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Genting Highlands, Malaysia - Things to Do in Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands, Malaysia - Complete Travel Guide

Genting Highlands is Malaysia's premier hill resort destination, perched 1,800 meters above sea level in the Titiwangsa Mountains, just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. Known as the 'City of Entertainment,' this cool mountain retreat offers a refreshing escape from Malaysia's tropical heat with temperatures averaging 15-25°C year-round. The resort is famous for its integrated entertainment complex featuring Southeast Asia's only legal casino, theme parks, shopping outlets, and luxury accommodations. What makes Genting Highlands truly special is its unique blend of natural mountain beauty and modern entertainment facilities. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides at the outdoor and indoor theme parks, try their luck at the casino, shop at premium outlets, dine at world-class restaurants, and take in spectacular mountain views. The iconic cable car journey to reach the resort is an attraction in itself, offering impressive panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and valleys below.

Top Genting Highlands

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

Malaysia's newest and most exciting theme park featuring 26 thrilling rides and attractions across nine themed lands. From heart-pounding roller coasters to family-friendly attractions, the park offers entertainment for all ages with unique themed areas like Ice Age, Rio, and Night at the Museum. The park combines both indoor and outdoor experiences with spectacular mountain views.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance for discounts of up to 20% off gate prices (around RM80-120 for adults). Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy shorter queue times. Look for combo packages that include cable car rides and multiple park access.

Ride the Genting Skyway Cable Car

Take Southeast Asia's longest and fastest cable car system, featuring a impressive 2.8km journey from Awana Station to SkyAvenue. The 10-minute ride offers spectacular panoramic views of pristine tropical rainforest, rolling hills, and the resort complex. The modern gondolas provide a smooth, comfortable journey with large windows perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost around RM8-15 for adults depending on the route. Book return tickets for better value and avoid peak hours (11am-3pm) during weekends. Consider the VIP gondola option for RM30 extra for a private cabin experience.

Gaming at Resort World Genting Casino

Try your luck at Malaysia's only legal casino, featuring over 400 gaming tables and 3,000 slot machines across multiple gaming floors. The casino offers everything from traditional table games like blackjack and roulette to modern electronic gaming options. Non-gamblers can enjoy the busy atmosphere and numerous dining and entertainment options within the complex.

Booking Tip: Entry is free but you must be 21+ with valid ID/passport. Set a gambling budget beforehand and take advantage of membership programs for dining and accommodation discounts. Dress code is smart casual - avoid shorts, sandals, and sleeveless tops.

Shopping at SkyAvenue and Premium Outlets

Explore Malaysia's highest shopping destination at SkyAvenue, featuring over 80 retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues across 700,000 square feet. The mall includes international brands, local souvenirs, duty-free shopping, and a wide variety of dining options. The Premium Outlets offer discounted luxury and designer brands in an outdoor village setting.

Booking Tip: Look for tourist discount cards at hotel reception for additional savings of 5-10% at participating stores. Visit during weekday mornings for a more relaxed shopping experience. Many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists - bring your passport for GST refunds.

Chin Swee Caves Temple Visit

Discover this beautiful Taoist temple complex built into the mountainside, featuring ornate architecture, colorful statues, and serene meditation areas. The temple offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with peaceful gardens and traditional Chinese architectural elements. It's a spiritual retreat that provides insight into Malaysian Chinese culture and religious practices.

Booking Tip: Entry is free and the temple is open daily from 7am-7pm. Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees out of respect. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The temple is accessible via a short walk from the cable car mid-station.

Getting There

Genting Highlands is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, located just 51km northeast of the capital city. The most convenient option is driving, taking approximately 45-60 minutes via the Karak Highway (Route 8) with clear mountain road signage. Public transportation includes express buses from KL Sentral and TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) operated by Genting Express, running every 30-45 minutes and costing around RM10-15 per person. For a more scenic approach, you can drive to Awana Station and take the cable car up to the resort, or use the Grab ride-hailing service from Kuala Lumpur for around RM80-120.

Getting Around

Once at Genting Highlands, the resort operates a complete free shuttle bus system connecting all major hotels, attractions, and facilities within the complex. The buses run every 10-15 minutes from 7am to midnight, making it easy to move between SkyAvenue, the hotels, theme parks, and cable car stations. Walking is also feasible within the main resort area, though the hilly terrain and cooler temperatures make the shuttle buses more comfortable. For exploring areas outside the main complex, such as Chin Swee Temple, you can use the cable car system or resort transportation services.

Where to Stay

SkyAvenue area
Resort World Genting hotels
Awana area
Gohtong Jaya town
Bentong nearby
Kuala Lumpur base

Food & Dining

Genting Highlands offers an impressive dining scene with over 80 restaurants and eateries ranging from street food courts to fine dining establishments. SkyAvenue houses the majority of dining options, including international chains like McDonald's and KFC, Asian cuisine specialists, and upscale restaurants serving Japanese, Chinese, Western, and Malaysian dishes. The resort features several celebrity chef restaurants and themed dining experiences, with prices ranging from budget-friendly food court meals (RM15-25) to premium dining experiences (RM100-300 per person). Don't miss trying local Malaysian specialties at the various food courts, and consider the hotel buffets which often feature extensive international selections with impressive mountain views.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Malaysia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan

4.7 /5
(7118 reviews) 3

Serai • Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

4.8 /5
(4381 reviews) 3

WHITE & BLACK KAMPONG HERITAGE

4.8 /5
(3716 reviews)
cafe

De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan @ Bangsar Shopping Centre

4.8 /5
(2967 reviews)

Bijan Bar & Restaurant

4.5 /5
(2925 reviews)

Beta KL

4.8 /5
(1324 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Genting Highlands can be visited year-round due to its consistently cool mountain climate, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C regardless of season. The best time to visit is during weekdays and outside of Malaysian school holidays (March, June, November-December) to avoid crowds and enjoy shorter queues at attractions. The dry season from May to September offers the clearest mountain views and best weather for outdoor activities, while the wet season (October to March) brings occasional afternoon showers but fewer tourists. Chinese New Year and major Malaysian holidays see peak crowds and higher accommodation rates, so plan accordingly if visiting during these periods.

Insider Tips

Bring a light jacket or sweater as temperatures can drop to 15°C, especially in the evening and early morning - many visitors underestimate how cool it gets at this altitude
Book accommodation and attractions in advance during weekends and holidays, as Genting is extremely popular with locals and prices can increase significantly during peak periods
Take advantage of the free shuttle buses within the resort complex and consider staying overnight to fully experience the evening entertainment and avoid the rush of day-trippers heading back to KL

Activities in Genting Highlands