Genting Highlands is not only famous for its casinos but also for the many international artistes and performances that make their way there every year. Located over 6,000 feet above sea level, the Genting Arena of Stars is truly a unique entertainment venue.

The Arena of Stars has played host to world famous international singers such as Sir Cliff Richard, Tony Orlando and Jim Brickman. Even the internationally acclaimed Vienna Boys Choir has sang to a full audience here. On the Chinese scene, stars such as Alan Tam, Aaron Kwok, Sally Yeh, Andy Lau and Jacky Cheung have crooned here to the delight of their many Malaysian fans.

I was recently in Gentings for the Tony Orlando “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” tour and visited the Arena of Stars for the first time. Read more about my experience in this unique entertainment arena below.

The Arena of Stars is located near the Genting theme park and is built in a huge amphitheatre style which is capable of seating 6,000 people. Access to the arena is through some turnstiles where your tickets for the show will be checked and chopped. You will then be ushered to some open doors which resembled tent flaps which leads the way to the seats.

There are a different range of seats available, depending on the price of the ticket you hold. The cheapest tickets gets you seats all the way up to the back and the highest part of the amphitheatre which is also the further point of the stage.

A wide area in front of the stage is left empty to accommodate performances which require a wider space or to accommodate the premium seats, which was the case when I was there. It was rather interesting to note that while the seats around the Arena of Stars were tiered to provide better visibility, the VIP seats right in front of the stage was on flat ground. However, these were the lucky ones as Tony Orlando actually went right into the crowd there to shake their hands and encourage them to sing along!

The stage was surprisingly quite big and impressive with two big screens by the side to ensure the performance can be clearly seen by everyone. The sound systems were also loud and clear all around the arena and Tony’s great music and famous “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” soon had everyone singing along and clapping. We found it quite funny that quite a number of songs sung by Tony Orlando were from The Beatles! However, the audience which were mainly the older adults absolutely loved this blast from their past and were standing up to sing and dance along with him!

I’m not sure if there was inbuilt airconditioning in the amphitheatre or whether the cool air inside was from the cool mountain air on Genting Highlands but it made it a pleasant change from the heat of the city. Overall, the Arean of Stars provided an interesting experience! Do try it for yourself with your favourite star!