As a Local Guide, I am passionate about exploring and sharing great places around where I live, which is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Whenever I explore, sometimes alone, and sometimes with a group of like-minded friends; there is always someplace new, something I have not known about, or seen, and always an opportunity to expand my mind and horizon. My occasional excursions - experienced and shared, always help others discover places, knowledge and information they can use in their daily life. It helps others including visitors who are not from this vicinity, to quickly and easily find, discover and locate interesting places to visit. And most of all, everything I do, helps local businesses grow, which improves the economy, where in full circle returns to me. Google Maps and the Local Guides program is the integral platform in enabling my passion.
This post is one such of the many excursions that I embark on. And along the way, gave me an opportunity bring the world to where I am.
It’s the month of March again, and it is this time, that the northern hemisphere goes through summer equinox. For many places it’s the hottest time of the year. It’s no different here in Malaysia, although blessed with a uniform tropical climate all year round. March through April, a higher than normal temperature with higher humidity creates an uneasy feeling of heat and sultriness. All of us in Malaysia including Local Guides occasionally need a cooler place to escape to, somewhere near the city, for a short reprieve. Hence this post. Where does one go, to escape the summer heat near the city. Where can fellow visitors and tourist head to for cooling off.
A few days ago, I had taken a bit of time off work, to go explore and visit my favorite cool place nearby Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
So welcome all, to Genting Highlands, my favorite cool place near Kuala Lumpur. (https://goo.gl/maps/b1Xt749D3Ms)
[Photo above] A picture of Genting Highlands along the journey up, notice the thin clouds hovering around the buildings.
Genting Highlands (https://goo.gl/maps/b1Xt749D3Ms) is a hill resort station get-away [Photo above] , about 50 kms away from the heart of Kuala Lumpur city. It takes about 1 hour to get here by car or by the many express bus service. At over 1800m above sea level, the ambient temperature here is usually hovers 8-10 deg C lower than the city throughout the day. That actually makes it one of the most relaxing and comfortable place to come to, near the city, especially during the hottest months of the year. The temperature during the day is about 24 deg C, and at night, can be as low as 15 deg C. It is also one of the most popular visited places for tourists who come to Kuala Lumpur. For first time visitors, I would highly recommend to spend at least 1 day here, with an overnight stay.
How to get there: To get here to Genting Highlands, one can drive, or take a bus from the many express bus stations in town. Refer to this link for more information on express buses to Genting Highlands (Awana Skyway).
https://www.rwgenting.com/getting-here/express-bus/
For this trip, I had driven and arrived at the lower Awana Skyway station (most express buses arrive here) [Photos above] . (Location https://goo.gl/maps/7seM5u4ofgS2). It’s easy to come via express bus from the city, or if one drives, plenty of inexpensive parking here. From here, one takes the Awana Skyway cable car up to the top of Genting Highlands. That’s part of the excitement of the journey for some. It’s a very scenic ride which last about 10 minutes from bottom to top, and stops by the Chin Swee Chinese temple in the middle of the ride. Take the opportunity to visit the beautiful temple, when heading up or when coming down. A one way ticket costs RM 8, and return for RM 16. Most days of the week, and especially on the weekends, there is a long queue for the cable car since most tour operators will bring their visitors here. The turn around time for the ride however, is fast, so, not to worry about waiting too long.
The picturesque journey in the cable car [photo above] takes about 10 minutes. Once you are in the car, try to sit in the corner facing forward. That will give the best viewing experience. Take time to enjoy the green scenery as well the low-line clouds on cooler days. If one is lucky, the cable car may actually be travelling through misty clouds. The car does have an intermediate stop which is at the Chin Swee Chinese Temple (https://goo.gl/maps/v4FBvMHTKAE2), and one can choose to disembark whilst going up, or when coming down. The same tickets are used to continue the journey. As the cable car crosses over the temple, it will begin the final leg of the journey up to the peak. This is also where one can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Genting Resort facilities. A wonderful ride that should not be missed.
The last stop at the peak of Genting Highlands will be at the SkyAvenue (https://goo.gl/maps/ThESKniruCS2) [Photo above]. SkyAvenue is the latest attraction to be launched within Genting Highlands, just under 1 year ago. And it is the premier shopping, dining, activity and fun location throughout the resort. The entire main boulevard is lit up via LED panels with giant colorful screens with lots of bright lights and music running 24 hours all day all night. It’s like our Malaysian version of Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Within this area, one can hardly tell the difference between night or day. Hundreds of shops fill the area. SkyAvenue is also joined to all the adjacent hotels via walk paths, so from here, one can get to anywhere in Genting Highlands resort.
There are so many attractions and so much to do in Genting Highlands. It’s built to be an all encompassing resort city above the clouds. For the energetic and thrill seekers, one main attraction within SkyAvenue is the incredible indoor attraction theme park called Skytropolis (https://goo.gl/maps/QtatgHhanPo) [photo above] . It has very exciting rides that can be enjoyed by all visitors young or old. Some a bit more adrenaline pumping rides such as the upside down rotating arm, and the skyshot seat. There are also relaxing rides for younger children like the giant horse carousel. Those who are keen to spend a full day in the park can choose to get the day pass where rides are unlimited. A daily unlimited ticket costs RM 11 per ride, or RM 64 for a day pass.
