Genting Highlands Malaysia: Soar To New Heights Of Delight

Do you want to experience fabulous resort life in a ‘peak above the clouds’? Welcome to Genting Highlands Malaysia.

When you think of Malaysia, you’ll probably think of the sky-high Petronas Twin Towers or the picturesque Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, its rich and diverse culture, and mouthwatering dishes. But there’s more to this Southeast Asian country that tourists have yet to discover. 

Genting Highlands is located at Pahang, Malaysia, on top of Mount Ulu Kali in the Titiwangsa Mountains, about 5,906 feet (1,800 meters) above sea level. It’s near the Selangor border, and the distance between Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands is approximately 33 miles (53 kilometers). 

You can easily reach Genting Highlands by car from Kuala Lumpur using the Karak Highway, which takes about an hour. This hill station is in a good spot for travelers to continue their journey to other places while staying relatively close to Kuala Lumpur.

Here’s an overview of this luxurious resort city—how to get around, what to expect, where to stay, and other information to make your visit memorable and comfortable.

Things To Do in Genting Highlands Malaysia – Sights

From scenic views to a wide array of restaurants, there’s so much you can do and enjoy in Genting Highlands.

1. Chin Swee Caves Temple

The Chin Swee Caves Temple is a Chinese temple on top of a rocky hill that Genting founder Lim Goh Tong built to pay his respects to the Buddhist figure Chin Swee.

2. Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Huge fan of strawberries? Then, you’ll surely enjoy Genting Highlands Strawberry Leisure Farm. Situated in Gohtong Jaya, the place gives you a good look at the vast strawberry farm and allows you to pick strawberries yourself.

3. Awana Skyway Mountain Cable Car

The Awana Skyway offers a quick way to reach the Genting Highlands peak through a 1.74-mile (3 km) cable car ride with an overlooking view of the rainforest valleys that stretch to Kuala Lumpur. 

4. Lim Goh Tong Memorial Hall

Located just after Gohtong Jaya, the Gohtong Memorial Park was built to commemorate the late Genting Highlands founder. The Memorial Hall features a wooden effigy of Lim, decorated with orchid blossoms and a gorgeous Genting Highlands mural.

5. Happy Bee Farm & Insect World

The Happy Bee Farm & Insect World allows visitors to learn about local honey production and enjoy a sample of the sweet treat from the farm itself. Apart from bees, the farm also has an aviary called Butterfly Wonderland, which houses local butterflies and birds.

6. Talking Garden

Bask into the lush green views of Talking Garden, a small recreation park at the foot of the Theme Park Hotel. Apart from the relaxing ambiance, the landscaped garden offers an overlooking view of Genting Highlands Valleys.

7. World of Phalaenopsis

Known as Malaysia’s largest Phalaenopsis orchid grower, the World of Phalaenopsis is located in Ulu Yam near Genting Highlands. It houses exotic orchids and a beautiful pond with water lilies, fish, and ducks. You might want to consider visiting this place, especially since it is near Genting Highlands.

Things To Do in Genting Highlands Malaysia – Activities 

8. Genting Skyworlds Theme Park

If extreme rides matched with delightful attractions are your thing, you’ll have the best time at Genting Skyworlds Theme Park. The 26-acre (11-hectare) park is inspired by select 20th Century Fox film properties and ideas and offers nine different themed worlds, from Ice Age to Liberty Lane.

9. Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park

If you can’t get enough of Sea Worlds’ rides, try exploring Skytropolis Funland at First World Plaza. The indoor theme park features 24 rides and attractions, including an interactive video games park and a fun virtual reality experience.

10. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Adventureland

Whether you’re a kid or a kid-at-heart, you’ll enjoy the many attractions Ripley’s Adventureland offers. It has six attractions: Odditorium, Jurassic Research Center, 4D Trick Art Museum, Jungle Gym playground, and Zombie Outbreak! Simulation, and Eagle Landing zipline.

