Genting Highlands

Malaysia's premier holiday and convention destination for local and international visitors, Genting Highlands, sits prettily amidst lush tropical greenery and cool invigorating surroundings.

Genting highlands otherwise known as Resorts World Genting is the flagship integrated resort developed by the Genting group. Nestled on a mountain peak within the Titiwangsa Mountains, Genting lies on the border between the states of Pahang and Selangor of Malaysia.

It is roughly an hour's drive from the city of Kuala Lumpur with the newly completed four lane road to the resort. Undisputedly, Genting Highlands is the most developed hill resort in Malaysia.

Located atop 2000 meters above sea level, this highlands offer a cool respite to Malaysia's capital city, combined with its luxury and entertainment at once, with the class of an international resort destination. Its temperature ranges from 15 degree C to 24 degree C throughout the year.

Genting is rife with nightlife and there are many Malaysians who head for Genting for its international dinner shows and discos, world class Casino de Genting offering Blackjack, Baccarat, Keno, French bull, Roulette, Tai Sai and slot machines.

A historical brief on Genting highlands

The idea of a hill resort in the proximity of Kuala Lumpur occurred to the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong. Amidst the dense virgin tropical jungle and rugged terrain, it was an insurmountable task to transform a remote mountain into a premier holiday resort in Malaysia. But not for Tan Sri Lim.

A private company called Genting Highlands Berhad was set up in 1965 and a 99 year lease with the Government was entered into for thousands of acres of land. The foundation stone for the dream resort came into existence in 1969 and it was in 1971 that the first hotel at Genting Highlands was successfully completed. This is the Theme Park Hotel. In the subsequent years the area was developed and it soon grew into a premier holiday destination in the region ensuring that the natural beauty of the rain forest is untarnished.

Genting Highlands Resort stands today with five hotels, two apartment blocks and at the hilltop and Awana Genting Highlands Golf and country resort.

The Genting Skyway cable car system came in 1997 and it provides a 3.38 km transport to the hilltop. This is the world's fastest mono mobile car system with a maximum speed of 21.6 km per hour and the 'longest cable car in Malaysia and Southeast Asia'.

Genting – the city of entertainment

Genting theme park with a multi million ringgit playground with over 40 rides, making it Malaysia's biggest theme park.

The Turbo drop from 185 feet to the ground in less than 5 seconds.

The Corkscrew : the only double loop roller coaster in Malaysia that spins up to a height of 90'.

Super Toboggan that can race down twisting track at supersonic speed with no brakes. Rainforest splash pool which is heated and covered water park where you can have a whale of a time enjoying wave pool, action pool and big bucket.

Grand prix go kart with a special go kart circuit where speeding is legal.

Exciting family rides for the young at heart and the suspended rides include the Euro express roller coaster, Reindeer cycle monorail and Rio ride.

Snow world with sledging or simply enjoy the gentle touch of falling snowdrops on the face of South Asia's biggest and best snow house.

A 4000 sq ft foot tour of terror, haunted adventure, scary attractions and live unpredictable actors – scream for fun.

X pedition wall – not for those with fear for heights.

Genting sky venture with sky diving without a parachute or without jumping out of a plane. The one and only sky diving simulator in Asia, with a maximum speed of 120 mph winds to keep you airborne.

For the night life, visitors have safari disco.

Visit the only casino in Malaysia that has been used as a backdrop for popular Asian and Hollywood films. Many locals head to the casino for Baccarat, Roulette, Tai Sai, Blackjack, slots and more.

Genting Highland vacation should be perfect for the avid golfer. The Awana Golf and Country resort offers a challenge with its par 71, 18-hole golf course. This should be an equestrian experience, a chance to go for exciting rides through the mountains.

Hiking in the Genting Highlands is another popular activity where you can explore the surrounding tropical rainforest. Taman Negara National Park with stunning views and the most extensive canopy walkway in the world are found here. Many a variety of wildlife can be spotted while trekking through the forested area.

Getting to Genting Highlands

One can get to Genting Highlands in many ways. Take the express bus from major bus terminals such as Puduraya, Pasar Rakyat, KL, Sentral or Terminal. Go up by car or taxi which should be hassle free as the roads up the mountains are wide and well maintained.

By helicopter, it takes approximately half an hour to reach Genting from the KL airport by special chartered helicopters. With the sky cable above and a tropical rainforest below, you can ride up to the hilltop on the longest and fastest cable in Southeast Asia.

The cool rejuvenating air affords a crisp alternative to stuffy roads and byways. It casts a mysterious aura over the area. With average temperature between 16 and 23 degrees, it is hard to believe Genting is housed in the hot and equatorial Malaysia. Las Vegas style shows with exotic dancers, charismatic magicians, and famous singers from across the world, Genting is a dream come true for the discerning holiday goers.