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Updated: The 3D2N Genting giveaway has closed. The winner is comment #172, congrats Penny! I will be sending you an email in a bit.
I had the chance to visit Resorts World Genting – the most popular tourist destination in Malaysia – and it was an eye opening experience as I learned many new things about Genting that I never knew before.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip because I went with Beatrice and Selene, who are great travelling companions. But most importantly, I felt like I was visiting my second home – Genting would always hold a special place in my heart because my family goes there every year for a getaway.
I remember the first time I was in Genting, and how everything felt so magical; the first time that I fell down because I was too excited at the outdoor theme park; the first time I took the cable car up to the mountain resort; the first ice cream that I ate in the cool weather – all the first time experiences that I had in Genting.
For many people, Genting is about the exciting rides at the magical outdoor theme park; the cold and nice weather; and the gaming and entertainment in the casino. It was the same for me, until I spent a weekend there with the girls. We discovered that Genting has a lot more to offer. So here’s my Guide on Things to do in Genting Highlands.
We are also giving away a 3D2N stay at Maxims Genting, details are at the end of the post. Good luck you guys!
Before you read the rest of my post, here’s a video trailer that Beatrice did for our adventure in Genting.
Genting, here we come!
We were starving after a five hours journey on the luxurious Transtar First Class Coach, and our first stop in Genting was Imperial Rama Restaurant (Level 2 Highlands Hotel, Tel: +603 6101 1118). For those who always go to Genting, I’m sure you are familiar with Imperial Rama Restaurant – one of the fine dining restaurants in Genting that specialises in authentic Thai-Chinese cuisine.
The chef arranged a 8 course meal for us and we had Mushroom with Truffle Oil and Vegtable Salad; Thai Crispy Fish Paste Cracker; Shark’s Fin Bone Soup; Steamed Marble Goby Fish; Wasabi and Salted Egg Yolk Prawns; Abalone with Black Truffle; Green Curry Chicken Served with Fried Rice; and Durian Tempura with Soursop.
Beatrice went crazy when the Mushroom Salad with Truffle Oil arrived (she’s a fan of anything-truffle), while Selene thoroughly enjoyed her Durian Tempura. With yummy food and good company, our Genting adventure was off to a great start!
After a scrumptious lunch, we went on a tour of the Maxims Hotel. Our host showed us all the different rooms in Maxims Genting, and guess what? We went to the Penthouse too!
“Wow! Thank you Genting for letting us stay in the Penthouse!” I said when we entered the apartment, which has five rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, gym, and a huge living room. Unfortunately, that trick didn’t work. But it wasn’t too bad as we got a very nice room for our 3D2N stay.
At the helipad where we got a bird’s eye view of the entire Genting.
The good people at Genting upgraded us to a suite and all we wanted to do was to stay in the hotel and enjoy all the facilities.
We stayed in the room until dinner. Beatrice and I were “working” on our blogs, while Selene was checking orders from her online shop Klarra.
After finishing our social media duties, it took us quite a while to prepare as we were going for a fine dining dinner at The Olive. Here’s a picture of Beatrice and Selene all dressed up! Heh.
The Olive – Genting’s fine dining Western restaurant – is definitely the place to go if you want a romantic dinner with your date. I was really looking forward to it because QiuQiu told me that she had a fantastic dinner there when she visited Genting last year.
On the menu, there’s a good selection of starters, main courses, and some delicious desserts to choose from. Luckily for us, we didn’t have to make the tough decision as our host ordered the signature items. Among the dishes that we tried at The Olive (Lobby Flour, Maxims Genting Tel: +603 6101 1118 Ext 59668), the highlights were the Mushroom Salad with Truffle, Steak, and Rack of Lamb.
When we were at The Olive for dinner, there was a special Whisky tasting event at the restaurant’s lounge. We were lucky to be there at the right time as we got a quick lesson on scotch by the Whisky Sommelier who flew in from Scotland. Genting organises a lot of such events, so there’s always something for you to do when you are up at the mountain resort.
Life is good when you get to see a show after a nice dinner. We had tickets to FREEZE – a magic show on ice at Genting International Showroom. What a spectacular show!
I’ll be honest. Initially I wasn’t keen to go for FREEZE as I thought it was just another boring show. Boy, was I wrong. I had a good time, and it was really awe-inspiring to see talented performers working hard for their trade.