11. Snow World

Yes, you can experience snow in the heart of Malaysia. Located in First World Plaza, Snow World allows visitors to experience winter with its falling snow effect. 

Snow World also has an igloo and a mock European village you can explore, as well as a castle wall with colorful light displays where you can take some photos.

12. SeniKome Péng Heng

SeniKome Péng Heng is an arts and cultural center that allows you to marvel at traditional elements and enjoy interactive visual presentations and dynamic performing arts. 

In local Pahang, “SeniKome” means “Our Art,” while “Peng Heng” is a historical name for the East Coast widely used in 1520.

13. SkyAvenue

Situated on the peak of Genting Highlands, SkyAvenue is Malaysia’s highest shopping mall, with over 70 retail outlets and restaurants. 

You can also find a light, sound, and motion display in the mall atrium called “SkySymphony” and a multimedia winch attraction, a free light show you can enjoy.

14. Genting Highlands Premium Outlets

Aside from SkyAvenue, you can also shop until you drop at Genting Premium Outlets, a boutique shopping complex with around 150 designer brands and retail stores you can choose from. 

15. Gunung Bunga Buah Hike

If you’re down for some adventure, you can go hiking on the almost 7.5-mile (12 km) Gunung Bunga Buah trail. It will take around five hours to complete the trail, depending on your pace. 

The path provides a leisurely walk to Gunung Bunga Buah and Gunung Rawang Matahari, giving a nice view and a cool breeze at Rock Garden in Gotong Jaya, Genting Highlands. It’s one of the top hiking trails in Genting Highlands, offering beautiful views of the nearby rainforests and mountains.

16. Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre

Home to elephants from Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia, the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre lets visitors have a fascinating look at how elephants are conserved. You can also have a chance to bathe and feed some elephants during your visit.

17. SkyCasino

Looking to kill some time apart from shopping malls and parks? Try gambling at SkyCasino, a vast, modern gaming space that houses thousands of slot machines, electronic tables, and other casino games you can enjoy.

18. Arena of Stars

Wondering what activity you can enjoy at Genting Highlands at night? Try watching a musical at the Arena of Stars, one of the largest amphitheaters in Malaysia.

Things To Do in Genting Highlands Malaysia – Food & Drinks

19. Gohtong Jaya Food Town

Gohtong Jaya is a famous food town in Genting Highlands located some 3 miles (5 km) below the peak. Here, you can find various cuisines, such as Chinese, street foods, desserts, pastries, and local fruits, including the famous durian.

20. Penang Food Village

Indulge yourself in authentic Penang cuisine at none other than the Penang Food Village. Some of the must-try delicacies you can enjoy in the area are Char Kueh Teow, Prawn Mee, Penang Laksa, and Nasi Lemak.

21. High Line Roof Top Market

You can also enjoy casual dining and nightlife at the High Line Roof Top Market on the rooftop of SkyAvenue. The outdoor dining offers a wide array of food and drinks to satisfy your taste buds, from burgers to oysters to pizzas and even some alcoholic beverages.

Travel Options – Genting Highlands Malaysia

If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is accessible through different modes of transportation:

By Bus

Bus travel is the most common and cost-efficient way to reach Genting Highlands. Most people depart from KL Sentral, where you can purchase tickets online or over the counter. I would advise you to buy the tickets through the EasyBook app, which would save you a trip to the bus terminal, and there’s little to no price difference.

Prices for one-way tickets start at around 10 Malaysian Ringgit/RM (2 US Dollars). The travel time usually takes around an hour, and most buses drop you off at the Awana Bus Terminal.

By Cable Car

You can reach the peak of Genting Highlands, where SkyAvenue Complex and other attractions are located, from Awana Bus Terminal by taking a 10-minute cable car ride. Several options are available, including standard gondolas and chartered ones.

The cable car ride prices start at RM10 ($2) for a one-way ticket and RM18 ($4) for a roundtrip ticket.

