepah Beruang.
(Credit: Rumah Citra Sri Pinang)
The Puteri was heartbroken. She cried endlessly along the river, and that place became Sungai Pinggan. Her tears never stopped, so the area was later known as Puteri Menangis. When grief became too heavy for her, the Puteri hung herself, giving the name Parit Gantung. Birds of prey carried the news to everyone. The birds were called Sang Helang, which became Sanglang. The entire community mourned her, their collective tears flowing into the place now known as Ayer Baloi.
These stories give Benut character. They remind you that towns are not built only on roads and shops. They are built on memory.
A Taste of Bugis Heritage
Traditional Dishes You Should Not Miss
Food in Benut carries a strong Bugis influence that you can taste from the first bite. Burasak is the pride of the community, a rice dish wrapped in banana leaves and cooked until tender. There is also lepat loi, asam pedas ikan parang that wakes up your senses, nasi ambeng served for gatherings, and botok botok packed with herbs. Benut also sits close to fertile areas that produce fresh pineapples. You will find them everywhere. Juicy, slightly tangy, and perfect on a hot day.
One of the best places to sample all of this is the Pasar Lambak at Pekan Benut, also called Tanjung by locals. This market is lively, colourful, and full of surprises. You can get putu piring, putu bamboo, apam balik, petai, jering, and more. It is a market that still feels like a community meeting place, not a tourist trap.
(Credit: The Ambitious Salted Fish)
Living Traditions: Dance and Games
Barongan Dance
Benut is also home to Tarian Barongan, a traditional performance inspired by a story from the time of Prophet Sulaiman. In this tale, a tiger sees a peacock spreading its feathers. The peacock then leaps onto the tiger’s head and both animals begin to dance. A Pamong named Garong, who escorts the Puteri Raja, joins the dance. The movement is lively and symbolic, and the performance from Kumpulan Tunas Warisan Pematang Duku keeps the tradition alive.
Gasing Pangkah
Another living heritage is gasing pangkah, a competitive spinning top game passed from one generation to the next in Kampung Permatang Duku. Watching the tops collide is thrilling. The skill and precision show how much time the players dedicate to their craft.
Places Worth Stopping For
Benut is small, but there are hidden gems tucked between roads and rivers. Here are a few places you should include in your journey:
1. Waroeng Kopi Pojok 77
A cosy spot in Pekan Benut where coffee tastes better because it comes with local vibes. Simple, warm, and steady.
Location: 73, Jln Parit Ismail, 82200 Benut, Johor Darul Ta'zim Operation Hours: 430PM to 12 AM (Closed on Mondays)
(Credit: Waroeng Pojok)
2. Markombi Café
Modern, inviting, and photogenic. A good place to rest, sip, and reset before continuing your drive.
Location: Jln Parit Markom, Taman Bahagia, 82200 Benut, Johor Operation Hours: 5PM to 10PM (Closed on Wednesday)
3. KW Caravan Park Cabin Stay
A quiet spot for travellers who want something different. Cabin stays, calm scenery, and an unexpected sense of peace.
Location: Lot 148, Jalan Parit Pinang, 82200 Benut, Johor Darul Ta'zim
(KW Cravan Park Cabin Stay)
4. Rumah Citra Sri Pinang
A cultural stay with traditional elements. If you love homestays that reflect local identity, place this on your list.
Location: 73, Jln Parit Ismail, 82200 Benut, Johor Darul Ta'zim
All these places add texture to Benut. They give the town layers and reasons for travellers to stop, look around, and appreciate what the community offers.
Why Benut Matters to Us
Benut sits on routes that many people take every day. With two rivers flowing beside it and a road that connects Pontian to Batu Pahat and Kluang, this town sees more travellers than most people imagine. Yet it remains grounded. That is why we chose to be here.
Our Bateriku Benut outlet is built to support anyone passing through. Whether your battery dies, your car needs inspection, or you simply want peace of mind on the road, we are here. Benut is a town of stories and service. We are proud to be part of its landscape.
Benut may be subtle, but it rewards anyone willing to stop for a moment. Come for the food, the stories, the small adventures, and the warm people. And if your journey ever needs support, drop by Bateriku Benut for fast service, reliable roadside assistance, doorstep battery replacement, and a team ready to help.
