Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015: Back to Nature Environmental Fashion Show

by Cleffairy // December 24, 2015 // No Comments

Apart from jungle trekking, the eco-talk by EcoKnights and team building activities in the vicinity of Awana Longhouse and the resort, we were also given a chance to experience how it is like to get involved in a fashion show from A-Z. Well, a fashion show with a twist, that is.

On the first night we were in Awana Longhouse, we were once again ordered to get into our group by our camp commander and were told that there is a competition going on where there will be a fashion show where we have to showcase outfits that is constructed from recyclable materials on the next day. On top of that, we would need to send out representative to model the clothing and present it in a catwalk during judging session.

It was quite a challenge as none of the kids have skills in designing department and I initially thought the result would be quite funny.

Getting together

Work in progress

Designing and putting the clothing together

One of the youngest participant modelling.

Next day: preparing for presentation

Tutoring the kids for catwalk after doing their make up.

Right before final presentation, catwalk by our camp commander. But of course, this is not you are supposed to pose on the runway.

My co-host, Kos Serani happens to be a designer and former model, was also a guest jury for the fashion show was invited on stage to catwalk and show how it was really done.

Presentation from our team. We managed to produce two outfits for the fashion show. Our models, The Forest Queens.

We emerged second place. Not too shabby in my opinion. I think my team worked pretty well together and frankly speaking, I discovered that they are a bunch of the most creative individuals I’ve ever met. They are open to each other’s ideas and have the can do attitude. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with these bunch of young people. Definitely a refreshing experience in comparison to one of my recent experience before Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 event where teamwork was such a horror. It takes only one person to shoot ideas down and the team was dragged down. I would never want to work with such individual again but it would honour me if I could work with the kids I met at Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 again.

Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015: Camping Out

by Cleffairy // December 24, 2015 // No Comments

Thanks to my sheltered upbringing and childhood, I never had a chance to go camping with my schoolmates. And as an adult, camping becomes one of my greatest fantasy and it has been in my bucket list for quite some time now.

Naturally, when my family and I were invited to Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 and were given the option to either overnight at the Awana Longhouse or in a tent at the campground, I opt to stay at the campsite for the night without any second thoughts whatsoever. Sure, the longhouse was really intriguing and appealing, but I was much more interested in making my childhood dream a reality more.

As an adult, making love outdoor with my husband, in the privacy of the tent was one of my kinky masterplan when I decided to stay at the campground instead of the Awana Longhouse. Unfortunately for me, my plan failed because we ended up having neighbours as the rest of the bloggers and kids bloggers opt to stay at the campsite too rather than staying at the longhouse. Better luck next time, I guess.

Having said that, here’s sharing some pictures and experience camping out for a night at Awana Longhouse camping ground.

The campground. Resort World Genting PR Team, Ms. Irene Chua, Eric Moo and Paul Hong taking a selfie just after monitoring the tents set up. Yes, they too camped out with us.

One of the Resort World Genting PR who were responsible taking care of us and photographer extraordinaire, Mr. Ho Wei En. Thanks to him, my husband, my son and I had loads of candid photos taken throughout the Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015.

Initially we thought that we will be sleeping on the hard ground but we were wrong. Mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags were prepared for us.

Ms. Irene Chua posing for me in a tent. I was makeup free and look like crap so I wasn’t in much mood for photography that time. Just see how comfortable she looks in there.

Nightfall at the campsite

Our tent, with mattresses and pillows.

The roof of our tent. The tent is from Coleman brand and is sturdy and waterproof. It can fit in 6 person comfortably inside and well ventilated. It actually rained that night but we slept comfortably until morning.

Visiting our neighbour at night.

These boys seems to have so much fun before going to sleep.

Misty morning at the campsite and some of us overslept and missed the morning run.

