Genting Highlands -- Travelogue

Known as the Las Vegas of Malaysia , Genting is a cool hill station with casinoes, theme parks and scenic views. Called the "city of entertainment" of malaysia, it boasts of huge hotels,modest casinoes and adventurous theme parks.Enjoy all this amidst cool weather.

LOCATION : Situated at 6000 ft above sea level,Genting is located in Malaysia and is one hour drive from KL (Kualalampur) on the karak highway. There are regular buses to Genting from KL, Singapore.Most of the buses from Singapore start at Golden Mile Complex in Beach road.There are also plenty of taxis from KL.The nearest airport is KL.

CLIMATE : The weather in Genting is quite cool.Annual temperatures range from 15c - 20c.It can get foggy very often and hence bring in some thick jackets for protection.

ACCOMODATION :
Budget Hotels : First World Hotel, Theme park hotel
Mid end : Resort Hotel
High End : Genting hotel,highlands hotel,Awana golf and country resort.

FOOD :Most of the popular food chains such as Mcdonald's, KFC, Pizza hut have a presence inside the Casino complex. Vegetarians have fewer choices . Pizza hut is the best bet for veggies. It serves a delicious Veggie lovers Pizza, some pasta varities,garlic bread and yummy soup.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS :
Casino de Genting : The largest legal casino in Malaysia that offers the usual games such as slot machines, poker and roulette. Its open 24 hours a day. Admission strictly only to those above 21 years. Dress code is pretty strict and prohibits round-necked T-shirts,sandals and shorts.

Outdoor Themepark : It is a disney style theme park with excellent adventure rides. Some rides might need separate tickets but the general entry ticket guarantees admission to most rides.The best rides are Space shot, corkscrew, cyclone, Grand Prix fun kart,flume ride, flying coaster (need to pay extra).

Ripley's "believe it or not" museum: Located inside the complex , it is worth a visit.

Mysteria "magic" show : Based on the egyptian theme and spearheaded by illusionist Tim kole, this "believe the impossible" show features magic,acrobats,dance and crossbow acts. The show is grandiose though a bit too lengthy. Might be a better idea to pre-book the tickets at singapore (from where its a little cheap).

Skyway : This cable car takes you on a scenic ride from the 5th level of the Casino complex on a 20 min ride across the lush rainforest. The view from the cable car is amazing.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES : The first thing that struck me was the lushness and misty weather of the place. The first world hotel where we stayed was a world unto itself and was a huge monolith with 6300 rooms ( Supposed to be the largest hotel in the world).The indoor themepark inside the complex, has a replica of Statue of Liberty and other thematic attractions that try to recreate the "Vegas feel".

TRAVEL TIPS : The best time to travel is anytime except the monsoons.Please bring in Cameras & Binoculars and a woolen shawl/sweater . Genting is worth a visit and a nice "timepass", far away from the bustle of city life.