Genting Highlands Pahang Malaysia is one of the premier tourist destinations in Malaysia attractions millions of visitors from across the world as well as Malaysia. Genting is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur which makes it a very popular destination for a day trip or a weekend break for the entire family. Covering a distance of 80 km on an uphill climb makes it popular for bike riders and sports car owners who speed up the winding road leading to the casinos.
Public holidays and school holidays are jam-packed with thousands of people travelling from Malaysia as well as Singapore. Whether you are travelling solo or visiting Genting Highlands with family, there is plenty to do for everyone.
Quick Facts about Genting Highland Malaysia
Driving distance between Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands: 80km - One hour drive from KL
Attractions in Genting Highlands: Casinos, Theme Park, Cable Car, Strawberry Farms, Indoor Theme Park (Skytropolis) - Newly opened outdoor theme park
Tickets: Buy GoGenting Package RM50 (includes bus transfer, skyway + Indoor theme park + buffet lunch at First World: Buy at Utama, KL Sentral
The First World Hotel is one of the largest in the world with more than 7351+ rooms, making it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Genting is host to world-class shows, performances and concerts.
There are plenty of mid-week activities, encouraging people to travel and stay at Genting Casinos. First World offers amazing mid-week deals, as low as $20 per night which can reach up to $150 per night on the weekends. I have stayed at the First World Hotel a couple of times and enjoyed great rates with a 14-day advance purchase on Agoda.com. I highly recommend staying at this amazing establishment.
Visting Genting Highlands Malaysia
How to Travel To Genting Highlands from Kuala Lumpur?
Self-driving tour from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands Malaysia
Genting Highlands is easily accessible by car, bus or taxi. Most people book rent a taxi or charter a car which can cost up to RM 500 depending upon the group size. Travelling by Bus can be a relatively cheaper option, however, it can take more time and you will not be able to explore many other interesting places on the way.
Driving to Genting Highlands from Kuala Lumpur City
During my visits to Malaysia, I normally rent a car from KLIA2. Long-term rentals in Malaysia are quite cheap and give you an amazing opportunity to explore some off the beaten locations that are not easily accessible by public transport. Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands is definitely one of the best and most enjoyable drives.
I have also driven from Kuala Lumpur to Batang Kali and then to Gohtong Jaya heading out to Genting Highlands. I suggest stopping over in Ghotong Jaya for snacks or Teh Tarik.
Travelling by Bus to Genting Highlands
The bus is the easiest and cheapest way to get to and back from Genting Highlands The buses operate from the top floor of KL Sentral. The return ticket to casinos is subsidized by casinos and costs RM 10. The buses will drop you at the bottom of the cable car station near Ghotong Jaya. The last bus departs from Genting around 10 pm. If you miss your bus, you can book a taxi or GRAB which will cost around RM 150.
You can also catch a bus from the Puduraya bus terminal ( frequency is every 30 minutes), from KL central station: (half-hourly and hourly), Venetian Pasarakyat (half-hourly and hourly) Gombak ( half-hourly and hourly).
I normally rent a car from KL International Airport and explore the Berjaya Hills and Genting Highlands Area by myself. The road condition is amazing and it is very easy to drive from Kuala Lumpur to Genting. Make sure to start early and arrive late in the evening to avoid peak weekday traffic in Kuala Lumpur. The traffic quickly picks up around 7 am and it is very difficult to drive in the city.
Renting a taxi from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands
A taxi ride will take around an hour and should cost you around RM 200 from the city. A return day trip can be organized for around RM 400-500 depending upon the type of vehicle. The premier taxis (blue coloured SUVs) are comparatively cheaper. Make sure to rent a new vehicle as the road from KL to Genting Highlands is very steep and older cars can heat up or break down. The best way to explore if you are travelling with family or a large group is to Book a tour .
Genting Strawberry & Lavendar Garden as Gohtong Jaya
The first stop on the way to Genting Highlands is the small town of Gohtong Jaya where the cable car base station is located. The famous Genting Strawberry and Lavender Gardens are located in Gohtong Jaya. You can pick strawberries at the gardens by paying 8RM for 100 grams. The gardens have a speciality store, gift shop and a cafe. Allocate yourself one hour to explore this location before heading on to the Awana Cable Car.
TIPI recommend that you find the parking in First World Hotel if you are travelling for a day. The parking used to be free a couple of years ago. You will have to pay RM 6 per hour. Make sure to take a note of the floor where you parked a car, otherwise it will be nightmare locating your car in the lot.
During one of my trips, I exited towards Ipoh instead of Kuantan and ended up in Batang Kali. This is an alternative way to drive to Genting Highlands if you are driving from the North. The road is well maintained and merges at Ghotong Jaya. The Awana Skyways Cable Car Station is located at Gohtong Jaya. The bus service from Kuala Lumpur Terminates at the Cable Car Station where travellers use Awana Skyway to travel to Awana Sky Central. The shopping outlets are also located near Gohtong Jaya.