The unrepentant who hid in the tent while the rest went for a morning jog. Picture taken after everyone else were safely on their way jogging on the hill. Yours truly, the photographer for this picture along with her husband and son was in the same club who did not go for the morning run. Yes. The tent was too comfortable and we overslept. Thankfully, our camp commander did not reprimanded us for that.

Despite of my twarted plan to get amorous and initiate some sexy time while camping, I enjoyed camping out with both my husband and son immensely and would definitely do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you Resort World Genting PR Team for tour hospitalitt and making my childhood fantasy of camping out a reality.

Resort World Genting is offering teambuilding and eco packages similar to this Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 program. Should you require information on teambuilding events and accomodation in Awana Longhouse of want to camp out please refer HERE.

Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015: Teambuilding

by Cleffairy // December 23, 2015 // 1 Comment

Part of the activities planned for us media and participants alike during the Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 was team building activities. Dubbed as a treasure hunt session as it sounded less intimidating for the children, the whole thing not only required mental but physical endurance as well.

Our second day of the eco retreat started off with a short morning run.

And morning exercise before we gathered at the campground for briefing for our next activity, which is the treasure hunt a.k.a teambuilding. We were told during the briefing that there are a few stages of the treasure hunt to be completed. And each completed task will be awarded with a clue to the next task and destination.

Our first task was to complete a set of puzzle. Our team managed to complete the first task within minutes and was awarded with the clue to the next destination.

Our first stop was the extreme park where we were there was a couple of task that we need to complete within a stipulated time in order to obtain the clue to the next destination.

All the activities were quite tough and requires teamwork. If you are not a teamplayer, then you probably would not be able to complete all the tasks given. This tasks for example, requires leadership and coordination.

Coordination is crucial

Patience and physical endurance is a must during this kind of activities.

Tasks that requires strategizing was also included in our activities.

Making catapult is also one of the tasks given to us, and ironic as it is, this is the most challenging tasks of all and most participants stuck at this stage, mainly because they failed to build a catapult that really works.

Mercifully, like other teams, our team passed against all odds and managed to complete all the tasks given.

We did not win, but we gained not only experience but friendship as well. Energy taxing as it is, these things is the kind of thing I don’t mind doing regularly. Beats being a couch potato or attached to the gadget like a dog on leash.

Resort World Genting is offering teambuilding and eco packages similar to the Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 program.

Should you require information on teambuilding events and accomodation please refer HERE

Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015: Awana Longhouse

by Cleffairy // December 22, 2015 // No Comments

I never once imagined that I would step my foot in a longhouse, and visiting a longhouse remains just something on my bucket list but alas, I did, along with my family and friends during Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015. Who would have guessed that there is a longhouse in Genting Highlands? I was certainly not aware of the existence until my family and I happened to be invited to join the Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 program.

Awana Longhouse is the accommodation sponsor for Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 program for underprivileged children and it also double as a mass hall.

While I can’t exactly strike out staying in a real aborigines’ longhouse but I still can say that now I fairly have an idea how a longhouse really looks like.

Awana Genting Longhouse is pretty much basic and it is designed for communal living where there is a huge living room and spacious rooms for guests.

There are four rooms in Awana Longhouse and it can fit in about 10-15 person each rooms.

There is nothing luxurious about Awana Longhouse. There is no entertainment units or even fans or air conditioner, so you may scratch luxury leisure off if you you happen to be here.

Toilets and bathrooms are located outside at about 100 meters away.

Nightfall at Awana Longhouse. Beautiful, don’t you think? If you are the kind who expects room service during your getaways, then the longhouse is not the place for you but if you are looking to get back to nature and is the adventurous kind, this might be just the thing for you.

For more information on Awana Longhouse and the packages that they are having for teambuilding and stuff, please refer HERE

Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015: Eco Talk by Eco Knights

by Cleffairy // December 22, 2015 // No Comments

Just right after lunch and the launching ceremony for Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015, we were ushered back to Awana Longhouse for an educational talk by a representative from EcoKnights.

