Nestled near the border of Selangor, about 56 km from the city of Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is an integrated resort development, best known for its thrilling entertainment and cool climate. Perched atop Gunung Ulu Kali at 1800m, Genting Highlands overlooks lush valleys of rainforests stretching towards Kuala Lumpur.
Established in 1965 by the Malaysian Chinese businessman Lim Goh Tong, Genting Highlands, also known as the ‘City of Entertainment’ comprises hotels, casinos, shopping malls, and the latest Skyworlds Theme Park in Pahang. For locals and tourists alike, Genting Highlands is the perfect weekend getaway.
If you’re looking to visit Malaysia’s very own mini Las Vegas on a mountain top, our guide will help you plan right and make the most of your visit.
Genting Highlands - In a nutshell
Handy information
- ⏰ Suggested duration: If you’re looking to do a day trip, including playing at the casino and shopping, you can spend a full day.
If you’re not looking to play at the casino/go shopping, half day will do.
If you’re looking to go all around Genting Highlands, exploring different attractions, ideally 2-3 days is required.
☀️ Best time to visit: Avoid the rainy season (November-February) Weekdays are less crowded than weekends/holidays.
🎟️Genting Highland tickets: Check prices
Must-see
Genting Highlands Theme Park
Chin Swee Caves Temple
SkyAvenue Shopping Mall
Opening hours and address
Operation hours
Awana SkyWay: Daily, 7AM - 12 AM
Genting SkyWay: Daily, 7AM - 12AM [temporarily unavailable]
Awana SkyCentral: 10 AM - 10 PM
Chin Swee Temple: 9AM - 6PM
Sky Avenue Complex: 10 AM - 10 PM
Skytropolis IndoorTheme Park: Monday - Thursday: 2PM - 9PM | Friday - Sunday: 2PM - 10 PM
Genting Skyworlds Park - 11 AM - 6 PM [closed every Tuesday except Malaysian public holidays
Address: Menara Kuala Lumpur
No. 2 Jalan Punchak Off Jalan P.Ramlee 50250 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Get directions
Why is Genting Highlands worth visiting?
- Breathtaking scenic views: Enjoy panoramic views of lush greenery and misty mountains from the hilltop resort.
- Thrilling theme parks: Experience the thrill of 24 rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, ferris wheel, swinging ship, carousel and bumper cars.
- Cultural marvel: Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambience of Chin Swee Caves - witness Chinese architecture and intricate sculptures and learn about Chinese culture and traditions.
- Shopping paradise: Discover a wide range of luxury brands, trendy fashion boutiques, and unique souvenirs at SkyAvenue shopping mall.
- Luxurious accommodations: Experience unparalleled hospitality, world-class amenities and services at some of the most luxurious hotels, with plush rooms and breathtaking views.
Recommended Genting Highlands tickets
Top attractions at Genting Highlands
1Awana Skyway
One of the main modes of transportation to reach the resort, Awana Skyway is a must-do attraction in Genting Highlands. This state-of-the-art cable-car system consists of spacious and comfortable gondolas which allows passengers to sit back and enjoy their ride to the top. The 10-minute ascent between Awana Station and SkyAvenue Station, unfolds views of scenic landscapes.
2Skyworlds Theme Park
Spread across 26 acres and composed of nine themed sections, Skyworlds Theme Park offers visitors a world of excitement, adventure, and entertainment. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters and heart-stopping drop towers to family-friendly attractions and interactive experiences, Skyworlds showcases a unique blend of technology, storytelling, and creativity, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages.
3Chin Swee Caves Temple
Skip the loud attractions at Genting Highlands and head straight to Chin Swee Caves Temple, a place of worship and tranquility. Dedicated to Buddhist teachings and known for their intricate sculptures and architectural beauty, these caves allow visitors to explore the various prayer halls and pavilions, each adorned with intricately crafted statues and murals depicting Buddhist deities and teachings.
