Great fun at the peak (Genting Highlands)Story and photos by Helen Ong
Sunday February 24, 2008For that adrenaline rush and more, head for
Genting Highlands.
IF you’re at a loose end one Sunday morning, what about piling the family into the car and heading for Genting Highlands?
Although only about an hour or so from Kuala Lumpur, the place is definitely worth staying over for a night or even longer.
Huge: The outdoor theme park in Genting.
With six hotels and 10,000 guest rooms, (including the First World and its 6,000 rooms which makes it the biggest in the world), there is accommodation available to suit every budget.
Mention “Genting” and the other G word immediately springs to mind, but actually, although the casinos are definitely a major attraction, there is plenty more to do besides, and you can have a fabulous time without even putting a foot (or, for that matter, sen) in one.
The first major town you hit on the way up is Gohtong Jaya, named of course after the amazing personage who had the vision to create this incredible resort out of what was virgin jungle.
It is generally where visitors stop for a wee (in every sense) break, as there are many restaurants here and some of the best Hokkien Char around.
Short but thrilling: The Corkscrew ride.
Just a few minutes’ drive from there is the Awana Genting Golf Resort. At 1,200 metres above sea level, it is cool but not too cold; perfect for a few rounds on the 18-hole PGA-standard course, which is listed as one of the world’s top 100.
Those who fancy a bit of R&R time away from noise and bustle will delight in the peaceful and lovely grounds, the spacious, recently refurbished rooms, and their extensive list of free activities led by qualified instructors.
If, however, you prefer a bit more excitement and somewhere even cooler, then head up another 800 metres, straight to the peak itself, which is another 15 minutes away. The Highlands Hotel here is connected to Gohtong Jaya by the Genting Skyway cable car – at 3.38km the longest in South-East Asia – and a shorter ride goes from Awana to the top.
It’s a slow and relaxing ride, although the queue to get on during peak times can be exhausting, but the view is quite spectacular, including the Chin Swee Caves Temple which took 18 years to build.
At the top, there’s a real buzz in the air. At its heart is First World Plaza, the huge covered concourse where a monorail and roller coaster weave in and out, the shrill screams of their thrill-seeking riders adding to the already high noise level and excitement of the milling crowd.
Sheer enjoyment: The cool fresh mountain air and relaxing greenery of Genting Highlands is worth a drive there for a weekend.
Over 50 different rides in the indoor and outdoor theme parks will ensure everyone, including the little ’uns, the young and the young-at-heart are kept entertained.
Shopaholics, worry not – there are nearly 80 retail outlets in First World Plaza alone, including some big names and larger chains, and I even managed to acquire some clothes and sandals I just had to have, at very reasonable prices too.
However, a very important consideration is, as far as I am concerned: food; what’s to eat there?
Actually, considering almost everything has to be transported up, there is an amazing number of restaurants and outlets with all kinds of quite delicious, very reasonably priced cuisines, from kopi tiams to popular franchises and award-winning fine dining.
With over 90 eateries, it seems like no matter what you fancy, at whatever time, there is some place, which will offer it – even if it’s pizza and spaghetti in the wee hours of the morning.
The Lake View Seafood Restaurant has a good variety of tasty dim sum, and at the 24-hour Hainan Kitchen you can even get quite authentic yau char kwai and coffee.
Interesting: You can even climb on board a London bus in Genting.
The nightly international buffet at the Coffee Terrace in Genting Hotel is impressive, and excellent value for money – senior citizens get a 50% discount at certain times.
Awana Genting’s Rajawali has a lovely terrace overlooking the golf course, and it’s cool enough to dine al fresco by the pool with their recently-introduced Imu Hawaiian Buffet, the only one of its kind in Malaysia, where different kinds of marinated meats are barbecued in a specially made pit.
Genting has made a name for itself in the entertainment industry, and many international stars have sung in the 6,000-seat Arena of Stars, but even without a big name, there is an extravaganza on at The Pavillion practically every night. It’s usually suitable for all the family and a marvellous way to end a wonderful, fun-filled day.
To sum it up: there are many activities available in Genting, and one or two days were quite insufficient to do the place justice. -- The Star Metro.
Colouful caterpillar: Fauna Student category third prize photo by Lim Jun Yong.
