Genting Highlands - The City of Entertainment

G is for Genting Highlands.

'The City of Entertainment' - this is what Genting Highlands is also known as.

Just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is a place where city folk can get away from the heat and the hustle and bustle of the city.

The hill resort, at an average elevation of 1,740 metres (5,710 ft) above sea level has a cool spring-like climate with the average temperature falling in between 20°C to 25°C during the day and to around 15°C at night so it can get quite cold. Do pack a cardigan or a jacket. You will need it not only for the night but for when you go outdoors as the winds can be chilly.

Resorts World Genting has five hotels. One of the five hotels, the First World Hotel, holds the Guinness World Record as the largest hotel in the world from 2006 until 2008, and regained the title in 2015 with a total of 7,351 rooms.

First World Hotel

Genting Highlands resort is popular with tourists and locals alike (like I said it's only an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur) for the many attractions available. There is something to do for everyone from the young to the young-at-heart.

This is the First World Plaza or what is commonly known as the Indoor Theme Park, where there are games and rides for everyone. And, of course, many food outlets, you'd be spoilt for choice. The place never sleeps.

There's even a tow boat ride a la the Venice gondola.. without the gondolier, of course.

The Genting Outdoor Theme Park is currently closed, since 1 September 2013, to make way for the RM1 billion world’s first 20th Century Fox World, originally due to be completed by 2016 but has now been delayed to 2017.

Over the years, Gentings had evolved into a shopping destination as well.

Genting Premium Outlets is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016. It will be Southeast Asia's first hilltop Premium Outlet Centre. The development will cover 600,000 square feet and costs MYR 200 million. (Wikipedia)

But now open is a Nike Factory Store, where prices are a real knockdown from the ones in the city. So if you are there you may want to check the place out. It's in the vicinity where the bowling alley is. That's right. There is also bowling (ten pin) available besides other activities to spend a fun and eventful holiday there.

A word of warning though, unless you don't mind standing in line or get caught in both human and vehicular traffic, try to avoid going there during public holidays.

If all those rides and stuff are not exciting enough for you, try your hand at the casino.

Genting Highlands operates the only land-based casino in the country. When it was first started there was a strict dress-code for men (jacket or long-sleeved batik) but not anymore. Currently, a collared shirt is what's required. No shorts or slippers allowed I should think.

Also, formerly a RM200 deposit to enter was mandatory but not anymore.

Gentings can also be reached via a cable car system. Called Genting Skyway, it is a gondola lift connecting Gohtong Jaya and Resort Hotel at the top. Its lower station at Gohtong Jaya township, located approximately 51 kilometres (32 mi) northeast of Kuala Lumpur, comprises a 5-storey station building and a 10-storey car park while its upper station is located at the Resort Hotel.

Genting Skyway is also recognised as the "World's Fastest Mono Cable Car System" with a maximum speed of 21.6 kilometres per hour (13.4 mph) and possibly the "Longest Cable Car in Malaysia and Southeast Asia". It is a 3.38 kilometres (2.10 mi) transport to the hilltop.

By the way, if you are there and if you are interested to know more about Genting Highlands do go by their gallery. It's located somewhere near the lobby of the main hotel. I stumbled upon the place on my last visit. Genting celebrates 50 years.

Also when you are there, if you are interested in exotic cars, on weekends mostly, there'll be a whole line of such cars parked just in front of the main hotel as well as at Maxims. You'd see many admirers taking selfies with the cars.

Did I mention there's an indoor heated pool? If you are a guest at one of the hotels, (but of course), that is available for you.

If you are a tourist to Kuala Lumpur and want to know how to get to Genting Highlands, check with your hotel. They'd be able to assist.


Sources:
- Wikipedia
- Genting Highlands website

Genting Highlands bus crash this afternoon

The Star reported that

Twenty-six people have been confirmed dead so far after a bus carrying 49 people plunged into a 30m ravine near Genting Highlands around 3pm this afternoon.

According to Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general Datuk Soiman Jahid, 41 have been pulled out of the bus.

Those dead included the driver of the bus.

It is believed that the bus driver had lost control of the bus, which then rammed a divider before plunging down the gorge.

The bus carrying 49 passengers was coming down from Genting Highlands and heading towards Kuala Lumpur.

