Thursday, October 4, 2007

Genting highlands

Genting Highlands is a mountain peak within the Titiwangsa Mountains on the border between the states of Pahang and Selangor of Malaysia.It is accessible by the world's fastest and South East Asia's longest cable car called Genting Skyway.
Genting Highlands enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 25°C and rarely falling below 14°C yearly. A self-proclaimed City of Entertainment, Genting is as close to Las Vegas as it gets in Malaysia - which isn't actually all that close. 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. As a plus, being located up in the highlands means it's cooler than the steamy lowlands.
By plane
The nearest airport is in Kuala Lumpur. Skybus used to run direct buses, but seems to have stopped; the fastest way is thus to KL Sentral by train (28 min) and then connecting to the bus from there.
By bus
There are frequent buses from various points in Kuala Lumpur, including the Puduraya bus terminal (every 30 min) and KL Sentral train station (hourly). Booking in advance is advisable as services can sell out, especially on weekends.
All buses take around 45 min and cost RM8.30-8.50 one way, with most terminating at the Skyway cable car station, from where it's an 11-minute ride up to Genting (included in bus ticket price). Buses departing after 8 PM head directly to the resort.
Transtar also operates one daily bus direct from Singapore(S$68/57 one-way from/to Singapore).
By car
Genting Highlands is 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur on the Karak Highway.

Buy
First World Plaza, in First World Hotel,Malaysia's self-proclaimed highest shopping mall, divided into six kitschy themed zones from Malaysia to Switzerland and with an indoor theme park to boot.
Eat
Local as well as western cuisine and fast food. A wide variety is available but prices tend to be somewhat higher than even major cities like Kuala Lumpur. Most are 'halal' to cater for the large number of muslim visitors and natives.
Drink
There are several cafes such as Starbucks Coffee and Coffee Beans & Tea Leaf available in Genting Highlands.
Sleep
With 10000 rooms to choose from, there are usually plenty of beds at Genting. However, demand is highly seasonal and the hotels fill up fast in November and December, when additional surcharges may also be levied.
First World Hotel, This three-star monolith with the gaudy exterior paint is the biggest in the entire world (as certified by Guinness World Records), with 6300 rooms in two towers. A self-contained StarWorld Casino, with no direct connection to the original one, is located here. Standard rooms are rather small. Rack rates from RM240 for two, promotional rates can go under RM100.
Genting Hotel,One of the earliest to open in the Highlands, this 5-star hotel offers a wide range of entertainment and recreational facilities such as heated indoor swimming pool, 10 restaurants (including the award-winning The Olive), and a large karaoke center. Rates from RM235 nett (low season).
Highlands Hotel,932 rooms. Open to invited high rollers and Genting WorldCard Silver and above only.
Resort Hotel,The Resort is a four-star hotel adjacent to the Genting Hotel with its own section of the Casino and three F&B outlets. Standard low season rates from RM160 nett.

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