By Car or Taxi

Traveling via a private car is the easiest and most comfortable way to reach Genting Highlands, and it will only take about an hour to reach your destination from Kuala Lumpur. If traveling with a group, you may opt for private transfers or book a Grab or taxi from any location to enjoy the entire ride with your group.

Where To Stay in Genting Highlands Malaysia

Among all the destinations in Pahang, Genting Highlands recorded the most tourist arrivals, reaching over 5.7 million visitors annually. It’s no wonder the place is fast becoming a top tourist destination in Malaysia, with the vast attractions and spots you can visit. 

If you’re looking for places to stay in the area, here are some of the places where you can check in overnight at Genting Highlands, from hotel resorts to budget-friendly ones:

Resorts World Genting

• Luxury: Resorts World Genting Crockfords
• Mid-Range: Resorts World Awana
• Budget: Resorts World Genting – First World Hotel

Jalan Ion Delemen

• Luxury: The Yanné, Onsen Hotel
• Mid-Range: Premium Suites D’lement At Genting Highlands
• Budget: Genting Ion Delemen Holiday Apartment

Genting Permai

• Luxury: Geo Resort & Hotel
• Mid-Range: Le Vert Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Geo38 Premier Suites

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Best Time To Go to Genting Highlands Malaysia

You can visit Genting Highlands anytime, but it’s best to go during summer when rainfall is less likely. The area has an average temperature of 72.0°Fahrenheit (22°Celsius), but it can go as low as 66°F (19°C) during January, which is the coldest month in Genting Highlands.

The most optimal months to visit Genting Highlands would be February, June, July, and August. You’ll get to savor the sights and attractions the most during these months without being restricted by heavy rains and misty weather. 

Helpful Tips To Make the Most of Your Genting Highlands Malaysia Vacation

While Malaysia is a relatively safe country to visit, there are some things you should remember when visiting Genting Highlands for a stress-free trip. Check out these tips:

• Wear long sleeves or pack a jacket. Even in the summer, it can still get pretty chilly in Genting Highlands, so wearing thick or layered clothing is recommended to protect yourself from the cold temperature. 
• Bring a raincoat or an umbrella. If you’re visiting from October to January, it can get rainy. Carrying a raincoat or umbrella when visiting at these times is highly recommended to avoid getting wet.
• Book your transportation and attractions ahead of time. You can always buy tickets over the counter, but you’ll save so much time and effort when you book your ride and attractions ahead of time. 
• Avoid school holidays in Malaysia when visiting. You should avoid visiting during school holidays in Malaysia, usually during late April, May, August, and December, when it gets more crowded.
• Drive safely. Genting Highlands can get foggy, especially during the rainy season, leading to poor visibility. If you bring a car during your trip, keep it slow and safe when driving.
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Genting Highlands Malaysia

What Is the Best Month To Go To Genting?

It is best to visit Genting Highlands between February to August when it’s less likely to rain.

How Long Is the Journey From Kuala Lumpur To Genting Highland?

The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands is about 33 miles (53 km), and it will take approximately 50 minutes to an hour to reach the destination.

How Many Days Is Good for Genting?

You can explore Genting Highlands with only a day trip and visit some of its most popular attractions. But if you want to make the most of your stay, you can spend up to three days touring the entire area.

How Much Is a Taxi From Kuala Lumpur Airport To Genting Highland?

On the average, taxis cost around RM240 ($50) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Genting Highlands. However, prices vary depending on the demand.

Conclusion – Genting Highlands Malaysia

Genting Highlands is a fun, high-altitude destination that offers high-quality leisure and entertainment. 

With its wide variety of theme parks, fascinating gondola lifts with great views, legitimate gaming spaces, convenient outlet shopping, various culinary options, and vibrant nightlife, Genting Highlands has been described as Las Vegas on a peak.

Whether you’re in shopping mode, on a day trip from KL, or excited to try the posh accommodations that Genting Highlands offers, you will be making the right decision if you include this destination in your Malaysian itinerary.

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