Best of West Japan in the New Normal: Tips and Recommendations

Hey there my fellow travelers, how have you been?

It’s been so long since we’ve been able to pack our bags and explore the world, hasn’t it? But now that things are getting under control and the pandemic is easing up, it’s time to get excited about traveling again!

And guess what? I recently visited Japan, the country that had been at the top of my bucket list for the longest time! I have to admit, I was feeling a bit nervous about traveling to Japan during these times, but fortunately, I had a great itinerary planner who helped me immensely! Not only did she provide me with fantastic recommendations, but she also addressed all my queries and put my worries to rest.

MY TIME IN JAPAN

During my trip, I spent nearly two weeks exploring the rural areas of West Japan, which offered a unique and distinctive journey. Since there was a lot of commuting involved, I heavily relied on my JR West Rail Pass to get around. In general, you do not need to make a reservation for your luggage when taking a train with your JR West Rail Pass, but is great to check online for the latest regulations before we travel.

The rail pass is exclusively available to foreigners and provides unlimited rides and free seat reservations, even on the Shinkansen. I strongly recommend getting one as it is convenient and cost-effective, helping you save a lot on transportation expenses. During my time in Japan, I purchased a 5-day Kansai-WIDE Area Pass and a 7-day Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass, which covered my entire trip.

I decided to stay in hotels near the train stations for my accommodation, and it turned out to be the best decision ever! Not only did it save me from unnecessary traveling, but the hotels themselves were also incredibly comfortable, with top-notch amenities and services that exceeded all my expectations. It was everything I could have asked for in a hotel!

INTO THE FINER DETAILS

As this was my first trip since the pandemic began, I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the experience! To ensure that it doesn’t fade from my memory, I’ve decided to note down the major highlights in my blog. So, read on to learn more about my escapade!

DAY 1 – 3: OSAKA

Upon arriving at Itami International Airport, I made a transit to JR Osaka Station and checked into Hotel Granvia Osaka. The location of this hotel is perfect – situated right above Osaka Station! The Granvia Lounge on the top floor was a nice touch, with complimentary refreshments and business support services for guests staying on the Granvia floors.

Let’s talk about the food scene in Osaka! I always have a thing for Takoyaki, adoring its rich umami flavor, crispy texture on the outside, and gooey consistency on the inside. Although this can be found in Singapore, it is a must-eat in Osaka, as this dish is believed to have originated from here. I spotted a cool Takoyaki store where I could sit to admire the chef in action before devouring the hot snack, lovely! What’s more, this store is conveniently located at a walking distance from my hotel!

Besides exploring the iconic landmarks such as Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, and the vibrant Dotonbori district, I also ventured out to Arima Onsen, a hot spring town nestled in the mountains, for a peaceful getaway. The hot spring was incredibly relaxing, and the rural atmosphere was a welcome change from the city. You must try the Sansho Pepper Steamed Pork Bun when you are at here – it is extremely delightful!

DAY 3 – 5: TOYAMA

My trip to Toyama was absolutely amazing with many incredible things to do and see! For a start, I visited Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, a fascinating attraction for enthusiasts of the popular anime series, Doraemon, and its creator. Additionally, as the birthplace of the author of Doraemon, the museum holds a unique significance that adds to its allure.

The impressive bronze Takaoka Daibutsu is one of three largest buddha statues in Japan. It depicts Amida Buddha, who is believed to be the Buddha of Infinite Light and the ruler of the Western Paradise, seated in the lotus position with a grandeur that is truly awe-inspiring! Feeling really glad to check this out for the trip.

Toyama is famous for local delicacies such as Hotaruika Firefly Squid and Shiroebi Prawns, that are seriously mouth-watering no matter being cooked or eaten raw. I had them at a few places, including a sushi place, and a shop where they are served with a sake buffet!

Now, let me tell you about the cherry on top of my Toyama experience – Hotel Vischio Toyama! This hotel is situated right beside JR Toyama Station, surrounded by vibrant shopping malls, with its reception located on the 5th floor of the MAROOT shopping mall. The hotel’s modern design is impressive and I loved the glimpse of Alps from my hotel room! There is a garden-inspired public bath, and the breakfast buffet featuring approximately 60 local Toyama dishes was my foodie’s dream come true! Don’t even get me started on the guest lounge that provides complimentary refreshments!

