Okay, I'm off to Malaysia in 10 days with a group of girlfriends and staying in the heart of KL for some serious shopping.

I'm after some input into a day trip to the Ghenting Highlands and wonder if this 7 hour day trip is worth the effort. Has anyone done this or have any recommendations?

Thanks, Elly

As a bit of a shopaholic I was not impressed with Kuala Lumpar as a shopping centre. Bangkok is the main shopping centre in Asia, a short hop away on AirAsia.

I can't remember if I have been to the Highlands. I remember going somewhere high up and being glad to get out of the heat and humidity of KL.

I'm expecting hot weather and looking forward to it. We are in winter at this time of year.

KL is on sale at the moment with shops discounting 75-95% off. Some of my friends have been before (as well as Bangkok) but it is my first time.

I'm expecting the highlands to be cooler, but really want to know if it is worth the 7 hour day trip. I'm told that the trip is part coach and part cable car and that there is a casino up there also.

Any comments are appreciated.

Elly

Well, I'm impressed! Good on you for doing something different.

And yes, I'm sure the warmer climate will be a pleasure. At least, that's what I think when I look at the daily temperatures for Dubai, which are three times higher than Canberra at the moment. Can't wait to warm up a bit!

I hope you have a fabulous time and I'm looking forward to hearing all about it.

Sorry,

I have only been to the Brinchang(?) Highlands in 1975. We were backpacking and taking local buses (with betel juice spitting past us out of the window).
The orchids growing wild by the road were beautiful, but the (hot) water and elctricity in our cheap hotel were unreliable.
I wouldn't want to spend 7 hours in a bus, especially if they want you to 'spend' your money in a Casino. However, the cable car ride sounds inviting.

Thanks for the heads up John and Leslie. I might just wait until we are there and ask other hotel guests of their experience.

There are actually 26 in our group, 24 dancers (all females)and 2 principals (married couple), so I know we will have a blast! Some have been to KL for the shopping spree before, but have never been to the highlands. I can only do so much shopping before getting bored and will want to 'do and see' something other than the shops.

So far we have planned the bird park, orchid gardens and high tea, the revolving restaurant, the National Museum and the pewter workshops, traditional Malay dinner with cultural dance show and of course the shopping.

The coach trip, as I understand it, should be about 1-2 hours round trip on the bus with a cable car to the top where there is a casino. I'm not a gambler, so am hoping there is something else at the top to visit. I believe this is a structured tour, so time will be limited in the casino anyway.

Elly

Hmm, Elly, 10 days is a long, very very long time for a shopping trip, esp for a city like KL. In fact not many cities - besides the one I am living in - has enough to sustain a 10-day shopping...

And there are highlands and highlands.
I have been to the Cameron Highlands, which was very nice and bucolic, with old Swiss chalets built by the Brits back in the "Malaya" days. The silk tyconn Jim Thompson was rumored to have been carted away by a tiger there...
What I heard about the Ghenting Highlands is that it is mainly known for a big casinon-shopping mall complex. -- Not my kind of scene.
I do like shopping (in moderation), but not in malls, and certainly not on trips. But if you do, by all means go crazy!

quote:

So far we have planned the bird park, orchid gardens and high tea, the revolving restaurant, the National Museum and the pewter workshops, traditional Malay dinner with cultural dance show

Plus the coach trip, and a bit of shopping and sightseeing with your friends - wow! You are going to have a great trip.

Sounds like beaut planning and some great ideas. Well done!

Hi

KL is a great destination for shopping, eating, sightseeing etc. I went there twice last year...once on vacation and once on a work trip. Maybe you can find some useful information in my trip report with pictures and links: http://gardkarlsen.com/malaysia_kuala_lumpur.htm . The food is great in Malaysia and there is so much to choose from. Check out my friend Meena's KL food blog: http://www.awhiffoflemongrass.blogspot.com/ . She took us around to some nice places...and she also dragged us along to some malls of course :-) Get in touch if you have any questions.

Thanks Gard,

Looks like we should have a good time. Thanks for link to Genting Highlands, have forwarded it to some of my travel companions to have a look at too.

Elly