MANY people escape to Malaysia's hill resorts for their mercifully cooler climate, lush hillside greenery and the soothing experience of being away from the tropical heat and polluted air of the lowlands.

The most popular hill retreats are Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands. Genting Highlands attracts the most visitors, as much for its nippy mountain air as for its bustling casinos and theme parks.

Although the resort has become synonymous with all-night gambling, Resort World Berhad, the casino operators have taken pains over the years to tweak this image and promote the destination as the place for exciting family fun, shopping, food and golf as well.

Last year, 18.4 million people made trips there and many were not gamblers. Genting has many hotels, the largest of which is First World Hotel which has 6,118 rooms, making it the world's largest. Other than gambling, fun rides and theme parks, this resort has also become well known for its Arena of Stars amphitheatre, where international showbiz personalities perform regularly to packed audiences.

Genting

Among these were Cliff Richard, Boyz II Men, Stefanie Sun and Vanness Wu. Nestled about 1,700m above sea level,

Genting has an average daytime temperature of 25 deg C and a night-time cool of 14 deg C.

Cameron Highlands is higher at 1,829m, and this is a much quieter resort for those who want to enjoy nature and a restful time.

This lofty getaway is well-known for its tea plantations, vegetable and flower gardens and its organised nature trails.

The three main townships there are Brinchang, Tanah Rata and Ringlet. These population centres are small by lowland standards but they are bustling and serve good Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western food. Many couples on honeymoon prefer the more romantic Cameron setting. It is also very popular with Japanese tourists, especially retirees, and visitors from the Middle East.

Two hotels are very popular there
the Heritage Hotel in Tanah Rata and
the Equatorial Hotel in Brinchang.

The cool climes of Genting (top) and Cameron Highlands will leave you rested and rejuvenated.

Both towns are alive at night with Western tourists feasting and drinking at the many restaurants and pubs.

There are also private apartments which visitors can rent for short or longterm stay.

For a modest sum, visitors can book taxis or vans for a variety of personalised tours. But those who want to go on forest treks need experienced guides. Such ventures are organised by tour companies. Suffice to say, if you are tired of the muggy city weather, head for the hills if you are in Malaysia.

There is no better way to chill out. Literally.

Happenings
NOW TO JUNE 10

Colours of Malaysia 2007 (Kuala Lumpur): Colours of Malaysia is an annual event that showcases the country's kaleidoscope of arts, culture and traditions. Themed "Millions of Colours, Millions of Smiles", this year's event kicked off with a colourful celebration on May 26 at Dataran Putrajaya followed by various food promotions, craft exhibitions and cultural shows at hotels, shopping malls and prominent tourist spots around the Klang Valley in the following weeks. For details, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my