EcoKnights with the tagline ‘Inspiring Sustainable Living’ is an environmental organisation that supports all national and international environmental programmes.The organization was founded by Yasmin Rasyid and Mariam Osman in 2005 as a small collective offering urban community’s assistance in developing their own environmental initiatives. EcoKnights serves the community through development-led interventions from education and awareness programs to research; and public participation programs to consultation.

The 1 hour talk features interactive videos on the destruction that we have made on mother nature and what we can do to self sustain and taking care of environment in order to maintain a healthy eco system.

Everyone was all tired and beat especially after jungle trekking and stuffing our face silly but fun Q&A session that offer prizes to be won certainly perk things up and I’m proud to say that I still managed to pay attention and bagged some prizes despite the fact that I wanted to do nothing more than have some afternoon siesta.

Paul Hong, Resort World Genting PR officer handing over the token of appreciation from Resort World Genting to the speaker.

For more information on EcoKnight, visit their website here: www.ecoknights.org.my

Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015: Lunchtime at Pasar Ikan Bakar

by Cleffairy // December 22, 2015 // No Comments

Following our strenuous 1.8km trekking the 130million years old jungle, we headed back to Awana Longhouse where we freshen up a little before heading to lunch at Pasar Ikan Bakar, which was just in the vicinity of Awana Longhouse.

Pasar Ikan Bakar

Famished participants lining up for food

Assorted dishes to replenish our energy. If there is anything that I learned about my body is that it can be quite a bottomless pit after performing strenuous activities. Jungle trekking for about two hours must have burned loads of my calories as I practically devoured two helpings of the food taken and still feel like I could eat a horse even after I was done.

That said, the food was fabulous and surpassed my expectation. The foodie in me approves and yes, I’m saying that if you ever join an eco retreat program or team building program here in Awana Longhouse, food is the least thing you’d have to worry about.

Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015: Jungle Trekking

by Cleffairy // December 22, 2015 // No Comments

Growing up, my parents believed that I’m pretty much delicate and raised me pretty much sheltered. While I had simple fun during my childhood years, life was never adventurous. All outings are strictly chauffeured and there was no adventurous outdoor activities with school friends.

I believed I was somewhat delicate too due to all the coddling but motherhood proved me wrong. I discovered that I am capable of anything and everything that I wanted to do if I put my mind to it. Not wanting my son to be a spoiled and sheltered weakling like I was, I raise him adventurously, hoping that he would be much more connected with the environment and much more assured about himself than I was.

If you have read my previous posting, you’d know that one of our family’s most recent adventure is during our Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015. One of the things that we did was jungle trekking.

Before trekking, we were briefed on the dos and don’ts while jungle trekking.

Our camp commander giving his instructions before we were let loose into the jungle.

Warming up so that we won’t get cramps

Getting ready. Putting on insect repellent on our bodies.

From left: My Kembara #dekatje co-host, Kos Serani, Muiz Genji of Malaysiabackpackers.com and Khalid.

We trekked 1.8km deep in the jungle along with other participants.

You’d say that 1.8km is not a huge feat and anyone can do this, but trust me, 1.8km is not exactly near when it comes to following small and challenging paths in the jungle.

It dawned to me that every minute is precious when it comes to finding our way out as the jungle is indeed alive. You can easily get sidetracked and if you stop for just a moment, you’ll discover that you get left far behind. I discovered this first hand when my husband stopped pretty often to snap pictures. With just one or two minutes behind, we discovered that we get left far behind and everyone in front of us seems to be swallowed whole by the greens in front of us.

Luckily for us, all marshalls and rangers appointed to take care of us are very attentive and alert. We took about two hours trekking the jungle and every now and then we had to crawl on the ground as our path was blocked with uprooted trees and whatnot.

My son had no complaints whatsoever and I am so proud of it. I think, somehow I have raised him right, against all odds.

We were about half an hour behind and met the rest of the program participants halfway and concluded our trekking with a little celebration over lunch.

