Genting Highlands
Malaysia's City of Entertainment — theme parks, cool mountain air, and neon-lit nights above the clouds
State / Region
Pahang
Best Time
Year-round
Daily Budget
RM 150–300 (budget)
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
About Genting Highlands
Perched 1,800 metres above sea level in the Titiwangsa mountain range, Genting Highlands is Malaysia's most visited highland resort — a glittering city in the clouds just an hour from Kuala Lumpur. Home to the spectacular Genting SkyWorlds theme park, the iconic Awana SkyWay gondola cable car, and the only legal casino in Malaysia, Genting is a destination that never sleeps. The cool mountain air (averaging 20 degrees Celsius year-round) is a welcome escape from the lowland heat, and the views over the forested Pahang hills are genuinely breathtaking. Beyond the resort complex, the surrounding highlands offer strawberry farms, jungle trails, and a slower pace that surprises first-time visitors. Whether you are bringing the family for a theme park adventure, escaping the city heat for a weekend, or simply curious about Malaysia's most famous mountain resort, Genting delivers an experience unlike anywhere else in the country.
Top Things To Do
Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park
expensiveMalaysia's premier outdoor theme park featuring 27 rides and attractions across 7 themed worlds — including Ice Age, Rio, and Eagle Mountain. Highlights include the SkyWorlds roller coasters, the Rio Float Parade, and the Eagle Mountain coaster. A full day is needed to cover the park properly.
Awana SkyWay Cable Car
ModerateSoutheast Asia's longest gondola cable car system, stretching 3.38 km from Awana station at the base to the SkyAvenue terminal at the summit. The 10-minute ride offers sweeping views over the rainforest canopy and the resort complex. Take the first gondola of the day for the clearest views before clouds roll in.
SkyAvenue Mall and Sky Plaza
ModerateThe beating heart of the Genting resort — a sprawling indoor mall at 1,800m elevation connecting all the major hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Sky Plaza houses premium international brands, while SkyAvenue has mid-range dining and entertainment including an indoor snow park.
Chin Swee Caves Temple
FreeA stunning Taoist temple carved into the limestone cliffs below the main resort, accessible by a dedicated cable car or a scenic road. The nine-storey pagoda, giant Buddha statues, and panoramic views over the jungle make this one of the most atmospheric temples in Malaysia. Free to enter.
Strawberry Leisure Farm
Budget-friendlyPick your own strawberries at one of several farms on the slopes below the resort. The cool highland climate is perfect for strawberry cultivation, and the farms also grow other temperate vegetables. A fun activity for families and a refreshing contrast to the resort buzz above.
Genting Highlands Premium Outlets
ModerateAn open-air designer outlet mall at the base of the mountain featuring over 130 international brands at discounted prices. A good stop on the way up or down the mountain, with a pleasant outdoor atmosphere and mountain views.
Jungle Trekking at Ulu Kali
Budget-friendlyThe forested slopes around Genting hide several jungle trails for those who want to escape the resort. The Ulu Kali trail leads through montane rainforest with orchids, pitcher plants, and highland bird species. Best done with a guide — the forest is dense and trails can be slippery after rain.
Resorts World Casino
expensiveThe only legal casino in Malaysia, located within the First World Hotel complex. Open 24 hours to non-Muslim visitors (passport required for entry). Features table games, slot machines, and a poker room. Smart casual dress code enforced — no shorts or sandals.
Where To Stay
Affiliate disclosure: Some hotel links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps keep MyTravelTip2U free.
First World Hotel
RM 120–220 / nightThe most affordable option within the resort complex — a massive hotel with over 7,000 rooms connected directly to SkyAvenue Mall and the theme park entrance. Rooms are compact but clean. Book early as it fills up fast on weekends.
Check Availability on Booking.comMaxims Genting
RM 200–380 / nightA comfortable mid-range hotel within the resort with larger rooms and a more relaxed atmosphere than First World. Good value for families wanting easy access to the theme park without paying luxury prices.
Check Availability on Booking.comGenting Grand Hotel
RM 450–900 / nightThe flagship luxury property at the summit — elegant rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the misty mountain range. Direct indoor connection to SkyAvenue and the theme park. The Club Floor lounge and infinity pool are highlights.
Check Availability on Booking.comCrockfords Tower
RM 800–2,500 / nightGenting's most exclusive address — a private tower with butler service, a dedicated check-in lounge, and some of the most spectacular mountain views in Malaysia. The sky suites are genuinely world-class. For a special occasion or honeymoon.
