Genting Highlands or ‘City of Entertainment’ is a perfect getaway destination for many Malaysians. The highlands are very popular with people that want to escape the hot and humid weather in Kuala Lumpur. Temperatures vary often around 16/24 degrees, which is quite cold for people from KL. There are a couple of massive hotels in Genting Highlands, where you can book a room for a very affordable price. Prices are this low because the only (legal land-based) casinos are located in Genting Highlands. You can compare it with a small version of Las Vegas. Apart from the casinos, you also have a huge theme park, which makes it a perfect destination for families with kids. The highlands are at about 1760 meters above sea level, from the top there is a gorgeous view of the valley in which Kuala Lumpur is situated.
Genting Highlands actually is more of a place of refuge for the local population. Entertainment and fun are the main reasons why people visit the place, but many people also come here to temporarily escape the heat of the capital Kuala Lumpur. The area is filled with hotels; they all offer some kind of entertainment, that being in the form of an amusement-park, or in the form of a casino.
Las Vegas of Malaysia
The Highlands are especially famous because of the gambling public. When you visit the casinos yourself you will notice many Chinese gamblers with very serious faces. We did not see anyone smile unless immediately after they had won something. Later we found out we arrived at the wrong time, as usually at the end of the day the serious gamblers can get a bit grumpy if they were not able to make any winnings. This is definitely the Asian version of Las Vegas. We found the casinos furthest from First World Hotel the best to visit (for example below Maxims Hotel), the overall atmosphere was just much better.
If you don’t like a gamble, the region isn’t really worth a visit unless you bring along your children to visit the amusement park and other attractions. There are a few casinos spread throughout the huge Casino de Genting complex. Some casinos have a more exclusive atmosphere; others are more catering towards the mainstream gamblers. There are over 3000 machines and 426 tables that are open to public 24 hours a day. If you want to gamble you have to get a WorldCard first. When you use a machine you use this card to put your winnings on. To get this card you have to bring along your passport.
How to get to the Genting Highlands
The highlands are located north of Kuala Lumpur along the route to the city of Kuantan, at a little under an hour drive by rental car. Every day busses depart for the Highlands, but you can also rent a car or take a taxi. Taxis are the most expensive way to get to Genting Highlands; expect to pay around RM100 one way (less if you can convince your driver to use the meter). Busses are the cheapest way to get to Genting. A ‘Go Genting Express’ bus ticket from Kuala Lumpur (city center) costs around RM10 one way. You can grab the bus at Puduraya (central bus station of Kuala Lumpur at counter location KT-27, Level 1), KL Sentral, 1 Utama, Pasarakyat and Terminal Putra LRT station. When you arrive at the foot of Genting, you can take a cable car up (Genting Skyway Cable Car). If you are driving yourself you can drive up to the main building and park your car just below First World Hotel.
