Genting Highlands

Pahang, Malaysia

Genting Highlands is an integrated resort development comprising hotels, casinos and a theme park in Pahang, perched on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali at 1,800 meters high. Nestled near the border of Selangor within an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur (about 35km), Genting Resort presents a popular weekend getaway from the city heat, conveniently connected by the Karak Highway and major trunk roads, along with a cable car service from the satellite town of Gohtong Jaya. On a clear day, the peak overlooks lush valleys of rainforest stretching towards KL, a breathtaking view for visitors as they enjoy the cooling weather and serene mountain environment. Since 1971, Genting Highlands has remained the only legal gambling outfit in Malaysia - its very own mini Las Vegas on a mountain top. While the casinos are central to Genting Highlands, a theme park provides fun rides and activities for adults and children alike, while the First World Plaza is a colourful shopping complex with family restaurants, entertainment centers and trendy boutique outlets. On the peak, First World Hotel - the largest hotel in Asia with over 6,000 budget rooms - provides much of the budget faccommodation along with family-oriented Theme Park Hotel. Maxims Genting (Genting Grand) and Highlands Hotel are classy five star establishments while Resort Hotel bridges the gap between budget and luxury accommodation for visitors.

History

Genting Highlands was founded by Lim Goh Tong, who arrived at the shores of Malaysia from Fujian, in 1937. Born in 1918, Lim was a young man, only a lowly carpenter while he picked up the local Malay language. For the next few years, he dabbled in vegetable farming and petty trading, but eventually involved himself in the scrap metal and heavy machinery business. It was through this industry that Lim finally made it rich. The end of World War II signalled rapid development in Malaysia, fueling the demand for Lim's stock of second hand equipment for tin mining and rubber plantations. From there, he ventured into iron mining and then, construction. One day, while having a meal in the Cameron Highlands, it struck upon Lim the idea of a highland resort near Kuala Lumpur. The nearest hill station then, Cameron Highlands, was about 200 km away from KL, which made it less than a convenient journey for a quick highland holiday. He scouted the mountainss within the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur, and found an suitable spot on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali, one of the highest mountains on the Pahang-Selangor border with an ideal and relatively spacious ridgetop. After studying its topography and mapping out its development, Lim pooled all his resources and energy into creating a highland resort with accessible roads, proper infrastructure, clean water and supply of electricity. In the middle of 1971, Genting Highlands opened for business - the first Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman granted him the only casino license in the country. Over the next 30 years, Genting Highlands continued to grow from a simple resort with a small casino to a modern holiday destination, with theme parks, numerous hotels, large roads and a cable car system. Today, Genting Highlands is one of the most popular highland tourist destinations in Malaysia, attracting visitors from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and all over the world. It remains still the only legal gambling den in Malaysia.

Best Time to Go and Weather

Genting Highlands has a cooling climate between 20°C to 25°C during the day and 15°C to 20°C during the night. Misty weather is a prevalent element and thunder storms are frequent towards the year end. However, you can visit Genting Highlands anytime, as the roads up are made of sturdy construction that resist most landslides. If you prefer a dry holiday, the best time to come here would lie between March and September when the rainfall is generally least. Be sure to wear some thick clothing at night if you're susceptible to cold. The mist around the peak can obscure panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur city and the landscape below, so the best time for a view is usually the early morning or late evenings.

Shop till you drop in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur City Center

The capital city of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur - has much to offer for tourists. Shopping in this great metropolis is very popular. Malaysians usually go to the shopping malls during weekend as past time. Shopping in Malaysia is an awesome experience for most tourists. Where else can you find ultra luxurious malls with affordable products? It is not that common to try to bargain for lower prices in shopping malls. You could always try your luck, but on regular clothing and other low priced products, you will probably have zero chance of getting lower prices. When you are planning to buy more expensive products (like jewelry or electronic devices); always bargain for a better price. Read more about shopping in Kuala Lumpur.

Visiting the island of Langkawi

Pantai Cenang Langkawi Island

Langkawi is a beautiful island in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia; many people describe the island as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The island is not (yet) spoiled by tourists, which makes it a perfect holiday destination for travelers. Accommodation is affordable on the island. You can stay in a resort for a mere $30 a night, but also for $3000 for a single night. The island is especially renowned for the many great attractions. Besides that you can shop at some of the shopping malls, you can have splendid dinners at one of the many hawkers, or you can rent a motorcycle (moped) to explore the island (RM40 for 24h). The island is easy accessible from Kuala Lumpur or the neighboring island of Penang. Read more about Langkawi.

Perhentian Island

Perhentian Island

Perhentian is a great island for scuba diving and snorkeling. Especially great are the affordable prices of accommodation, you can stay at the island for a mere $15, - a night. Because of these great prices, Perhentian is a very popular island among tourists. Add the crisp marine water to that, and you will be having the time of your life at this island. If I would rate all Malaysian islands, Perhentian would probably score a 9/10. Read more about Perhentian.