Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands

Officially known as Resorts World Genting and a self-proclaimed City of Entertainment, Genting is Malaysia's low-budget, family-friendly, sanitized attempt at Las Vegas. The primary draw is that Genting is the only place where you can gamble legally in Malaysia, but there's also a theme park to keep the kids amused. The resort offers six hotels with 10,000 rooms, over 50 fun rides, 170 dining and shopping outlets, shows, business convention facilities and entertainment options. As a plus, being located up in the highlands means it's cooler than the steamy lowlands. Genting attracted 19.2 million visitors in 2008.

But before you get too excited, tone down your expectations a bit. Genting is cheap and tacky, and not in a good way: nearly everything is overpriced and a bit run-down. Those of an environmentally conscious disposition may want to skip the Genting Highlands altogether, as the sight of vast concrete structures and day-glo coloured theme park rides set in the forested highlands could be positively traumatic. 

Orientation

Orienting yourself in Genting is simultaneously easy and difficult. There are no "streets" of any kind; instead, all the gigantic buildings are connected with a vast warren of linkways, underground tunnels and escalators, all filled with enough signage to stop you from getting lost. Figuring out the fastest route from A to B is not always easy though, because the signage is designed to lead you into the hotels and their casinos! 

Climate

Located at an altitude of 1800 meters, temperatures in Genting are a good 5-10°C lower than in Kuala Lumpur, generally staying in the 15-25°C range. On a clear day, there are stunning views down into the valley — but when it's raining in KL, Genting is swathed in rolling clouds and visibility drops to zero. Thanks to the walkway system, you almost never need to venture outside, but hotel rooms are unheated and can get chilly at night.