GENTING HIGHLANDS
Genting Highlands is a vibrant resort city nestled high in the Titiwangsa Mountains, offering a cool retreat from the tropical heat. This “City of Entertainment” is famous for its theme parks, casinos, and high-altitude leisure activities.
It’s a world-class destination that blends natural mountain beauty with modern attractions. From thrilling rides and luxury shopping to dense rainforest trails, it provides a unique and exciting experience for all visitors.
Most Popular Attractions
Theme Parks & Thrills:
Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park: A massive outdoor theme park featuring nine movie and adventure-inspired “worlds” with over 26 rides and attractions.
Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park: An all-weather indoor park located in First World Plaza, offering family-friendly rides and arcade games.
First World Plaza: A central entertainment hub with shopping, dining, and direct access to the indoor theme park.
Genting Bowl: A modern bowling center offering a fun leisure activity for groups and families.
Snow World: An indoor attraction featuring snow, sledding, and cold-weather scenery in the tropical climate.
Vision City Video Games Park: A large arcade and gaming area within the resort complex.
BigTop Video Games Park: Another major arcade featuring a wide selection of modern and classic games.
The Void: A highly immersive virtual reality experience based on popular movie franchises.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium: A museum showcasing hundreds of unusual artifacts and interactive exhibits.
Jurassic Research Centre: An interactive exhibit where visitors can learn about and view life-sized dinosaur models.
Leisure & Entertainment:
Genting Casino: Malaysia’s primary and most famous casino, offering a wide array of table games and slot machines.
Awana SkyWay Gondola Cable Car: A scenic 10-minute ride offering stunning panoramic views of the Titiwangsa rainforest as you ascend/descend.
Genting Highlands Premium Outlets (GPO): A large outlet mall located at the mid-hill point, offering designer and branded goods at discounted prices.
Chin Swee Caves Temple: A majestic Taoist temple complex nestled on a rugged, forested slope, offering beautiful architecture and serene views.
Genting International Showroom: A venue that hosts world-class concerts, shows, and performances.
SkyAvenue: A trendy lifestyle mall at the peak, featuring high-end retail, diverse dining options, and entertainment.
Genting Strawberry Leisure Farms: A farm located on the way up, where visitors can pick fresh strawberries and enjoy floral gardens.
Resorts World Genting: The primary resort complex comprising multiple hotels, entertainment, and shopping areas.
Nature & Golf:
Awana Golf & Country Resort: A renowned 18-hole golf course offering a challenging game with cool mountain backdrops.
Genting SkyWay: The older cable car system, which offers an alternative route and different views of the mountain.
Highlands Mushroom Farm: A small farm where various mushrooms are grown and sold, often including an educational tour.
Waterfall at Awana: A small, accessible waterfall near the Awana resort area, popular for a quick nature break.
Activities & Experiences
Experience Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park: Spend a day at the highly anticipated outdoor theme park, featuring nine unique “worlds” based on movies and adventure, with thrilling rides and attractions.
Ride the Awana SkyWay Gondola: Take a scenic ride in a state-of-the-art gondola lift, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Titiwangsa Mountains and the 130-million-year-old rainforest canopy below.
Visit Chin Swee Caves Temple: Explore this magnificent Taoist temple complex nestled on a rocky, forested slope. It features a stunning pagoda, a majestic Buddha statue, and panoramic views.
Try Your Luck at the Casino de Genting: Visit Malaysia’s only legal land-based casino, offering a wide array of gaming tables and slot machines across multiple floors.
Explore Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park: Enjoy over 20 rides and attractions suitable for all ages in this massive indoor park, perfect for a rainy or cold day.
Go Strawberry Picking at Genting Strawberry Leisure Farms: Wander through the cool-climate farm and pick your own fresh strawberries, along with visiting the lavender and mushroom gardens.
Catch a Show or Concert at Arena of Stars: Check the schedule for major concerts, international performances, and sporting events held at this iconic indoor venue.
Go Shopping at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets (GHPO): Hunt for deals on designer brands and high-street fashion at the hill-top open-air outlet mall.
Enjoy a Meal with a View at a High-Altitude Restaurant: Dine at one of the many restaurants offering spectacular views, especially around the First World Complex or SkyAvenue.
Hike to the Highest Peak: For the adventurous, explore the short trails and enjoy the crisp mountain air. While the resort area is easily accessible, surrounding nature offers walking opportunities.
Explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and the Museum of Wonders: Visit the unique attractions and exhibits for a fun, quirky, and family-friendly experience.
