The Genting Highlands personify Malaysia’s excellence as the place to be
FOR most of us, honeymoon is a once in a lifetime thing. And I for one wanted to make it as memorable as possible (pun not intended).
So, when my husband announced Malaysia as our holiday destination, I wasn’t, let’s just say, excited. Sure the country had made big strides in global commerce, but honeymoon is something that is more synonymous with Europe, Maldives, beaches and so on.
Still, as men stand, his word stood. Nevertheless my dear hubby promised that it’ll be nothing less than special. So off we went to Malaysia, more specifically to their mountainous outpost of Genting Highlands.
From the fervour of modern lifestyle to the quiet jungle village, Malaysia is a country of rich diversity and mystical beauty of Mother Nature. And it is in the midst of a unique mingling of various cultures, that the magnificent Genting Highlands sit perched, 1000 meters above sea level.
Our journey began from bustling Kuala Lumpur where we spent four days acclimatizing ourselves to the local traditions. Malaysia’s mix of Muslim and ethnic Chinese population is itself amazing to look at. People are so content with their luxurious lifestyle. Nobody bothers what the other is doing. And so wasn’t I, for I was on my way to my honeymoon.
The road journey to Genting was an hour’s drive through Malaysia’s beautiful and breathtaking landscape. However, apart from the occasional pit-stop in the middle of the road for a remembrance picture, we also had to make a few breaks because of my frequent bouts of carsickness. Yes I am one of those people who were put on this earth to walk; these man made machines never get the better half of me. And when we finally reached Genting I was more then relieved and mesmerized.
Referred to by the locals as the Monte Carlo of Malaysia, the place is one dreamy paradise. From hovering clouds to man-made entertainment centres, we were in the midst of peace and serenity. Enveloped in thick clouds were colourful buildings and equally vibrant scenery. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by first a mediaeval castle and then a brightly lit building. Both were of course hotels and these were the only two choices that our pockets and my husband’s self-professed high lifestyle allowed.
Rizwan, my husband, decided to take a room at the mediaeval castle hotel and I could not agree more. Adjacent to an outdoor theme park, our hotel seemed like a picture out of a fairy tale. And to make the effect more real they even had life-size statues of conjurers and clowns standing at every corner. My excitement knew no bounds. I could not wait to explore the whole place. So as soon as we dumped our bags in the room, it was out and away for fun.
Genting Highlands comprise of a number of hotels and each hotel offers different activities like cinemas, clubs, discotheque with karaoke and casinos. Glass tunnels connect the hotels so when you walk from one place to another you have the aerial view of the whole resort on one side and at the same time enjoy the mystic mountain view on the other. If you are not so keen about the long walks, there are escalators provided at short distances.
The resort is maintained beautifully against the backdrop of lush green mountains. During the brisk walk through the tunnels the visitors are provided with ample information so you do not need to worry about loosing your way amidst the maze of walkabouts.
Our first stop was the outdoor theme park that had a dozen rides including a water-world, roller coasters and simulators. And after all this adrenaline pumping fun, we enjoyed a very soothing cable car ride down the mountain where you have the chance to enjoy the Mother Nature at its full glory.
Here there is enough to keep the child inside you busy during the day, because as soon as the clock strikes six the outdoor theme park closes. Genting’s star attraction is its heavy cloud cover. It’s presence amidst the flora makes the whole environment romantic and simply irresistible. However, it is also during such passing cloud formations that everyone heads for the indoor theme park.
The park is an interesting amalgamation of all the famous tourist spots in the world and fun filled rides. Under the cloud-studded roof are the replicas of shimmering canals of Venice, the Big Ben, the ever so magnificent Times Square and of course Malaysia’s very own, the Petronas Twin Towers. It also includes cineplexes, a snow world and a dozen or so outlets of famous shopping brands of the world. And being a movie buff, my outing also included a movie with a corn bucket in one hand and pop corns in the other.
Built in a true cinema fashion there were life size pictures of both Western and Eastern stars on the walls. The snow world is another place where we had much fun. Apart from the giant snow sculptures it had a huge man made snow hill. After reaching the summit of this hill, you’re seated on a rubber tube and pushed off. The ride downhill is full of blood pumping screams and exhilaration.
There are three main ethnic groups in Malaysia — Malays, Chinese and Indians — but in Genting, we got to see people from all around the world. We befriended a couple from Syria who was there for their honeymoon as well. In addition, while taking a ride in a train that takes you all around the resort, we also met a Malay man who lived and worked as an engineer in Kuala Lumpur. He was there with his six-year-old son.
All the people shared a spirit of fun and adventure. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with smiles. However, the place not only caters to your moods but your appetite as well with cuisine from all around the world. Genting’s attractions include famous western fast-food chains like and Malaysian treats with Korean restaurants and Japanese cuisines. During the day, we were kept busy by the exciting world of Genting’s activities and when the night sky came, it added another dimension to our awe struck feelings.
The resort’s varied attractions also include The Arena of Stars, it plays host to Las Vagas style illusion shows every night and an 18-hole golf course.
Genting is not just a getaway for honeymooners but a perfect tourist spot for friends and family members looking for something different in their monotonous life. Anyone who has visited Genting will agree with the assessment. A city in the clouds. Thank god, I didn’t end up going to some sandy beach or some hoity toity place like Switzerland. I was in Genting instead!
The Genting Highlands personify Malaysia’s excellence as the place to be 
