Advertorial
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.
My job is to eat and enjoy! Love genting cause it’s sooo cheap!
I like Genting cause it reminds me of family trips we used to take when I was a kid. Love the cool air too!
I love genting because it is the closest place we can get to a cold climate(: When you’re in Genting, you feel like you’re in the clouds, with all the mist and all. It is definitely a close getaway for those that need a break from the hectic pace of life right in Singapore(:
I love Genting because of the fact that it gives me a great environment for a getaway and rest. The weather, the food….
I love the variety of entertainment available at the peak, suitable for people of all walks of life, definitely the perfect place to enjoy and relax.
The cool air definitely blows my worries away, I love midnight shopping at First World Plaza the most.
I like everything in genting! the cool breezy weather, the themepark, food and the list goes on!
This was the first place I went to with my family as a kid and I will never forget those days where themepark was the only favourite activity we would do in genting.
After reading your post, I realised there are so much more activities we could do in genting and I really wish i could get the chance to revisit genting again!
Genting was the first overseas trip with my best friend. Celebrating his birthday outside Singapore which was a first time as well and going on our first roller coaster ride and first time my spectacles was smashed to pieces from the free fall ride! So many ‘first’ that have happen to me in Genting. Hoping for a ‘second’ time experience there again with my best friend!
I love the quality time spent with family at the outdoor/indoor theme park, casino and even when we’re doing nothing, because the cooling weather makes up for everything! <3
I would like to go Genting with my bf as it is the 1st place we went overseas and holds lots of happy memories. I would like to take this chance to enjoy what was recommended by IronLadyChef and have a different view of Genting enjoyment. Thanks for the great sharing the other side of Genting. Looking forward to have a chance to go there again.
I love genting because it is COOL all year round and much better than Escape Theme Park and much cheaper than Universal Studios!!! And the feeling of being on the top of the world is just exceptional:)!
It is a place where I used to go at 2 times a year since I was in primary school. It’s a place for both kids (theme park etc.) and adults (casino etc.). But, it has been quite a while before my whole family goes to Genting again. If I am lucky enough, I would bring my family along to mesmerise the times we used to have in Genting.
I like it because you’re giving it away for free.
Genting is the very first country where my whole family been to as an overseas family trip. It would be great if we can have the opportunity to go there again once more as good old memories will be relived again
I have always wanted to treat my parents for a vacation on their wedding anniversary. However having frugal parents, both don’t want me to spend money on their vacation. Thus, i really hope that i can win this pair of tickets for them so they can enjoy themselves wholeheartedly afterall old age is catching up on them.
The very first and last time I went to Genting was when I was eight. Back then, it was the first trip for the family as my parents had saved money just to bring us overseas. The getaway was indeed not cheap, my parents were frugal in their spendings on days nearing to our trip. Even during our trip, they gave in to me and my sister’s pleas whenever we wanted to play the rides. My parents never like playing thriller rides, but I know they played along just to satisfy us. Now that I’m 17, and just stepped into a junior college, stress has doubled and I have since rejected any dinner outings with my family. But I really wish to bring my parents there again, because I know they would be happy , even if it means seeing my and my sister enjoying ourselves
Love everything in genting. Really wanna win this pair of tickets so I can surprise my girlfriend with this vacation, for her coming 21st birthday!
Wanna win this to enjoy myself with my hubby as its been years since we last been overseas as my kids are in the growing stages of their lives. My hubby really loved the atmosphere and food in genting.
It’s a great place for a short getaway to somewhere cooling, with lots of food, fun and entertainment! Furthermore, Genting brings back great memories for me as this was the first place where I went on a trip with my boyfriend.
I totally didn’t know that genting has super chio and spacious rooms! Moreover, I didn’t know that I could do hiking there! A total different experience! If I have a chance to win this trip and head there, I would definitely try hiking and strawberry picking!
I love their weather compared to humid singapore, and it’s definitely a good, yet short getaway!
Genting to recall my favourite past-time with family where everyone can take a break from work. The excitment of playing theme park together with family && the enjoyment of good foods . This is what we called quality time spent with family! The best vacation for spending a weekend away with family.
i like genting for the cool weather, perfect short getaway without spending a bomb. my last trip gave me my 1st casino experience & also, a bonding trip with the special one. & everything has been going smoothly for us both would love to relive the moments again with him.