DAY 5 – 7: KYOTO

During my trip to Kyoto, I was excited to explore the city’s iconic temples and shrines, which had always been on my bucket list. One of the most impressive ones was the Yasaka-jinja Shrine, famous for its stunning architecture and striking red torii gate at the entrance. This attraction was conveniently located near the bustling shopping district that I couldn’t wait to explore.

To make the most of my visit, I decided to stay at Hotel Granvia Kyoto, which came highly recommended by my friends. The hotel’s location above JR Kyoto Station and proximity to World Heritage Sites like Toji Temple and Nishi-Honganji Temple made it an ideal base for exploring the city’s cultural landmarks.

Additionally, the Granvia Lounge, exclusively available to Granvia Floor guests, was a favorite of mine as it offered complimentary refreshments and express check-in/out services. For those interested in Japanese art and craft tours, the newly opened Atelier Japan on the third floor was also worth a visit.

DAY 7 to 9: NARA

I stayed at this amazing hotel called Nara Hotel, which I feel is a total highlight of my trip! This hotel is not like any others but a historic building with a unique and traditional Japanese style architecture. The exterior is made of wood and has a classic charm to it that makes it stand out. The building has a grand entrance with a porch, where guests can enter through large door. Once inside, guests will be greeted with a spacious lobby adorned with charming Japanese-style decor and furnishings.

I feel the hotel has a very welcoming and warm atmosphere, with a lot of natural light. Can you believe Nara Hotel has been around since 1909? Even famous peeps like Albert Einstein and Audrey Hepburn have stayed there!

There are many scenic trails in and around the hotel grounds for exploration, and I went to check out the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, St. Raphael Chapel, and Terrace Garden to get some Instagram worthy shots. The sceneries are perfect and I’m very satisfied with them!

But wait, there is more! The Tea Lounge in the hotel had the most delightful cakes, coffee, and tea, with a view that was just amazing. I even spotted some deer strolling by while I enjoyed my munchies.

Waking up to the next morning for a traditional Nara breakfast of tea porridge and pickles was one for the books, so delightful that I will never forget!

DAY 9 – 11: OKAYAMA

While exploring Okayama, I decided to venture off the beaten path and discover some unique spots. As much as I loved visiting the stunning Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, I wanted to find something different. That’s when I stumbled upon Hotel Granvia Okayama.

This hotel was luxurious, and it quickly became one of my favorite places to stay. Not only was it a popular choice for wedding celebrations and travelers, but it was also conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from JR Okayama Station. And let’s not forget Lumiere, the hotel’s café where they served up the most delicious seasonal fruit parfaits made with locally sourced fruits. I felt like I was indulging in a little slice of heaven with every bite!

The real adventure began when I started exploring some unconventional recommendations from Irene. I visited a museum dedicated to jeans, which was surprisingly fascinating. I also checked out a Japanese sword museum and even went on a tour of a local beer factory! And of course, no trip to Okayama would be complete without experiencing the renowned Seto Ohashi. These unique sites were truly captivating, discovering a whole new side of the city.

DAY 11 – 13: SHIGA – OTSU

As my journey is coming to an end, my planner got me to stay in Otsu, a charming city conveniently located near Kyoto Station for my airport transfer. She suggested the Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel, which turned out to be a spectacular choice! My room was incredibly spacious, and the view of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, took my breath away.

The hotel has plenty of lavish amenities, like hot spring bath, an outdoor pool, and complimentary shuttle service to and from Otsu Station. But what really impressed me was the welcome counter in JR Kyoto Station, where I could drop off my luggage and explore the city before heading to the hotel with ease.

While there are many activities to participate, I spent most of my time taking leisurely strolls around the freshwater lake. The scenery was absolutely picturesque, with stunning mountains, lovely parks and beaches surrounding the area. Walking around this lake was incredibly calming, the perfect way to unwind after a long journey.

