And where else should you head to other than good old Genting Highlands, a popular tourist destination that’s far away yet close enough especially to those living in the Klang Valley?

Genting Highlands has been around for decades now, and for the past few years, it has seen quite a few changes in terms of attractions and facilities.

So, if you’re planning a trip to these chilly Highlands, here are some things you ought to check out.

1. The theme parks

If you’re going with the kids, there is absolutely no way you can visit Genting Highlands without bringing them to the theme parks.

There are three theme parks here – Genting Skyworlds, Skytropolis Funland and Genting Grand Indoor Theme Park.

Folks who visited Genting Highlands years ago will probably find the latter two to be the most familiar, as some of the older rides can still be found here.

Genting Skyworlds is likely the most impressive of the three though, with roller-coaster aficionados truly feeling at home here.

For those who prefer to keep their stomachs out of their mouths, there is also the Ripley’s Believe it Or Not! Adventureland which is far less crowded than the other theme parks.

2. The cable cars

Cable cars in Malaysia are pretty much synonymous with Genting Highlands at this point, and no visit here will be complete without hitching a ride on these lifts.

The cable cars have been refurbished and are no longer the old and sometimes rickety-looking gondolas of the past.

Instead, they are pretty slick and modern-looking, so it’s no surprise that huge lines of visitors tend to await their chance to hop on one of them.

Here’s a tip for those wishing to beat the crowd: the glass-floor gondolas are pricier, but have a far shorter line.

3. The shops

Shopaholics probably should get their credit cards out and ready, since they are likely to see much use up here.

There is no shortage of fashion stores in Resorts World Genting, with high-end fashion brands having outlets throughout the area.

In addition to the shops at the Sky Avenue area, you can take the cable cars down to the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets at the end of the line.

As the name suggests, it is a fashionista’s playground, so you can spend your holiday in the latest fashions and styles.

Then again, with such eye-popping price tags, you might be better off just window-shopping and enjoying the cold climate instead.

4. The food

There’s no shortage of food up here, though you must be willing to fork out a fair bit to get a good meal here.

In Genting Highlands, there are quite a number of food options, offering various cuisines ranging from British to Korean.

Outlets such as Burger & Lobster and Five Guys are often crowded, so be prepared to wait in line to get a table.

Thankfully though, there are enough restaurants and cafes spread around the area, so it’s just a matter of looking for one with a few empty tables.

Alternatively, you can drive down to Gohtong Jaya where there are numerous Chinese seafood restaurants.

5. Temples, farms and memorials

If you tire of huge crowds, loud noises and bright lights, there are other attractions that are probably more to your liking.

Situated in a particularly scenic site of the Highlands, the Chin Swee Cave Temple is worth visiting, especially for shutterbugs.

Its tall pagoda offers visitors a commanding view of the surrounding countryside, and you can even spot the glimmering skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur in the distance.

And if you’re up for a little history lesson, take a drive down to the Gohtong Memorial Park, where you can learn the story of Genting Highlands’ founder, the late Lim Goh Tong.

Close to Gohtong Jaya are several fruit and insect farms, so perhaps you could visit them before ascending the Highlands or when leaving for home.