Gohtong Jaya is a charming service township in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, that offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Named after Lim Goh Tong, the visionary founder of Genting Group and Genting Highlands, Gohtong Jaya is a testament to his legacy and vision.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural immersion, or a gastronomic adventure, Gohtong Jaya has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the history, culture, attractions, accommodation, food, and transportation of Gohtong Jaya, and show you why it is a hidden gem of Genting Highlands.
The History and Culture of Gohtong Jaya
Gohtong Jaya was established in the 1970s by Lim Goh Tong, who envisioned a hill resort that would cater to the leisure and entertainment needs of Malaysians and tourists alike. He named the township after himself, as a tribute to his humble beginnings and hard work. Gohtong Jaya soon became the central service town of Genting Highlands, providing essential facilities and amenities for the resort. Today, Gohtong Jaya is home to about 10,000 residents, who come from various ethnic backgrounds and cultures. You can witness the diversity and harmony of Gohtong Jaya in its architecture, festivals, and cuisine.
One of the best ways to experience the history and culture of Gohtong Jaya is to visit its attractions, such as:
Gohtong Memorial Park: A serene and scenic park that houses the mausoleum of Lim Goh Tong and his wife, Lee Kim Hua. The park also features a statue of Lim Goh Tong, a museum, a gallery, and a garden. You can learn more about the life and achievements of Lim Goh Tong, and pay your respects to the man who made Genting Highlands possible.
Chin Swee Temple: A majestic and magnificent temple that is dedicated to the Chinese deity Chin Swee, who is revered for his power to dispel evil and grant blessings. The temple is located on a hilltop, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can admire the intricate and exquisite architecture of the temple, which includes a nine-storey pagoda, a sky terrace, and a 15-meter high statue of Buddha.
Farms and Gardens: Gohtong Jaya is blessed with a cool and pleasant climate, which makes it ideal for growing various fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. You can visit some of the farms and gardens in Gohtong Jaya, such as the Strawberry Leisure Farm, the Mushroom Farm, the Orchid Farm, and the Lavender Garden, and enjoy the fresh and organic produce. You can also pick your own strawberries, mushrooms, and flowers, and take them home as souvenirs.
The Best Places to Stay in Gohtong Jaya
Gohtong Jaya offers a wide range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences, from hotels and resorts to homestays and apartments. Whether you are looking for a luxurious retreat, a cozy nest, or a spacious abode, you can find your perfect place to stay in Gohtong Jaya. Here are some of the best places to stay in Gohtong Jaya, according to their features, facilities, and prices:
Hotel Seri Malaysia:
A three-star hotel that provides comfortable and affordable rooms, with amenities such as air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and coffee/tea maker. The hotel also has a restaurant, a cafe, a convenience store, and a meeting room. The hotel is conveniently located near the cable car station, the bus terminal, and the food court. The price range for a standard room is RM 150 to RM 200 per night.
Geo Resort:
A four-star resort that offers elegant and spacious rooms, with amenities such as air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar, and safe. The resort also has a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. The resort is situated on a hillside, overlooking the lush greenery and the misty mountains. The price range for a deluxe room is RM 300 to RM 400 per night.
Awana Hotel:
A five-star hotel that boasts luxurious and lavish rooms, with amenities such as air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar, and balcony. The hotel also has a golf course, a tennis court, a fitness center, a spa, a restaurant, and a lounge. The hotel is located on a highland, offering a spectacular view of the rainforest and the skyline. The price range for a superior room is RM 500 to RM 600 per night.
Gohtong Jaya Homestay:
A homestay that provides cozy and homey rooms, with amenities such as air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and kitchen. The homestay also has a garden, a barbecue area, and a parking space. The homestay is nestled in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood, giving you a sense of privacy and tranquility. The price range for a double room is RM 100 to RM 150 per night.
Genting View Resort:
A resort that offers spacious and modern rooms, with amenities such as air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and kitchen. The resort also has a swimming pool, a playground, a karaoke room, and a restaurant. The resort is surrounded by nature, giving you a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere. The price range for a studio room is RM 200 to RM 250 per night.
Gohtong Jaya Apartment:
An apartment that features large and stylish rooms, with amenities such as air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and kitchen. The apartment also has a balcony, a living room, and a dining area. The apartment is located in a convenient and accessible area, close to the shops, restaurants, and attractions. The price range for a two-bedroom apartment is RM 300 to RM 350 per night.