Source: The Star..26 confirmed dead in Genting bus crash


Incidentally, today is the 15th day of the 7th lunar month.


UPDATE:
53 passengers were on board the bus of which 37 were killed and 16 injured.

Following is the list of survivors who identities have been established so far:

At Hospital Kuala Lumpur:

Wong Teraphong, 63 (Thailand)
Ali Haider Syed Haider, 46 (Bangladesh)
Saidah, 19 (Malaysia)
Razif, 26 (Malaysia)
Tan Ming Shing, 26 (Malaysia)

At Selayang Hospital:
Raawnok Arefin, 14 (Bangladesh)
Nu Syamimi Ja'afar, 25 (Malaysia)
Nur Fathiah Ja'afar, 21 (Malaysia)
Rashidah Buyah, 50 (Bangladesh)
Andri Purwadi, 25 (Indonesia)
Nurul Quraitul Aini, 19 (Malaysia)
Rezyan Arefin, 24 (Bangladesh)
Nur Fridil Gusman, 23 (Indonesia)

Source: The Star..Genting bus crash: Bodies of victims sent to HKL

Updated Survivor list as of Aug 23 from The Star..

Updated Deceased list as of Aug 23 from The Star..

Related article:
RWG expresses condolences to families of crash victims

Genting Highlands can be cold at night

Genting Highlands is one place not to be missed on a visit to Kuala Lumpur. Even though situated in another state, Genting Highlands is just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur - a journey comprising half an hour from KL to the foothill and another 30 minutes going uphill to the City of Entertainment as Gentings is also known as.

At an elevation of more than 6000ft above sea level, this popular hill resort besides providing entertainment for both the young and old, is also a place that offers a reprieve from the hot temperatures of the city.

At Genting Highlands, the temperature at night can drop to a low 15 deg C (59 deg F) so if you are planning to stay the night at Genting Highllands, you'd be wise to bring along warm clothing, something like those snowboard jackets from PeterGlenn.com would keep you warm and comfortable for an enjoyable venture out of your room.

Here's proof of the temperature. (Please excuse the unsteady hands. Blame it on the cold. :D ) This was taken at the First World Hotel foyer on my visit last year. Besides the temperature reading, there are a number of clocks telling time in a few different cities around the world.

By the way, if you enjoy betting games, Genting Highlands operates the only licensed casino on land in the country.

Here's something useful. If you google 'temperature in Genting Highlands', you'll get the weather forecast for today and the next three days. This is most helpful when planning your trip to Genting Highlands.

This was obtained a while ago..

Genting Highlands Cheap Rooms

Yes, 4 days left to grab a room at First World Hotel, Genting Highlands, for just RM48 per night! Available period: September and October 2012.

Entitlement:
One night's stay in a Standard Room at First World Hotel (room only)

Booking Period:
17 May till 15 June 2012

Staying Period:
12 - 13, 19 - 20, 25 - 27 September 2012
3 - 4, 8 - 11, 16 - 18, 30 - 31 October 2012

Hurry! Don't miss out on this great deal!

Genting Highlands, dubbed City of Entertainment, is a great place for a holiday or a weekend. Just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, it is a popular quick getaway for city folk. Genting Highlands is also popular with Singaporeans.

There are many things to see and do up at Genting Highlands - for both adults and children alike.

For starters, at an elevation about 1,860 m, it is a great escape from the sweltering heat of the city. Genting Highlands enjoys a spring-like climate, with temperatures no higher than 25°C and rarely falling below 14°C yearly. The temperature in Genting Highlands ranges from 16°C to 24°C all year round. However, it is advisable to have along warm clothing especially for young children and the elderly as it can be cold at night.

Genting Highlands, otherwise known as Resorts World Genting, has five hotels. They are Maxims (renamed from Genting Hotel), Highlands Hotel, Resort Hotel, Theme Park Hotel, and First World Hotel. The First World Hotel holds the Guinness World of Records as the largest hotel in the world since 2006, with a total of 6,118 rooms.

Visitors to Gentings will be spoilt for choice where food is concerned as a wide variety of food is available - local, Asian, western, as well as fastfood.

