Genting Highlands, Malaysia
Genting Highlands is a hill resort city built at about 1,800 metres on Mount Ulu Kali, conceived by businessman Lim Goh Tong in the 1960s and opened in 1971. It is home to Malaysia's only licensed land-based casino and to Resorts World Genting, one of the largest hotel complexes in the world. The cool climate, averaging 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, makes it a popular escape from the Klang Valley heat. It is also the site of Chin Swee Caves Temple, a Taoist temple built into the hillside, and is a standard overnight or day-trip stop in Indian KL packages.
Last updated: 19 Aug 2026
Places to visit
- Awana SkyWay cable car with glass-floor cabins
- Genting SkyWorlds outdoor theme park
- Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park
- SkyAvenue and Genting Highlands Premium Outlets
- Chin Swee Caves Temple
- Casino de Genting (over 21s, dress code applies)
- Arena of Stars concert venue
Unique Aspects
- Cool mountain climate and mist-covered viewpoints
- Longest cable car system in Southeast Asia by capacity
- Indoor rides and bowling for rainy days
- Strawberry and mushroom farms on the way up at Gohtong Jaya
- Indian and vegetarian restaurants inside SkyAvenue
Things to do
- Awana SkyWay cable car ride
- Theme park rides at Genting SkyWorlds and Skytropolis
- Shopping at the Premium Outlets
- Visiting Chin Swee Caves Temple and its pagoda
- Live shows and concerts at Arena of Stars
- Strawberry picking at Gohtong Jaya farms
Festivals & Events
- New Year's Eve countdown concerts and fireworks
- Chinese New Year lion dance performances and light-ups
- Deepavali and Hari Raya shows at SkyAvenue
- Year-round international concerts at Arena of Stars
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; mornings are clearest, with mist and rain common after 2 pm. Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends and Malaysian school holidays
Weather Conditions
Cool and misty, 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, dropping to around 13 degrees at night; frequent drizzle and low cloud
Accessibility
About 1 hour by road from Kuala Lumpur. Buses run from KL Sentral and Terminal Bersepadu Selatan to Awana Station for around MYR 15 to 20 including cable car. Grab and private cabs cost roughly MYR 80 to 120 one way. Most of the resort complex is indoors and wheelchair accessible
Recommended Duration
1 full day, or an overnight stay to enjoy the theme parks and shows
Clothing & Gear Tips
Light jacket or sweater, closed shoes, umbrella or windcheater, and smart-casual clothes if you plan to enter the casino floor
Local Food & Souvenirs
Steamboat hotpot, claypot chicken rice and hot Milo at SkyAvenue; several North and South Indian vegetarian outlets available. Buy fresh strawberries, strawberry jam and preserves from Gohtong Jaya
