Malaysia Part 4 - Genting Highlands

Thursday 12th June

Genting Highlands

The bright building is the First World Hotel & Casino

I haven't been to Genting in years. Took a trip there today to have a bit of a look around to see the changes.
The bus to Genting leaves from KL Sentral station every half hour and takes about an hour to get there. (The last time I went to Genting I remember catching a bus from Titiwangsa which was a local bus that putt-putted up the hill and was so shaky that I thought it was going to run back down the hill.)

The highlands are quite high and the road up there is long and windy.  You can also take a cable car up from the base. We got to the bus station late and the bus ended up being full with the next available tickets for 1 1/2 hrs later (a lot of people go to Genting). Ended up taking a taxi with a nut of a taxi driver that didn't stick to lanes and was taking corners like a formula 1 racer.

Many people go to Genting Highlands to escape the heat... and either gamble in the casino or play in the theme parks.
The first thing you notice is the First World Hotel that is brightly coloured. I think they thought it would be bright and exciting but I think it just looks tacky.

There is an ourdoor theme park and an indoor theme park and an outdoor water park which many parents bring their children to.
It's been a long time since I've been here. It does seem a pity that the many beautiful nature walks have been bulldozed and replaced by the theme park rides.
As we didn't intend to stay for too long, we didn't end up doing any theme parks but wandered around.

Inside the centre is just as tacky. There are recreations of a Venecian river and decor of various themes - such as the statue of liberty shown in the photo.
There are a few shops around but they are touristy.

The bus station has lots and lots of buses as Genting is very popular