Genting has always been known as a stage that hosts world-class shows and international artistes all year round. So make sure you catch one of the shows when you are there!
Even though I was really tired, I couldn’t sleep because I was thinking about having breakfast at Coffee Terrace the next morning.
Coffee Terrace (Lobby Flour Maxims Genting Tel: +603 6101 1118 Ext. 58267) is my favourite breakfast spot in Genting. Their breakfast buffet is really awesome, and it’s only RM 36++! All you can eat for only less than SGD$20? Oh my god, how can anyone miss this?
During lunch and dinner dinner, they have six different concept kitchen serving Local, Baba Nyonya, Chinese, Western, Japanese, and Western Cuisines.
We were up early for the buffet breakfast not because I am a glutton, but because we were heading to Awana Genting for an adventure.
Located at mid-hill, Awana Genting is a premier 4-star golf resort surrounded by greenery. However, we were not there to play golf; our host from Genting had arranged for us to go hiking in the mountains. Yes, you read that right – hiking. Like most of you, I was surprised to know that you can actually go hiking at Genting.
While on the way to the start of the hiking trail, we passed by a long house and we were told that a lot of companies organise their retreats here.
There are lots of activities that are great for team building. So if your company is looking for a place to go for a retreat, do consider Awana Genting.
Halfway through the 1.8km hiking-trail, the girls were so terrified by the leeches that we had to turn back. It was really amusing because they were screaming non-stop while asking me to remove the leeches from their shoes.
After going back to Awana hotel, then I realised that there were two nasty leeches hiding inside my boots for a good twenty minutes. Ouch!
While the girls didn’t really enjoy it, I thought it was quite an experience. I mean, it’s not everyday that you get to go on a hike in Genting. As long as you are wearing the right gear, the hike should be a piece of cake.
Note: There is a shutter bus at half an hour interval from Genting to Awana (the journey is 20 minutes). Alternatively, you can get a cab for around RM20-30. For more information, do approach your hotel’s reception.
After the hike, we proceeded to Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm (No.1, Lot 3707, Jalan Jati 2, Bandar Gohtong Jaya, Tel: 603-6100 1121).
In Singapore, we only get to buy strawberries from the supermarket. But at Genting Strawberry Farm, you get to pick fresh strawberries!
And we also had strawberry juice, mushroom tempura, strawberry ice cream, and fried chicken coated with strawberry sauce.
We headed back to our hotel to change, before going for a therapeutic massage at M Spa & Fitness (Lobby Floor, Maxims Genting Hotel, Tel :603 – 6105 2692).
I did a 90-minute Balinese massage and I felt so good after that. It probably explains why I ate so much during the dinner at Genting Palace.
During this trip, we ate our way around Genting, and my favourite meal was at Genting Palace. From the outside, Genting Palace (2nd Floor, Maxims Genting Hotel Tel: +603 6101 1118) doesn’t look like much. Before the meal, I was even telling Beatrice that we shouldn’t expect too much. I had to take back my words after having a fabulous dinner.
We had a variation of starters; a bowl of Double-boiled Chicken & Ginseng Soup; Crispy Scallop & Banana with Peak Nest; Braised Spare Ribs with Red Vinasse Sauce; Stewed Fresh Water Prawn with Glass Noodle; Steamed Cod Fish Fillet; and Durian Mochi.
Everything was good, but the best dish was the Steamed Cod Fish Fillet. It was easily one of the best Cod I’ve ever had.
Besides the signature Cantonese dishes, Genting Palace also serves a good selection of vegetarian dishes, and they are popular for their dim sum offerings. If you are in Genting, you must go to Genting Palace and say hi to the chef for me.
By the time we got to First World after dinner, most of the shops were closed, so we didn’t get to shop around. You guys should definitely go shopping when you are at First World! Like they say, shopping is cheaper than a psychologist. Since you are already on a holiday, I reckon some retail therapy won’t hurt.
Before the trip, the girls were telling me that they wanted to catch a movie at the First World Theatre; we had a tight schedule so we also didn’t manage to watch a movie.
Anyway, we went to The Patio Bar & Lounge at First World for drinks. It had a terrific atmosphere with the live band belting out pop favourites. We had a CRAZY NIGHT there. It was so, so fun! What happens in Genting stays in Genting.