Omigyu is a type of wagyu beef produced in Omi, a province in Shiga prefecture that includes the city of Otsu. It is known for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and flavor, making it one of the most highly-regarded types of wagyu beef in Japan. The beef is typically served in high-end restaurants and is considered a delicacy. I was thrilled to finally taste it, and it was truly a culinary experience to remember – I must thank my planner again for this wonderful recommendation!

DAY 14 – BYE BYE JAPAN

The journey from Kyoto to Kansai Airport was an absolute breeze, thanks to the Kansai Airport Express and my trusty JR West Rail Pass. I couldn’t believe how effortless the whole experience was!

Boarding the direct train from JR Kyoto Station was a total no-brainer, and I didn’t have to worry about any extra fees since my rail pass covered the fare. The train was super comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for my luggage. I was able to kick back and relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery as we zoomed towards the airport.

When we finally arrived, finding my way to the airport terminal was a piece of cake. The whole trip was so stress-free and enjoyable, it was hard to believe I was traveling! I highly recommend this option to anyone looking for a hassle-free way to get from Kyoto to Kansai Airport. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU NOTE TO IRENE

I can’t stress enough how much fun I had in Japan! From the incredible sights and activities to the delicious food and friendly locals, it was an unforgettable experience. But let me tell you, planning a personalized trip to Japan can be a daunting task, especially with the language barrier. This is why I’m really feeling thankful to Irene, for being such an amazing itinerary planner who made the most out of my time there.

Thanks to her meticulous planning, I was able to tick off most of the things on my list of must-see and must-do activities. With the new restrictions in place, reservations were needed in many places, but she had me covered. Her knowledge of attractions, travel times, weather, and the latest pandemic rules was top-notch, and she kept me up-to-date throughout my trip. It was clear that she had gained her expertise through years of experience working with a variety of travelers, from families to solo adventurers. Her thoughtfulness and insider knowledge proved invaluable and made my trip all the more enjoyable.

If you are planning a trip to Japan, I highly recommend getting in touch with Irene! Her email is at misoconsultation21@gmail.com, or you can send her a message on Instagram at https://instagram.com/irene_sohst.

Overall, Japan is an amazing destination that I would recommend to anyone looking for a travel experience all round. Whether you’re into the bustling city life or the tranquil countryside, Japan has something for everyone! So what are you waiting for? Start planning now to get your wanderlust fixed!

My Thirst For Wanderlust Is Quenched Perfectly On World Dream Cruise – Palace Suite Included!

Have you ever wonder how will a cruise vacation be like during Covid19 period? I’m happy to check out World Dream from Dream Cruise Line recently!

Continue reading My Thirst For Wanderlust Is Quenched Perfectly On World Dream Cruise – Palace Suite Included!

Experience Malaysia Genting Highlands with a whole new perspective, 3D2N of FUN!

If you think Malaysia Genting Highlands is boring, time to visit and re-evaluate!

Many Singaporeans will plan to visit neighboring countries instead of Genting Highlands for a getaway. However, I begged to differ, especially when Genting is really accessible, lower in expenses because of the difference in our currencies, cooler than Singapore’s weather and the many brilliant attractions added to this leading entertainment hub.

To reach Genting Highlands, you can self drive, take a direct coach from Singapore, or fly to Kuala Lumpur and take a coach from there. In my opinion, the easiest route will definitely be taking the direct coach ride that is around 7 hours.

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Day One

Transtar Travel is a reputable transport provider and has several types of buses. The one I took is a 20 seaters SuperstarZ with plushy seats and good legroom. A one way trip normally starts from SGD$60, depending on the demand.

There are several pick up points for the ride where you will choose prior booking. Typically, the journey will starts from their headquarter at Golden Mile Tower and ends at First World or Genting Resort Hotel. This transfer usually includes Travel Personal Accident Insurance coverage of up to SGD25,000 that expires at the end of coach trip.

