Genting Highlands is one of the most popular and premier destinations near Kuala Lumpur. Its proximity to the capital city makes it accessible and attractive for families and travelers to visit for a day because it’s less than an hour’s drive away.
But to enjoy everything Genting Highlands has to offer, from family-friendly activities like theme parks, shopping malls, and playgrounds to nature and scenic attractions, we recommend making it a weekend trip!
Why? You’ll find out shortly, so keep reading, and let’s start the adventure!
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Where is Genting Highlands?
Genting Highlands is one of the hill stations located within the Titiwangsa Mountains. It is situated on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali, boasting an elevation of 5,709 feet (1,740 meters). Genting Highlands is on the border between the states of Pahang and Selangor in Malaysia, approximately 36 miles (58 kilometers) northeast of Kuala Lumpur.
Why Visit Genting Highlands?
Genting Highlands is a premier destination for glamorous activities like luxury shopping, outstanding concert shows, casinos, and awesome theme parks. It’s a resort, hotel, and theme park all in one and the home to Malaysia’s only licensed and registered gambling casino. The resort also offers cultural attractions like the Chin Swee Caves Temple and unique experiences like the Awana SkyWay cable car.
Aside from the variety of attractions you can enjoy, Genting Highlands is also popular for its cool temperature, a refreshing escape from the city’s hot and humid climate. All that glamor and cool temperature, paired with scenic views from nature, offers visitors the ultimate blend of relaxation and entertainment.
What’s the Weather in Genting Highlands?
Due to its elevation, the temperatures in Genting Highlands are quite a bit lower than in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
When we visited in July 2024, the temperature was only 70°F (21°C). The weather changed a lot during the time we were there. One minute we were literally walking through clouds while the next minute the skies were blue.
How to Get to Genting Highlands from KL?
There are a few ways to get to Genting Highlands from KL:
- By Bus: The most affordable option is to take a bus from KL Sentral to the Awana Genting Bus Terminal. You can check the bus schedule to Genting Highlands here.
- By Car: If you prefer something more private, you can drive there and enjoy the road trip. It’s only about an hour’s (or less) drive, and you can admire the scenery along the way.
- By booking a day trip: For a seamless travel experience without worrying about the commute or drive, book a Genting Highlands Day Trip. A driver will pick you up from your hotel, giving you enough time to explore the cool paradise, then drop you off at your hotel or residence once your excursion ends.
The road leading up to Genting Highlands is very windy, and if you (or someone in your family) get carsick easily, be prepared. We gave our daughter an anti-car-sickness tablet before we left home, but she still ended up throwing up. It’s a good thing we always carry air-sickness bags and wet wipes when taking our car.
The Best Time to Visit Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands has a cool and pleasant climate year-round, so you can visit anytime. But if you want to avoid large crowds and higher accommodation prices, the best time to visit is during the off-peak seasons (March to May and September to November).
Should you go during the peak season, make sure to arrive in the morning. When we visited, we arrived around 10 am, which was still very quiet. We headed to Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park after lunch and never waited for more than 15 minutes for an attraction. When we left around 4 pm, the queues were getting longer and it got a lot busier all around Genting Highlands.
Things to Do in Genting Highlands
Unmissable Theme Parks and Exciting Attractions in Genting
1. Get the ultimate theme park experience at Genting SkyWorlds
Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park was the most anticipated addition to Genting Highlands Resort since its first announcement in 2013. This massive theme park packs a load of entertainment and excitement for families and adventurers who dare enter its world. It features 26 rides and attractions in various Hollywood themes, such as Planet of the Apes, Ice Age, Rio, Night at the Museum, Independence Day, and more! The fun and family-friendly themes will keep everyone entertained and returning for more.
2. Experience endless fun at Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park
The fun never stops at Genting Highlands when you visit the Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park. Get ready for another set of exciting rides and attractions in this indoor theme park, welcome to guests of all ages. From classic rides like the merry-go-round and spinning tea cups to heartstopping rides including the Sky Towers, Power Surge, Spin Crazy, and Disco! Skytropolis is a must-experience for anyone looking for an awesome time!
3. Embrace the chill at Genting Winter Wonderland
Experience the joy of falling snow and chilling cold weather at Genting Winter Wonderland, where every day is Christmas Day! Winter Wonderland is located in the Central Parks zone, where you can spot a giant and beautifully decorated Christmas tree, perfect for an Instagram photo! Go on a dreamy stroll down Liberty Lane and watch the twinkling lights and falling snow. You might even catch a special show or performance by Santa’s elves as you roam around. Sing along and dance with them as they perform top Christmas hits and carols for your entertainment.
4. Enter the world of wonder in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium
Discover odd artifacts in themed galleries featured at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium. Step into the world of unusual and odd things, places, stories, and people and prepare for an unbelievable experience in this one-of-a-kind museum at Genting Highlands. Explore the Luckiest Room, admire the world’s luckiest collection of charms, and enjoy the interactive displays of wax figures, artifacts, statues, and photos with high-tech special effects that amaze you!
5. Explore Ripley’s Adventureland featuring Jurassic wonders, amazing 4D art tricks, and thrilling Zombie Outbreaks
More from Ripley’s Believe Or Not!, Ripley’s Adventureland gives you the ultimate rollercoaster experience with crazy attractions. Do you fear the living dead? Fight for your survival at the Zombie Outbreak as you outrun the horde of zombies chasing after you! Race for adrenaline and take the #1 spot at GP Meta Kart; also, welcome kids to join. Conquer the world of dinosaurs when you visit the Jurassic Research Center and meet a life-size T-Rex and Brachiosaurus. There’s more, so don’t miss the 4D Trick Art Museum, Infinity Room, and Jungle Gym when you visit Ripley’s Adventureland!