Sadly, our adventure was coming to an end. But it wasn’t that bad as we had a good breakfast at The Bakery (Lobby level Maxims Genting) before leaving.
We had the pleasure of meeting the executive pastry chef of Resorts World Genting. It was fascinating to hear about his experience of working in Genting, and how his team actually works round the clock to ensure that all the guests get to eat freshly baked bread, pastries and cakes.
After tasting some of the signature bread, we had a table full of desserts. Cakes for breakfast, what’s there not to like?
That’s all for now folks! Hopefully I can do a more detailed guide on restaurants in Resorts World Genting, and the rides in the theme park during my next visit.
Do visit Resorts World Genting’s website for more information, and feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions. See you in Genting!
How to enter ladyironchef’s Genting 3D2N Stay Giveaway
1. 3D2N stay at Maxims Hotel Premier room (includes breakfast buffet).
2. Winner gets to bring along +1 to enjoy the trip.
3. Enter the giveaway by leaving a comment below: Why do you like Genting?
4. A random generator will be used, everyone has an equal chance of winning.
5. Giveaway ends on 24th Apr 2012 Thursday 2359. Winner will be notified by email.
6. Note that comments are moderated, they will only appear after I approve it. Please do not submit more than once.
7. The validity for the prize is from 1st May – 31st July.
Beatrice is also doing this Genting 3D2N stay giveaway, you can have another chance of winning by leaving a comment on her blog.
I love Genting mostly because of the cooling weather that Singapore can never ever have! It is also an awesome short getaway place with your family or friends as it just takes a 5-6 hours drive from Singapore by car/coach! It is also a fun-filled place with all sort of activites for the young (the indoor/outdoor themepark) to the old (casino)!! You have no fear of going hungry too as there are many different varieties of food that operates till late at night, with some that operates at 24 hrs! With awesome weather, fun activities and great food, what’s there not to like about Genting!
I like Genting because of the cool weather and it’s a good place to get out of Singapore’s hectic life!
Trying luck @ the casino…
I love the weather in Genting!
I love going holidays!
I often have genting trips over the weekend with my family when I was young.
Ever since graduation and entering the work life, I have been longing for a short trip.
A day or two to relax!
After looking at your blogspot pictures, I can say that a picture paints a thousand words!
I really want to go Genting and explore the trails, watch the freeze show, pluck strawberries adventures seem so fun to accomplish over the weekend.
Why do I like Genting?
Because it’s fascinating.
Genting, great place for a short getaway during the weekend. The cool breezy wind, misty cloudy sky and fresh air are definitely lacking from the bustling concrete jungle.
There are themeparks for the young, casino for the adults and a great shopping & entertainment place for all! Genting, an ideal holiday venue for the family and a place filled with family love.
Great weather with such wide variety of entertainment, what more can you expect?
I love Genting because it seems like the underdog. With an array of new tourist attractions coming up in Singapore, it almost feels like a forgotten treasure of the past. I think most Singaporeans would be able to say they have made a trip up there in the past, and it would be a shame to see it overshadowed by the big boys. I do hope we continue to show our support for our friendly neighbourhood travel destination.
What i Like about Genting … hmmmm
The weather, the Drive, the Fun, the Thrill ….
G eographically situated near KL between Pahang and Selengor at a Top Height of 1713 Metres = cooling weather.. Shiok !!
E njoyable Scenic drive from Singapore -> KL (Shopping) -> Genting … Nice !!
N ostalgic feeling as Genting Highlands was one of those places where every parent would bring their kids …
remembering the times when i was there when i was a kid … Memorable !!
T heme Park – A multi-million ringgit playground with over 40 rides, making it Malaysia’s biggest theme park…. Fun !!
I nteresting mixture of Entertainments – Casino Gaming to try your luck, numberous Xclusive shows for members,
spoilt for choice of Food, Theme park for the Young, various classes of Accomdation available … Wow !!
N ightlife – Night time is never a bore with the following choices of places to “Chill Out” … All Sports Bar,
Cloud 9, Patio Bar & Lounge and of course Safari Disco …. LETS PARTY !!
G enting is a place for a Superb weekend Getaway …. LETS GO HOLIDAY !!
