Awana Bio Park Nature Trails At Resorts World Genting

This year marks the 47th birthday of Resorts World Genting, reaching back to the time when the original Highlands Hotel opened in 1971. That might seem like a long time ago, but the mountain top that Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong fashioned into a world-class entertainment city is far, far older. About 130 million years old, to be exact; a rainforest that still holds memories from when dinosaurs ruled the earth and remains a pristine cauldron of unique flora and fauna. This rich biodiversity is rightfully treasured and nurtured by Resorts World Genting, and now guests can explore even more of this ecological wonder with the introduction of three new trails at the Awana Bio Park.

If you ever feel like wanting to go back to nature, you can consider going to Awana Bio Park at Resorts World Genting. Nature lovers can explore even more of this ecological wonder with the introduction of three new trails as well as pitcher plants and bamboo conservation projects at the Awana Bio Park, a mere 15 minutes walk from Awana Hotel, the five-star hotel which boasts a sprawling 18-hole golf course, views of a breathtaking mountain range, a heated swimming pool and various sports facilities. My children and I had a great adventure doing some bird watching activity, playing games and walking at the trails to see beautiful plants, birds and animals.

This was the first time my children and I went bird watching. A few months back, my son asked for a binoculars and he was so happy he could use it here. We saw about 4 different species of birds that day.

Introduced in 2017 as the Fashion Forest, the Awana Bio Park is a collaboration between nature consultancy Treks and Resorts World Genting. It offers guests that chance to step into the fresh air and dappled shade of the Mount Ulu Kali’s rainforest, demystifying it through the integrated use of social media and digital technology. Propelled by Eddie Chan and Pat Ang from Treks, Awana Bio Park was introduced with five experiences designed to stimulate and invigorate, perfect for a journey of self-discovery or corporate team-building. The careful eyes and sharp ears of the Treks team will point out rare trees, exotic birds and unusual species tucked away in the shadows of the jungle, while incorporating modern technology to make the experience accessible and fun. This month, three new trails will join the list of experiences available at Awana Bio Park.

Mr. Eddie Chan gave bloggers a briefing before we explored Awana Bio Park.

Mr. Henry Goh explaining to my kids which bird they just saw flying in the sky.

The Awana Bio Park offers guests a chance to step into the fresh air and dappled shade of the Mount Ulu Kali’s rainforest, demystifying it through the integrated use of social media and digital technology. 

If you stay at the First World Hotel, you can take the cable car ride down to Awana Hotel. This was my second time taking this cable car ride at Resorts World Genting and my kids and I enjoyed the scenic view very much.

For dinner, we ate pizza and spaghetti at Motorino Pizzeria, Sky Avenue. To read more about Motorino Pizzeria, read my earlier review HERE.

After dinner, we went to RedTail Bar by Zouk to chill out and play games. This is a great place for leisure and to relax.

  

Early next morning, we took the cable car down to Awana Bio Park for more 'back to nature' adventures. 

Eddie explained that each trail has been designed to highlight the special aspects of the mountain forests of Genting Highlands – a unique ecosystem shaped by terrain and weather located between 3,000-6,000 feet (920-1,830 metres) above sea level. The first is the new Conservation Trail, a 800m loop that focuses on the flora of the Upper Dipterocarp Forest (750-1,200 metres above sea level), a biome rich in pitcher plants, montane bamboo, rattans, wild orchids and black bat lilies, all growing under the shade of towering Strangler Fig and montane timber trees. This particular trail will also highlight the conservation efforts dedicated to maintaining these primeval species, as well as the natural, cultural and practical usage of the plants.

The Herb Forest Trail and Biodiversity Trail also focus on the Upper Dipterocarp Forest biome, taking a longer route (1.8km and 2.7km, respectively) to see even more of Mount Ulu Kali’s ancient rainforests. While the trained guides will always point out spots of interest, specific specimens are now also highlighted with NFC tags that can be scanned with smart devices to glean additional information for the curious. In the Herb Forest Trail, that could include the thick walls of wild bamboo grooves or the medicinal properties of forest herbs scattered along the jungle floor. The longer Biodiversity Trail is the most picturesque, an undulating trek that descends into a valley and requires the crossing of a cascading stream, dominated by the skyward reach of towering montane timber trees.

The three new trails join the current selection of five adventures to be had in the jungles of Genting Highlands, all of which unveil different facets of the forest. Wifi Forest with Shinrin Yoku is an immersive experience combining the Shinrin Yoku concept of contemplative forest appreciation from Japan with strategic use of smartphone apps to reveal the rich biodiversity of the rainforest. The Treks Adventure Experience takes things a little more in the direction of courage – abseiling down a 24m boarded slope placed at a 55-degree angle to appreciate the jungle. As twilight descends, the brave and the inquisitive can venture out into the dark to encounter nocturnal animals with Trek’s Steven Wong over a Night Herping session. And for those who prefer the comfort of light, the Sunset Watch at The English Garden is a perfect compromise between day and night, indulging in the spectacle of the sun setting over the pristine rainforest of Genting Highlands. 

This is also a perfect place for team building and games. We played a game similar to Monopoly and Scrabbles. We were given cards with alphabets and each team needed to form words related to nature. If we need another alphabet, we would need to buy it with the money given. This was a fun and educational activity where we really had to think hard to win. 

In addition to the activities designed by Trek, Resorts World Genting is also introducing a Pitcher Plants Conservation Project and a Bamboo Conservation Project at Awana Bio Park. The project will include participation from other organisations like Universiti Malaya, Birdlife and the Malaysian Nature Society for the study of forest rodents and wildlife, as well as partnering with Semai Orang Asli to promote indigenous craftwork and raise awareness of the role of bamboo in traditional food making.

Pitcher plant 

This is the best place to get fresh air and go back to nature while learning more about the rainforest, plants, birds, insects, animals and more. Bring your family here to explore and be adventurous. 

All trails are conducted by specialist guides from Treks and are by appointment only, with the fees being RM75 per person for the Conservation Trail, RM95 per person for the Herb Forest and RM135 per person for the Biodiversity Trail. A minimum group of 3 is required for each trail. For bookings, please contact Trek Events at +6013 399 3667 or email info@treks.events. For enquiries on the Bamboo Conservation Project, please contact 013- 3993667 (TREKS Eddie).

A group photo with my blogger friends and family