Genting Highlands sits at about 1,800 m on the border of Pahang and Selangor, roughly an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. It is a purpose-built resort, not an old hill station. Lim Goh Tong conceived it in 1963 after seeing Cameron Highlands, and the company behind it was founded on 27 April 1965. The resort opened to the public in 1971 after a privately funded access road of about 25.5 km was completed.
The main reasons to come are the cooler air and the entertainment. Daytime highs hover around 20 to 22 C and nights drop to about 12 C, which feels like a relief after Kuala Lumpur. On top, SkyAvenue, the Genting SkyWorlds outdoor park and the indoor Skytropolis park fill the days for families, and the resort holds Malaysia's only legal land-based casinos.
For Indian families, the practical questions are food, weather and walking. Vegetarian choice exists but is thin, so plan meals. Rain is likely in every month, and mist can close views quickly. Distances inside the resort are long, but covered walkways, lifts and two cable cars make it manageable. Chin Swee Caves Temple, on the slope below the summit, is the calmest stop and the only major non-resort sight.
Most visitors come on a day trip or one night from Kuala Lumpur. Two nights is plenty unless the theme parks are the whole point. Go on weekdays, keep a warm layer in your bag, and arrange your meals before you arrive.
Before you plan
Genting Highlands at a glance
- Best months
- June to August are the least wetJune to August are the least wet; November is the wettest. Every month can bring rain and mist, so weekdays outside school holidays matter more than the month.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 night from Kuala Lumpur1 night from Kuala Lumpur; 2 nights if the theme parks and Chin Swee are both on the list
- Airport
- Kuala Lumpur International AirportKuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), about 1.5 to 2 hours by road to the hill, depending on traffic
- Railway station
- None on the hillNone on the hill. KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur is the nearest major rail hub; onward travel is by coach or car.
- Getting around
- Awana SkyWay and Genting SkyWay…Awana SkyWay and Genting SkyWay cable cars, free internal shuttles, taxis and a private car; resort areas are walkable and covered
- Daily budget
- Roughly RM400 to RM1,000 per person…Roughly RM400 to RM1,000 per person per day for a mid-range family, excluding theme park tickets; hotel prices swing widely with weekends and holidays
- Senior comfort
- Fair with planning: malls and hotels…Fair with planning: malls and hotels are level and covered, the theme park and temple are hilly, and weather is cool and wet
- Language
- Malay is officialMalay is official; English and Mandarin are widely used at the resort; some staff speak Hindi or Tamil
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Genting Highlands: June, July, August. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Genting Highlands itinerary
One good day
1 day in Genting Highlands
Take a coach or car from Kuala Lumpur to Sky Sentral and, if shopping matters, spend an hour at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets first. Ride the Awana SkyWay and get off at Chin Swee station to visit Chin Swee Caves Temple, then eat at the vegetarian restaurant in its lobby. Re-board to SkyAvenue, rest indoors through the wet afternoon, and see Genting SkyWorlds or Skytropolis if you travel with children. Leave before dark if you are returning to Kuala Lumpur by road.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Genting Highlands
Arrive in the morning via the Awana SkyWay and visit Chin Swee Caves Temple while the air is clear. Have lunch there, check in at your hotel in the afternoon and rest. Spend the evening at SkyAvenue.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Genting Highlands
Arrive, check in and walk the covered links between SkyAvenue and your hotel. Keep the first day light and give everyone time to adjust to the cooler air.
Day-by-day plan →
