Beyond the Crowds & Bustle, Why Resorts World Awana Could Be Genting Highlands' Best-Kept Secret

For many travellers, Genting Highlands is best known for its theme parks, casinos and bustling entertainment scene. Yet tucked away at the foothills of the mountain, surrounded by lush rainforest and cool highland air, lies a different side of Genting.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Resorts World Awana offers a quieter, nature-centric alternative that feels worlds apart from the crowds while remaining conveniently connected to Genting's top attractions.

During a recent 2D1N media experience, we discovered that Resorts World Awana isn't simply a hotel. It's a family-friendly retreat where nature, recreation and accessibility come together to create a well-rounded highland getaway.

Highland sanctuary just a short distance from the action

Resorts World Awana's greatest strength may be its location. Nestled among lush greenery at the foothills of Genting Highlands, it offers a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere than many of the area's main tourist hotspots or hotels.

Yet convenience remains a key part of the experience. Whether you're heading to Genting Highlands Premium Outlets for some retail therapy, taking the Awana SkyWay up the mountain, or visiting Chin Swee Caves Temple, the resort serves as a practical base for exploring the area.

Image Credit: Resorts World Genting, Agoda

That balance between relaxation and accessibility makes Awana especially appealing for family getaways and short weekend escapes.

Comfortable rooms with nature-inspired views

One of Resorts World Awana's unique architectural characteristics is its octagonal design, which allows rooms to enjoy varying perspectives of the surrounding greenery.

The resort caters to a wide range of travellers through its diverse accommodation offerings. Families will appreciate the Superior Deluxe Sixer, featuring two queen beds and two super single bunk beds that comfortably accommodate up to six guests. Couples and small families can opt for the well-appointed Superior Deluxe Room, while those seeking additional space can choose the Executive Suite or Club Suite.

Image Credit: Resorts World Genting

For larger groups and extended stays, the recently refurbished Villas and spacious Mansions offer home-like comforts with generous living areas and balconies overlooking the lush surroundings. At the top end of the accommodation spectrum sits the Presidential Suite, a premium two-bedroom option designed for guests seeking a more exclusive highland experience.

Image Credit: Resorts World Genting

The rooms strike a balance between practicality and comfort, allowing the surrounding natural environment to take centre stage.

Dining highlights

Food is a significant part of any resort stay, and Resorts World Awana offers enough variety to keep guests satisfied without having to leave the property.

Dinner was served at Ayu Awana, a poolside restaurant surrounded by lush greenery. The relaxed setting made for an enjoyable meal, particularly as the cool highland weather set in during the evening.

The meal started with a Creamy Mushroom Soup drizzled with truffle oil, which was rich and comforting without being overly heavy. The Salmon Spinach Superfood Salad offered a lighter option, while the Caesar Salad delivered the familiar flavours expected from the classic dish.

Among the mains, the Mee Goreng Mamak emerged as one of the stronger dishes of the night, featuring a good balance of spice and wok-fried smokiness. The Smashed Beef Burger was juicy and satisfying, while the Teriyaki Chicken Burger provided a sweeter alternative. For sharing, the Beef Pepperoni Lovers Pizza proved to be a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its generous toppings, while the Hawaiian Chicken Pizza offered a sweeter contrast.

Dessert rounded off the experience on a pleasant note, with the Crème Caramel standing out for its smooth texture and balanced sweetness.

For lunch, Village Fresh showcased a different side of the resort's dining offerings. Overlooking the golf course, the restaurant specialises in family-style Chinese cuisine, making it particularly suited for group dining.

The Choy Poh Steamed Patin was among the highlights, with the preserved radish adding a savoury depth to the delicate fish. Equally impressive was the Chinese Herbal Steamed Kampung Chicken, which was tender and infused with subtle herbal flavours.

Other dishes such as the Chilli Sauce Grass Prawn, Mapo Tofu and Spinach with Century Egg in Superior Soup complemented the meal well, while the Vegetable Curry added a hearty vegetarian option to the spread.

While neither restaurant aims to be overly ambitious, both deliver dependable and satisfying meals that complement the resort's laid-back atmosphere. More importantly, the variety available means guests can comfortably spend a few days at the resort without feeling limited by their dining choices.

Immersive experiences & activities for all ages

While many visitors may use Awana as a base for exploring Genting Highlands, the resort itself offers enough activities to fill an itinerary.

Among the most distinctive experiences is Genting Nature Adventures, which focuses on biodiversity, conservation and rainforest education. Guided rainforest walks introduce guests to the rich flora and fauna surrounding the resort.

Families with children will appreciate the resort's educational programmes, including Nature's Little Planters, Junior Little Baker and Stingless Bee Honey Harvesting. These activities successfully blend learning with entertainment, encouraging young guests to engage with sustainability and nature in meaningful ways.

Image Credit: Resorts World Genting

Beyond the nature activities, Resorts World Awana offers enough recreational facilities to keep guests occupied throughout their stay. The heated swimming pool is particularly inviting, providing a comfortable place to unwind against a backdrop of lush greenery.

Active travellers can take advantage of the golf course or newer additions such as pickleball, while the Music Boxing Machine adds a touch of light-hearted fun. Traditional lawn games like croquet, meanwhile, fit naturally into the resort's laid-back atmosphere and encourage guests to spend more time outdoors.

Image Credit: Resorts World Genting

Beyond leisure travel

Although most guests are likely to visit for a short getaway, the resort has also established itself as a venue for meetings, conferences and social functions. With a large ballroom, numerous meeting rooms and outdoor event spaces available, there's plenty of capacity for both corporate and private gatherings.

The rainforest backdrop helps create a more relaxed environment, which may appeal to companies looking to take employees out of the usual boardroom setting or couples seeking an outdoor wedding venue.

Image Credit: Resorts World Genting

Our verdict

Resorts World Awana offers a different way to experience Genting Highlands. Instead of being in the middle of the action, guests get to enjoy a more peaceful setting surrounded by nature, without feeling disconnected from the area's main attractions.

With comfortable accommodation, plenty of activities for families and a good selection of dining options, it's a resort perfect for anyone looking to take things a little slower while still enjoying what Genting has to offer.

To learn more about Resorts World Awana or book your stay, head to the official website.

Featured Image Credit: Resorts World Genting, Agoda