Genting Highlands Pahang, Malaysia, is one of the premier tourist destinations in Malaysia, attracting millions of visitors from across the world and Malaysia. Genting is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur and is a popular destination for a day trip or a weekend break for the entire family. Its 80 km uphill climb makes it popular for bike riders and sports car owners who speed up the winding road to the casinos.
Public and school holidays are jam-packed with thousands of people travelling from Malaysia and Singapore. Whether travelling solo or visiting Genting Highlands with family, there is plenty to do for everyone. SkyWorlds Theme Park has attracted millions of holidaygoers since its opening in 2022.
USEFUL LINK: My One Week Kuala Lumpur to Pahang (Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands Itinerary)
Quick Facts about Genting Highlands, Malaysia
Driving distance between Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands: 80 km – One hour’s drive from KL
Attractions in Genting Highlands: Casinos, Skyworlds Outdoor Theme Park, Awana Cable Car (Book Ticket online, Indoor Theme Park (Skytropolis) – Newly opened outdoor theme park [Save 10% on tours with KLOOK using code: VISAMYTOURS]
The First World Hotel is one of the largest in the world, with more than 7351 rooms, and it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Genting is home to world-class shows, performances, and concerts.
Tickets: Buy GoGenting Package RM 50 (includes bus transfer, skyway + Indoor theme park + buffet lunch at First World: Buy at Utama, KL Sentral
There are plenty of mid-week activities for people planning to travel and stay at Genting Casinos. First World Hotel 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 over 5 times and enjoyed great rates with a 14-day advance purchase on Agoda.com. I highly recommend staying at this fantastic establishment.
If you are planning a road trip from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands, I suggest renting a car and exploring the amazing scenic locations in Berjaya Hills.
Visiting Genting Highlands, Malaysia
How to travel to Genting Highlands, Pahang | Where to stay in Genting Highlands, Pahang | Things to do in Genting Highlands
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 a taxi or charter a car, which can cost up to RM 500 depending on 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 not easily accessible by public transport. Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands is among the best and most enjoyable drives.
I have also driven from Kuala Lumpur to Batang Kali and from Gohtong Jaya to Genting Highlands. I suggest stopping over in Ghotong Jaya for snacks or Teh Tarik.
Kuala Lumpur to Genting Itinerary: Travel from KL to Bentong and Genting Highlands
Travelling by Bus to Genting Highlands
The bus is the easiest and cheapest way to get to and from Genting Highlands. The buses operate from the top floor of KL Sentral. Casinos subsidise the return ticket to casinos and cost 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), 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 a convenient option 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 from the city will take around an hour and should cost you around RM 200 from the city. A return day trip can be organised 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 a tour.
TIP
I 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.
If you decide to take a cable car from Gohtong Jaya, you will be dropped off at the Awana Resort. The walking distance from this station to the First World Hotel is quite a bit, and if you have elderly family members travelling with you, make sure to plan your trip to include the extra time required to walk from one building to another.
Awana Cable Car Station at Gohtong Jaya near Genting
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 Ipoh towards Kuala Lumpur. The road is well-maintained and merges at Ghotong Jaya.
The Awana Skyways Cable Car Station is located in 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
All you can All-you-can-eat buffets are a popular option if you are travelling with family. The cost is RM 80 per adult. The various stalls in the courtyard served authentic Malay dishes from all parts of the country. There are plenty of dishes to try, ranging from noodle dishes and curries served with rice.
I highly recommend trying this option for lunch. For people who prefer continental or western food, there are plenty of outlets on the top floor of Awana Sky Central as well as in the food court area of various casinos. The choices are endless.
Hotels in Genting Highlands?
Are you 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 hotels include the 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 many new 3-star hotels as well as serviced apartments were available in the area. This neighbourhood has received a facelift and looks much clearer and more modern.
Hotels in Ghotong Jaya are a relatively cheaper option, and there are many 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 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 the 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 area can issue hotel check-in cards. In the 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
Genting Highlands has something to offer for people from all age groups. New shopping Malls and fashion outlets near Ghotong Jaya offer world-class shopping. The best tourist attractions in Genting Highlands include:
- Visiting Casinos (Awana, Maxims, First World, Genting Highlands Resort)
- Exploring indoor and outdoor theme parks with children –
- Skytropolis is an Indoor Theme Park
- Skyworlds Genting is an outdoor Theme Park
- Attending world-class shows and performances in the Arena of Stars
- Strawberry and Lavender Leisure Farms in Gohtong Jaya
- Shopping at world-class shopping outlets at Awana Resort and Ghotong Jaya
- Visit Bukit Tinggi & Tropicale Colmar (French-styled Village and Luxury Resort)
- Visiting Genting Garden – Genting Japanese Gardens in Bukit Tinggi
The indoor theme parks, Skytropolis at Genting Highlands, offer amazing thrill rides and a full day of action for kids and families alike.
If you plan to spend a day at Genting Highlands, a Day Pass for Skytropolis will cost around RM 90 for unlimited rides. The rides are designed for children as well as adults. There is, however, an age and height requirement for thrill rides.
What are other places to explore near Genting Highlands?
If you plan to visit Genting Highlands, I suggest exploring the amazing city of Bentong, a town popular for its restaurants and weekend markets. In late 2024, I planned a day trip to Bentong and enjoyed exploring local restaurants, including Lemang Toki. The restaurant specialises in grilled chicken and rice cooked in bamboo.
Janda Baik is another interesting area to explore for nature and outdoor lovers. This region is popular for homestays and resorts that organise group activities, including trekking and hiking. The largest ATV park in Malaysia is located in Janda Baik.
Tropicale Colmar is located in Bukit Tinggi, which can be reached in a 30-minute drive from Genting Highlands. The French-style village is home to a luxury resort (“The Chateau”) and several outdoor activities, including a Rabbit Farm and Horse-riding trails. You can also plan a trip to the Japanese Garden, which is located in Bukit Tinggi.
