Friday, April 8, 2016

Genting Highlands - The City of Entertainment


G is for Genting Highlands.

'The City of Entertainment' - this is what Genting Highlands is also known as.

Just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is a place where city folk can get away from the heat and the hustle and bustle of the city.

The hill resort, at an average elevation of 1,740 metres (5,710 ft) above sea level has a cool spring-like climate with the average temperature falling in between 20°C to 25°C during the day and to around 15°C at night so it can get quite cold. Do pack a cardigan or a jacket. You will need it not only for the night but for when you go outdoors as the winds can be chilly.

Resorts World Genting has five hotels. One of the five hotels, the First World Hotel, holds the Guinness World Record as the largest hotel in the world from 2006 until 2008, and regained the title in 2015 with a total of 7,351 rooms.

First World Hotel

Genting Highlands resort is popular with tourists and locals alike (like I said it's only an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur) for the many attractions available. There is something to do for everyone from the young to the young-at-heart.

This is the First World Plaza or what is commonly known as the Indoor Theme Park, where there are games and rides for everyone. And, of course, many food outlets, you'd be spoilt for choice. The place never sleeps.


There's even a tow boat ride a la the Venice gondola.. without the gondolier, of course.


The Genting Outdoor Theme Park is currently closed, since 1 September 2013, to make way for the RM1 billion world’s first 20th Century Fox World, originally due to be completed by 2016 but has now been delayed to 2017.

Over the years, Gentings had evolved into a shopping destination as well.

Genting Premium Outlets is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016. It will be Southeast Asia's first hilltop Premium Outlet Centre. The development will cover 600,000 square feet and costs MYR 200 million. (Wikipedia)

But now open is a Nike Factory Store, where prices are a real knockdown from the ones in the city. So if you are there you may want to check the place out. It's in the vicinity where the bowling alley is. That's right. There is also bowling (ten pin) available besides other activities to spend a fun and eventful holiday there.

A word of warning though, unless you don't mind standing in line or get caught in both human and vehicular traffic, try to avoid going there during public holidays.


If all those rides and stuff are not exciting enough for you, try your hand at the casino.

Genting Highlands operates the only land-based casino in the country. When it was first started there was a strict dress-code for men (jacket or long-sleeved batik) but not anymore. Currently, a collared shirt is what's required. No shorts or slippers allowed I should think.

Also, formerly a RM200 deposit to enter was mandatory but not anymore.


Gentings can also be reached via a cable car system. Called Genting Skyway, it is a gondola lift connecting Gohtong Jaya and Resort Hotel at the top. Its lower station at Gohtong Jaya township, located approximately 51 kilometres (32 mi) northeast of Kuala Lumpur, comprises a 5-storey station building and a 10-storey car park while its upper station is located at the Resort Hotel.

Genting Skyway is also recognised as the "World's Fastest Mono Cable Car System" with a maximum speed of 21.6 kilometres per hour (13.4 mph) and possibly the "Longest Cable Car in Malaysia and Southeast Asia". It is a 3.38 kilometres (2.10 mi) transport to the hilltop.


By the way, if you are there and if you are interested to know more about Genting Highlands do go by their gallery. It's located somewhere near the lobby of the main hotel. I stumbled upon the place on my last visit. Genting celebrates 50 years.

Also when you are there, if you are interested in exotic cars, on weekends mostly, there'll be a whole line of such cars parked just in front of the main hotel as well as at Maxims. You'd see many admirers taking selfies with the cars.

Did I mention there's an indoor heated pool? If you are a guest at one of the hotels, (but of course), that is available for you.

If you are a tourist to Kuala Lumpur and want to know how to get to Genting Highlands, check with your hotel. They'd be able to assist.


Sources:
- Wikipedia
- Genting Highlands website

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