The Delicious Food and Drinks in Gohtong Jaya
Gohtong Jaya is a paradise for food lovers, as it offers a variety of cuisines and dishes that reflect the fusion of different cultures and influences. Whether you are craving for local delicacies, international favorites, or exotic flavors, you can find them all in Gohtong Jaya. Here are some of the best restaurants and cafes in Gohtong Jaya, according to their menus, prices, and ratings:
Restoran Loong Kee:
A restaurant that specializes in Chinese cuisine, especially seafood and steamboat. You can enjoy the fresh and succulent seafood, such as crabs, prawns, fish, and clams, cooked in different styles and sauces. You can also savor the hot and hearty steamboat, with a choice of broth and ingredients. The restaurant is popular and crowded, so you may need to make a reservation in advance. The price range for a seafood dish is RM 30 to RM 50 per person.
Mawar Coffee House:
A cafe that serves Western cuisine, especially steaks and burgers. You can indulge in the juicy and tender steaks, such as ribeye, sirloin, and lamb, grilled to your liking and served with sides and sauces. You can also try the delicious and filling burgers, such as beef, chicken, and fish, topped with cheese and vegetables. The cafe is cozy and casual, with a friendly and attentive staff. The price range for a steak dish is RM 20 to RM 40 per person.
Gohtong Jaya Food Court:
A food court that offers a variety of cuisines and dishes, such as Malay, Indian, Thai, and Japanese. You can sample the local delicacies, such as nasi lemak, roti canai, tom yum, and sushi, prepared by different stalls and vendors. You can also taste the exotic flavors, such as durian, cempedak, and rambutan, sold by fresh fruit stalls and vendors. The food court is cheap and cheerful, with a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The price range for a food court dish is RM 5 to RM 15 per person.
The Convenient Transportation and Access to Gohtong Jaya
Gohtong Jaya is easily accessible and well-connected, as it is located along the main road that leads to Genting Highlands. You can choose from different modes of transportation and routes to get to and around Gohtong Jaya, depending on your convenience and preference. Here are some of the best ways to travel to and within Gohtong Jaya, according to their advantages and disadvantages:
By car:
Driving to Gohtong Jaya by car is the most flexible and comfortable option, as you can enjoy the scenic views and stop at any point along the way. You can take the Karak Highway from Kuala Lumpur, and exit at Genting Sempah. Then, follow the signs to Gohtong Jaya, which is about 14 km away. You can also take the East Coast Expressway from Kuantan, and exit at Bentong. Then, follow the signs to Gohtong Jaya, which is about 40 km away. The disadvantage of driving by car is that you may encounter traffic jams, especially during peak hours and holidays. You may also need to pay tolls and parking fees, which can add up to your expenses.
By bus:
Taking the bus to Gohtong Jaya by bus is the most economical and convenient option, as you can save money and hassle. You can take the express bus from various locations in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, and Johor Bahru, and alight at Genting Highlands Bus Terminal. Then, you can take the shuttle bus or the taxi to Gohtong Jaya, which is about 10 minutes away. The disadvantage of taking the bus is that you may have to wait for the bus schedule and availability, which can be unpredictable and limited. You may also have to deal with crowded and uncomfortable buses, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
By cable car:
Riding the cable car to Gohtong Jaya by cable car is the most fun and adventurous option, as you can experience the thrill and excitement of soaring above the clouds and the forest. You can take the cable car from Awana Skyway Station, which is accessible by car, bus, or taxi from Kuala Lumpur or Genting Highlands. Then, you can enjoy the 10-minute ride to Gohtong Jaya Station, which is located in the heart of the township. The disadvantage of riding the cable car is that you may have to queue for a long time, especially during peak hours and holidays. You may also have to pay a higher fare, which is RM 8 per person for a standard gondola and RM 50 per person for a glass-floor gondola.
Gohtong Jaya is a hidden gem of Genting Highlands, as it offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can explore the history and culture of Gohtong Jaya, and visit its attractions, such as Gohtong Memorial Park, Chin Swee Temple, and the farms and gardens. You can also find your perfect place to stay in Gohtong Jaya, and choose from a wide range of accommodation options, such as hotels, resorts, homestays, and apartments. You can also savor the delicious food and drinks in Gohtong Jaya, and sample the variety of cuisines and dishes, such as seafood, steamboat, durian, and tea.
You can also travel to and within Gohtong Jaya with ease and convenience, and select from different modes of transportation and routes, such as car, bus, or cable car. Gohtong Jaya is a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Genting Highlands, and enjoy a relaxing getaway, a cultural immersion, or a gastronomic adventure.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Gohtong Jaya today, and discover the hidden gem of Genting Highlands.