Its a perfect short getaway!
I love the weather and the theme park!!
I like Genting because it’s accessible, has great food & weather, and most importantly, a variety of activities to do!
I love Genting for its weather. 365/24 cooling. It just makes doing everything there very relaxing. Even when you are trekking, golfing, chilling at Starbucks or having the time of your life at the theme park. Genting is always my number 1 short getaway choice. Would love to win this to enjoy it the relaxation with my other half
I still recalled the last time I went Genting was many years ago. But Genting seems to change so much I would really like to revisit again!
Maxims Genting Hotel looks awesome & it would be my privilege if I get a chance to stay there. Furthermore, I am a strawberry fan but have never been to the Strawberry farm, hope I can take this opportunity to take a stroll down & enjoy the breeze.
To sum it all up, Genting is a perfect short getaway! ((:
My first trip to genting is with my boyfriend and it brings back so much memories! Despite losing my luggage at the Malaysia Customs(yeah, what a bummer)the whole experience I’ve had at Genting totally made up for it! Can’t wait to revist Genting with him again!
Genting is one of the many fond childhood memory i had! The cold and cloudy place , plus the food and theme park! This is definitely a place i will revisit! ((: Cheers!
The cooling weather, plus it’s perfect for a short getaway makes me love going to Genting!
I had read this blog post a couple of days ago and decided to write this today as i really want to go to Genting. I’m 23 this year and have never got the chance to visit Genting. Heard many fun and exciting stories from my friends since young and I know that I have to go to this place soon. It is like a must visit place for every Singaporean. I hope i can win this to have a perfect and long-awaited getaway!
Didn’t get a chance to stay at the Maxims despite several visits to Genting. Surely would be more than excited to have an experience there together with loved ones.
A nearby, affordable and cooling destination (:
Near from home, great weather good food and i love theme parks!
I love Genting for it’s ever-cooling weather and great, cheap food!
Genting Highlands .. a place where I can sneak in a getaway from home with fabulous weather, food and shopping!!!
I love the mushroom farm, strawberry farm and the temple mid hill!
I want to go again!
Love the weather! It’s like a natural air con 24/7 haha
and the food photos you’ve posted looks so yummylicious!
Simple: NEAR, GREAT WEATHER AND AFFORDABLE!
We have planned to have a triple dates! And we are all participating in this giveaway! Hoping at least one of us (couple) could win.
I love Genting because of its weather and strawberries! Also, it’s a place of fond memories – the times spent with cousins and relatives alike are priceless (:
Genting is such a cooling and heavenly place for Singaporean especially where our country is super humid weather. A good getaway for pampering ourselves. Weeeeeee….
I like genting for the cool weather and the theme park!
Genting is one of the top places on my short getaway list! There are endless of activities to do there! The theme parks rides, casinos, shopping and the many delish food… oh, and not forgetting the all-day “free air con”! Spells a w e s o m e (((:
I like Genting because it was the place of my first vacation when I was 1 years old.It has always been my favourite place ever since and we never fail to go there during the week of my birthday
Just one word, STRAWBERRIES!
I’m a huge strawberries lover!
It was like heaven when I went to Cameron Highlands then.
The awesome food, the exciting theme park and cool climate are the reasons why I love Genting.
The last time I was there was probably 16 years ago and the only thing I remembered loving the place is of its cooling weather and the amusement theme park.
What can you ask for more when you can shop, eat and have fun all at the same location and its only a bus ride away from Singapore!
I love Genting because there is always something for everyone there. The kids can have fun strawberry picking and the adults can enjoy the nice cool weather and the tranquil environment.
I love Genting for the cooling weather over there! It’s quiet and great for a getaway from the hectic and busy life over here in Singapore!
I would like to go to Genting because I think it is the best place for a short family getaway! Genting’s variety of activities and venues offer something for everyone regardless of age, which makes it easy for families as one need not fret what to do. Its cool climate makes it a different experience even though technically we are still in a tropical country
I love genting because it will be my first trip there after I win this giveaway. You know it feels like to be on a free vacation! I’m serious.