Awana Skycentral is a hub of shopping outlets, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues.
All-you-can-eat buffet at AwanaSky Central
Hotels in Genting Highlands?
Looking for a hotel in Genting Highlands? There are plenty of options at all price ranges. If you are looking for an experience to remember, try booking your stay at the First World Hotel with over 7531 rooms and amazing views of Kuala Lumpur on a clear day. For First World Hotel , book way in advance as most of the time rooms are not available on short notice.
The lobby of the First World Hotel in Genting Highlands
Some of the best Genting Highlands Hotels are located at the casinos including Awana Resort, First World Hotel, Maxims and Genting Highlands Resorts. Other notable Genting Highland Hotel include Swiss Garden Hotel and Residences & Grand Ion Deleman
Looking for Budget Hotels in Genting Highlands?
For price-conscious travellers, I suggest exploring hotels in Gohtong Jaya which is the last stopover before the main casino area in Genting Highlands. During my last visit in late 2019, I observed that a number of new 3 stars hotels as well as serviced apartments are available in the area. This neighbourhood has received a facelift and looks much clears and more modern.
Hotels in Ghotong Jaya are a relatively cheaper option and there is a number of cheap food outlets, cafes, Starbucks and a service station in addition to other basic amenities. If you are travelling on a budget and exploring this region for a couple of days, Gohtong Jaya is definitely a great option.
Recommended Hotel in Gohtong Jaya: Scapes Hotel
Handy Tip: Check Mid-Week Rates for First World Hotel Genting where you can get mid-week specials for under USD $20 per night.
Awana Resort Genting Highlands
First World Hotel offers great deals mid-week (off-peak season) where you can rent a deluxe room for under $20. Compare best hotel rates from top search engines . Other options available in this area include:
I have stayed at First World Hotel several times in the last 5 years and always booked a room online. The automatic machines in the lobby of the hotel can issue hotel check-in cards. In peak holiday season the waiting time can be a couple of hours if you want to make a booking over the counter.
A new shopping Mall at Awana Resort is a great place for shopping at Genting Highlands
What are some of the best things to do in Genting Highlands?
Awana Cable Car
Awana Cable Car is one of the major attractions in Genting Highlands. Awana Cable Car has recently replaced the old chairlift. The Skyway Station is located in Ghotong Jaya which is also the stopover for the buses to Genting Highlands. The Cable car is an amazing way to enjoy the scenic views of the Highlands. The ticket price for a return ride is RM 9. The Cable covers a distance of 2.6 KM with an altitude of 620M. Check prices online.
Strawberry & Lavender Park
Strawberry and Lavender Park are located in Ghotong Jaya near the Skyway Cable Car terminal. The entry fee for the adult is RM 15. Children entry fee is RM 10. You can also pick strawberries from the farm at 8RM/ 100 grams which will be packed for you at the exit. There are a number of other stalls selling locally produced honey, lavender products and health products. This is an interesting experience to enjoy if you are travelling with kids. 
The Chateau
The Chateau is a five-star luxury resort ideally located at a driving distance from Genting Highlands. The area is generally called Bukit Tinggi and other places of interest include Tropicale Colmar a French Styled Village. Japanese Garden is also another worth visiting location in the same area. Book a stay at The Chateau to enjoy an amazing break from the noisy and hectic life of Kuala Lumpur.
Casinos
Try your luck at some of the best casinos including Maxims, Genting Resort, First World, Genting Grand and Awana. Genting Highlands attract large crowds on the weekend. Group tours from Singapore are popular during holiday season. Spend a weekend at Genting to enjoy the casinos and concerts. 
Tropicale Colmar Bukit Tinggi
Skytropolis Theme Park
A recent addition to the indoor entertainment is "Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park" which offers unlimited thrill rides for a flat rate of 90RM. Multiple day passes can be bought to enjoy two full days for fun-packed thrill rides ranging from the roller coaster, ziplines, Power Surge, Bumper Boss, Skin Crazy and Sky Towers and lots more. The rides are designed for kids of all age groups. Weekends are very busy therefore, it is recommended to travel mid-week to get the best out of your trip to Genting. 
Shopping
SkyAvenue Genting offers a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment outlets in Genting Highlands. The majority of shops, restaurants, and cafes within this four-storey shopping mall are open between 10:00 and 22:00, while entertainment outlets,
- Visiting Casinos (Awana, Maxims, First World, Genting Highlands Resort)
- Exploring indoor and outdoor theme parks with children
- Attending world-class shows and performances in the Arena of Stars
- Visit Lavender and Strawberry Farms
- Shopping at world-class shopping outlets at Awana Resort and Ghotong Jaya
- Visit Bukit Tinggi & Tropicale Colmar
- Visiting Genting Garden - Genting Japanese Gardens in Bukit Tinggi
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