Each comfortable seat comes with a seat belt and Individual Personal Entertainment System. There will be onboard Cabin Crew to take care of you throughout the trip. I was given a fleece blanket to keep warm & bottled water to keep hydrate. The power point by the side of each seat is so useful to charge my gadgets for longer uses.

On yes! Delicious light meals and beverages will be served! The one I had was Nasi Lemak from Killney, super yummy! I love Nasi Lemak so so much. ❤️

There will be at least 2 pit stop throughout the journey for commuters to take toilet breaks or getting some drinks and bites. So relax and enjoy this lovely coach ride!

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The journey started around 6:45am and reached First World Hotel at 1:30pm via Tuas Checkpoint. All the hotels in Genting were fully booked, with some available ones at Theme Park Hotel and Awana Genting, super good business!

Theme Park Hotel is located at the doorsteps of Arena of Stars (where shows and concerts are held), with a some walking distance from the major attractions and eats at Genting Sky Avenue. The official check in time for the hotel is 3pm.

There are 4 room types with ‘King’ being good for 2 adults. This newly revamped hotel has rooms that resemble a boutique hotel’s, especially with its quirky and playful decors, kind of cute!

The room number is ‘written’ on the ground, outside each room. Totally quirky again!

The room stay at here does not come with breakfast option but not an issue since there are plenty of food choices in Genting Highlands (around 70 outlets). Eatopia, a selfserviced grabandgo outlet located at the lobby of Theme Park Hotel offers bakery items, nasi lemak, pasta, wraps, oats, hot and cold beverages.

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With the success of London’s Burger & Lobster in Genting, here came another promising one. Opened on 31 Jan 19, The Laughing Fish by Harry Ramsden is a new restaurant concept from the world famous icon for fish & chips. I’m going to try the food at here for lunch.

Located at Sky Avenue level 4, The Laughing Fish is alongside an alfresco World Famous Fish & Chips takeaway counter. The facade of the restaurant mimicked an old English Pub, very casual and lovely to dine in.

The Laughing Fish serves dishes mainly on seafood, with focus on Cod & Haddock, and some chicken or beef options. Desserts and alcohols such as beers, wines and cocktails are available too.

Their signature World Famous Fish & Chips comes with a huge and thick slab of fish, (cod or haddock) coated with fresh batter made from Harry’s secret recipe, deep fried, served with a side (gravy, mushy peas or curry sauce) and doublecooked chips.

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Available in 3 sizes with the largest Legendary in my pictures and video. Haddock is having higher number of votes for its flavorful and firmer texture, in comparison to the lighter & delicate Cod.

Get yourself a Cod Burger, plenty of fried calamari and a Baked English Brie to pimp your meal! The citrusy thirst quencher Laughing Fish Signature Lemonade can double up as a palate cleanser as it aids in reducing the oiliness we had from the food.

For a sharing dessert, try the indulgently huge Super Sundae that comes with plenty of vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, brownies chunks, strawberries sauce and whipped cream. Else go for the lighter Eton Mess, filled with strawberries, crushed meringue, whipped cream, shredded basil and lime. This is surprisingly light on the palate and I like it.

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After the sumptuous lunch, it is all about having fun! I’m very excited to try gaming in virtual reality, which is a relatively new experience to me.

The VOID is located at First World Plaza level 1, where the new Skytropolis Funland is. This new attraction offers a virtual gaming experience that is fully immersive, location-based and hyper-real! The VOID uses latest technology that will use all our 5 senses while gaming. Our imagination and reality got blended seamlessly into one, so surreal!

The VOID is similar to a laser tag game where we geared up and fought as a team, but with additional satisfaction since you will feel being in the game. There are 4 different games and the ones I had are the STAR WARSTM: Secrets of the Empire and Ghostbusters.

Imagining traveling to the molten planet of Mustafar as a Stormtrooper to blast giant lava monsters, or ghost busting at the New York apartment that was haunted by many creepy apparitions? These are the funnest games I have ever played! The other 2 games are Nicodemus: Demon of Evanishment and Ralph Breaks VR.

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Right outside The VOID, is Skytropolis Funland (First World Plaza level 1), a newly built indoor theme park that housed fun rides for both adults and children.