Local Tips & Transport
Getting to Genting Highlands: The primary way to reach the resort area is via a car (rental, taxi, or ride-share) or an express bus service from Kuala Lumpur (KL) or KL International Airport (KLIA). The drive from KL takes about an hour.
SkyWay Terminal Transfer: Most buses and cars terminate at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets (GHPO) or the Awana SkyWay Station. From here, you take the gondola up to the main resort area (SkyAvenue/First World Hotel).
Awana SkyWay: The gondola is the most popular and scenic way to ascend. It runs frequently, but lines can be long during peak weekends and holidays. You can purchase a standard or glass-floor cabin ticket.
Public Transport within the Resort: The main resort complexes are connected via indoor walkways, escalators, and, in some cases, the SkyWay system. The distance between the hotels, theme parks, and SkyAvenue is easily covered on foot.
Direct Access (No Gondola): A smaller number of buses and taxis will drive directly up the mountain to the hotels, bypassing the SkyWay, but this route can be slower and more winding.
Pack Warm Clothes: Despite Malaysia’s tropical climate, Genting Highlands is located at over 1,800$ meters above sea level. Temperatures are significantly cooler (often between 14ºC and 25ºC), and it can be quite cold and misty, especially in the evenings. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
Check Weather and Theme Park Status: Genting’s weather can be unpredictable, with frequent fog and rain. Always check the operational status of Genting SkyWorlds (the outdoor park) as some rides may close due to weather conditions.
Peak Season Caution: Genting is a popular domestic getaway. Weekends, Malaysian public holidays, and school holidays will see very large crowds, long queues for the SkyWay, and high demand for accommodation and theme park tickets. Consider visiting on a weekday for a better experience.
The Casino Dress Code: While generally casual, the main gaming floors of the Casino de Genting have a casual smart dress code. Beachwear, shorts, singlets, and flip-flops are often prohibited. You must be 21 years or older to enter.
Hidden Gems:
- The Zen Garden at Chin Swee Temple: A peaceful spot with beautiful landscaping, miniature rock formations, and pagodas, offering a tranquil escape from the main resort buzz.
- Mushroom Farm: A less-visited spot near the strawberry farm where you can see different fungi being cultivated and try some unique mushroom-based dishes.
- Genting Street of Stars: A walk of fame in SkyAvenue, featuring handprints and autographs of local and international celebrities who have performed at the resort.
Altitude Effects: While not extremely high, the change in altitude can sometimes cause minor discomfort for sensitive individuals. Take it easy upon arrival, and drink plenty of water.
Top Restaurants
Madam Kwan’s Sky Avenue Genting Highlands [$10-$20] – A delightful haven for authentic Malaysian cuisine, emphasizing a commitment to traditional recipes like Nasi Lemak and Curry Laksa in a comfortable setting.
Malaysian Food Street [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but an indoor street food concept offering a good alternative to eat Malaysian delicacies at affordable prices, replicating a bustling street market atmosphere.
Loong Kee Gohtong Jaya [$10-$25] – A highly recommended, slightly more local Chinese-Malaysian restaurant in Gohtong Jaya known for its excellent dishes like yam ring with sweet and sour pork, and fresh river prawns.
Chuan Kie Restaurant (Gohtong Jaya) [$10-$20] – A popular spot in Gohtong Jaya for delicious Malaysian-Chinese dishes, including favorites like braised pork with taro and fried Japanese tofu.
Restoran Dai Guan Hill (Gohtong Jaya) [$10-$20] – Offers authentic Chinese cuisine with stunning hilltop views, well-regarded for its traditional flavors and local following in the Gohtong Jaya area.
Ah Guang Lamb Pot [$15-$30] – Specializes in exquisite lamb dishes, particularly its signature lamb pot, perfect for a warming meal in the cool highland air.
Tampopo [$15-$30] – Originating from Singapore, this Japanese restaurant offers a comforting dining experience with classic Japanese dishes such as various ramens, beef curry udon, and tempura.
LeNu Chef Wai’s Noodle Bar @ SkyAvenue Genting Highlands [$10-$20] – A favorite for Chinese-style noodles, particularly known for its slow-cooked, flavorful beef broth and fresh ingredients.
Spice Garden [$10-$20] – Caters to those craving savoury, flavourful Indian curries and also offers pure vegetarian Indian food options.
Santai Yamch’a Sky Avenue, GENTING HIGHLAND [$10-$20] – Offers a relaxing dining experience with a focus on ‘Yamcha,’ a casual take on dim sum and light Cantonese snacks.