Gentings is a place that never sleeps as it is teeming with activities including a safari, bars and lounges, karaoke joints, concerts, not forgetting the casino.

The resort has three theme parks - Genting Outdoor Theme Park, First World Indoor Theme Park and Water Park. There are over 20 signature attractions including Flying Coaster, Genting Sky Venture, Haunted House, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, SnowWorld, and Space Shot.

The resort has five performance venues: Arena of Stars, Genting International Showroom, Genting International Convention Centre, and First World Plaza, where they have been venues for many international acts (including Kitaro, Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, George Benson, Air Supply, Black Eyed Peas to name a few) and award ceremonies.

Genting Highlands serves as the finish point of a stage in the Tour de Langkawi cycling race. It is one of the longest (30 km) climbs featured in a cycling event.

Other places of attraction around Genting Highlands include Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort, Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Strawberry Farm, Highlands Mushroom Farm, Highlands Vegetable Farm, and Highlands Daylily Farm.


Source: Wikipedia

Genting Resorts World hotel deal

Planning a holiday to Genting Highlands? Resort World has a great hotel deal for stay in July and August at RM48 per night.

My apologies, I should have highlighted this earlier when the ad first appeared. Nevertheless, there are still two more days to make the booking. Clicking on the image below will take you to the Genting Highlands website where you can make your booking or check out details about the hotel deal.

Tourist bus overturns near Genting Highlands

This happened at 8:25am this morning. The Star reported that a bus carrying 24 Indian nationals skidded and overturned as it was coming down from Genting Highlands, killing two and injuring at least a dozen passengers. The accident occured at KM4.5 of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway.

Efforts were underway to extricate two passengers still trapped in the bus, according to a Fire and Rescue Department spokesman.

Three fire engines and 25 rescue personnel were at the accident site. The injured were sent to the Kuala Lumpur and Selayang Hospitals. A woman in her 50s and a man died on the way to the hospital.

26 people were onboard the bus, including two drivers.

Further update:

The Star updated that the two drivers are among the injured. They have been detained by police to facilitate investigations.

The bus was headed for Kuala Lumpur, and then Singapore.

According to Kuala Lumpur Hospital's Emergency and Trauma Department head Datuk Seri Dr Abu Hassan Asaari Abdullah, four of the victims were in critical condition and seven semi-critical.

All the passengers were from Punjab.

Current Update:
Indian tourists killed in crash after driver loses control of bus near Genting
Survivor: Where is my husband?
Initial investigations show faulty gearbox caused fatal bus accident


Source: The Star.. Tourist bus overturns near Genting Highlands, two killed

Beside a beautiful orange Lamborghini

On my last visit to Genting Highlands last year, outside the main hotel, Maxims Genting, people were milling around some 7 to 8 expensive-looking imported European cars, including Lamborghinis and Ferraris. The people were peering into the cars and taking pictures of them as well as having their own picture taken standing next to one.

It was a misty, cold morning. Huddled under my jacket standing just outside the hotel entrance, one lady, I noticed, spent an extraordinarily long time having her picture taken in various poses and at different corners beside an orange model, not unlike the one below.

Beautiful cars are normally pictured alongside good-looking people (or at least perceived such) or you see beautiful ladies posing beside these vehicles in a roadshow. The picture below, has a different setting however. I wonder where was this taken. Perhaps KL Chinatown?

This image is today's winner of The Star's Thumbnail, a readers submission corner of daily images. Titled, Rich dad, poor dad, this was taken by Kenny Seow @ Weng Leong with the caption Wealth disparity rearing its ugly head. Indeed.

UPDATE:
Received three comments (two anonymous) on this post indicating that Kenny Seow is not the owner of the picture.

Profanity is not tolerated here so one anonymous comment has been deleted. I would still like to use this image because it fits in well with my post and is well-taken and reflects the reality of life.

If you are the owner and would like to have image removed, please leave a comment or you can send me an email. Alternatively, if you do not mind image to be used here, please advise as to whom it should be creditted to. Will gladly give due credit.

The City is back to life

The almost-a-week-long holiday is fast coming to a close after the Hari Raya celebration. For those who made their way home to their hometown, most will be travelling back to the city today. If one were to see our highway from the air, the road would look like a lengthy slithering creature. The city is getting back to life, to its insane city jams and hustle bustle of activity.