The skyline is paved with LED ceiling that is ever changing. It can be a milky galaxy for a moment, and a blue skied forest next. So charming! This funland has more than 20 rides where you can pay as you ride or getting a pass for unlimited plays.

There are several food and beverage stalls across the funland with Think Pink (sweet delights that are pink and dainty) and Durian Delights (durian-flavored desserts for diehard fans) catching my attention.

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Spin Crazy 疯转轮 and Disco-i 飞旋陀螺 are two popular rides at the theme park. I watched and concluded that most people seek thrills for adrenaline rush when it comes to having fun in an amusement park.

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Dinner was at the award winning High Line Roof Top Market, located at the same stretch where The Laughing Fish is (Sky Avenue level 4 T2C-18-23). The space is trendy with designs using plenty of wood and art installations and having live band performances on weekends.

Enjoy the chillaxing vibe with the indoor seatings or the lovely alfresco dining where you breathe in plenty of chilled fresh air of the highlands.

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This outlet has 7 options consisting of High Line Fish Market (catch of the day, done your way), Burgers & Shots (artisan brioche burgers), Carnivore Corner (grilled meat, sandwiches and toasties), Jon Bing (savory crepes), Asian Heroes (asian inspired creations), Brooklyn Brewery (ale and lager), and Back in Time (cocktail bar). Mix and match your selections to enjoy with your family & friends, the communal way!

My favorite for the night is the Nasi Lemak with Rendang Lobster from Asian Heroes. 😋 The fluffy rice is coconutty fragrant, totally awesome with the sweet and spicy sambal. The grilled rendang lobster is very fresh and succulent too. I love Nasi Lemak done this way. Yum Yum! ❤️

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On my way back to Theme Park Hotel, I chanced upon this amazing store called Hilltop Grocer, (Sky Avenue level 1 T2-56) which is a paradise for snacks lovers! There are 3 sections in the store that includes a grocer shopping mart, a Food-To-Go counter and a dine-in Food Hall, catering to different needs.

Get freshly brewed beverages, gourmet sandwiches, pastas, sushi and flavourful local favorites at the FoodToGo counter. Select, pay and go, pretty simple and fuss free.

The Food Hall serves substantial hot meals in comfortable dine in setting. I even saw someone buying Mao Shan Wang Durians and ate them there. So cool!

The grocer shopping mart sells fresh produces, meats and wines, but my eyes are all on the many snacks! Malaysia’s traditional pastries, biscuits, chewy mochi, sweet chocolate and tasty salted egg fish skin! The list goes on and on. 🤣 The prices are considerably cheap and seriously my great place to shop!

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Day Two

Waking up to a new day, with many exciting activities ahead. I wasn’t feeling at my best because of the fever, bad coughing, sore throat and flu. It is a complete package that I got rewarded from CNY feasting, maybe? But the fun I had yesterday keeps me going and looking forward to more explorations in Genting Highlands.

A really big, fluffy, white cloud. ☁️ Don’t you think it looks amazingly delicious? Like something good to chew at.

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First challenge of the day: Eagle Landing Zipline by Ripley’s Adventureland at Sky Avenue level 4. When I know about this, I got shaken with hesitation to proceed.

Looking down from the 4th level, this activity looks shitty & dangerous. With my sickness, I perspired profusely despite of the cool weather in Genting. And with THIS, my sweat turned COLD! The guys in my group were also in hesitation! 🤣

This girl gave me courage. Her name is Elaine and she is also really afraid of this. But because we are here for a work purpose, we decided to give this a try while supporting one another.

Gearing up in progress and do note that wearing of skirt is NOT ALLOWED but because I’m on a mission….. so whahahaha. Anyway also nothing much to watch because I think I ‘kiaped’ tucked my skirt tightly with the harness and fat thighs. 🤣

Hooked on and walking to the ‘execution platform’.

I stood at the point before zipping, blaming myself for acting brave. I seriously feel like peeing in my skirt when I looked down from the edge of the platform. Helpppppppp!

