Melo Villareal
Unique Malaysian Experience
Today, the name Genting’s has become synonymous with high quality casinos and resorts. The name has become part of the landscape in the UK, where there are 47 Genting casinos in towns and cities across England and Wales, including Resorts World in Birmingham, the largest casino in the UK.
There are also Genting casino resorts in cities across Asia, as well as a flagship resort in New York, and others planned across the United States.
Yet many of those who visit Genting’s on a regular basis might not realise that it all began with the Highlands Resort in Malaysia. Constructed more than half a century ago, it transformed Malaysia’s tourist landscape, and today, it remains one of the country’s most popular destinations, welcoming almost 20 million visitors every year.
Growing popularity
Over the years, Malaysia has often been overlooked by those on the global tourist trail, in favour of its higher profile neighbour, Singapore. Yet those in the know have long understood that Malaysia has plenty to offer in its own right, with its blend of modern cities, ancient architecture, luxury beaches and tropical jungles.
Finally, however, it could be that the cat is out of the bag, as Malaysia’s tourism industry is booming like never before, having seen a four percent growth in 2016 over the previous year.
Genting Highlands
As one of the top tourist spots and the place that launched a global phenomenon, the Genting Highlands is something that is not to be missed. Even if you are not a keen gambler, you will never be short of something to do at this unique destination.
The resort was built from scratch by Genting’s founder, an entrepreneur who has one of the most remarkable rags-to-riches stories in business history. And from scratch meant just that. His dream was to construct a highland resort within reach of Kuala Lumpur, and the closest hill was a distance of some 200 KM away and covered in dense forest.
Unperturbed, he cleared a 10,000-acre area, creating the entire infrastructure of roads, power and clean running water from literally nothing.
Construction began in 1965 and the resort opened its doors for the first time in 1971. It was granted the first casino licence in the nation’s history. Today Genting is not only a household name in physical casinos but genting also operate online casinos. Nothing is more powerful than a man (or woman) with a dream and some determination.
A national and international institution
In the years that followed, it is not just the Genting name that has thrived. The original resort has not remained so popular by standing still, and over the past 45 years it has grown and evolved to include theme parks, a whole range of hotels, shopping outlets and even a cable car.
Yet at the same time, it remains true to its roots – it still holds the only casino licence in Malaysia, and gamblers visit from all over the world to try their luck at Malaysia’s unique mountain-top Las Vegas.
Whether you love a flutter or just want to experience one of the world’s most iconic tourist spots, make sure you factor in a visit to Genting Highlands as part of your Malaysian adventure.
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