Traffic jams and queues are really a test in patience - in a good way, of course. I once had to queue for two hours trying to get onto the cable car at the Genting Highlands Skyway. The line extended right down to one floor below! I'm kidding you not! I remember it was on a public holiday, Labor Day, and fearing there would be no parking uphill, we (friends and I) decided to park at the Skyway and take the cable car up instead. Officially known as Genting Skyway, the cable car station is located around midway from the foothill to Genting Highlands uphill. Genting Skyway is more or less opposite where Awana Hotels & Resorts is. This hotel complex (with golf facilities) is also part of the Genting Highlands chain of hotels.

Above, aerial view of Awana Hotels & Resorts borrowed from the hotel website.

After the day-trip, going downhill from the cable car station was another test. We were caught in the jam for another two hours. As if that wasn't bad enough, we had to put up with whiffs of burnt tyres as well. Quite an experience and a lesson learned on patience on this never-to-attempt-again Gentings day-trip on a public holiday..

Another queue I try to avoid is the supermarket checkout queue. Lining up behind shoppers with trolley loads of items is one thing, but having to wait for a cashier fiddling with (not her fault of course) a less than perfect POS system is another. One thing I've learned to avoid a supermarket queue is to check out at least an hour before closing. Also, to never pick up any item without a price tag and/or barcode tag.

Genting Highlands is still the place to visit when in Kuala Lumpur

Genting Highlands is still a great local holiday destination. I like it for its close proximity to Kuala Lumpur. Just an hour's drive will take you right up to the top of the City of Entertainment as Genting Highlands is known as.

The climate is still cool and it offers a reprieve from the heat and humidity of the city. When I was there late July, the thermometer at the lobby of First World Hotel showed a cool 15degC. For comfort, a sweater, a scarf or a little extra clothing may be required.

Starbucks at the entrance of First World Hotel is still the place to hang out for a cuppa though I wish people would use the e cigarette instead. The air outdoor leaves much to be desired. Have you been to Genting Highlands lately? Photos taken will follow in another post..

Keep warm in Genting Highlands

Did you know that redwood trees can grow to a height of 450ft? I wonder what's it like to be on top of one of those giants. Also, I wonder is it cold up there?

Talk about cold, if you're planning a trip to Genting Highlands and staying in one of those apartments, you may want to bring some warm clothing because nights are really cold due to the altitude and the mist and there's no heater in the apartment, let alone an infrared heater. Also, it can be a long cold walk to and from the indoor amusement park or casino or rather where the action is. So, be warned about keeping warm up in Genting Highlands.


Image source: Genting Highlands website

A Substitute for Genting Highlands

A colleague and her husband like to go up to the Genting Highland casino whenever they can, sometimes more than once a week. Gentings is just an hour's drive away so it's not a hassle going up there. Some people visit the place for the cool temperatures, others for the casino, yet others just for the holiday feel.

Whenever they are not able to make the trip to Genting Highlands, they will go to their favourite online casino site - he to gamble in his favorite game of baccarat, she to try her luck at roulette or jackpot machines though she plays without actually betting real money.

Yes, online casino sites are not only for gambling with real money. There are games where no real money is involved, where you still get the thrill of gambling but not lose any money. Some people use these games to hone their skills before they actually go to a real casino.

Onlinecasinospotlight.com is one online casino site that has news, information and guide to casino gambling if you wish to learn more about the art. Not sure which online casino is the best one to visit? Check out their list of best casinos.

"Puduraya terminal" temporarily relocated to Bukit Jalil Parking Lot F

The use of Bukit Jalil as temporary bus terminal has been discontinued. Please read latest update below for current bus terminal location.

Latest update: Puduraya Bus Terminal reopens today, April 16

Yesterday, the usually congested Jalan Pudu was devoid of the usual lines of express buses normally parked by the roadside while waiting to pick up passengers from the Puduraya bus terminal.

The March 19 date for closure of Puduraya bus terminal for four months of renovation works was postponed to yesterday, April 12. Despite media reports and banners inside the terminal, many commuters were caught unawares.

North- and south-bound travellers now have to take their buses at Bukit Jalil following the four-month closure of the Puduraya bus terminal.