There is no turning back. I can only say “god please help me” deep in my heart, with eyes shut tight. Amen. 🙏🏻

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And here we go, wheeeeeee!

To be frank, this zipline worth playing and not as scary as what I presumed. The thrill element is there but reduced a little since you must ‘sit’ to set the legs free, for the gaming assistant to give you a push simultaneously. I might be unable to complete this challenge if I need jump off this platform myself!

Okay lah, SMILE!

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If going to those scary Halloween Nights is your favorite thing to do, prep yourself for a simulation of zombie apocalypse at Zombie Outbreak (Sky Avenue level 4, T2C-B16, Big Box) alongside Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium (T2CB13), The Jurassic Research Centre (T2C-B15), and 4D Trick Art Museum (T2C-B08).

Funny not funny! The zombies are lurking in the deserted house. With the objective to freeze your blood, prepare to see all the scariest you could think of. I think the safest place will be outside the house because once you enter, “god please help me” 🙏🏻

We cannot run or hide but to struggle from room to room, in a seemed to be longer-than-usual kind of maze. The entire walk is in a dimly lit setting but don’t you worry, because you will definitely be pounced by the hungry zombies at many points, guaranteed.

The exteriors of the Zombie Outbreak wanted to scream danger but to many of us, it screams Instagram Worthy Spots. Have fun in photo taking before entering to an unforgettable and terrifying experience!

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Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium, as the name suggests, is all about wacky, weird and interesting facts around the world.

Whether you are feeling casual or seeking for fun explorations, Ripley’s might do the job well. Most of us would spend an hour or two on the range of exhibits, that are made from common objects but uncommon concepts! This interactive work of arts is informative, and exhibited invitingly in a spacious gallery setting.

Lawyer Maria Jose Christerna from Mexico is well known as The Vampire Woman. Inked from head to toes, she also has fangs, a forked tongue, tons of piercings and titanium implants to give her an appearance that is out-of-the-world. Believe it or not?!

Visit with an open heart and have fun discovering those facts!

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Take a step to 65 million years ago, where the land is ruled by the dinosaurs. This is an ultimate showcase at Jurassic Research Center.

A good educational place with fun interactions, get up close with the dinosaurs to feel their skin and hear them roar!

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Don’t be alarmed when you spot some moving ones and the gigantic Tyrannosaurus-rex around the corner!

Examine the dinosaurs’ fossils & skeletons, the precious remains packed with informative DNA. This is how we learn about them before destructions.

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Want to feel the Velociraptors thrashing you in a virtual laboratory? Visit one at here with experience that is quite sureal. Jurassic Research Center has really awesome information and artworks on everything dinosaurs, so check them out to feel the amazement!

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4D Trick Art Museum is an optical illusion gallery where we acted accordingly to the murals and getting photographs taken from designated perspectives for optical illusion effects.

The museum has murals artwork painted by artists where every pieces are Instagram worthy. Strike your best pose and create the fun memories to keep for lives.

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All of the mentioned attractions are located in Ripley’s Adventureland at Sky Avenue Big Box level 4.

There are many other entertainments & small games to keep you occupied all day long. Plenty of seats with tables are available for resting or refueling yourself before the next fun.

If you are keen to play at more attractions, please get their combo ticket as it saves you some money.

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Wellness spa Healing Touch is located at this area too and has services such as body massage, foot reflexology, fish spa, etc.

Part of their service menu where I find that the prices are really affordable.

I took up their special promotion package at RM258 for 90 mins of body massage with complimentary of 30 mins foot massage and 15 mins foot scrub. Eye pillow and heat pack treatment will also be added alongside body massage.

The overall experience is pretty good. From the pre soaking and cleaning of feet, to the therapeutic foot and body massage, and the hot red dates longan tea I had after the session. My tired self got rejuvenated and this is great for self pampering. The spa opens daily from 10am to 12am and you are encouraged to call them at +601 2233 7525 in advance for appointment.

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Genting Highlands is not only about posh and famous restaurants. They have plenty of varieties including food court.

