But that’s the Genting on every headline, influencer’s IG post and TikTok video. Beyond the illuminating casino lights, there’s another side of Genting that visitors should set their sights to - its natural attractions. Yes, it may not be as glamorous as the more glitzy part of the Highlands, but it offers its own uniqueness, maybe even as exciting if you’re big into all things nature.
The perfect base for such attractions is Resorts World Awana. Surrounded by the montane-timber forest with walkable trails (we’ll get into that later), the hotel recently went through a complete makeover and now offers more natural-themed attractions within its doors (and outdoors!).
Awana Garden - A Farm-to-table concept
What’s the best thing to devour after a long, cool day in the mountains? Warm meals, of course. Not just any meal, Awana Garden brings the hot pot experience to a whole different level. The new restaurant combines a sustainable, farm-to-table concept with innovative soup bases only at the hotel.
By the way, 'farm-to-table' isn’t just a concept; it’s literal. Awana opened an actual hydroponic farm on their own grounds. Safe to say, a large part of their menu came fresh from their farm, hence the term farm-to-table.
Vegetables aside, Awana Garden offers a lot more than just freshness. Designed with Scandinavian and eastern European aesthetics in mind, the restaurant’s biggest pull factor has to be its unique hot pot bases. In our case, we were served with multiple choices of protein including crispy fried patin skin, slices of yakiniku-style beef and a wide array of fresh seafood. The base? A refreshing pot of Oriental Herb Medley, a Chinese-style slow-cooked chicken soup infused with medicinal herbs’ yok chok and tong sum, mixed well with red dates, wolfberries and Genting wild tea, which is said to cleanse your blood.
A must try if you’re a big hotpot fan!
Location: Lobby Floor, Resorts World Awana
Daily:
12pm - 3pm (lunch),
6pm - 9.30pm (dinner)
AYU Awana - Chill cafe by day, Party spot by night
Managed by the guys from Zouk, AYU Awana is an ideal hangout spot to wind down after a long day of jalan-jalan at Genting Highlands - for awhile. Because AYU Awana can flip from a chill place to a pool party venue real quick.
Offering the best of both worlds, AYU Awana’s versatility is its major attraction. Today, come down and enjoy the extensive selection of cocktails before you dip your fit into the warm heated swimming pool. Later, put your party clothes on and let the DJs play their library of foot-tapping hits as you dance through the breezy Genting night by the pool.
The restaurant also serves a very special smokehouse and grill menu, consisting of chicken, lamb, seafood dishes and more. Keep an eye on their desserts as well because their apple cobbler was out of this world!
Sunday-Thursday 7am-11pm
Friday-Saturday 7am-12am
Awana Trail's Guided Nature Walk in the World’s First 4G-powered Forest
One of the best parts of our visit, Genting opened a number of trails in its vast montane-timber forest in the Titiwangsa mountains. The 350m-long main trail is wheelchair friendly and is only accessible with a tour guide (for the time being).
The trail starts at Resorts World Awana’s golfer’s lodge, which then leads to a side trail to the Fashion Forest. Mind you, this rainforest is about 130 million years or more so you’ll get to see trees aged a lot older than you and your parents combined alongside other unique plants like the genting tea and pitcher plants.
Interestingly, the internet connection is amazing here, maybe even better than some parts of Petaling Jaya. So good that they decided to put up educational placards with QR code around the forest so if you’re keen to know more about a specific native plant or animal - it’s only a scan away. Not that you can’t Google them, of course.
Guided Walks prices:
Adults: RM75
Children: RM65
Time: 9AM - 11AM