Genting Highland Review

Genting Highlands is one of the most famous integrated entertainment resort in Malaysia. It is located 58 kilometres away from Kuala Lumpur (only about an hour's ride) and as it is high up on the mountain, the air is cool and temperature is lower compared to Kuala Lumpur. There are a few hotels in the resort ranging from five star to budget.

Genting Highlands is a place for the whole family. So much to do and you don't know where to start. I would like to share with you my experience and what I have observed so that you would be able to maximise your time there.

How to get there:
Express bus:
Genting buses depart from 4 places in Kuala Lumpur. The most convenient for foreigners would be KL Sentral. KL Sentral is also the station for the Kuala Lumpur International Airport express train. Various ways to get to KL Sentral include LRT, KTM and taxi.

There's a dedicated counter on 2nd floor of KL Sentral that sells the Genting bus tickets. The bus will take you to the cable car station in Gohtong Jaya and you will need to take the cable car to the summit.

The cable car ride is about 11 minutes and it is the longest in South East Asia.

One way bus + cable car ride is RM8.30 (approx. £1.20)

If you are planning to go there for a day trip, then it is worth purchasing the 'Go Genting Package' : Return bus rides + return cable car rides + buffet lunch or outdoor theme park day ride pass is only RM39 (approx. £5.50). On weekdays, it is even cheaper (only RM26).

You can also take a limousine from Kuala Lumpur International Airport or from Puduraya bus station (the main bus station in Kuala Lumpur). If you are going to take Genting's own limousine, you need to book in advance. Otherwise, go straight to Puduraya bus station and taxis are readily available all the time. Rates for Genting's limousine is available on the website.

Please note: limousines go all the way up to Genting Highlands resort so you will not be able to take the cable car ride. However, you will be able to purchase a discounted cable car ride ticket at the counter when you flash your room key. The cable car ride is highly recommended.

What is there to do :
Casino, outdoor theme park, indoor theme park, entertainment shows, shopping and eating etc
Casino: A few casinos in the resort and they are all huge. Lots and lots of games. Note that you should not wear sandals/slippers as they will not allow entry.

Outdoor theme park: More expensive on peak days (weekends & Malaysia school holidays). 1 day pass is RM37 (approx. £5) if you purchase online. 2 days pass is RM59 (approx. £8.4). They also see express pass for RM56 (1 day). Tickets can be purchased online and they are usually cheaper.

Indoor theme park: Also more expensive on peak days. RM26 for 1 day and RM42 for 2 days. If you would like to visit both theme parks, I would suggest buying a '2 Parks + 1 FREE Wet Park Deal' at only RM82 for 2 days. On peak days, it would not be possible to finish all rides as the crowd is similar to those in Disneyland. However, if you visit Genting during non-peak periods, 1 day is enough for both theme parks.

Entrance to game arcade is free.

Entertainment shows: There are various entertainment shows every night including concerts. Coming soon: Michael Learns to Rock Live and International Jazz Festival. If you are going to stay overnight, I would recommend you to check out the shows on Genting's website before deciding which day you would like to spend your night there.

Others:

Lots of other things to do. First World Plaza (adjacent to First World Hotel) has its own cinema, bowling centre, snooker centre, archery, games arcade etc.

Where to stay:

If you are looking for a decent room + cheap rates, First World Hotel (3 stars) is highly recommended. The cheapest room (Standard) is about RM130 (approx. £19) but without breakfast.

On the website, there are room packages which usually include buffet breakfast, return cable car ride, 25% discount on outdoor theme park rides and meal vouchers for 2.

Genting is truly a place for everyone. No matter how short your stay is in Malaysia, I'd say it's a must to visit Genting. Or at least the cable car ride. You will never forget those breath-taking views and you will also be amazed at the size of this resort so high up the mountain (2000 metres above sea level).