4SkyAvenue Shopping Mall
Located in the SkyAvenue station atop Genting Highlands, this shopping mall covers over 80,000 square meters of retail space and is home to a wide range of shops, from high-end luxury brands to popular local and international retailers. The mall also has a number of restaurants and a food court for you to indulge in a culinary adventure, offering a variety of local and international cuisines.
5Genting Casino
One of the largest casinos in Southeast Asia, Genting Casino is also the only licensed gambling spot in Malaysia, on land. The casino boasts a wide range of games, including traditional favorites such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a variety of modern slot machines and electronic gaming machines. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, there is something for everyone at Genting Casino.
Best time to visit Genting Highlands
The best time to visit Genting Highlands is during the dry season between March-September when the weather is relatively cooler and less humid, making the outdoors more comfortable. Another thing to consider is that Genting Highlands is a popular tourist destination, so it’s best to avoid weekends and public holidays when the crowds are larger and prices are higher.
Genting Highlands operation hours
Genting Highlands is open throughout the year, 24/7. Attraction specific timings are mentioned above under the section ‘Genting Highlands - In a nutshell - Operation hours’.
Getting there
- By bus: Regular bus services are available from Kuala Lumpur at ticket prices between MYR 5-12, depending on the boarding location. Genting Express is the official bus service to Awana SkyCentral, dropping you off either directly to Mushroom Farm Terminal (summit) or Awana SkyCentral (Gohtong Jaya).
- By car: Drive takes about an hour from the base to the peak, covering a distance of 35 km. The seemingly slow drive is due to the windy and steep mountain road that starts from the base of Genting Highlands. There is ample parking available at the destination.
- By cable car: The Genting cable car is an aerial gondola lift system that takes visitors to the summit in 10 minutes (depending on the weather) and each gondola can accommodate 10 passengers. Rides occur daily from 7AM - 12 AM from Awana Skycentral Complex.
- By train: The nearest train station is the Gohtong Jaya Station, from where you can take a taxi or shuttle service to the resort.
- By taxi: Taxis are regularly available from major cities (like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore) to Genting Highlands.
Restaurants nearby
Craving authentic Ethiopian cuisine? Head to Ambasha Restaurant and indulge in flavorful dishes like injera (spongy Ethiopian bread) with doro wat (spicy chicken stew) or vegetarian options like gomen (collard greens) and kik alicha (yellow split pea stew).
This restaurant is a must-visit for hotpot enthusiasts! They offer a wide selection of fresh and quality ingredients like premium meats, seafood, and vegetables. Don't miss their handmade fish tofu and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef slices.
Satiate your palate with some quality Chinese cuisine, particularly their authentic Peking Duck, expertly prepared with crispy skin and tender meat. Don't miss their other delectable dishes like xiao long bao and stir-fried noodles.
Craving Indian garlic naan and butter chicken? Head to Babjia for flavorful options of Indian dishes, including vegetarian too. Don't miss their refreshing mango lassi for a perfect taste of India.
A hidden gem for dimsums, at Wanhoi Yamch’a the dumplings are steamed to perfection and come with a variety of fillings including shrimp, pork, and chicken. Don't miss their delectable Siew Mai and flavorful Char Siew Bao.
FAQs
Commuting within Genting is easy since all hotels, shopping malls and theme parks are connected by sheltered walkways and escalators.
Sky Venture: Experience the thrill of freefalling through the sky, in a skydiving wind tunnel.
Stars Archery: Challenge your friends and family for a one-on-one archery battle at Malaysia’s largest indoor archery stadium.
Rock climbing at X-pedition: Let your kids embrace their adventurous side with the 50 feet indoor high wall marked with uneven boulders.
Snow World: Cozy up in your woolens and head to Snow World where temperatures are as low as -3℃, allowing you to play in snow, build snowmen, or even go ice skating.
The legal gambling age is 21 years and above.
Smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas.
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons to avoid long queues and disappointment.
Yes, try the local speciality Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice dish and the refreshing ABC (air batu campur) dessert.
