Genting Fashion Forest

Who would have ever thought that one day, you’d be headed up to Genting Highlands NOT to spend your time at their famous casinos, NOT for day out at their upcoming brand new theme parks (which I’m sure will be amazing), BUT to trek through their Fashion Forest, located between 3.000 to 6,000 feet above sea level.

Described as an ‘alliance of rainforests’, it comprises of three forest types which can further be divided into four groups, that is Fashion Forest at Awana Genting Highlands (upper Dipterocarp Forest which is 3,000 ft above sea level), Slay Forest at Chin Swee Temple (Montane Oak Forest located at 4,500 ft above sea level), Chocolate Forest (Montane Ericaceous Forest found at 6,000 ft above sea level) and Skyride Forest in Awana.

When you hear the phrase ‘Fashion Forest’, most will ponder on the question of how do you “fashion” a forest? As how Treks Nature Enterprise puts it, it simply means to highlight the “supermodels” of the forests – the flora and fauna found in the same forests of Genting Highlands. You may say that most forests are the same, so what is so special about this one? Well… have you seen a forest that has internet connectivity? Or a forest where live musical performances will one day be held?

The geniuses behind Treks Nature Enterprise, Eddie Chan and Pat Ang, came up with the idea of combining technology with good ol’ fashion nature – to introduce the forest as a place where trees are given a breath of ‘life’ and personalities. The existence of these trees are truly wonderful – growing and expanding their empires practically undisturbed for hundreds of years until they become the “supermodels” and the “Celebri-Trees” that they are now.And there’s no better way of casting them into the spotlight WITHOUT the risk of destroying them by promoting their existence through social media. Here, technology is being used to help create awareness by using special visual aids like the Natgeo Frame, Nature Pergolas and elevated platforms. They fully encourage you to take as many selfies as you want with these beautiful specimens and share your experience via social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ or any other social media platforms that may exist.

Now you and your loved ones can enjoy the beauty of nature (and all of its “thrills”, like leeches and mosquitoes!) for as low as RM 75 per person. Depending on the type of activity that you are up for, there are many different packages offered by Treks that will definitely cater to your needs. If you don’t feel like facing the leeches and bugs just yet, you can also sign up for some of their one-of-a-kind programs like Discover the Elusive Helmeted Hornbill, where you learn more about the habitat of the four species of hornbills that actually made Genting Highlands their home! The other three species are the Rhinoceros Hornbill, the Great Hornbill and the Bushy Crested Hornbill. Now I must say that I have never known that there are hornbills residing here in Genting Highlands, let alone 4 different types of species!!

Treks has also got some great news for reptile and bird lovers! You can also join their DiscoverBirding program, which is led by Henry Goh, who himself is an avid bird watcher. No other person is more suited for this role as Goh is also the chairman of the Selangor branch for Malaysian Nature Society (MNS). With his years of experience, his knowledge is like a treasure trove for any bird watchers.

If you are a reptile lover, then don’t miss out on the Enjoying Herping Searching activity, which basically means searching for amphibians and reptiles. Take a nightly stroll within the forests of Genting Highlands to go searching for amphibians and reptiles that are hiding in plain sight. This activity is led by Steven Goh, who is the head coordinator of the Herpetofauna Special Interest Group of the MNS (Selangor branch). With his extremely sharp eyesight, nothing really misses him and he’ll definitely uncover hidden “superstars” that are found all around you. Trust me, I had a tough time trying to differentiate if the reflections I saw that night were the drops of rain water OR a pair curious eyes belonging to an amphibian or reptile.

So the next time you find yourself wondering what other exciting things you can do besides enjoying the fresh air in Genting Highlands, come check out the many programs that are offered by Treks Nature Enterprise. Just relax and let the “superstars” of the Fashion Forest blow your mind.

This post is written by Christine, my first guest write for the blog. She is former associate editor for www.malaysia.com :) I like what she wrote. Hope you guys enjoy what she written too :)