One key attraction in SkyAvenue (https://goo.gl/maps/vLqzBeeYKgk) that must not be missed with the SkySymphony [photo above]. This is a 3D light show using a winch supported spheres of colored lights (free to watch). The light show is synchronized with music and sound effects and also all the LED boards around the boulevards creating an almost fully enveloped experience. Each show lasts close to 5 minutes and it is truly one of the most beautiful sight and sound in the resort. It is hard to explain how mesmerizing it is without actually seeing it in action. It runs every 30 minutes. And it’s location just at the entrance of the SkyCasino. Each 30 minutes, different show themes are cycled. All visitors here should at least catch one of the shows. It’s one of a kind in Mlalaysia.
Food and beverage is one of the most important service in any resort or attraction. Genting Highlands go far and beyond what is found in other resorts. After a full day enjoying at theme parks and watching the programs in SkySymphony, one can go to any one of the close to 100 food restaurant and shops all around SkyAvenue (https://goo.gl/maps/i2rfbvRnjoN2) for a gastronomic adventure [photo above]. Visitors are spoiled for choice. There is seafood, western, eastern food, organic food, vegetarian, bars, clubs, cafes and so much more. And different budget levels are also catered for. There are international brand chains that have opened their very first branch in Genting Highlands as well. Do know that prices here are higher than in the city because of the extra transportation and higher labor here.
For our shopping enthusiasts, having eaten and enjoyed great food, it’s time to head out for a slow window shopping walk and adventure. One will definitely find many things of interest to look at, from over 100 shops all around SkyAvenue (https://goo.gl/maps/vLqzBeeYKgk) [Photo above]. There are all myriads of brands of clothes, electronics, souvenirs, footwear, watches, cosmetics and so much more. The great thing about here is also, there are occasional sales offers which brings great prices to great products. Shopaholics will never be bored here!
One of the main attractions for many visitors, is the renowned SkyCasino [photo above] (https://goo.gl/maps/2KUCCSS2Rs92) and also many others all around the resort. SkyCasino is the newest in the resort. 2 levels of all the most popular card games as well as myriads of slot machines and other activities within. Each casino up here in Genting has their own theme and allure. We can also enter just to visit and need not take part in the games. They have strict entrance requirements (Malaysian Muslims are not allowed to enter). And foreign visitors need an ID to enter. Entrance is free, 24 hours.
For younger visitors and young-lings, there’s a great indoor games park (https://goo.gl/maps/zn1r79wYAWU2) [****photo above], where lots of hoops and loops and ball games to win quick prizes of stuffed toys. This is a great place for family activities and will surely entertain the younger kids for hours at end. There is also a huge area electronic consoles to satisfy any gaming nerd. From going there myself, I can say first hand that all of the assistants managing the games are really helpful and friendly and makes the family outing even more fun.
Dotted around Genting Highlands are many other worthwhile attractions like the Genting Visitor’s Galleria (https://goo.gl/maps/Tjr9xx1enN22) (a must visit), and many other sculptures and relaxing spots [photo above]. These are attractions for everyone. And seemingly located at many random places all around the resort. It almost seems like, every other corner, there is something interesting to be seen or experience. And great place to take lots of photos for self, the family and for social media posts.
After spending the entire day up in Genting Highlands, do leave some time to head down to explore and visit the beautiful Chin Swee Chinese Temple [photo above] if not already (https://goo.gl/maps/C5vWQNaqLRs). The Awana SkyWay stops by this intermediate stop. And during this trip, it was my first visit as well. Within the temple compounds there are over 10 different attractions to visit such as the pagoda, temple caves and giant Buddha statue. The giant pagoda has very intricate artwork and just a sight to behold with the background of clouds and the faraway city. Arrive here earlier so there is sufficient light to enjoy the place. Personally for me, this could be the best hidden secret of visiting Genting Highlands.
And if one leaves after sunset, the entire area gets lit up for the night [photo above]. An amazing sight not to be missed. And with the much cooler temperature towards the night, it becomes a real wonderful experience for all who live in the city. The cable car operates until midnight, so there’s ample time to get back down.
It has been a super awesome day to be able to come visit this hill resort, and cool down from the extreme heat in the city.
Genting Highlands is definitely one of the best tourist attractions as well as a place for local Malaysians to hang out. When planning a trip to Malaysia, never miss the opportunity to come here. There are plenty of rooms, even cheaper budget ones here. The city in Malaysia that never sleeps, our version of Las Vegas.
Hence this is definitely my favorite cool place in town.
Highly recommended, 5 stars!
Come visit us soon!
Below: My 1 minute summary video of our full day exploration to Genting Highlands.
Note: all photos and video in this post are self-captured by the author.
#localguides #letsguide #localguidesconnect #gentinghighlands #malaysialocalguides
*Check out a few of our many such explorations around the country
Exploring Penang for Chinese New Year
Exploring the Royal City of Klang
Exploring Batu Caves for Thaipusam
and many more
