Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands is an integrated resort development comprising hotels, casinos and a theme park in Pahang, perched on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali at 1,800 meters high. Nestled near the border of Selangor within an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur (about 35km), Genting Resort presents a popular weekend getaway from the city heat, conveniently connected by Karak Highway and major trunk roads, along with a cable car service from the satellite town of Gohtong Jaya.

On a clear day, the peak overlooks lush valleys of rainforest stretching towards KL, a breathtaking view for visitors as they enjoy the cooling weather and serene mountain environment. Since 1971, Genting Highlands has remained the only legal gambling outfit in Malaysia - its very own mini Las Vegas on a mountain top.

While the casinos are central to Genting Highlands, a theme park provides fun rides and activities for adults and children alike, while First World Plaza is a colourful leisure complex with restaurants, indoor entertainment and boutique outlets.

On the peak, First World Hotel - the largest hotel in Asia with over 6,000 budget rooms - provides much of the budget accommodations along with family-oriented Theme Park Hotel. Genting Grand (formerly Genting Hotel) and Maxims (formerly Highlands Hotel) are classy five star establishments while Resort Hotel bridges the gap between budget and luxury accommodation for visitors.

Genting Highlands has a cooling climate between 20°C to 26°C during the day and 15°C to 20°C during the night. Misty weather is a prevalent element and thunder storms are frequent towards the year end. However, you can visit Genting Highlands anytime, as the roads up are made of sturdy construction that resist most landslides.

If you prefer a dry holiday, the best time to come here would lie between March and September when the rainfall is generally least. Be sure to wear some thick clothing at night if you're susceptible to cold. The mist around the peak can obscure panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur city and the landscape below, so the best time for a view is usually the early morning or late evenings.

Getting There

Most travellers will start their journey from Kuala Lumpur (KL), the nearest city which is linked by a highway and two major trunk roads. Visitors from Singapore will first travel to Kuala Lumpur (4 hours) via the North-South Highway. From Kuala Lumpur, the most popular route is the Karak Highway which is accessed from the end of the MRR2 Freeway in Ampang/Gombak. Drive time takes about an hour, with a distance covering approximately 35 km to the peak. The seemingly slow drive is due to the windy and steep mountain road that starts from the base of Genting Highlands.

Buses travel to Genting Highlands daily from various destinations around Kuala Lumpur, either directly to the resort or ending at Genting Skyway (cable car station). Departures continue through the day and night at ticket prices between MYR5-12, depending on location from KL. While there are special routes from major shopping malls and urban residential areas, catering mostly for gamblers, the major bus routes begin from KL Sentral, Pudu Sentral (Puduraya) and Terminal Putra LRT Gombak. There are also express buses from Singapore and other states across Malaysia (check with local travel agent).

Attractions in Pahang