The NEW Awana Skyway @ Genting Highlands

In 2014, the old Awana Skyway closes after 40 years in operation. This is replaced by the new Awana Skyway which opened in December 2016. I had the privilege of experiencing this cable car just less than 1 month after it opened, and I think it a good step-up not just from the old Awana Skyway, but the existing Genting Skyway as well!

20th Century Fox Theme Park Construction Update 2017

It is now more than 3 years since closing of Resort World Genting's Outdoor Theme Park and announcement to build a new 20th Century Fox Theme Park. The opening date has been pushed back again and again, with the latest announcement last year saying that the park will open in early 2017. However, from what I saw at construction site, I honestly think that 20th Century Fox Theme Park will not open till at least 2018, or at the earliest, November 2017.

Overview of the construction of 20th Century Fox Theme Park at Resorts World Genting

You may see the previous construction update in March 2015 here.

Genting Highlands 20th Century Fox Theme Park Update March 2015

Alright, it is exactly one and a half years since the new 20th Century Fox Theme Park at Genting Highlands Resort, Malaysia began construction. There is some obvious progress from a Civil Engineering point of view, but certainly none of the attractions are built. Before we begin, here is a shoutout to Esther from my community volunteer group who kindly provided me with the photos.

This is the state of construction for Genting Highlands 20th Century Fox Theme Park as of March 2015

UPDATE: CONSTRUCTION UPDATE PHOTOS FOR 2017 ARE AVAILABLE HERE!

5 impressive features of Genting Highland's 20th Century Fox Theme Park

September 2013 marks a new chapter in Genting Highlands Resort as they bid farewell to their old theme park. This park, with 6 roller coasters* and 5 water rides has been demolished after thrilling millions of fans for decades. However, what is about to come is even more exciting - the world's first 20th century fox theme park. This 300 million dollar investment will pack a whole host of surprises, though I anticipate 5 features that are particularly interesting.

Artist rendition of the 20th century fox theme park

1) The park might host Southeast Asia's first B&M Roller Coaster

In the world of Roller Coasters, B&M (Bolliger and Mabillard) is regarded almost as the Ferrari of the pack. This manufacturer is responsible for some of the world's most iconic roller coasters, and judging from the concept art, 20th Century Fox theme park is going to have one!

The middle of the picture depicts a pink tracked roller coaster with what looks like a dive loop followed by a zero G roll. In fact, the way the track is depicted is very similar to a winged coaster - one where there is no track above or below you. If it is, this is a real blessing, as there are no such coasters in the region. 

The Winged Coaster (like this one in Germany) is the newest product of famed manufacturer Bolliger and Mabillard

2) 1/3 of the theme park will be indoors.

If we look at the top left hand corner of the picture, it is clear that there is a large building with lighted corridors. As far as I know, this area is where Rolling Thunder Mine Train used to stand, which means it is still part of the new theme park.

I think an indoor section is very important for a resort at 6000ft since the weather is really unpredictable and having a large indoor component will ensure that the park can stay open regardless of the conditions outside.

Some rides I will want in the indoor section include a dark ride roller coaster (like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts), an interactive show and a large, multi-attraction kids section.

3) The park will be centered around a big Bellagio style musical fountain

While smaller than its Vegas counterpart, the streams of water in the center of the park is almost too difficult to miss. This musical fountain is going to be the focal point and a navigational landmark. Even more importantly, it provides an excellent avenue for guests to relax at their own pace.

Imagine strolling along a beautifully themed broadwalk in a European-like climate, listening to music and watching the water flow with the songs. It is almost a fairytale experience.

The world famous Bellagio Fountain

4) The Go Kart is now bigger, taller and possibly faster than before

Remember the old Go-Kart? Just a simple flat circuit under Corkscrew roller coaster. Well, the new one will be on an elevated track with multiple levels and varying elevations. There are also long, straight sections where drivers can really push the pedal to the metal.

