Genting Highlands Travel Guide

Explore Genting Highlands with this comprehensive travel guide featuring the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture and customs.


Introduction to Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands is a popular hill resort town located in Pahang, East Coast, Malaysia. It is known for its cool weather, scenic views, and wide range of activities, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The town is home to several casinos, theme parks, and outdoor attractions, making it a perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Genting Highlands

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chin Swee Cave Temple: This Taoist temple is known for its stunning architecture and scenic location, with views of the surrounding hills and jungle.
  • Genting Highlands Premium Outlets: This outdoor shopping mall offers a variety of luxury and international brands at discounted prices.
  • First World Plaza: This indoor mall offers a range of activities, including a cinema, arcade, amusement park, and shopping.
  • Strawberry Farm: Visitors can pick their own strawberries at this farm while enjoying the cool weather and beautiful scenery.

Natural Attractions of Genting Highlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Genting Highlands Theme Park: This theme park features several thrill rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and kiddie rides.
  • Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park: This indoor theme park has over 20 exciting rides and attractions, making it perfect for those looking for indoor activities.
  • Awana Skyway: This gondola lift offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and jungle.
  • Genting Highlands Premium Outlets: This outdoor shopping mall is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Genting Highlands

  • Gunung Ulu Kali Trail: This 6km hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and jungle, with several rest stops along the way.
  • Chin Swee Caves Temple Trail: This 1.8km hike starts at Genting Highlands Theme Park and leads to Chin Swee Cave Temple.
  • Awana Horse Trails: Visitors can go horseback riding on the trails above Genting Highlands.

Best Things to Do in Genting Highlands: Activities and Tours

  • Casino de Genting: This casino is the only legal casino in Malaysia, with a wide range of games and entertainment options.
  • Genting Highlands Premium Outlets: This shopping mall offers several luxury and international brands at discounted prices.
  • Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park: This indoor theme park has over 20 exciting rides and attractions, making it perfect for families and thrill-seekers.
  • Genting Highlands Theme Park: This theme park offers several thrill rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and kiddie rides.

Week-Long Itinerary for Genting Highlands

Day Activities
1 Arrive and check into hotel
2 Visit Genting Highlands Premium Outlets
3 Go horseback riding or hiking at Awana Horse Trails
4 Visit the Chin Swee Cave Temple and Sky Avenue Mall
5 Spend the day at Genting Highlands Theme Park
6 Explore the Awana Skyway and Strawberry Farm
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Genting Highlands

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hainanese Chicken Rice: This dish consists of poached chicken served with fragrant rice and chilli sauce.
  • Bak Kut Teh: This hearty soup is made with pork ribs and a mixture of herbs and spices.
  • Char Kway Teow: This stir-fried noodle dish is made with flat rice noodles, prawns, egg, and bean sprouts.
  • Satay: Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce and cucumber.

Local Beverages

  • Teh Tarik: This sweet, frothy tea is made with condensed milk and black tea.
  • Milo Ice: A cold, chocolatey drink made with Milo powder, condensed milk, and ice.
  • Fresh coconut water: Refreshing and healthy, this drink is a must-try when in Genting Highlands.

Where to Stay in Genting Highlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Resorts World Genting: This integrated resort offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, apartments, and suites, all with stunning views of the surrounding hills and jungle.
  • Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highlands: This budget-friendly hotel offers basic amenities and easy access to nearby attractions.
  • Best Western Premier Ion Delemen: This luxury hotel offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and stunning views of the surrounding hills.

What to Buy in Genting Highlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Strawberry products: Visitors can bring home fresh strawberries, jams, and other products from the Strawberry Farm.
  • Handicrafts: The Chin Swee Cave Temple sells a variety of handicrafts, including wood carvings, pottery, and traditional clothing.
  • Chocolate and sweets: Visitors can buy a variety of chocolates and sweets from the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets.

Local Culture and Customs of Genting Highlands

  • Respect the local customs and traditions, including the dress code when visiting religious sites.
  • Always remove your shoes before entering religious sites.
  • Tipping is not expected, but appreciated.

Best Time to Visit Genting Highlands

The best time to visit Genting Highlands is from February to April and from August to December when the weather is cool and dry. Avoid the rainy season from May to July.

Do’s and Don’ts of Genting Highlands

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
  • Try local dishes and beverages, including Hainanese chicken rice and Teh Tarik.
  • Take your time to explore the natural beauty of Genting Highlands.

Don’t:

  • Engage in illegal activities, including gambling outside of the legal casino.
  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands is a relatively safe town, with low crime rates. However, visitors should still take precautions when walking alone at night, and avoid carrying large sums of money.

Health in Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands is a relatively healthy destination, with no major health risks. However, visitors should take precautions when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities and bring adequate supplies and medication if needed.

Getting to Genting Highlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Genting Highlands

The closest airport to Genting Highlands is the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, located approximately 70km away.

Bus Stations Near Genting Highlands

Visitors can take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a taxi or rent a car to reach Genting Highlands from Kuala Lumpur.

How to Get Around in Genting Highlands

Visitors can get around Genting Highlands by using the cable car, shuttle buses, or taxis.

Where to Go Next from Genting Highlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s bustling capital city is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away by car or bus.
  • Cameron Highlands: This hill station is known for its tea plantations, strawberry fields, and scenic views, located approximately 2 hours away by car.

Conclusion

Genting Highlands is a popular hill resort town known for its cool weather, stunning views, and wide range of activities. Visitors can explore several natural attractions, take part in outdoor adventures, and try local dishes and beverages. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan their itinerary, find the best places to eat and stay, and learn more about the local culture and customs.