Shopping

Genting Highlands has, surprisingly, some quaint cultural shopping opportunities that defy the pop and glam associated with this glitzy destination. Hidden away from the casinos, theme parks and resorts are products, what some may find as bizarre, sold in unassuming shops around and before the peak. Because of a large number of Chinese visitors from Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and even locals, these products cater towards the strange inclinations of oriental culture and taste, including a preoccupation with exotic ingredients that promote health and well-being, and food considered delicacies but distasteful to conventional diners or westerners.

If you travel on the Karak Highway, you can detour towards Genting Sempah rest stop to visit such one such shop, hidden behind the roundabout that leads back to Genting Highlands (previously, you'll pass the exit if you proceed to Genting Sempah). You'll also pass by this store while coming down from the Gombak trunk route, which is framed by a large signboard with a cobra and Chinese characters painted on it. This shop specialises in traditional Chinese food items, including odd snacks of salted fish, squid and seafood slices, pungent herbs and spices, weird medicines grinded from organic sources, and classic oddities such as bird's nest (a dry paste obtained from straining swallow saliva) and ginseng (tree roots reputed to have many health qualities when boiled and drunk).

The Strawberry Farm in Gohtong Jaya town and mushroom farm at the peak offer more of the same peculiar products, including fungi, mushrooms and confectionery made from tropical fruits, including papayas, mangoes and durian. However, some of the traditional Chinese pastries sold are actually quite delicious without being too exotic in constitution, such as 'tau sar peah' made from green beans, flour and butter. If you like botany, then orchids, flowers and decorative plants are sold in a few nurseries scattered in Gohtong Jaya, including a renowned orchid farm. Finally, First World Plaza on the peak offers some average modern shopping opportunity for visitors, with over 90 different retail outlets, ranging from souvenirs and handicrafts to fashion and boutique.