Was all the sweat, dirt and mud on bodies worth the experience? Yes. Most definitely and I would do it again in a heartbeat and I most certainly would like to attempt the more challenging 3km route instead of 1.8km route as I’m sure, the experience will be twice as rewarding.

More about our experience Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 soon, so keep your eyes peeled on it.

Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015

by Cleffairy // December 22, 2015 // 1 Comment

2015 is somewhat a dream come true for me where traveling is concerned. Some of the things that I have in my travel bucket list is jungle trekking and camping. Thanks to Resorts World Genting, I’ve strike both before December 2015 ends. Quite an achievement, I must say. 🙂

Resort World Genting has organized their annual Back To Nature Eco Retreat and my family and I were given the privilege to join it. The event is part of Resort World Genting CSR program to foster awareness and appreciation on conserving nature among the public. The event stressed on taking care of the environment and the tropical rainforest that we have in our country.

The event started with the registration of the media and the participants at Awana Longhouse. We were briefed on the security measures that we should take throughout the program and was supervised by an experienced ranger.

During the 30 minutes session, participants, amounting to about 80 underprivilleged students from schools from all over Pahang and members of the media were briefed about the rainforest in the vicinity of Resort World Genting that has existed for over 130 million years old.

The rainforest mentioned during our briefing is the one that we would be trekking and is highly valued by it’s vegetation, trees and wildlife.

During the briefing, participants were strongly reminded not to break the plants or picking up the plants to maintain the greenery and the beauty of native plants in the forest.

There are a lot of precious memories that I want to share with all of you here, but here’s summarizing what my family and I did during the Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat program. In depth write ups will be published by part in a series.

After the briefing, we were were taken to trek the jungle. It was really challenging as they were only small and narrow dirt paths.

The trek that we went was the shortest route known, which was 1.8km. We were supervised by rangers who have advanced knowledge on the path taken.

Throughout our journey, we came across difficult paths and sometimes have to lower our head and crawl on the ground as our path were blocked by large trees that had been uprooted.

After the strenuous trekking through the woods as far as 1.8km, participants were treated to a delicious lunch at Pasar Ikan Bakar.

Pasar Ikan Bakar

Generous lunch spread

After the short break and a noon meal, the next event is inauguration of the event by YB Datin Paduka Chew. The speech stressed on thr importance of protecting the environment and sustaining it for the sake of the future generation.

Tree planting ceremony during the launching by Datin Seri Paduka Chew. Looking on, the VP or Genting Public Relation Division, Ms. Katherine Chew.

Part of the program itinerary was eco talk by Eco Knights, Environmental fashion show where participants teamed up together and produce environmental wear made from recycled materials and plants and last but not least Treasure Hunt in the vicinity of Awana Resort, Genting Highlands.

Treasure Hunt session

Enviromental wear fashion showcasing by participants.

The Genting Back to Nature Eco Retreat 2015 was a well organized event and it was indeed an adventurous and memorable weekend for us, thanks to Resort World Genting PR team. My family and I have attended plenty of media trip throughout our blogging career but we never felt so happy attending a media trip before until this Genting Back To Nature Eco Retreat 2015.

I’ll be writing more about my family’s experience throughout the program, so stay tune for it.

A special note to Resort World Genting PR Team; Irene Chua, Eric Moo, Ho Wei En and Paul Hong, thank you so much for the VVIP treatment and for the beautiful memories throughout the retreat.

Alvin&The Chipmunks Roadchip Christmas Concert, Resort World Genting

by Cleffairy // December 21, 2015 // 1 Comment

Huge fan of the Chipmunks? I know I am and my son adore them. And since the chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore set out on an epic road trip and along the way, they made a pitstop in Malaysia to throw a concert in Resort World Genting, we decided to pay them a visit.

However, things turn out for the absolute worst during the concert when Alvin accidentally trips over a wire, causing one of the speakers to go faulty and with no immediate way to fix things and ended up injuring the dancer.