Old Town White Coffee (Various Locations) [$5-$10] – A classic Malaysian chain for a quick, affordable, and authentic breakfast or snack, famous for its Ipoh White Coffee, kaya toast, and Nasi Lemak.
Kedai Makanan & Minuman Chee Gor (Gohtong Jaya) [$5-$10] – A local coffee shop find in Gohtong Jaya, serving up comforting breakfast staples like yummy wonton mee and yong tau foo.
Ali, Muthu, & Ah Hock [$8-$15] – A fun, casual spot for Malaysian favorites like Nasi Lemak, Prawn Noodles, and Roti Jala with Chicken Curry in a setting designed to evoke multicultural harmony.
The Olive [$25-$50] – Despite the Western name, this restaurant offers exquisite Malaysian cuisine in a luxurious setting, blending local flavors with a fine dining touch.
Grandmama’s (SkyAvenue) [$15-$30] – Celebrated for classic Malaysian dishes, including a must-try Nasi Lemak with crispy chicken and sambal prawns, in a warm, family-style setting.
Kheong Kee Hong Kong Street Food [$10-$20] – Presents a unique blend of Hong Kong street food flavors, notably famous for its rich herbal broth and traditional specialties.
JR Curry House [$10-$20] – A popular spot for those craving spicy and flavorful Indian curries in the cool highlands.
Beauty In The Pot @ SkyAvenue Genting Highlands [$30-$60] – A premium hotpot concept offering six invigorating, health-focused soup bases, including the famous Beauty Collagen Broth and Spicy Nourishing Broth, in an elegant, pink-themed setting.
Shu Daxia Hot Pot [$30-$50] – Provides a majestic and authentic Chengdu-style hotpot experience with traditional Chinese design and excellent mushroom and collagen broths.
Genting Garden Hotpot [$30-$60] – Offers an exceptional steamboat experience with a spectacular view, a relaxing atmosphere, and fresh, high-quality ingredients at the Highlands Hotel.
Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 at SkyAvenue Genting [$20-$40] – The world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant famous for its delicate and flavorful Xiao Long Bao (steamed pork dumplings) and traditional Chinese dim sum.
Dragon-i Peking Duck Restaurant @ SkyAvenue [$25-$50] – Specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine, particularly the famous Peking Duck, prepared with culinary tradition and modern flair.
Grand Imperial Restaurant Genting Highlands [$30-$60] – Offers high-quality authentic Cantonese cuisine and dim sum in an elegant dining room, with stunning views of the highlands.
Genting Palace [$30-$60] – Located in Resorts World Genting, this spot is known for its fine Chinese cuisine, focusing on classic Cantonese dishes in a luxurious setting.
Imperial Rama [$30-$50] – Offers a diverse culinary experience that combines Chinese and Thai flavors, making it a popular choice for an Asian fusion meal.
Crystal Restaurant [$25-$45] – Known for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine, focusing on fresh seafood and traditional Chinese cooking techniques within Resorts World Genting.
Wanhoi Yamcha (Highlands Hotel) [$20-$40] – Provides a high-quality dim sum experience, showcasing local culinary traditions with a modern flair.
Chicken Claypot House [$15-$30] – Highly regarded among locals for its excellent hot pot and flavorful claypot chicken broths, perfect for a family dinner.
Regent Chinese Cuisine [$20-$40] – A reliable choice for classic Chinese dishes and banquet-style dining, often catering to large groups and family gatherings.
Burger & Lobster Genting [$35-$60] – The first Southeast Asian outlet of the popular London chain, offering a limited but high-quality menu of burgers, lobsters, and lobster rolls.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener [$80-$150+] – A premier fine-dining experience known for its prime cuts of dry-aged beef, offering gourmet dining with breathtaking views.
The Laughing Fish by Harry Ramsden [$20-$40] – Savor authentic British flavors and globally renowned fish and chips, offering both Cod and Haddock options, at the highest level of SkyAvenue mall.
Motorino Pizzeria @ High Line [$15-$30] – Serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, known for its classic Italian flavors and simple, high-quality ingredients.
La Fiesta by Marta’s Kitchen [$20-$40] – Brings the vibrant, authentic flavors of Spain to Genting Highlands, with signature dishes like Valenciana Paella and Spanish Iberico Pork Ribs.
