Travel Tips: Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Experience the excitement of Genting Highlands, a mountain retreat that caters to every traveller. From exhilarating theme park rides to good entertainment and breathtaking views, discover a world of adventure high above the clouds. 

Plan your Genting experience with me.
 

Planning & Timing

• Check the Weather: Genting Highlands is significantly cooler than Kuala Lumpur. Pack layers and a light jacket, especially for evenings. Be prepared for periods of dense cloud cover and mist, as the weather can change rapidly.
• Book Accommodations in Advance: Genting Highlands is a popular destination, so book your hotel and any desired attractions well in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends. While the First World Hotel boasts a prime location, our experience highlighted shortcomings in service, staff performance, and room quality. Therefore, we recommend researching other accommodations in Genting Highlands to potentially improve your stay.
• Consider Weekday Visits: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
• Travel During Off-Peak Hours: If travelling by road, avoid peak traffic hours to minimise travel time.
• Check Attraction Schedules: Attractions may have varying operating hours and maintenance schedules. Check the official website before your visit.

Transportation

• Genting Skyway: The cable car ride up to Genting Highlands is a scenic and popular option. Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
• Bus: Buses are a budget-friendly option from Kuala Lumpur.
• Private Car/Taxi: These offer more flexibility but can be more expensive.
• Grab: Ride share apps are also available. For our journey from Kuala Lumpur Airport to Genting Highlands, we opted for a Grab ride. The app's user-friendly interface and reasonable fares made it an excellent choice. Additionally, the route offered stunning mountain views. We highly recommend this option for those with a flexible budget.

During Your Visit

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the theme parks and shopping areas.
• Stay Hydrated: The altitude and activity levels can make you thirsty. Carry a water bottle or purchase drinks.
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Genting Highlands can get very crowded, especially during peak hours and weekends. Be patient and plan your activities accordingly.
• Explore the Theme Parks: Genting Highlands is known for its theme parks. Research the available parks and choose those that suit your interests.
• Try the Local Food: Genting Highlands offers a variety of dining options, from local Malaysian cuisine to international fare.
• Visit the Casinos: If you're interested in gaming, Genting Highlands has casinos. Be aware of local laws and gamble responsibly.
• Enjoy the Views: Genting Highlands offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Take some time to appreciate the scenery.
• Be Aware of Altitude: Some people may experience mild altitude sickness at Genting Highlands. Take it easy and allow yourself time to acclimatise. We found it quite amusing to see the bags of crisps/chips inflated at the convenience store in Genting Highlands, a subtle reminder of the altitude and how high we were. It was a unique and memorable observation.

Additional Tips

• Bring a Power Bank: You'll likely be using your phone for photos, navigation, and other activities.
• Get a Local SIM Card or eSIM: Stay connected with reliable internet access. For uninterrupted connectivity during your Malaysian travels, an eSIM/local SIM is essential, given the limited Wi-Fi availability. We opted for Maya Mobile, and it delivered exceptional performance, allowing us to navigate with ease and book transportation at our convenience. We strongly recommend this for a stress-free experience.
• Carry Cash: While many places accept credit cards, it's always good to have some cash on hand.
• Be Mindful of Your Belongings: Keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Bring a light rain jacket: because of the high altitude, rain is more common.

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Last Updated: 7 March '25