Genting Highlands, in the hills about an hour north-east of Kuala Lumpur, is the city’s favourite escape from the heat. High in the Titiwangsa range, the air is fresh and often misty, and the resort on top packs in a casino, shopping malls, restaurants and the Genting SkyWorlds theme park. The journey is half the fun: the Awana SkyWay cable car glides over thick rainforest canopy to the summit, and the Chin Swee Caves Temple clings to the hillside along the way. This full-day tour removes the hassle of buses and transfers. It starts with about an hour at Batu Caves, then takes you up to the Awana SkyWay with a return gondola ticket included and gives you at least four hours of free time at the top before bringing you back to the city.
How it works: pickup is around 9:00 from hotels in the Golden Triangle for two or more adults, or at Berjaya Times Square for solo travellers. The tour is about ten hours with an English-speaking guide. If the Awana SkyWay is not running, the Genting SkyWay from Gohtong Jaya is used instead.
What to expect: the theme park, shows and food are not included, so budget for what you want to do at the top. Batu Caves has a dress code that also applies here: no shorts or short skirts. Genting is cool and can be wet, so bring a light jacket.
Making the most of it: decide in advance whether you want the theme park, the casino or just the views and the temple, because four hours goes quickly. Weekends and Malaysian school holidays are very busy, so go on a weekday if you can. If you would rather see Batu Caves more slowly, book the separate half-day tour.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day guided trip with a Batu Caves stop, a return cable car ride and free time at the summit.
Best time
A clear weekday, as early mist and weekend crowds both limit the views.
How long
About ten hours door to door.
Tips
Bring a light jacket, cover your legs for Batu Caves and budget for theme park tickets.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want cool air, a cable car and two big sights in one day.
- Families
- The theme park and the gondola make it a hit with children.
- Couples
- The SkyWay ride over the rainforest is the highlight; skip the casino crowds.
- Pair with
- A quiet evening back in Bukit Bintang.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Is the cable car included?+
Yes, a return gondola ticket is included. The glass-floor gondola is not.
Is the theme park included?+
No, Genting SkyWorlds and other attractions are paid separately.
How long do I get at Genting?+
At least four hours of free time at the top.
How cold is Genting Highlands?+
Much cooler than Kuala Lumpur and often misty, so bring a light jacket.
Where is the pickup?+
Hotels in the Golden Triangle for two or more adults, or Berjaya Times Square for solo travellers.