Palsaik Korean BBQ – SkyAvenue Genting [$25-$45] – A favorite for Korean cuisine enthusiasts, specializing in delectable pork belly cuts coated in eight different flavorful marinades.
II Lago Resorts World Genting [$30-$50] – Offers authentic Italian cuisine, including pasta and classic mains, at approximately 1,800m above sea level.
Rockafellers Kitchen + Bar Genting [$20-$40] – A popular spot offering a variety of Western and Asian dishes, perfect for a relaxed meal or enjoying a sports broadcast.
Nicsmann 1940s [$20-$40] – Offers a nostalgic dining experience with a balanced menu of Western bar staples and finger foods, amidst vintage charm.
The Olive (Genting Grand) [$50-$80] – The continental restaurant in Genting Grand, known for its selection of prime cuts of meat and a luxurious dining setting.
Tavern in the Sky [$20-$40] – While mainly known for Thai mookata steamboat, they also offer Western a la carte options, all with a scenic view from the seventh floor of Grand Ion Delemen.
Cafés Richard Coffee Terrace [$15-$30] – Offers a wide buffet spread of both Western and Asian cuisine in a bright, comfortable setting, often popular for breakfast and casual meals.
Cheeky Grind (Awana) [$10-$20] – A casual café-style spot at Resorts World Awana, offering lighter bites, coffee, and simple Western meals.
Crockfords Café [$15-$30] – Located in the ultra-luxury Crockfords Hotel, this cafe provides a refined selection of international and local favorites.
Empire [$20-$40] – A spacious restaurant offering a diverse mix of Western and Asian buffet and à la carte options, known for quality and variety.
FUHU Restaurant [$35-$60] – A groundbreaking ‘Vibe Dining’ destination by Zouk, specializing in contemporary Chinese and Asian fusion cuisine with a lively, upbeat atmosphere.
La Fiesta by Marta’s Kitchen [$15-$30] – Offers an enjoyable Spanish dining experience with an inviting ambiance, a good spot for tapas and shared plates.
Ming Chao Bar (Highline Rooftop Market) [$10-$20] – A hidden gem in the Highline area, selling affordable Sichuan dishes like Mapo Tofu and Shredded Potato alongside beers.
LTITUDE Restaurant Genting [$30-$60] – Located high above sea level, this restaurant and bar in the Genting Grand Complex offers a mix of Japanese, Thai, Western, and Asian cuisine with a sophisticated ambiance.
Chin Swee Vegetarian Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offers a unique dining experience with its panoramic views and sumptuous vegetarian Chinese cuisine, located near the Chin Swee Cave Temple.
AWANA Garden [$15-$30] – A relaxing dining spot at Resorts World Awana with beautiful garden views, serving a variety of local and international dishes.
AYU Awana [$20-$40] – Features exquisite flavors and culinary excellence at Awana, often blending local and global inspirations.
SOULed OUT Genting Highlands [$20-$40] – Known for its relaxed ambiance and a menu that merges Malaysian flavors with stunning mountain views, a good place for a casual night out.
Powerplant @ Genting SkyAvenue [$15-$30] – Offers a culinary journey where local flavors meet global inspirations in a vibrant, inviting atmosphere.
Genting 66 Corner Cafe (Gohtong Jaya) [$5-$10] – A super local, non-touristy 24-hour café in Gohtong Jaya offering a mix of local Malaysian dishes and international favorites at affordable prices, popular for its Prawn Mee.
Munakata Poke Bowl Express [$10-$20] – Offers a taste of Hawaii with fresh and healthy poke bowls, a lighter, quick option amidst the heavier mountain food.
Shubui Yakitori Bar [$15-$30] – Provides an authentic Japanese dining experience, specializing in delicious grilled yakitori skewers and other Japanese delights.
Black Canyon Coffee (SkyAvenue) [$10-$20] – A popular Thai coffee chain that also offers a decent menu of Thai and international dishes.
The Bakery (Genting Grand) [$5-$15] – Perfect for a quick bite, offering freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and light refreshments.
High Line Roof Top Market [$10-$30] – Similar to Malaysian Food Street, this is an area with various food stalls and bars, perfect for sampling different cuisines with a view.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Zouk Atrium Lounge: Located in the SkyAvenue mall, this chic spot is an extension of the famous Zouk Club, offering premium cocktails and a sophisticated lounge atmosphere for pre-club drinks or a relaxed evening.
High Line Rooftop Market: Positioned atop SkyAvenue, this venue offers a blend of dining and nightlife with several distinct bar areas. You can enjoy creative cocktails with stunning mountain and theme park views.