5) (and yet) 20th Century Fox Theme Park will be built for 1/4 the cost of Universal Studios Singapore

Alright, this is really quite unbelievable. In spite of the logistical difficulties of bringing so much stuff to the mountaintop, in spite of working in comparably tough conditions of strong winds and unpredictable weather, and in spite of having more attractions (25) than Universal Studios Singapore (19), this park is somehow going to cost 300 million opposed to 1,400 million to build USS.

So, should we expect that the quality of park will be lower than USS, or does it just follow the mantra that "Everything is cheaper in Malaysia"?.

Anyways, indoor attractions like Genting Skyventure and Euro Express will also be closed due to the building of this new theme park.

*The 6 coasters are Corkscrew, Flying Coaster, Cyclone, Rolling Thunder Mine Train, Flying Dragon and Super Toboggan

I went skydiving for SGD22!

Well, not exactly, but the SkyVenture at Genting Highlands Resort is the closest thing to skydiving that I have done. It basically consists of a vertical wind tunnel that a person can literally float inside. The experience at Genting, at RM38 (SGD15) is way, way cheaper than the $79 price-tag for Singapore's I-Fly. I visited on 16 December 2013 as part of my family's annual retreat to Malaysia to visit relatives.

The entrance to this attraction is beside the fake Petronas Twin Towers

After payment, I was ushered into a room upstairs where I kit up for the flight. This included an outer jacket like flightsuit, helmet and goggles. I was actually quite surprised that I did not have to change shoes. The flightsuit is a full body suit so it was quite awkward trying to put it on. We were also taught some of the basic hand signals.

I am suited up and ready to go!

The moment before the flight was the most tense. As the propeller started up, the whole sitting area started to vibrate really violently. It was like as though the whole structure would be torn apart. The noise level was also quite intimidating. For me, the anticipation was worse as I was the last person of my group to participate, so I had to see everyone else struggle before me.

Pictures can't show how nervous I actually was

Just seconds before my turn, I could feel my heart beat faster. Something at the back of my mind tells me it may not be a good idea to go for it. However, I came so far and already paid for it, so there was no turning back. The instructor shouted at me (the propeller is that loud) to lean forward as I stepped at the edge of the wind tunnel. As my face was exposed to the column of rising air, it felt like as though I hit a brick wall; I mean, the wind was really that powerful. In fact, without any effort, my feet came up and I was flying.

I honestly regretted getting distracted during the briefing. During the flight, the instructor gave me a few signals that I could only guess what he meant. I also had quite a lot of difficulty maintaining steady as the tunnel is quite small and I constantly hit against the wall. Being clumsy did not improve the situation a bit, for even the slightest movement in my body resulted in a dramatic movement.

.I am somewhere. Look for me!

Each participant is entitled to 2 flights, but I did not think I fared any much better in the second. The whole activity was over long before I knew it. As I awaited the debrief, I really could not believe what I have just completed. The whole experience was completely surreal, as I was floating and not supported by any visible medium.

A participant can also choose to pay RM18 (SGD7) for a video recording of his flight, and this is exactly what I did. Also, at the end of the flight, all participants are awarded a certificate. This really gave me a sense of accomplishment.

A personalised certificate for all participants

I will recommend this attraction to anyone seeking a unique and exciting thrill. This is definitely a step above conventional roller coasters and the sensation of freedom one can get makes it absolutely worth the cost. You will not want to visit Genting just for this attraction, but if you are going there, it is worth it to have a go. Maybe I might go for a longer flight next time.

However, if you want to take part, I strongly recommend you to head straight there to reserve a slot even before checking into the hotel or entering the casino. The slots are taken up quite quickly. I went on a weekday but even so there was only 1 slot left when my family arrived at 3pm. If you are coming on a weekend, you better reserve beforehand.

Note: SkyVenture is now closed to make way for new developments
http://www.rwgenting.com/en/themepark/images/firstworld.pdf