My lunch was at Medan Selera (Sky Avenue level G), a halal dining place. You can get a variety of the favorites, all at affordable prices. The food court is spacious and well equipped with plenty of seats.

There are five stalls and a self service station for salad, fruits and drinks. Everything will be ordered at the stall but pay at the cashier counter, before entering to the dining area.

The diverse selection of rice dishes, noodles and snacks are inspired by the Western, Asian and MiddleEastern cooking.

Crispy curry puffs and assortment of delicious kuih (traditional cakes) are great to pick up as on-the-go eats.

Medan Selera has valueformoney Breakfast Sets and starts operating from 9am daily. Popular options include Nasi Lemak, Fried Noodles, Roti John, Tandoori Chicken Curry and more.

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There are many local and international brands at Genting Highlands to shop but you should really check out the latest Genting Highlands Premium Outlets too. This huge complex is 10 mins away from Sky Avenue Resort World Genting via Awana Skyway, which is located at Sky Avenue level 4.

Taking a gondola give us opportunity to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the surroundings. For a unique and spectacular experience, go for the glassflooring ones (only 10 of it, exclusively).

It costs double in price than the standard gondola, but definitely worthy as you get to enjoy a more breathtaking view of the beautiful rain forest and breathe crisps mountain air along the way.

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There are 3 stations in total, namely Sky Avenue, Chin Swee and Awana. Disembark at Chin Swee station to explore the scenic surroundings around Chin Swee Caves Temple. Ride on and you will reach Awana Station, where the Premium Outlets are.
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Every gondola has USB ports for charging of our electronic devices. The specially designed windows and louvers cleverly allow more air into the gondolas for better ventilation. You can have a cabinsized luggage along so that taking the gondola after the shopping spree will not be a problem.

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Genting Highlands Premium Outlets is the second Premium Outlet in Malaysia, after the one in Johor, which opened in 2017. This shoppers’ heaven features 150 designer and local brands, including Adidas, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sembonia, Coach and more.

There is also a food street with outlets such as Chicken Rice Shop, Starbucks, Wendy’s, Baskin Robbins and more. Genting Highlands Premium Outlets (10am to 10pm daily) is a great place to venture especially when you are into quality high fashion with good shopping deals and promotions.

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Authentic Neapolitan pizzas at Motorino (Sky Avenue level 1) can gives satisfaction and is quite a popular family restaurant. This pizza place is hailed as the best authentic Neapolitan Italian pizza in New York by New York Times food writers.

Owned and operated by Belgian-Italian born Chef Mathieu Palombino, Motorino has multiple outlets in New York, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, and in Genting Malaysia. The decor of Motorino Genting oozes charm of old American grocer, very pretty.

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Take a whiff at the freshly baked pizza by the skillful chefs! Using wood-fired oven imported from Italy does make a difference. The style of Neapolitan pizza is to have fresh basic dough, simple toppings, more sauce than cheese, and no ingredients should overwhelm one another.

The chicken meatballs in tomato sauce is an appetizing antipasti starter. Pastas are great but paler in comparison to the pizzas. The pizza crust is tender, chewy, with good smokiness, and goes tastily with savory beef pepperoni, cheeses, tomato sauce and fresh chilies. I also like to drizzle chili oil & flakes over the slices to give them spicier punch.

Check out Motorino if you need pizza when you are in Genting Highlands!

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Let’s go for a movie! Bona Cinemas is a retro-cum-urban theatre located at Sky Avenue level 1 Lot T2-03A with six halls in total. All the halls screen latest movies and are equipped with Dolby Atmos sound system for maximum cinematic immersion.

Enjoy the enhanced movie experience with IMAX (gold standard in image resolution and motion picture immersion) or Gold Class with DBox seats, that is the first in Malaysia!

I went for the Gold Class with DBOX seats, watching Alita in the hall that sits up to 48 audiences.

The luxurious Gold Class VIP seats got ultra dynamic with the DBOX technology! Each seat is equipped with D-BOX patented motion system (four levels of intensity control) that could swivels and tilts to bring us into the thick of actions, truly immersive!

