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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.
The biggest thing that draws me to Genting, is of course, it’s cool weather. Being in Genting allows me to feel like I’m in Europe, and the cool breeze always refreshes my mind!
i like genting because it reminds me of my childhood. Genting themepark was probably the 1st themepark that i went to, how can i forget. hmm. memories.
Hey Brad!
Reading your entry really calls for a short and well-deserved getaway to Genting.
The strawberry farm is heavenly! I still remember the times when I was there with my family and my dad will carry me so that I could pick the strawberries! ( I was to short to do it myself then) And oh, who can resist the Strawberry Chocolate Milkshake?
The cool weather allows for layering of clothes without perspiring and feeling sticky all over. It prevents makeup from melting too! Who doesn’t want to be good looking at all times?
The COOL weather & The ENTERTAINMENT!!! Spending in Genting is like GSS, 50% discount for everything!!!
Genting is my favourite place to go as I can dump my worries from the fast-paced environment in Singapore and have a short getaway to enjoy the fresh chill air and tranquility there.
My girlfriend and I loves short getaway trips. We have been the Genting twice in 7 short months, we would love a third trip.
The things I like about Genting is the cooling weather and theme park. Also, it’s an awesome short getaway trip away from the hectic days of studying. Genting was also the first place I went with my bf hence I would like to go for another getaway in Genting before he goes to Brisbane to study.
Thank you
I love Genting because it is where my childhood memories of roller-coasters and arcade games and enjoying the cool breeze and misty scenery are made!
I didn’t know Genting could be rather fun! haha.. When i was young, i used to like the theme park. Now, the place is just ideal for a quick getaway from our normal busy life. With the cooling weather, this is the closest place from Singapore where we can go relax and literally chill out. Would be great to visit Genting again yeah!
i grew up making frequent trips to genting with my whole army of relatives and cousins so it will always bring back good memories of my time there.
I like Genting because it brings back fond childhood memories of me blowing cold vapour from my mouth with my sister:)
I like Genting because its a good getaway from hot and sunny Singapore (:
I love the food in Genting! Basically, I love food. Looking at all your food pictures in this post really makes me want to go there and try them out!
Well another reason why I love Genting is because I have had wonderful memories there with my family. It was the last trip my family had together and I will never forget the colourfully painted hotel–which really cheers one up after looking at it.
Hope to win the tickets for my boyfriend’s birthday coming in May! What a timely giveaway
It’s the first place you immediately think of when you to want a quick escape from hot and humid singapore! Plus, it’s family friendly with lots of activities for adults, teenagers and children! Who can resist?
The weather, the food and all the childhood memories of cable car rides and family time together.
Genting is the first getaway with my beloved parents when I was young, absolutely loving the quality family time spent with them.
Well, who doesn’t like to spend quality time with our lovely folks who sacrificed their time, and years to bring us up and for our happiness?
:>
Genting is like another utopia which I can leave my worries behind in SG.=)
The one thing I like most about Genting is the cooling temperature over there!
It’s the nearest destination we can travel to if we want a getaway with cooling temperature.
Other than that, the entertainment, food etc. are also awesome !
Genting’s the place to go if you’re looking for a short getaway. Love the fact that you can get to chill and enjoy the food and weather there.
You might think that i’m lying to win the tickets but seriously I’ve never been to Genting before. So i hope i can win the tickets and find the reason to why do i like Genting!
I like Genting because of its cooling weather
Genting is like a small paradise, a haven place for getaway with loved ones. Genting is a place where we can let our hair down and enjoy ourselves to the fullest with the cool and nice weather, awesome food, hotels, theme parks and many other activities.
Genting is the Brings back childhood memories where my parents first bought me overseas there. Mother’s day is coming soon, hence I will like to give it to my parents as a gift if I won the tickets.
because it has crazy childhood memories for me, and because the last time i went, i hadn’t hit the age to gamble yet!
I like Genting because of its cooling weather, “spaceshot” rides, and the first holiday location I went with my boyfriend of 7yrs.
Genting is a place that i can conveniently go for a get-away whenever i feel stressed over work. A place i can relax, chill and enjoy myself:)
Seriously I nv been to Genting before! I do hope to experience Genting wif a free stay:)
I like Genting because it reminds me of my childhood.
Have never been there since 10 over years already.
It’s been a super long time since I last went. Heard that the arcades there are fab. wana try!
What I like about Genting would be the long windy road up, the cool breeze that envelops you once you step foot onto the place, and the picturesque scenery of clouds that float so near you
I love Genting simply because of the cool weather there! For a person who perspires easily, it’s never a problem anymore in Genting! ;D
Plus, I would really really love to explore those places you mentioned! Always knew Genting as a theme park plus casino place. Never knew there’s so much interesting stuff!