RapidKL shuttle buses are available, at a frequency of 15 minutes, to ferry passengers to and from Puduraya/Bukit Jalil. The fare is RM2.

While a big banner had been put up to inform commuters that North/South-bound buses had been relocated to the Bukit Jalil Complex Parking Lot F (adjacent to the Bukit Jalil hockey stadium), it was apparent that it had gone unnoticed by many.

At the Bukit Jalil terminal, there are 98 ticket counters, a waiting area with 3,000 seats and 24 food stalls capable of accommodating 600 customers at any one time.

However, Puduraya is still the terminal for taxi services to Genting Highlands and rental cars bound for the north and south. Taxi services to Genting Highlands, are also still operating from Puduraya terminal.

Currently, the only entry to Puduraya terminal is via the overhead bridge.

The upgrading work at Puduraya is expected to take four months to complete.

While Bukit Jalil accommodates North and South-bound travellers, those heading to the East Coast will need to go to Hentian Putra.

For more information, call the hotline at 03-2078 7017 / 03-2078 6018.

Here's a map of Puduraya to help you along.


View Larger Map

Related articles:
Puduraya bus terminal to close for 4 months from March 19
Puduraya shut down
Bukit Jalil takes over as express bus terminal

Image source: The Star

Of Genting Highlands and Las Vegas

I imagine people in Singapore and those from the southern states who visit Singapore on a regular basis, are looking forward to the new Genting entertainment centre on Sentosa Island. I read the other day that there is a S$100 entrance fee for Singaporeans.

Genting Highlands is the only place with an on-land casino in Malaysia (and Singapore) and it is popular with Singaporeans who sometimes make day-trips to the City of Entertainment as Genting Highlands is known.

Travelling from Singapore to Gentings is not a short distance. It takes five to six hours of travel on land. Making a trip once in a while is not a problem but if one enjoys casino-gambling, it is quite a hassle having to go through such long travel hours.

That is the reason why many resort to casino-gambling online these days. There are many online casinos available and one of the better ones is Online Casinos Planet. Theirs is a quality website with useful casino information. They have a ton of games available, some are even free to play.

For serious players, they have information and tips to better your game. Check out their interesting videos of what you would experience if you were to visit Las Vegas.

By the way, let's just take an exciting virtual tour of Las Vegas casinos.

Apartments in Gentings could do with a Heater or Fireplace

Due to the rain, the weather has been kind (as in not hot and humid) these past few days, with temperatures below the 80s - right now it's 75deg F. If one were to be in Genting Highlands, it would be cold outdoors and colder even from dusk onwards.

I remember putting up in one of the apartments in Gentings a few years back and wishing there was a heater or a fireplace in the apartment. These days, heaters come in very creative designs, such as these Amish fireplaces.

They are not only pretty, they are of high quality too, mobile and inexpensive to maintain.

Freeze no more with Fire pits

Everyone in the world is affected by Global Warming. Here in Malaysia, temperatures seem higher than they used to be, say, a decade ago. If it does not rain for an extended period of a week or so, the weather will be a common topic of greeting-exchange.

Personally, I prefer hot weather than cold weather. I remember being up at Genting Highlands one time and we ventured outdoors early one morning, and it was like freezing out there. Made me wish we had fire pits beside us. Oh yes, Genting Highlands can be cramp-cold in the mornings at that elevation of about 6000ft above sea-level.

Holiday packages to Gentings for East Malaysians

Genting Highlands, dubbed the City of Entertainment, has long been a playground for residents of Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding areas. Some people go there daily to try their luck, the place being just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Gentings (as its normally referred to) is most well-known for its casino, the only legal land-based casino in the whole of Malaysia. Unfortunately, many people have the misconception that there is only the casino up there. In fact, the integrated resort offers theme parks, hotels and extensive shopping and it encompasses six hotels with 10,000 rooms. The First World Hotel has a total of 6,118 rooms, making it the current largest hotel in the world. Gentings attracts some 15 million visitors annually with Singaporeans making up a sizeable number.

Many Malaysians have yet to visit Gentings, especially East Malaysians but very soon it will be convenient for a visit from Sabah and Sarawak when Gentings and AirAsia collaborate on holiday packages specially drawn up for East Malaysians.