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In Search of Supermodels in Fashion Forest, Genting Highlands

1. our guide Eddie Chan gives a briefing on the supermodels of the forest that we may encounter
1. our guide Eddie Chan gives a briefing on the supermodels of the forest that we may encounter

Being surrounded by pristine nature is a luxury for many of us, myself included. During my recent weekend getaway to Genting Highlands, I had the opportunity to immerse in the best that nature has to offer.

2. entrance to Fashion Forest, a short distance from the Awana Longhouse
2. entrance to Fashion Forest, a short distance from the Awana Longhouse

Courtesy of Resorts World Genting, a group of us explored the Upper Dipterocarp Forest on foot, led by the very capable husband-and-wife team of Eddie Chan and Pat Ang, who jointly manage Treks Nature Enterprise. The Upper Dipterocarp Forest is forest located at an altitude of between 2,500 and 4,000 feet.

3. some of the delegates pose for a photo
3. some of the delegates pose for a photo

In common term, I went jungle trekking. But wait a minute, Fashion Forest (FF) is no ordinary jungle. It is, after all, the only social media-friendly forest in the world. How can this be? What does it mean?

4. Eddie Chan holds up a couple of acorns
4. Eddie Chan holds up a couple of acorns

Well, Fashion Forest is WiFi enabled, so that one could search the internet as he discovers something new while he moves deeper into the forest. If your own data plan is out of coverage, worry not! You can always be in touch with the real world and communicate with your loved ones in real time.

5. 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' in the forest
5. ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’ in the forest

Why is this area named Fashion Forest? According to Mr. Edward Holloway, Senior Vice President of Resorts World Genting, their collaboration with Treks aims to bring an integral part of the 130-million-year-old forest to nature lovers in a fashionable way.

6. a trail of termites next to a pair of man's feet for comparison's sake
6. a trail of termites next to a pair of man’s feet for comparison’s sake

As the word “fashion” brings to mind supermodels and runways, trekkers are encouraged to dress up and be passionate about rediscovering the forest and its wildlife. How about taking an #OOTD here and share it online? Now, that’s exactly the idea.

7. Jungle Pomfret (Phyllagathis rotundaifolia)
7. Jungle Pomfret (Phyllagathis rotundaifolia)

The celebrities, or rather celebri-trees, are the trees named after real-life celebrities. Supermodels, on the other hand, are the wildlife that call the forest home.

8. a fruiting Pinang tree
8. a fruiting Pinang tree

The Black Panther, Kancil, Siamang, Crested Serpent Eagle, Helmeted Horbill and Pill Bug are but some of the “supermodels” that you would encounter. It all depends on your luck and the length of time you are willing to camp in the jungle.

9. a hole made by crickets that could go straight down to more than 8 feet
9. a hole made by crickets that could go straight down to more than 8 feet

Fashion Forest is just one of four groups of an alliance of rainforests. It is located at 3,000 feet above sea level. The other three are Slay Forest at Chin Swee Temple (Montane Oak Forest) at 4,500 feet above sea level; Chocolate Forest (Montane Ericaceous Forest) at 6,000 feet above sea level; and Skyride Forest in Awana.

10. ripened fruit of a rattan species which has a sourish taste
10. ripened fruit of a rattan species which has a sourish taste

In Fashion Forest itself, there are five galleries; the 1st Gallery called Steps right up to the 5th Gallery – Fashion Forest Walk Trail, which is the section of a full-grown forest.

11. A very dense formation of thorns on a rattan species. There are more than 12 species of rattan in the 5 galleries of Fashion Forest. The rattans showcase the rich biodiversity of FF.
11. A very dense formation of thorns on a rattan species. There are more than 12 species of rattan in the 5 galleries of Fashion Forest. The rattans showcase the rich biodiversity of FF.

By the way, Fashion Forest is a very interactive forest where some trees have been barcoded for you to scan with your smart phone to obtain relevant information. Some of these barcodes are quiz questions that you can answer.

12. beautiful leafy climber plant
12. beautiful leafy climber plant

Also, to get you more involved in your exploration of the jungle, take a photo or video of your discovery and upload it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #fashionforestsupermodels to earn Fashion Forest Awards.

13. small fig fruits from a giant strangler fig tree that are liked by small birds and leaf monkeys
13. small fig fruits from a giant strangler fig tree that are liked by small birds and leaf monkeys

This in turn creates awareness of the need to conserve Mother Nature to your network of family, friends and associates. A brilliant idea, I must say.

14. one of the giants of FF - a strangler fig tree affectionately named Gracie
14. one of the giants of FF – a strangler fig tree affectionately named Gracie

The activity that my friends and I participated in is only one of the many nature-adventure pursuits handled by Treks Nature Enterprise, here at Fashion Forest or in the larger area of Genting Highlands. Price starts from as low as RM75 per person and it varies according to the customised package requested.

15. fern shoot unfurling
15. fern shoot unfurling

For further information or to make a reservation, contact Treks Nature Enterprise at +6010-401 5262 (Eddie Chan or Pat Ang) during regular office hours. Or log on to treks.events. The company’s official Facebook is Treks.

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With love

15 thoughts on “In Search of Supermodels in Fashion Forest, Genting Highlands

  1. I never knew Genting Highland have such activity. this is great info although im not into jungle trekking>will recommend this to my friends that loves this activity

  2. Wow when i first saw the title i was thinking about the typical fashion show – T stage and all. Never thought it’s that. Definitely my type, may arrange a trip with family to Genting!

  3. I never really like jungle trekking but after seeing your photos it makes me feel like exploring nature. Looks fun.

  4. outdoor activities in genting looks fun! miss having those sessions away from the city

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