TRUTH be told, casinos are not really what most people go for on this mountain haven called Genting Highlands, which rises nearly 2,000m above the sea.

The majority of the more than 18 million visitors last year did not try their luck at gaming. Instead, they threw themselves into a myriad other activities, including taking their kids for exciting rides and games in both the outdoor and indoor theme parks. In fact, many of these parents also enjoyed the thrills.

The outdoor theme park planners have divided rides into two categories, catering to those who seek adrenalin-pumping experiences, and families who prefer more sedate but fun-filled activities for their little ones.

Teenagers appear to be the ones going for the more thrill-laden rides although I have seen many adults take part too.

Three rides in this park have the participants zooming on rails or tracks at high speeds and at different elevations. These are the Super Toboggan, the Cyclone and the Flying Dragon.

If you want to understand how winter Olympic athletes feel when they slide downhill in their luges, try the toboggan ride. The Flying Dragon and Cyclone both give you the kind of heart-pounding adventure one gets on roller-coasters. You can go as fast as 35kmh on the Dragon ride.

The Space Shot is not for the faint-hearted as strapped-in participants are shot vertically skywards at speeds of 67kmh. This is G-Force at work.

One of the new rides is the Pirate Ship that swings like a pendulum of a clock - only that this one really swings. It's a scream.

The less nerve-wracking activities include rides such as the Tea Cup, an antique car ride and boating activities. Trains rides? Get the kids onboard the Pirate Train or the Mini Train.

To get fun away from the chilly air, head for the Indoor Theme Park where arcade games of every imaginable theme await you. The operators have introduced the EziCash Card to replace the bulky tokens to play these games. These cards are much like our ez-link cards with stored values.

If you enjoy being scared out of your wits, go for the Haunted Adventure, a 10-minute ride during which you will encounter monsters and ghouls. Then there is Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum featuring the world's freaks of nature.

For those wanting to experience a freefall from a plane, try the Genting Sky Venture. This tunnel churns up winds to speeds of 196kmh to make you airborne. You will 'fly' geared in a skysuit, helmet and goggles

For a more down-to-earth experience, step into the Winter Wonderland where the temperature is minus 5 deg C! This is one feature of Snow World where you can also take rides in the snow.

So, just head for the hills. It is only about 45 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur. You can also go up Genting by a cable car system called the Genting Skyway.

Once there, signs, hotel brochures and workers will guide you to the fun, the food, the musical shows, the shopping and finally a good night's rest in one of the many hotels.