Check Availability on Booking.comTravel by Style
Romantic Getaway
- 1The Awana SkyWay gondola cable car at night is one of the most romantic experiences near KL — the gondola rises through the illuminated forest canopy and arrives at the glittering resort summit. Take the last cable car up and the first one down for the most atmospheric experience.
- 2Chin Swee Caves Temple at dusk is genuinely magical — the temple is illuminated against the limestone cliffs, the views over the jungle are extraordinary, and the atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative. Far more romantic than the resort buzz above.
- 3Book a room at the Genting Grand or Maxims Hotel for a weekend escape — the cool mountain air, the city-in-the-clouds atmosphere, and the ease of access from KL make it a surprisingly romantic short break.
- 4The Genting Highlands Premium Outlets at the base of the mountain is a pleasant afternoon for couples who enjoy shopping — the outdoor mall has a relaxed mountain atmosphere and the cool air makes browsing genuinely enjoyable.
- 5Have dinner at one of the SkyAvenue restaurants and then walk the outdoor deck at night — the view of the illuminated resort against the dark jungle and the distant KL city glow is spectacular on a clear evening.
Family Travel
- 1Genting SkyWorlds is the main reason most families visit — a world-class theme park with 25 rides and attractions across seven themed zones including Ice Age, Rio, and Minions. Allow a full day and book tickets online in advance for the best price.
- 2The Awana SkyWay gondola cable car is a highlight for children of all ages — the 3.38 km ride through the forest canopy to the summit is exciting and the views are spectacular. Ride it both ways for the full experience.
- 3The indoor snow park at SkyAvenue is a reliable wet-weather option and a genuine novelty for Malaysian children who have never seen snow — snowball fights, sledding, and snow play in a climate-controlled indoor environment.
- 4Strawberry picking at the farms on the slopes below the resort is a fun family activity — children enjoy picking their own strawberries and eating fresh strawberry ice cream on the spot. The farms are a 10-minute drive below the summit.
- 5The cool mountain air (averaging 20°C year-round) is a genuine relief for families with young children who struggle in the lowland heat. Pack a light jacket for evenings and for the air-conditioned indoor attractions.
Shopping Guide
- 1Genting Highlands Premium Outlets at the base of the mountain (Awana) is the best shopping destination in the area — an outdoor outlet mall with over 130 brands including Coach, Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Adidas at 30–70% below retail prices. The cool mountain air makes browsing genuinely pleasant.
- 2SkyAvenue at the summit has a good selection of retail shops — fashion, electronics, souvenirs, and food. The Parkson department store and the specialty shops on the upper floors are the best options for everyday shopping.
- 3The Genting Highlands duty-free zone offers limited duty-free shopping — liquor, cigarettes, and chocolates are available at reduced prices at the designated duty-free outlets in the resort complex.
- 4The Resorts World Genting casino gift shop sells branded merchandise — Genting-branded items, playing cards, and casino memorabilia are popular souvenirs for visitors who enjoy the casino experience.
- 5The night market at the base of the mountain (near Gohtong Jaya) sells local produce, clothing, and street food at prices well below the resort summit. Worth a stop on the way up or down if you are driving.
How to Get There
By Car from Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Take the KESAS or PLUS highway to the Gombak toll, then follow the Genting Highlands road (Route 68) up the mountain. The drive from central KL takes about 1 hour. Parking is available at the resort (RM 5–10/day) or at Awana station where you can take the cable car up.
By Bus from Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur (Hentian Putra / TBS)
Transnasional and several other operators run frequent buses from Hentian Putra (near PWTC LRT station) and Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) directly to Genting Highlands. Buses run from early morning until late evening. The most convenient option if you're not driving.
By Awana SkyWay from Gohtong Jaya
Awana Station, Gohtong Jaya
Drive or take a bus to Gohtong Jaya at the base of the mountain, then ride the Awana SkyWay gondola cable car 3.38 km up to SkyAvenue at the summit. The cable car runs daily from 7am to midnight. A scenic and enjoyable way to arrive — especially on a clear morning.
By Grab or Taxi from KL
Kuala Lumpur city centre
Grab operates rides to Genting Highlands from KL. Prices vary with demand — book in advance or expect surge pricing on weekends. Some drivers charge a fixed rate for the mountain road. Confirm the fare before departure.
Read Our Genting Highlands Guide
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