I highly recommending you to give DBOX a try if you love watching movies and have time to catch an afternoon matinee or midnight show.

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What is a leading entertainment hub without thriving nightlife scenes? Everything got so vibrant at Sky Avenue level G with the addition of Zouk Genting!

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At level G, you will find 5 fun loving concepts:

Redtail Karaoke (T109) – Sing & unleash your inner diva at this private and beautiful Karaoke lounge. The rooms are uniquely themed and could fit groups of up to 20 people. Opens daily from 5pm to 3am.

Redtail by Zouk (T1-10) Play at Social gaming lounge with engaging beer pong, retro arcade games, Xbox games, Jenga, air hockey and more. Opens daily from 5pm to 3am.

Zouk Club (T1-08A) – Dance & party the night away at this trendy club featuring top music performances from around the world. Opens only on Fri & Sat, from 11pm to 3am.

Empire (T1-08B) – Sway to Hip Hop beats at this urban lifestyle boutique nightclub. Opens on Wed to Sat, from 11pm to 3am.

FUHU (T1-07)Eat at “Zouk vibe” concept restaurant. FuHu is newly opened and I have not try on this. Will be checking this out if I’m back to Genting Highlands.

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Day Three

Coach ride to Singapore is scheduled at 2:30pm, and so the best way to spend time before heading home is to have more shopping and eating! 😋

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Chanced upon the first Pikachu Parade in Malaysia when I was at Sky Avenue. This is a special arrangement made in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration. Although the parade ended on 28 Feb 19, Genting Highlands will have more exciting lineups all year round. Make sure you can check out their Facebook, Instagram and website for updates prior to your stay.

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Sky Symphony is a hourly, free-to-public performance taking stage at the main atrium of Sky Avenue.

This vibrant, extraordinary orchestra showcases audio, visual and motion graphics programming being used amazingly and have liven up the atmosphere instantaneously. Kids and adults are loving this!

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Breakfast was at 云海 Wanhoi Yamcha with friends. It is located at (Sky Avenue level 1, T2-7&8&9) along the stretch that leads to Burger and Lobster.

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Instagram worthy food will get businesses most of the time. 🤣

Their food tasted alright, with deep fried mee sua vermicelli kueh and spicy wanton dumplings as my favorites. Their dim sum pastries are definitely adorable with flavors such as 奶油包 (milk custard filling bun, shaped as a caterpillar), 凤凰酥 (lotus paste butter pastry with salted egg yolk, shaped as a bird) and 老鼠爱大米 (glutinous rice balls with pandan filling, shaped as a mouse). The have many other selections including rice, noodles and a la carte dishes such as sweet sour pork. Service standard at here is of average and definitely can be improved.

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My mandatory eat in Genting Highlands is Gindaco (diagonally opposite to Wanhoi Yamcha, Sky Avenue level 1 T2-18) which sells Japanese ball-shaped snack Takoyaki.

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Takoyaki is made from wheat flour batter encasing octopus chunks, preserved ginger, and accompanied with topping such as bonito flakes (original), japanese leek (negi), prawns (ebimayo), egg (teritama), and cheese and fish roes (cheese mentaiko).

You can have the balls hot at the standing dine-in area or have them as takeaway.

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Aside from the shoppings, my last stop for the trip is for sweets and coffee at Tokyo Secret.

Tokyo Secret has a café (Sky Avenue level 2 T2A-39) that sells cheese tarts, waffles, pancakes, cakes, hot menu items along with beverages. With this, they have closed the kiosk at level 1 which focused on selling their cheese tarts.

Yummy treats! 😋

The crepe cake slices are light and tasty, but my favorite goes to the ‘Tiffany Dream’ mousse cake. This is a cake slice with pretty pastel layers and in tantalizing asian flavors such as sweet potato, yam, pandan and coconut. Highly recommended!

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My buys from Muse by Watsons (Sky Avenue level 3, T2B27). 🤣 I’m pretty sick prior to the trip and needed all these dearly when my medications ran out. Genting Highlands is a wonderful place and I have no regrets to make my way here and have fun!

❤️❤️❤️

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