RedTail by Zouk: Situated in SkyAvenue, this playful and vibrant bar offers a menu of fun, Instagrammable cocktails and an array of social games like beer pong and darts, making it a great ice-breaker spot.
The Barn: Found in the SkyAvenue mall, this wine bar also features a selection of spirits and mixed drinks in a cozy, rustic setting that provides a comfortable escape from the mall’s hustle.
Genting Palace Bar: Located within Genting Grand Hotel, this more traditional bar offers classic cocktails and fine whiskies, providing a quieter, more luxurious setting ideal for business or romantic drinks.
Cloud 9: A long-standing favorite in Genting Grand Hotel, this bar is known for its live band performances, energetic atmosphere, and a wide selection of cocktails and shooters.
Burger & Lobster Bar: While primarily a restaurant in SkyAvenue, the bar area offers specialty cocktails and highballs, perfect for a drink paired with a meal or as a quick stop before heading elsewhere.
Rock Cafe: Positioned in the First World Hotel complex, this casual spot serves affordable drinks, including simple cocktails, and often features live musical acts in a more laid-back, central setting.
e-Sports Arena Bar: Located adjacent to the e-Sports venue, this modern bar focuses on casual drinks and themed cocktails, catering to a younger crowd and gaming enthusiasts in SkyAvenue.
Vision Bar: Found inside a prominent casino complex (exact location varies), this upscale bar caters to casino patrons with a menu of premium cocktails and a sophisticated, buzzing atmosphere.
Circus Lounge: A colorful and uniquely themed lounge within one of the main hotels, offering an eclectic drink menu including signature cocktails inspired by the vibrant ‘big top’ feel.
The Olive: Located within the Genting Grand Hotel, this Mediterranean-themed restaurant has a full bar offering classic cocktails and aperitifs in an elegant dining-focused environment.
Harry Ramsden’s Bar: Adjacent to the fish and chips outlet in SkyAvenue, this casual bar offers a limited but popular selection of beers and easy-drinking cocktails.
Grab & Go Bar: A high-traffic, quick-service bar located near the main escalators in SkyAvenue, offering fast, pre-mixed cocktails and simple drinks for those on the move.
Café Richard Bar: Found in SkyAvenue, this elegant French-themed café and bar serves sophisticated drinks and champagne cocktails in a chic Parisian setting.
Zouk Genting: The flagship nightclub, a cornerstone of the Genting Highlands nightlife scene, located in SkyAvenue. It is famous for hosting international DJs, spectacular light shows, and a massive, high-energy dance floor.
Empire by Zouk: An ultra-luxe, hip-hop-focused club within the SkyAvenue Zouk complex. It offers a more exclusive feel, premium bottle service, and a distinct sound compared to the main room.
RedTail Karaoke Room: While a karaoke venue located within the RedTail by Zouk complex (SkyAvenue), the private rooms feature their own bar service, creating a private club-like experience for groups.
Bierhaus (Genting Grand Area): Often featuring a lively band and a spacious dance area, this venue transforms from a casual pub into an energetic late-night spot, popular for dancing and commercial music.
The Patio Bar & Lounge (First World Hotel): A large, multi-level venue that frequently hosts themed nights and DJ sets, turning into a busy club environment on weekends with pop and commercial hits.
Arena of Stars After-Party Venue: Following major concerts (check schedule), the area surrounding the Arena of Stars often hosts temporary, pop-up club environments with large crowds, live DJs, and massive dance floors.
Genting Casino Main Bar: While not a dedicated “club,” the main bar area within the casino complex is open late and features loud, pulsating background music and a crowded, electrifying atmosphere, especially on weekends, acting as a de facto club for gamblers.
Starbucks Reserve Lounge (SkyAvenue Late Night): Some higher-end coffee locations (check specific branch) have late-night licenses and turn the music up, attracting a crowd looking for a cozier, yet busy, late-night scene with alternative drinks.
F.O.S. Club (Old Complex Area): A smaller, more classic local club often found in the older sections of the resort, known for its friendly atmosphere and playing a mix of retro and current Asian pop hits.
Midnight Groove (First World Plaza): A brightly lit, high-energy venue that plays a mix of global dance hits and commercial music, attracting a younger crowd looking for a budget-friendly party spot.
K-Pop Club: A themed dance club (location within resort varies) dedicated entirely to Korean pop music, offering a vibrant atmosphere and themed drinks popular with Asian pop culture enthusiasts.