The pace of life quickens as you journey upwards from the foothills towards Genting Highlands at the summit. The quiet (on weekdays now, at least), the township of Gohtong Jaya and the Awana Genting Resort just further ahead, give way to the glitzy ambiance of the metropolis above the clouds at the top.
The main draw of this 'city in the clouds', is the profusion of heady indoor and outdoor themed attractions. Try the exciting Sky Venture, Asia's first skydiving simulator: give your lungs a good workout with the heart-stopping Corkscrew, the adrenalin-pumping Space Shot or the Spinner. Whether it is the romantic gondola or the rollercoaster rides, the wild and wetWater Park or ersatz ambiance of the very untropical Snow World, the noisy Bowling Alleys, or Rock Climbing Wall, Genting is the place to be if this is your idea of a holiday. For the karaoke freaks, live-out your fantasies as a crooner or a diva at the Be A Star Karaoke, or dance the night away at the Cloud 9 Discotheque (in these days of head-banging or music rooms, they still have a disco here!)
Accommodation at Genting Highlands is plenty with apartments and hotels to chose from, including the First World Hotel & Plaza, which the Genting management claim to be the world's largest integrated entertainment complex. However, be cautioned that at First World Hotel, do not expect a quiet check-in as you may have to put up with the noise of package tour groups clamouring for queue positions at the lobby.
The combination of all the themed attractions, together with over 80 outlets serving international cuisines, 70 shops and other distractions make this City of Entertainment live up to its name. And if the themed parks don't interest you try, your skills (or your luck) at the Casino de Genting for a round of baccarat, roulette, blackjack, tai sai and a whole range of others. For a quiet respite go tee-off for a round of golf at the Awana Genting Golf course.
Genting There:
About 51km northeast of Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands can be reached via the Karak Highway or via the Batang Kali road. Before the ascent to the top you can stop at the Bukit Tinggi Rest & Recreation area for refreshments. There are lots of Malay and Chinese food stalls as well as a drive-in McDonald's fast food outlet. The road up is easy to navigate but just about 5km to the top from the Awana Genting Resort junction, the climb is rather steep at places. If the incline is to taxing on your vehicle, try stopping a while before continuing the journey. Also try to alternate between 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear if your vehicle uses manual transmission, otherwise you may risk the engine over-heating. The small township of Gohtong Jaya, is about halfway to the top. This place has lots of Chinese seafood restaurants and an Indian Muslim restaurant that also serves western food. The Hotel Seri Malaysia (Tel :+603-6100 2525) is located here. Elsewhere around the area is theGenting View Resort. (Tel: +603-6100 2260).Note: When driving down do please observe the road signs and try not to use the brake pedal too much, or else the wheel system may overheat, lockup and cause problems. Use lower gears instead. Be mindful of the speed limit as the road may be slippery and visibility very minimal, especially in the evenings when the mist creeps in. Also switch on your vehicle's headlights. |
