You might know Resorts World Genting as a one-stop centre for entertainment, including outdoor and indoor theme parks, a concert arena, countless F&B options, and more. However, did you know that it is also surrounded by a 130-million-year-old rainforest that is home to diverse wildlife, including 18 amphibians, 134 birds, 42 mammals, and 18 reptile species? The area is also predicted to have over 460 flowering and non-flowering plants. Sounds like the Garden of Eden! 

It is home to endangered dusky leaf monkeys, black panthers, and serows (medium-sized goat-like or antelope-like mammals). Several types of primate species live here, including the endangered Symphalangus syndactylus or siamang.

What to know about siamangs?

According to the New England Primate Conservancy, these animals are native to Malaysia, Sumatra, and a small region of Thailand. They are very noisy animals, thanks to a gular throat sac that can actually expand to the size of a male’s head and their din can last up to 20 minutes! Phew. 

They are the largest gibbons in the world, reaching almost 1m in height and spend most of their time in trees. So if you somehow spot them at night, you might be tricked into thinking you’re looking at a hantu (ghost). Eek.

They have long shaggy black coats and are active in the daytime. They actually help to disperse seeds by er, defecating as they travel which leads to a healthier, more diverse tree population. Gross, but helpful. Sadly, these animals are threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and the pet trade. 

According to research carried out for the Journal of Sustainability Science and Management, Siamang family groups have been seen crossing roads and cable car lines at Resorts World Genting. They are also friendly creatures and have been seen approaching other primates. They also like to feed on the fig trees at this area. 

How Do We Help To Preserve the Siamangs?

Genting Malaysia honours legally protected areas, meticulously planning developments to prevent harm to species listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (“IUCN”) Red List (which includes the siamangs). 

We are proud to report that we have different forest and habitat preservation programmes underway in our parks like the Awana Bio Park. We conduct biodiversity impact assessments and collaborate with various organisations, external agencies, and species experts. This includes the Jabatan Perhilitan Malaysia, and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia. Read more about our efforts here.

See the Siamangs up close and personal with one of our Genting Nature Adventures, which aim to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity:

• Awana Trail: Go on a guided tour at Resorts World Awana 
  Time: 9am daily 
  Ticket prices: RM30 per person (Hotel Guest) | RM45 per person (Non-Hotel Guest)
• Corporate Green Bonding: Looking for a place to have an unconventional team building experience and get closer to Mother Nature? We have various programs to suit your needs:
  • 120-150 minutes: RM 135 per person
  • 1-Day program: RM270 per person
  • 2-Day program: RM350 per person

Watch our introductory video here:

Read more about Genting Nature Adventures here.

Image credit: instagram.com/projectmonyet/