7 Fun Things to Do in Genting Highlands on Your First Trip
Ride the cable car up into the mountains of Pahang and enter a world of fun and entertainment: Genting Highlands. Here are some of the must-visit attractions there!
Rauf Trying to get Rauf’s attention? Just say one word…roadtrip! Coming from an international background, he’s always felt at home in the midst of different people and cultures. Whether discovering historical gems or indulging in awesome food, he feels out of place if he’s not ‘out of place’ at least once a month. With a broad array of interest, Rauf likes to bask in knowledge, read, write, box, cook, look at art and have deep deep discussions on mind-altering topics.
If you’ve been in Malaysia for a while, you may have realised that this Southeast Asian country that’s subject to a hot and wet tropical climate is usually associated with blaring, sunny days and humid, sweat-inducing nights. It may feel like it’s summer all year long with the exception of the occasional heavy downpour. Although many may appreciate this sort of weather, this might, of course, not suit everyone in the long run, particularly if a heatwave or a mild flood is upcoming according to weather forecasts. Fortunately, if the heat is getting you down, take comfort in knowing that not all of Malaysia is like this.
Across the nation’s rolling highlands, people can be seen congregating in droves. They are made up of both locals and tourists alike and among them are those yearning for some relief from the soaring temperatures down below.
Many of Malaysia’s highland retreats are popular destinations among those who love the chilly, fresh air and a quick break from the sometimes monotonous damp heat. Due to their popularity, these hilly spots host prominent attractions and an array of interesting things to do, see, explore and munch on.
Without a doubt, one of the most well-known and well-developed of these spots is Genting Highlands. Genting, Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands host a good number of the region’s high-altitude points.
Perched on the peak of Mount Ulu Kali, at 1,800 metres high and nestled near the border between the states of Pahang and Selangor, cool breezes, heavy mist and picturesque skyline views can make visitors feel as though they have entered another realm. The weather isn’t all Genting Highlands has to offer. Featuring an extensive and colossal resort network with hotels, shopping malls, theme parks and casinos, Genting can be the source of many a memorable weekend getaway.
Whether it’s your first time or whether you and Genting Highlands are well-acquainted, here are some things that you should be looking out for.
1. Go for a ride on the cable cars
If you’re Malaysian, you may clearly remember your first time going up to Genting Highlands. If you’re not, ask a Malaysian and he/she may very well tell you that one of the most exciting parts about the journey is taking the cable cars to get to the higher levels of the mountain. You could drive all the way up to the resort areas but where’s the fun in that?
With a long network of sturdy cables and tiny windowed vessels that lead to the top station from the lower starting point, this transportation system can help you slowly glide across the tranquil rainforest below you (which is approximately 120 million years old!) while the emerging misty, cold air of Genting creeps closer as you reach your destination.
There are two main cable car systems that can get you to the top. Awana Skyway serves as a medium to help you reach the peak of the highland but also has a mid-station at the Chin Swee Cave Temple. It operates from 7am to 12am. The Genting Skyway cable system spans about 3.4km in length from the ground station to the peak station, offers two different types of cable cars that you can choose from, and operates from 7am to 12am.
2. Shop ‘til you drop at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets
The Genting Resort is known to many as the Asian Las Vegas for a good reason. With a thriving nightlife, scrumptious food, glittering lights and an abundance of shops on practically every corner, it’s just the place to go on a shopping spree. This is especially true of the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, an open-air shopping mall with an extensive collection of designer fashion, sportswear, luggage, accessories, and shoes.
3. Enter the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Let amazement and shock sink in as you experience the baffling oddities on exhibit at the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. Located at Resort World Genting's indoor time square area, this odditorium offers a self-guided tour through 300 exhibits. There is a careful balance between the strange, the shocking, and the beautiful with works of art made from everyday objects, incredible collections, and strange hobbies as well as horrifying wax figures, rare artefacts, and optical illusions.
4. Explore First World Plaza
The First World Plaza was closed for refurbishment not too long ago but has opened up again. This attraction has more than 25 retail and dining options! The First World Plaza, located just one floor above the lobby of First World Hotel, is a place for those eager to shop, dine, play and stay.
5. Go hiking and trekking
The indoor splendours at Resorts World Genting aren’t the only things worth exploring while you’re here. Genting also contains lovely natural landscapes. Adventure lovers looking for a breath of fresh air can enjoy the scenery and clean, crisp air.
6. Visit Happy Bee Farm and Insect World
Genting Highlands is also home to the Happy Bee Farm and Insect World. You can get insightful, safe and first-hand exposure to bee farming here! Be acquainted with the process of how honey is sourced straight from the hives. There are even transparent panels that offer a closer view of the bees at work. In addition, the farm houses a retail outlet that sells honey from enhanced honeycombs, royal jelly, pollen, and propolis.
7. Interact with elephants at Kuala Gandah Conservation Centre
Situated two hours from Kuala Lumpur, the Kuala Gandah Conservation Centre protects elephants as well as educates the public. This is done through encounters and feedings. If you’re an animal lover or looking for a little break from the casinos and shopping malls, head to this spot! Be enchanted as you catch majestic elephants from a close proximity. Feed the animals sugarcanes, peanuts or bananas or experience the thrill of bathing with the elephants under the supervision of the handlers. Tourists take note that you may be charged slightly more depending on the types of services you choose.