I love Genting for its cold climate, good food and theme park! Simply the best place to go with family for a short nearby holiday!
I like Genting because the climate is a huge contrast to the rest of the region – cool and rejuvenating. Genting is also the place where I first went overseas my parents. Call it mt first step into puberty but my trip many years ago still lies etched vividly in my mind.
I like genting because it’s so near and usually is the place for a quick getaway! The weather is awesome and it’s a place that reminds me of my family
It has been 11 years since I’ve been to Genting with my family. I was 10-year-old then. I still remember winding up the hill in a small coach to get there – everyone felt dizzy but to me it was quite an adventure! Love the cool climate too. I’d love to revisit again. What’s more, I’ve never picked fresh strawberries from the vines. This is a great chance!
I loved Genting for its economical advantages with a nice climate, wonderful view and fabulous food and thrilling entertainment. Hope that I am lucky!
I LOVE Genting cos it’s a place full of memories. It’s one of the first place my family went on a holiday, first place whereby the weather is naturally cold ( not a
Hello!
I would love to go to the place of my childhood once again because it’s been almost 10 years since I’ve been there. I had lots of fantastic memories made there and would love to go back and create more beautiful memories 
Thank you so much for this opportunity 
Hoping for a lucky chance to win a trip back to Genting whereby I had spent an amazing trip with my entire family and kids 2 years ago. The cooling weather is always enticing me to re-visit there again and again….
Genting is simply the place to be!
I had been there twice personally and I love being there so much! The cool weather coupled with exciting rides and yummy cuisines… makes it one of the best short getaways close to the sunny Singapore.
this is malaysia’s version of a castle in the clouds. complete with chocolate kingdoms and exciting amusement rides. and the grandeur of casinos. but for all the times i’ve been there, there’s always something new that i havent’t yet tried, a ride that i havent yet seen. it’s an awesome family and friends friendly place to just chill out amidst the clouds!
the cool weather and great stuffs to munch on!
Like many others, Genting is one memorable place for me. It’s that rare out of itinerary spot when paying visits to relatives in Malaysia. It’s that one spot for my family to eat and enjoy the stoning moments, which has not happen ever since my brother and I grown with responsibilities on our own. I even had my first roller coaster ride there!
After reading your content, I didn’t know Genting has so much to offer! Let’s just see how much luck I have this time round.
Nice weather, away from home. good getaway!
I like Genting because of its cooling weather!Apart from the cooling weather,it is also like a mini resort for both families and friends! They provide activities such as Karaoke, Bowling and even arcade games which will helps to bring the family and friends to a closer stage – Family Bonding! (:
The nice cooling climate at Genting coupled with wonderful F&B, thrilling entertainment just keeps me wanting to go back for more….
I loved the outdoor and indoor amusement park. Hope to win it for my upcoming June school holidays. So that my parents can save on $$$.
I LOVED Genting for its beautiful clouds, water vapour, “snowing” effect that it puts on my face. Short of going to an actual snowy country. Genting is the next best choice as a tourist attraction and it’s near to Singapore.
The exciting rides at the outdoor and indoor amusement parks just makes me want to return to Genting during every school holidays. Hope that I am lucky to win it.
Genting is the nearest and cheapest location for a quick and chilling getaway from Singapore! Plus, I’d love to visit the theme park again!
I like that Genting is pretty near to Singapore and it’s the closest I can get if I wanna enjoy a cool climate, not to forget the amusement park and the strawberry farms too!
Btw great post! I didn’t know Genting have so much to offer
I love Genting because there’s a lot of childhood memories there. And the weather is just perfect! It’s the perfect getaway for families and friends!
I like Genting because of the weather! I stay in Malaysia and the weather here is hot throughout the year. So, how I wish I could live in Genting. And, I like Genting it’s because of the theme park. There’re not only adventurous ride and also many other places that you can visit! It’s like a wonderland upon the cloud! So, that’s why I love Genting! If I win the this, I will bring one of my BFF to celebrate her birthday in Genting!! =D
Well, I did not quite enjoy the experience at Genting largely due to the hotel stay. But after reading your post, I am pretty much hyped up and willing to give Genting another chance. Looking forward to the hotel stay and most importantly an enjoyable experience with my love one.
Thanks
I love Genting, because it is the only resort in the world that reads ‘my childhood’ and all other happy memories of my life.
