Genting Highland

Genting Highland

Information Travel Guide
Genting Highlands in Pahang, Malaysia near Kuala Lumpur        
Genting Highlands is a popular holiday destination in Pahang, perched high up on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali at approximately 1,800 meters. Only an hour's drive away from Kuala Lumpur (about 50km), its close distance makes it a convenient getaway from the hot and humid weather of Malaysia. Colourful theme parks, casinos, resorts and attractions line the mountain peak, while vast surroundings of lush rainforest contrast starkly. Most visitors come from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Thailand and China, hoping to strike it rich at the casinos. Other tourists make the journey to explore the theme park, farms and enjoy the view, with their families or friends.

Since 1971, Genting Highlands has remained the only legal gambling outfit in Malaysia. A sterilised copy of Las Vegas, visitors looking for an authentic cultural or natural experience may find Genting distasteful, riddled with kitschy architecture, bright lights and squawking tourists. The only attractions are its casinos, gaudy theme park and occasionally splendid view on a clear day. The rest are composed of mediocre shopping, commercialised farms and overpriced restaurants. On the other hand, if you're not looking for a serious vacation but a quick escape into cooling weather, then Genting is one of the easiest places to reach from Kuala Lumpur city. It's also pleasant for a day or weekend of meaningless (but relaxing) activity and sightseeing, especially with children. Meanwhile, nature lovers will appreciate the slopes surrounding Genting Highlands, which are ideal trekking grounds with beautiful waterfalls hidden behind lush drapes of tropical rainforest.

HISTORY

Genting Highlands was founded by Lim Goh Tong, who arrived at the shores of Malaysia from Fujian, in 1937. Born in 1918, Lim was a young man, only a lowly carpenter while he picked up the local Malay language. For the next few years, he dabbled in vegetable farming and petty trading, but eventually involved himself in the scrap metal and heavy machinery business. It was through this industry that Lim finally made it rich. The end of World War II signalled rapid development in Malaysia, fueling the demand for Lim's stock of second hand equipment for tin mining and rubber plantations. From there, he ventured into iron mining and then, construction.

Despite many successful projects, Lim was faced with bankruptcy once, but overcame it. One day, while having a meal in the Cameron Highlands, it struck upon Lim the idea of a highland resort near Kuala Lumpur. Cameron Highlands was about 200 km away from KL, which made it far from a convenient journey for a quick holiday. He scouted the highlands within the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur, and found an ideal spot on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali, one of the highest mountains on the Pahang-Selangor border. After studying its topography and mapping out its development, Lim pooled all his resources and energy into creating a highland resort with accessible roads, proper infrastructure, clean water and supply of electricity.

In the middle of 1971, Genting Highlands opened for business. It would have opened sooner, but heavy rain storms and landslides had destroyed some of the road up, requiring repairs and reconstruction over a period of several months. In recognition of Lim's drive and pioneering a new highland retreat area, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman granted him the first and only casino license in the country. Over the next 30 years, Genting Highlands continued to grow from a simple resort with a small casino to a modern holiday destination, with theme parks, numerous hotels, large roads and a cable car system.

In 1993, Gohtong Jaya Town was built at the base of the cable car station on a 81 hectare site on the suggestion of Tun Dr Mahathir, the nation's fourth Prime Minister. The town's name is taken after Lim, with the word 'Jaya' meaning success. Today, Genting Highlands is one of the most popular highland tourist destinations in Malaysia, attracting visitors from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and all over the world. It is still the only legal gambling den in Malaysia, having several world class casinos, which can be attributed to its immense popularity with locals. Lim was also awarded the title of 'Tan Sri' to commend him on his contributions to the tourism industry through Genting Highlands. In 2007, Lim Goh Tong passed away but Genting Highlands continued to grow in popularity under the management of his children.

Best Time to Go and Weather


Genting Highlands has a cooling climate between 20°C to 25°C during the day and 15°C to 20°C during the night. Misty weather is a prevalent element and thunder storms are frequent towards the year end. However, you can visit Genting Highlands anytime during the year as it has a good network of roads that are not prone to landslides. If you prefer less rain on your holiday, the best time to come here would lie between March - September. From October till February, the rainfall is at its heaviest. Be sure to wear some thick clothing at night if you're susceptible to cold. The mist around the peak can obscure panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur city and the landscape below. The best time to get a clear view is during the early mornings and late evenings, but this is not a hard and fixed rule. Also, travel during non-peak periods and outside schoo holidays and festive seasons, if you want to enjoy cheaper accommodation rates.