Things To Do In Genting Highlands

Nestled at the peak of Mount Ulu Kali, on the border between the states of Selangor and Pahang, lies Malaysia’s City of Entertainment: Genting Highlands. The resort-town now known as Resorts World Genting, was first established in 1965 by Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong and became the first and only casino park in Malaysia.

Compared to the its neighbour, Cameron Highlands which is more earthly in nature, Genting Highlands today is the ultimate Las Vegas-style playground with its vast network of casinos, hotels, shopping malls and amusement parks. The peak of this hill station stands at 1,800 metres within the Titiwangsa mountain range, offering cooler montane weather averaging at around 22°C during the day.

Attractions include both family-friendly indoor theme parks and cultural sites, as well as luxurious five-star hotels, branded retail outlets and renowned nightlife.

Try Your Luck in the Casinos

Resorts World Genting is home to Genting Casino and SkyCasino which are some of the most popular attractions in the area. Those looking for the full experience, can do so at SkyCasino — the newest gaming space in Genting boasting one of the largest collections of games in Asia.

Enjoy the Theme Parks

There are a number of family-friendly theme parks perfect for children to explore. From the Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park with immersive VR simulations and circus-themed arcades, to the sub-zero temperatures of SnowWorld and the wacky exhibits of Ripley’s Adventureland. There is also Vision City Video Games Park which is an indoor arcade centre.

The 26-acre Outdoor Theme Park is currently under renovation.

Entertainment and Shows

The SkySymphony, also known as the Theatre of Lights and Sound, is a 15 mins audiovisual experience on display in the SkyAvenue shopping mall every hour between 10.00am – 12.00am. There are three different shows to watch and all are free to view.

The Arena of Stars amphitheatre plays host to a number of international musical acts throughout the year including previous performances from Deep Purple and Boyz II Men.

Golf

The Awana Genting Highlands Golf Course offers avid golfers a unique 18-hole mountain course at a reasonable price.

Learn about Arts & Culture

The SeniKome Péng Hēng Arts Centre is where you can learn about the Peninsula's east coast cultures through indigenous art, artifacts, games, music, food and fashion. The centre is in the First World Plaza shopping mall.

Chin Swee Caves Temple is a Buddhist temple complex built into the side of the mountain slopes. Visitors can admire the many Buddha statues and visit the 9-storey pagoda while enjoying spectacular views from the Sky Terrace. Chin Swee Caves Temple is accessible by cable car or is a 5-10 mins drive from the upper station.

Other Attractions

You can spend the afternoon picking fresh, organically grown strawberries at Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm, the largest strawberry farm in Malaysia. Families may also enjoy exploring the bee and butterfly farms of Happy Bee Farm & Insect World. Both are located roughly 5-10 mins drive from Awana Bus Terminal.

Genting Highlands can be visited all year round, with mild temperatures ranging from 15 - 28°C throughout the year. Between the months of March and September, temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall.

By Car

Genting Highlands is a 1-hour drive from Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur. Due to its close proximity to the city and popularity among locals, you may experience high volumes of traffic on the highways and in Genting itself, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

Most choose to take the Kuala Lumpur - Gua Musang Highway (E33) route out of the city with the standard toll rate before beginning the steep incline to Genting Highlands.

The uphill mountain roads can be very winding so do take care when making your way to the top.

By Bus

The Genting Express Bus Service stations can be found in KL Sentral, Pudu Sentral, One Utama Shopping Mall (Petaling Jaya), Terminal Putra LRT Gombak and Kajang Bus Terminal. The journey will take approximately 1 hour to Genting Highlands.

Buses usually go on an hourly basis between 07:30 and 21:00. You have the option to buy tickets including both bus and SkyWay fares.

By Cable Car

The easiest way to travel between the upper and lower stations of Genting Highlands is by cable car systems. Awana Skyway cable car service travels between Awana Station (lower station), Chin Swee Caves Temple and SkyAvenue Station (upper station). The journey takes roughly 10 mins from top to bottom. The cable car service operates between 07:00 – 24:00, 7 days a week.

There are two types of gondolas: Standard Gondolas and Glass-Floor Gondolas. If you choose to stop mid-way at Chin Swee Caves Temple, make sure to retain your ticket to continue your journey to the next station. The service allows one aircraft cabin-size bag to be carried on the board and is wheelchair accessible.

The most convenient means to get around Genting Highlands is by car as there is ample parking across all levels of the resort-town. Cars are available to hire on site or can be booked in Kuala Lumpur if you plan to drive from the city. Resorts World hotels also provide free shuttle buses across the resort complex.

To travel between the upper and lower stations, the Awana SkyWay and Genting SkyWay cable car services are easy and offer a more scenic route.

At the top level, where the main resort attractions and shopping malls are located, most places are within walking distance from each other. However, this may depend on individual fitness levels.

Gohtong Jaya

One of the most popular eating spots in Genting is the satellite town of Gohtong Jaya located just a 5 - 10mins drive from Awana Bus Terminal. Many come to enjoy favourite local flavors and fresh seafood along the rows of old shophouses.

Shopping Malls

Across the Resorts World’s many shopping malls you will find a range of eateries from fast food outlets to fine dining restaurants such as Burger & Lobster, Cafés Richard and Din Tai Fung.

The Sky Avenue food court – Malaysian Food Street – is where you can find the full range of authentic Malaysian cuisine with 5 different food zones and over 20 stalls to choose from.

Fine Dining

If you’re looking to have a fancy meal out, you will find several options for high end dining experiences in the Resort World’s luxury hotels such as The Olive and Imperial Rama.

Bars

Genting Highlands is renowned for its unique nightlife. Located in many of the hotels and shopping malls, you will find a myriad of trendy pubs and bars to entertain your evenings.

The main shopping malls in Resorts World Genting are Sky Avenue, First World Plaza and Genting Highlands Premium Outlets. Here you will find the full range of high street retail outlets and luxury brands. Indoor theme parks and arcades offer extra fun and games while you shop.

The Awana SkyCentral Transport Hub is where you can buy local handicrafts and snacks.

The list of Resorts World Genting hotels includes: Crockfords, Genting Grand, Maxims, Resorts World Awana, Resort Hotel, First World Hotel and Theme Park Hotel. These range from luxury 5-star to more budget 3-star hotels. First World Hotel holds the Guiness World Record for being the largest hotel in the world with over 7,000 rooms available.

Alternatively, there are several hotels and homestays dotted around the upper and lower stations of Genting outside of the Resorts World chain.

The cooler climate in Genting Highlands is the ideal temperature to explore the mountain environment, however it is always recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat and water bottle if you’re walking in the sun. It is best to wear comfortable shoes when exploring the theme parks.

Temperatures may drop further in the evening, so it is advised to bring a jacket if you’re staying overnight.