Genting has a nice and cool weather, closest to home. Also a place filled with much joy and fun with all the entertainment when surround by loved ones
I like Genting as it reminds me of my childhood trip with my family as it is our yearly trip. I hope i can treat my parents for a short gateway..
I like Genting because it’s a one-stop hub with everything from shopping, cool weather all year round and from what you’ve shared above, food galore! Best of all, it’s only a bus journey away! Take me to Genting now! (:
i wanna win because im 23 and have never been to genting before! =(
I like Genting because the weather, the food and the variety of activities gives satisfaction to a relaxing getaway.
My boyfriend and i are have been together for seven years and we are still in the phase where we’re still juggling with studies and supporting ourselves.
Life with him is amazing but yet can be tough at the same time. Though the nature of our part time jobs are flexible, but it doesn’t provide us with the spend.
Howeverl, we don’t wallow in self pity because we believed that our savings will give us a better life in future! Having said so much, what i like about GENTING is the fact that I’m on a vacation with him, we feel relaxed and away from the hustle and bustle yet at the same time, without having to beat the hefty price! AND SUDDENLY LIFE’S ALL GOOD AGAIN! =)
My family used to travel to Genting twice a year when I was young. I like Genting for its cool weather which I can never experience in Singapore. More importantly, I like Genting because it’s a place for families to bond, just like how it did for my family
I’ve been to Genting several times, but little did I know that there’re so many things in Genting! After reading your post, I really want to experience Genting in a new light! What I really love about Genting is the weather that they have! It’s up high and it always have a cooling weather all year round. Another thing that is great about Genting is that it has a countryside yet grand feel. It makes you feel so relaxed being there yet you know you’re on a great holiday being there. It seems like there’s a lot more to learn about Genting, be it their itinerary or their history and their present structure. This is what traveling should be about: enjoying & learning new things:)
Genting brings back very cherished childhood memories also thats when my parents would bring my brother and i for our CNY celebrations. however, since we are all grown up now.. we havent had a chance to see the brand new changes of genting highlands…
Genting holds a special place in my heart because it’s the first place that my boyfriend and I went to for a short getaway! Absolutely enjoyed the awesome weather & indeed there were so many things to do- shopping, indoor/outdoor theme parks, Ripley’s, shiok massages, playing at the arcade, bowling, movies, so many simple pleasures…I could go on and on but what I loved most about genting would definitely be the FOOD!!! Hehe cos both my boyfriend and I are such foodies, we went around everywhere hunting for all the good food! It would be such a privilege to be able to go back there again and relive our “first-time”!
I’ve heard so much about the place (and the food!) and have always wanted to go but never had the chance to. It’s definitely high time I pack my bags and whiz myself there for a stress-free weekend break!
Runs in the family. Genting is my parents and my 1st honeymoon
short getaway from singapore! i love the cold weather! everything about the place is crazy cheap and the rollercoaster rides are awesome!
brings back so many memories… the ride up there is insane but the experience in genting makes it worthwhile! i still get the cheap thrill of seeing my breath cos it’s so cold there! (:
I love Genting because of its cooling weather and awesome food! I would love to try out the foods you recommended the next time I get to go there. Short getaway just lets you relax and be away from the fast paced life.
I like Genting because it’s simply too AWESOME!:D
Genting is like a second home to me, I go there once a few months for more than 15 years already and I am still not sick of it! I like its awesome cool weather and the many many relaxation activities it provided for me and of course the large varieties of delicious food that are offered at different restaurants. When I needed a short good getaway, Genting immediately came to my mind. It would be great if I am able to experience the luxury of staying at the Maxims Genting! Thanks for letting us know that there’s so many other awesome places in Genting which I realised I didnt explore yet! Thank you!:D
I love Genting because of nostaliga !
Genting was my 20th birthday surprise from my boyfriend & it was our first trip together
Nothing beats strolling around with your loved one in such cool weather, and that’s what I love most about genting! This year marks our 4th year together and I hope we can revisit genting and relive our memories there 
Ps it’s during our summer hols, how perfect!
I’ve only been to Genting once, when I was 18years old. I know I’m damn sua ku, but I will never forget my first experience with Genting. Though I did not stay over at Genting, I had loads of fun with my family. We went to explore the mall, the arcades, the amusement parks and not forgetting the casino! (only my parents, aunt and cousin went in coz they were the only ones who are of legal age) I really like the weather over at Genting, so cool and chilling. Not forgetting bout food too! I miss Genting’s Baskin Robbins! Really hope I would have another chance to go to Genting again. The room looked really awesome! Plus this would be a timely short getaway for students like me who will be ending their exams soon!
Genting reminds me of family. My extended family used to frequent neighboring countries as we were too ‘big’ a group to travel far. ‘Big’ meaning 4 generations worth of love. Yes indeed! Granny is 92 this year. Still healthy but wheelchair bound. Granny figure in this family will always remind us to be united and harmonious. Genting is definitely one of which would bring back such great awesome memories