But the show must go on and guess what? Britney of the Chipettes made an appearance and gave us a surprise performance. It is really a nice performance from Alvin and the gang and also Britney.

And I’m pleased to report that there’ always a meet and greet session after the mini concert, so be sure to take a selfie or two or even get the professional photographer to take a family photo for you to keep.

This Christmas live show will be ongoing from 1st December 2015 till 1st January 2016 in Resorts World Genting. It is a must-watch family Christmas concert for the festive month, so hit the road and head over to Genting and meet Alvin and the gang.

Venue: Times Square Stage, First World Plaza

Showtimes:
12.00pm – 12.30pm
5.30pm – 6.00pm
7.00pm – 7.30pm
No show on Monday

Escape to Wonderland at Coffee Terrace, Genting Highlands

by Cleffairy // December 21, 2015 // 1 Comment

Back in November, my family and I had lunch at Coffee Terrace during our daytrip to Genting. It was rather uneventful, but a revisit in December, Coffee Terrace started to look a lot like Christmas. Well, it is literally Christmas over here in Coffee Terrace as they are even offering Christmas buffet spread for lunch and dinner.

A glimpse of Christmas deco can be seen from the entrance.

Unique thematic Christmas deco beckons diners like the gingerbread house beckons Hansel and Gretel.There are an array of colorful pastries, candies & sweets, such as miniature pasties, pineapple cookies, orea, chocolate chips, homemade tartlets, assorted cake, jellies & pudding, freshly baked pudding, assorted mousse, chocolate fountain for marshmallow [heart shape, twist, flower], jelly bean, mini smarty, kiwi jelly rainbow twist, kiwi jelly twist, kiwi jelly cube, gummy apple ring, gummy black currant ring, gummy cola, gummy peach ring, color meringue and not forgetting popcorn, cotton candies, crispy pan cake, assorted ice cream, ice kacang and cendol are available from the individual food station.

The usual stalls like Flavours of Malaysia, Chinese, Western, Western Asian and Japanese Cuisine is surprisingly offering their respective festive food.

Salad bar

Couldn’t resist but to assemble a platter.

Venturing further to hunt for food excites me. Spotted plenty of sweet treats and this Popcorn stall is one of it.

Live action stall where you can request the chef to prepare crepes of any flavours that you wishes.

Ais Kacang booth

Candy floss booth

Chocolate fountain

Candies and gummies

Lollies in the form of Angry Birds. You can’t possibly be angry after a bite of this, that’s for sure.

Assorted ice creams

Assorted cakes and pastries settled nicely on the shelf for your gastronomic pleasure.

My family and I were amazingly impressed with Coffee Terrace Christmas buffet spread. The food was deliciously festive while the treats definitely will make you sugar high by the time you are done enjoying the buffet. I know at least my family and I had sugar rush by the time we stepped out of the Coffee Terrace.

Check out below for your dining reference:

ESCAPE TO WONDERLAND

Date : 1 December 2015 to 3 January 2016

12.00 nn to 2.30 pm – Buffet Lunch
5.00 pm to 9.30 pm – Buffet Dinner

Buffet Lunch
RM 55.00 nett [adult] ; RM 20.00 nett [child]
Buffet Dinner
RM 88.00 nett [adult] ; RM 35.00 [child]

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR PROMOTION

24 & 31 December 2015 -Buffet Dinner
25 December 2015 & 1 January 2016 [Buffet Lunch & Dinner]

12.00 nn to 2.30 pm [Buffet Lunch]
5 .00 pm to 9.30 pm [Buffet Dinner]

RM 98.00 nett [adult] ; RM 49.00 [child]

HI TEA

Date : 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27 December 2015

3.30 pm to 4.30 pm

RM 30.00 nett [adult] ; RM 15.00 nett [child]

For bookings and enquiries, click HERE

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