6. Enjoy star-studded performances at Arena of Stars
Arena of Stars is Malaysia’s go-to venue for concert shows and world-class events. Catch A-list performances from your favorite celebrities and artists in this 45,000 sq. ft. amphitheater with a capacity of 5,132 seats. It features loading bays, handicap seats, full concert-grade sound & lighting equipment, a VIP lounge, Well-fitted dressing rooms, Quick-change rooms, and a VIP toilet.
Scenic Spots and Natural Wonders of Genting
1. Soar above the clouds while riding the Genting Awana SkyWay Cable Car
Genting Awana SkyWay Cable Car is your ticket to the sky as you enjoy a 10-minute gondola cable car ride to SkyAvenue Station. The cable car ride is worth it for the mesmerizing and chilly scenic view of the century-old rainforest. Relish in the beauty of nature while taking in the picturesque landscape of the misty mountains, an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
We parked our car at the Premium Outlet Shopping Centre and got ourselves a 2-way cable car ticket. Not only is it much more convenient when you’re traveling with a kid that suffers from car sickness, it’s also a fun ride!
TIP: Get the priority ticket! It was definitely worth the extra money, as it meant we could skip the entire queue. Going up in the morning was fine, but the queue was super long when we wanted to go back down, so we were happy we paid a few bucks extra for the priority ticket!
2. Serenity and Spirituality at Chin Swee Caves Temple
On the way to Genting Highlands via the cable car, there’s a stop called Chin Swee Station where you can alight to explore the Chin Swee Caves Temple. This Buddhist temple should be part of your itinerary and is one of the highlights of visiting Genting. It has a nine-story pagoda, which you can climb to the top to reach an unblocked view of the surroundings. A perfect sanctuary to immerse yourself in the serenity and spirituality of the temple. There’s also a giant Buddha statue, a pond with turtles, and plenty of Chinese goods for sale.
3. Honor the visionary Lim Goh Tong in his Memorial Hall
Lim Goh Tong Memorial Hall stands within a private park in Genting to honor the late Tan Sri Dato Seri Lim Goh Tong. Lim Goh Tong is the founder of Genting Highlands and a well-known wealthy businessman and entrepreneur. In his Memorial Hall, you’ll see Goh Tong’s wooden sculpture sitting on a bed of flowers near his tomb. In the background is a beautiful landscape of the Genting Highlands, a reminder of how he transformed the once-barren hill into one of the world’s most successful hotel resorts and casinos.
4. Visit Colmar Tropicale for a taste of France in Malaysia
Want to experience life in France? Now, you don’t have to leave the country! Colmar Tropicale is a medieval French village-themed hotel resort in Bukit Tinggi near Genting Highlands. It’s inspired by the town named after it in France, with cobblestone streets filled with French cafes, a French bakery, charming boutique shops, art galleries, and more. Bon voyage!
Experience Extravagance: Genting’s Premier Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment
1. Shop in style at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets
Looking to satisfy your shopping needs? Make sure to stop by the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, a true shopper’s paradise for designer and luxury brands like Michael Kors, Armani, and Karl Lagerfeld. Whatever you’re looking for they have it, from accessories and jewelry and gifts and specialty items to home furnishings, shoes, and food. They also have kid-friendly stores like Toy World, Animation World, ANTA Kids, Cotton On: Kids, etc.
2. Go on family-friendly dates like shopping, bowling, and watching the cinema at SkyAvenue
SkyAvenue is a popular destination for families and travelers who want to enjoy the vibrant mall life and lively atmosphere. It features many major brands and diverse dining options. It is great if you want to try new food and indulge in different cuisines. The complex is also home to the famous Ripley’s Adventureland, plus other entertainment facilities like a cinema, a bowling alley, pubs, and bars.
3. Gamble away at SkyCasino
SkyCasino, Genting’s largest casino and first-ever legal casino in Malaysia offers tourists and locals a fabulous gaming space. It has two levels and houses 400 electronic tables, 3000 slot machines, and other table games like Black Jack, Baccarat, and Roulette. There is a third level, but it is exclusive to members with a Silver Card and above.
Where to Stay in Genting Highlands (for Families)?
Complete your Genting Highlands weekend trip by staying at the World’s #1 Biggest Hotel, Resorts World Genting – First World Hotel. The First World Hotel puts the “lux” in deluxe with luxurious amenities like fine-dining restaurants, fitness gyms, and spa and wellness centers. Don’t forget the casinos, outdoor and indoor theme parks, shopping malls, and cinemas that provide non-stop entertainment for every visitor and family. The hotel also offers a variety of rooms suitable for small or big families, with spacious bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces fit for a family getaway!
Is Genting Highlands Worth Visiting?
YES, YES, YES!
As you wrap up your journey through Genting Highlands, it’s easy to see why this destination is an absolute must-visit. The combination of thrilling theme parks, luxurious shopping, and breathtaking natural beauty ensures that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re riding high on the Awana SkyWay, exploring the oddities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, or savoring the serenity at Chin Swee Caves Temple, every moment spent here is filled with excitement and discovery.
The cool, refreshing climate offers a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it an ideal getaway. From the vibrant SkyCasino to the enchanting Winter Wonderland, Genting Highlands promises a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. So pack your bags and set your sights on this hilltop paradise – an unforgettable experience awaits you at Genting Highlands!
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