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Commonly known as the "City of Entertainment," Genting Highlands represents the most popular hill station and resort development within Malaysia's Titiwangsa Mountains, a one-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Generally, it enjoys a cool climate with panoramic views at an altitude of about 1,800 meters above sea level or 5,900 feet.
This is a vibrant destination, full of variety-from casinos and luxury hotels to theme parks, shopping outlets, and entertainment spots. Initiated in the 1960s by the late Lim Goh Tong, Genting Highlands sprang into a buzzing hub of leisure and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Hotels in Genting Highlands (Source: Pinterest)
Whether it's a roller-coaster ride, live performances, or a leisurely retreat in a scenic mountain setting, Genting Highlands will give visitors from all walks of life an experience that cannot be forgotten.
Genting Highlands is among the popular hill resorts in Malaysia. Its concept was born in the early 1960s when a Malaysian entrepreneur, Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, envisioned a hill resort near Kuala Lumpur that could offer a cool refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Born in Fujian, China, Lim became inspired to develop a mountain retreat after visiting Cameron Highlands and realizing that such a resort in Malaysia could be constructed and developed closer to the population centers. Lim kicked off his ambitious project, having daunting challenges head-on occasioned by the rugged topography and high development costs.
In 1965, Lim bought a tract of land on Ulu Kali, a remote mountain situated near the capital. The project had to overcome a number of obstacles: building access roads through thick jungle and on steep slopes, having to fight against harsh weather conditions, and making sure that all materials were available to construct right on top of the mountain. All in all, Lim's persistence paid off, and in 1971, the first hotel, Highlands Hotel, was completed. This marked the genesis of what would become Genting Highlands Resort.
Within the time span between the 1970s and 1980s, there was rapidly advancing Genting Highland, fast-growing. The resort was yet to expand in terms of the number of hotels, facilities, and attractions. The Malaysian government granted Genting Highland an exclusive casino license in 1971, attracting many people nationwide and beyond, creating and promoting ampule fame.
Old Genting Highlands (Source: Reddit)
More hotels were added in the 1980s and the 1990s, such as Genting Hotel and Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort. For easier access to the resort, a cable car system named Genting Skyway, which was one of the largest and fastest in the world, was opened. It allowed the visitors to reach the top of the mountain much faster than previously.
Today, Genting Highlands is one of Malaysia's top tourist destinations, attracting millions of tourists every year from all over the world. The resort offers a combination of attractions between a hill station and a full-fledged entertainment complex and should stand out as a peculiar combination of natural beauty with modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy everything from gaming in the casino to rides at the theme parks, golfing, and taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding rainforest.
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Genting SkyWorlds is an outdoor theme park featuring a variety of themed zones and rides inspired by blockbuster movies. The park's detailed design and vibrant atmosphere make it a visual spectacle, providing plenty of photo opportunities.
Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park (Source: Pinterest)
As Malaysia's only legal land-based casino, Casino de Genting is a major draw for visitors. The casino offers a wide array of gaming options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, and more. It is open 24/7, adding to the resort’s vibrant nightlife.
Casio de Genting (Source: kkday)
The Genting Skyway and Awana SkyWay are two cable car systems that provide a scenic and thrilling ride up to the resort. The Genting Skyway, one of the longest and fastest cable car systems in Southeast Asia, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest and mountains.
Genting Skyway (Source: Tripadvisor)
A short distance away from the main resort area, the Chin Swee Caves Temple is a serene and beautiful temple complex amidst lush green in the highlands. Walks around the grounds of the temples are leisurely strolls, roaming about and taking a look at the beautifully landscaped gardens, with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
Chin Swee Caves Temple (Source:Pinterest)
It houses everything from the most expensive branded fashion wear to local boutiques and a wide range of dining options, from international cuisines to local delicacies. The SkyCasino is a big, lively casino floor where different types of games can be played.
SkyAvenue (Source: Pinterest)
From 15°C to 25°C, or from 59°F to 77°F - these are the average temperatures of the Genting Highlands. At daytime, it usually stays between 20°C to 25°C, and at night, it may drop down to about 15°C or less.
For Genting Highlands, due to the altitude, humidity could be as high as 80-90% throughout the year. However, the cooler temperature ensures that the high humidity is offset, making it much more comfortable compared to the lowland areas.
The highlands have a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by frequent rain showers throughout the afternoons and evenings. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with wetter and drier periods.
Best time to visit Genting Highlands (Source: Pinterest)
March to September Dry Season: These are the most in-demand months, as it is generally drier and often easier to forecast. You would find this period perfect for theme park excursions, cable car rides, trekking, or golfing.
Wet Season: The period between October and February is the wet season. People who do not mind intermittent rain, however, and prefer fewer tourists find this a better period to visit. The misty and foggy mornings create a surreal, mysterious landscape that is perfect for photography and enjoying the tranquil mountain environment.
Among the ocean of places to visit within Malaysia, Genting Highlands stands proud because of the cool climate, varying attractions, and the mix of nature and modern entertainment that make it stand out. Indeed, the variety of activities and richly varied history ensure that people of any age and with any interests will find something memorable to experience. Come experience this challenging and fun highland with Asia King Travel!
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