Off the beaten track

Genting Highlands has so much more to offer than just glitzy entertainment, discovers

TAP tap tap tap tappity tap. That’s my leg, incidentally. Tapping away. The minutes are ticking by and we’re still waiting for a few tardy people to show up. It’s a sunny Thursday afternoon and any chance to get away from the drudgery of staring at the computer screen back in the office while nursing a cup of coffee, is something I’m grateful for. Of course, I’ve just had my second cup of coffee while waiting for said tardy people. Never mind that. The thought of the cool misty Genting adventure beckons and I’m more than happy to sit and wait in the cool air-conditioned van, while the worried-looking van uncle makes a few urgent calls outside.

“Adventure...” “Forest...” “Birdwatching...” Those words stood out when I was given the assignment. A chance to see birds, breathe in fresh forest air and go on yet another green excursion got me excited. “But you’ve just been to the forest! A few times already! Another one now?” My mother rolled her eyes as I was trying to shove my binoculars into an already over-stuffed knapsack the previous night.

“Why are you packing for a month? You’re there for only one night!” she remarked again, shaking her head. It’s the city girl in me. One can never be too prepared. Sunblock — check, repellent — check, clothes for morning, afternoon, night and everything else in between — check, entire beauty regime in a huge toiletry bag — check, binoculars — double check. Eight years spent working for an environmental NGO hasn’t taught me to pack any lighter. “Are you sure you’re not out there to gamble ahh?” asked my mother suspiciously, both eyebrows raised.

One can’t blame her. Mention Genting Highlands, and chances are the casinos and the razzle-dazzle of Resorts World would be the main highlights of this mist-cloaked peak of Mount Ulu Kali perched at 1,800 metres above sea level. The cold crisp temperatures match other hill stations, but nature? Most of its peak has been landscaped and built up into a vast entertainment complex housing open-allhours casinos, brightly lit shopping malls, amusement parks, bars, restaurants and around 10,000 hotel rooms. The cool air, buzzing indoor entertainment and splashing cash at the roulette tables form part of Genting’s main attraction.