Located in Malaysia, Genting Highlands is a popular destination for entertainment, leisure, and luxury. The area has undergone significant development over the years, transforming it into a thriving hub of activities that cater to diverse interests.
Early Days and Growth
In 1965, Malaysian businessman Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong began Genting casino working on his vision to create an exclusive resort town in the highlands of Pahang. After four years of construction, Resorts World Genting opened its doors to visitors in 1971. Initially, the resort focused primarily on gaming and entertainment options.
Over time, the area expanded its offerings to include various attractions, accommodations, and facilities that catered to families with children, couples seeking romance, and groups of friends looking for adventure. In addition to gaming, Genting Highlands features theme parks like Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, Snow World, and Outdoor Theme Park (also known as Adventure Waterpark), which have contributed significantly to its growth in popularity.
Development of Integrated Resorts
In the early 2000s, Singapore’s government began developing integrated resorts that combined entertainment options with upscale accommodations. Following this trend, Malaysia launched Genting Highlands’ Phase Two expansion plan, incorporating more diverse attractions and amenities. The move transformed the resort into an international tourist destination, drawing visitors from Southeast Asia, China, India, Europe, North America, and other parts of the world.
Notable Features
Genting Highlands boasts several distinct features that set it apart from similar destinations:
- Mountainous Location : Situated on a mountain plateau over 1,800 meters above sea level, Genting Highlands offers breathtaking views and cooler climates compared to lower-lying areas.
- Access Points and Infrastructure : Two highways (East Coast Expressway and Guthrie Corridor) provide convenient access routes from Kuala Lumpur and other nearby cities. Upon arriving at the resort area, visitors can use an extensive network of roads and walkways that cater to their specific needs.
Accommodations and Dining
To satisfy diverse tastes and preferences, Genting Highlands offers a range of accommodations for every budget:
- Genting Grand : The largest hotel within the resort grounds boasts over 700 rooms with luxurious amenities.
- Maxims Hotel : A five-star hotel renowned for its elegant design and modern facilities offers an intimate stay experience.
To cater to different palates, various dining options are available, including:
- Tang Dynasty Restaurant : Offers refined Chinese cuisine amidst a serene atmosphere inspired by the Ming dynasty’s culture.
- Peking Garden : Features authentic Beijing-style cooking using traditional techniques and ingredients, paired with elegant service.
- Genting Wine Club : Where members can unwind in an upscale setting surrounded by wine collections from around the world while enjoying live music performances.
Attractions
Genting Highlands has cultivated a diverse range of entertainment options that appeal to people of all ages:
- Cable Cars and Train Rides : For panoramic views, ride the Skyway gondolas or take the genting skyway train offering elevated rides through lush forests.
- Outdoor Adventure Theme Park (formerly known as Fun Forest) : Engage in leisurely activities such as golf courses with artificial grass tee boxes and the Splash World Waterpark featuring large wave pools.
Variations of Genting
Genting Group has developed sister destinations, each catering to different markets or preferences:
- RWS Entertainment : A London-based gaming company offers a platform that brings Genting’s entertainment options online.
- Circus Circus : In Las Vegas, the chain boasts its own themed hotel and casino combination with the same name offering an Americanized experience.
Responsible Gaming
With increasing concerns about problem gambling worldwide, Resorts World Genting implemented stricter regulations to minimize the risk of addiction:
- Self-Exclusion Schemes : Those struggling can voluntarily ban themselves from participating in gaming activities at designated intervals.
- Gaming Limits and Cooling Periods : The company recommends limiting playtime or imposing time-outs for regular gamblers.