Genting! My bf’s favourite playground! We drive there quite frequently to enjoy the cool weather… It is just nice for us. Wish we can have the same weather here in SG…
Good food, nearby getaway & the awesome memories I’ve had in Genting since I was a kid!
The last time I been to Genting, I regarded it as the best place in Malyasia to go because of its endless entertainment from amusement to leisure! It would definitely be a nice short getaway for me and my sister from our school!
I love the weather and the “resort” feeling that surrounded the whole area.
Genting – weather, food and fun. If it’s free, then bonus.
I’ve never been there before, and I really hope to get a chance to go! (:
I love visiting Genting cause, really, who doesn’t?
It is especially magical to me because it is based way up high on a mountain hill. That to me itself, is freaking cool. I always feel like I am a princess living in a castle way up high aove the clouds, like those fairytale stories that I used to adore reading when I was young.
Don’t get me started when night falls. It feels so sureal when the clouds wafts in through an opened window in the hotel or when you’re sipping coffee at starbucks and a cloud of mists forms whenever you talk.
I like Genting’s theme park and the night scene! I have never experienced it before though and Maxim hotel sure looks grand. Thanks for sharing this awesome post!
I love the space shot @ genting theme park!
( In fact, i’ve never spent a single night there..I went there once when I was a kid and my dad wanted a quick and cheap holiday.. We didnt do much except for going to the them park.. Reading your post made me realize what i have missed… so near yet so far..!
I actually forgot what i love about Genting..!! That’s how long i have not been there..
If I won this, it’d be the perfect bday present for my mom.. and I’ll bring her to all the restaurant you n beatrice recommend!
I love Genting because it just reminds me much of my childhood holidays with my extended families! all the warmth in the cold whenever we dine together or take the cable car trips up and down to and from Genting to admire the scenic views…
Thanks, Brad!
I love Genting due to its cool weather, pace, food and the exciting rides! Love your post! I didn’t know Genting have so much to offer. Definitely wants to go back there again!
Hi Brad,
To everyone else, it may be Malaysia but its a place where i first met my other half 7 years ago randomly at the theme park, before we then got together back in SG.
He is currently in NUS, and he is facing tremendous amount of pressure from examinations and all. I would really like to surprise him with a free trip as we are already saving up for our wedding which will either be held in 2013 end or 2014, he didn’t like the idea of us having unnecessary expenses from now till then.
Like everyone else, i love the weather, the cozy feeling that Genting brings, where everything is at our doorstep, the never ending night life with a whole lot of day fun at the theme park.
But it will mean something special for us to spend his 23rd birthday in May
Although I have only been to Genting once when i was very young, I missed the weather there! Especially how I could pretend to eat the clouds
I also love the fact that it’s not too far away from Singapore for a quick getaway. 
I like Genting because of its cool weather, making it an excellent weekend escape from Singapore’s sweltering heat! Moreover, the indoor and outdoor theme parks plus the casino ensure there’s something for everyone! Can’t wait to go back to Genting after so many years!
Cool weather, lots of fun and food. Who can resist?
Hi Brad!
Been reading your blog for over sometime already and what really interests me is of course the FOOD, everything just looks so good!& being the kind who loves travelling around singapore and finding new cafes etc, im thankful for your blog’s existance! (:
What I like about Genting:
Though I’m 23 this year and I enjoy travelling alot, I have only been to Genting only once (with friends). In my previous 1-night stay, I visited the casino, toured the outdoor/indoor games and tried several restaurants! Though I cant recall the name of the restaurant, it was indeed an experience that I enjoyed – it was Vietname cuisine which I tried for the first time and it was very delicious! The decor of the restaurant was very interesting too! (if im remember correctly, we had to climb up a bridge, very ship-like haha)
& what I also liked about Genting is def. the weather! I’m always loving cold countries compared to warm weathers. Being out of Singapore and travelling to Genting made me really excited because of the trip uphill, entering a new climate, whereever I went was COLD and breezy. Felt really shiok! (:
I would like to take this chance to travel with my parents if there’s a chance because they always liked travelling but often try to save costs and forgo their interests for the family.
Thank you
cheers!
I haven’t been to Genting since i was 10? Would really love to have a chance to relieve my childhood memories with a friend!!