Genting Highlands : Flora & Fauna

Many wouldn’t think of flora and fauna when the word ‘Genting Highlands’ is mentioned. Thoughts of hotels and theme parks would come pouring through.

In fact, the highland resort is surrounded by lush green forest and sits on the Titiwangsa mountain range. Nature lovers would be delighted to know that the pristine rain forest surrounding Genting Highlands is 130 million years old. A forest that old will of course have a secret or two. Do some jungle trekking to look for it but don’t go thinking it will be a walk in the park. In fact, it will be more like an episode out of ‘Man vs Wild’. Leeches, slippery rocks, treacherous rapids and wild boars are just a number of the challenges you’ll be facing. Temperatures will drop rapidly (As if it’s not cold enough at the current temperature.)  when the sun sets as this forest is situated 3000 feet above sea level. You have been warned. Take all the precautionary measures or trekking with a guide or both will reward you with breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls and if you’re lucky, an undocumented plant or animal species.

“Orchid lah!”, spouted the little boy at his dad. Impress your family and friends with your orchid knowledge or simply feast your eyes at the variety of orchid available at the World Of Phalaenopsis Orchid Farm. Now what is this ‘Phalaenopsis’ you speak of? It is a type of orchid which is also known as the Moth orchid. With over 400 species of orchids being grown here, this farm is easily the largest orchid nursery here in Malaysia. With the gentle, cool breeze and the sweet scent from the orchids, I’m sure the garden gnome would love it here.

The Phalaenopsis Orchid.

There is also a Deerland where deers from all over the South East Asia region can be found. They are kept in a big and open enclosure where they can roam about freely. Potatoes are provided to visitors who are interested to get even more acquainted with Bambi and friends. The Deerland houses other species too. You can even find our local 'Sang Kancil' there too! Perhaps one of the biggest (and possibly the most popular) member of the Deerland is Hitam and Muda. Both Hitam and Muda are Sun Bears. They may be the largest member here but they are actually one of the smallest among bears. Unlike the Polar Bears or the Grizzly Bears, Sun Bears are very tame. They would even lick honey off your fingers without leaving a scratch on you. The same could not be said about their more aggressive cousins (Grizzly Bears, Polar Bears).

Sun Bear

If Bambi isn't your thing, you might want to give Jumbo a visit. An hour away from Awana Genting Highlands is Kuala Gandah. That is where you'll find the Elephant Sanctuary. This sanctuary houses elephants who have been displaced from their original homes as a result of deforestation. They are brought here from all over Peninsula Malaysia. Some of them even came from Thailand, India and Myanmar. Now I wonder if all of them speak the same 'elephant language'. 

There are many natural attractions around Genting Highlands. You’ll just have to look at the right places. Go on a slow drive up and keep your eyes open. What you find may change your perception of Genting Highlands forever.

Phalaenopsis orchid picture from Indoorflowers.net

Sun Bear picture from NationalGeographic.com