Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristGetting there
Genting Highlands is just one hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur and is well serviced by a fast train that takes less than 30 minutes to reach the ‘City of Entertainment’. There is also the Go Genting Express Bus that leaves from several bus terminals throughout Kuala Lumpur every 30 minutes or on the hour. A helicopter service is also available for those who can afford to indulge in this exclusive service! An additional, and more realistic option for those seeking some freedom to explore the wider area, is to travel by car from Kuala Lumpur up to the resort yourself.
Situated 2000 meters above sea level, the journey to the resort ends at ground level and continues on the Genting Skyway from the skyway station in Gohtong Jaya town. From here passengers climb aboard the longest and fastest skyway system in South East Asia to cover the last 3.8 kilometers up the mountain peak to Genting Highlands holiday resort, in just 11 minutes. This impressive cable car system also provides breathtaking views of the forested valley below.
 |
A breathtaking jungle landscape (pictured) leads intrepid visitors from the ground-level car park up to the fabulous Genting Resort, a recommended MalaysiaExplorer.net top-pick resort for luxury, entertainment, scenery and everything in between. |
| Find out about the award |
The Resort
Also known as Resort World Genting, Genting Highlands is Malaysia’s family-friendly and low cost entertainment hub located on the summit of a mountain peak within the Titiwangsa mountain range. Here visitors will find theme parks, entertaining activities, casinos and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Genting Highlands is therefore particularly well suited to those in search of amusements, entertainment and gambling vacations. Some travelers prefer nature escapades or beachside relaxation, but the the bright lights of Genting hold universal appeal to fun loving holidaymakers.
 |
Things to see & do: Casinos
For the gaming enthusiast there is three casinos to choose from: the Monte Carlo Casino (also the largest); the Hollywood Casino (in the Genting Highlands Hotel); and the StarWorld Casino (in the First World Hotel). The casinos are open 24 hours a day and only those 21 or older are permitted access. There is officially a ‘smart casual’ dress code but this is often relaxed to casual. The casinos each have designated non-smoking areas and drinking is not allowed within the casinos’ premises, however, the refreshments and food on offer are high quality and more then compensate. Slot machines are to be found around every corner, and popular Chinese games including pai gow and tai sai can also be played as well as old favorites baccarat and roulette. Poker is not widespread at the casinos, although there are video poker machines in the International Room exclusively reserved for foreign travelers.
Theme Parks
The theme parks are another major attraction in Genting Highlands, where families with children can delight in the countless outdoor and indoor amusements. Water fans will delight in choosing from an outdoor water park and a heated indoor splash pool!
The outdoor theme park has all sorts of entertaining infrastructure, including popular family rides such as the Rolling Thunder Mine Train, the double loop Corkscrew, the Flying Dragon and the Cyclone for the more daring. For those who prefer less adrenaline-pumping rides the mini train and the monorail provide sightseeing rides and the Tea Cup and Flying Jumbo are more suitable for smaller children.
The First World Plaza indoor theme park is the most recent and modern park in Genting Highlands Resort and boasts six themed areas. These are inspired from cities around the world including America with the Times Square and Universal Walk; France with the Champs Elysees; Switzerland with the Swiss Alps; England with London; and Malaysia with the Genting Walk. These all feature unique and entertaining rides suitable for the whole family.
Dining
Full dining is widely available throughout the resort, but from our experience choices can be of variable quality and are often somewhat expensive. There are many fast food chains at Genting Highlands, for example, but pricing can be twice as high as anywhere else in Malaysia. The Penang Food Village is one choice we recommend as far as prices and quality goes. Try out the prawn noodles and the Penang Fried Kway Teow for an authentic but tasty dish!
Where to stay
There is no shortage of accommodation in Genting, with 10,000 rooms catering for any budget. During the low season and mid-week, rooms can be very low-priced and readily available, whilst during the high season the hotels fill up quickly. It is important to keep in mind that the hotel rooms do not have central heating and due to Genting’s altitude they can get quite cool at night. Packing some warm pajamas is a sufficient measure! An internal walkway system allows visitors to get around the resort without having to step outside when the temperatures drop.
Climate
The climate in Genting Highlands can vary considerably in contrast to Kuala Lumpur due to its altitude of 2000 meters. The temperature is 5 to 10° cooler than the capital and while it can range from 15 to 25° Celsius during the day, temperatures drop at nighttime. On rainy days the mountain peak in Genting Highlands is cloaked with clouds blocking the stunning views and the temperature can fall to zero. One useful measure is to check weather reports regularly and pack a versatile suitcase. Otherwise, get out and about to soak up all of Genting’s entertaining sights and sounds!
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts at Genting Highlands with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Genting Highlands with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Double click the map below to zoom in on Genting Highlands, and double right-click to zoom out!
Photo Credits: williamnyk and octal
