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If you want a vacation packed with high-power entertainment then Malaysia is the place to be. Make it to Genting Highlands this year for a real fun ride. Travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Genting is just like going to Bhurban from Islamabad, only it is much greener and happening as you can see the capital’s magnificent edifices and the King’s palace on your way, signifying Malaysia’s architectural glory. As they say, Malaysia is definitely truly Asia, in full bloom.
As you arrive at the Kuala Lumpur airport, it is a two-and-a-half hour ride up to Genting. If you want to take a direct flight, it will be very tiring, so it is recommended that one should stay at Kuala Lumpur for a day and then make it to the lofty mountains. Or take a flight with a stopover at Dubai. If you are not travelling business class, this will be a refreshing break for you to stretch your legs.
The journey to the hill-station is tedious and painfully slow if you are travelling by bus. Unfortunately, this was the option I took. The best thing to do is to hire a cab from the booths at the airport. They are faster and not so expensive.
In Genting Highlands, you are at the top of the world with a panoramic view of the beautiful lush green mountainous landscape. Here, there are four hotels that one can choose from, depending on how lavishly one wants to spend. We opted for The Resort, a four-star hotel, situated right opposite the Theme Park Hotel as one can see the cable car and the park from its room windows. The best and the most expensive is the The Genting Hotel followed by The Resort, Theme Park Hotel and First World Hotel. They are all far better then our local hotels, so even if you opt for the First World, you are in for a lot of fun.
The first thing that comes to the mind after reaching the hotel is to relax for a couple of hours; enjoy the majestic scenery and breathe in the crisp, invigorating breeze over a hot cup of cappuccino. Lush green tropical rainforest spreads before the eye, shrouded in a veil of perpetual mist. At this point, it is hard to believe that we are just minutes away from the sweltering equatorial heat and the ever dusty city. The whole place is a bountiful harvest of nature together with a staggering pot-pourri of international standard facilities.
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The first place to visit in Genting is definitely the Theme Park. There is an outdoor and an indoor park and a water park. All make up for an exhilarating experience. Whether taking leisure drives in the Antique Car or experiencing the adrenaline-pumping Space Shot, it’s a magical adventure of fun and excitement for the whole family. The indoor park basically offers exciting video arcade games amidst a futuristic atmosphere. In the water park one can take a ride down the Tornado Slide or just float around the Pool. And if you are worried that the water might be cold on the top, don’t fret, it’s all heated.
The next day you can take the cable car down the mountain. At such a height, I felt a bit fearful — what if the wires snapped? But the scenery was so beautiful that after a while one forgets all reservations and simply enjoys the view around.
For shopping, First World Plaza is definitely a must-visit. Situated in First World Hotel, it is Malaysia’s self-proclaimed highest shopping mall, divided into six kitschy themed zones from Malaysia to Switzerland. You will be spoilt for choice here. Keep your ringgits handy.
We stayed for a week, which is enough time to enjoy the place. More than that, you start craving for the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are planning on vacationing, and you want your trip to be entertaining and economical, then make it to Genting Highlands in Malaysia. |
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