Genting Highlands Day Tour with Awana Cable Car

Planning a trip from Kuala Lumpur and curious about what a visit to Genting Highlands really involves? This Genting Highlands Day Tour with Awana Cable Car offers a balanced mix of scenic rides, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment—all for around $50 per person. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want a taste of mountain air, cool climate, and diverse attractions without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the seamless combination of transportation and sightseeing—especially the Awana SkyWay cable car ride, which promises some of the best views over Malaysia’s rainforests. On the flip side, the schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, some parts might feel a little rushed. This tour suits families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to tick off multiple highlights in a single day without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, value-for-money day trip that covers shopping, nature, and entertainment, this tour ticks most boxes. But keep in mind the strict departure time at 4 PM, so punctuality is key. Now, let’s break down what makes this tour a worthwhile experience and what to expect at each stop.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Kuala Lumpur, simplifying logistics.
• A scenic cable car ride over lush rainforests, with a free stop at Chin Swee Caves Temple.
• Access to popular attractions like Skytropolis indoor theme park and Genting Premium Outlets.
• All-day itinerary packed with shopping, entertainment, and mountain views.
• Affordable price point for a full day of diverse experiences.
• Group size limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

The Pickup and Departure from Kuala Lumpur

Starting early around 8:30 to 9:30 AM, the tour offers hotel pickup within the Kuala Lumpur city center, including Bukit Bintang and KLCC areas. This convenience cannot be overstated—being picked up directly from your accommodation saves hassle and time. If your hotel isn’t in the pick-up zone, the tour guide will direct you to the main meeting point at Malaysia Tourist Centre (MaTic).

The drive itself takes roughly an hour, during which the group can get briefed on the day’s plans. It’s a straightforward start, and the vehicle is air-conditioned, which is definitely a plus in Malaysia’s tropical climate.

Shopping at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets

The first stop is the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, a shopper’s paradise. With over 150 designer brands, including Burberry, Coach, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren, this is your chance to grab luxury labels at discounted prices. The outlet is laid out like a quaint village, with shops and eateries spread across a large, open-air space.

What stands out here is the relaxed atmosphere, especially with the cool mountain air making browsing far more pleasant than a typical mall. Reviewers often mention the “great selection of high-end brands at lower prices,” but also note that the shopping experience is more about browsing and less about bargain hunting. Expect to spend around 10 minutes here, enough to stretch your legs, browse a few shops, and maybe grab a snack.

The Iconic Awana SkyWay Cable Car Ride

Next up, you’ll hop onto the gondola-style cable car, called the Awana SkyWay, which is Southeast Asia’s longest and fastest cable car. The ride lasts about 20 minutes and offers sweeping views of rainforest canopy, mountains, and the resort below. The cable car has both standard and glass-floor gondolas, though the latter may not always be available during scheduled maintenance windows.

A real highlight for many is the free stop at Chin Swee Caves Temple, perched halfway up the mountain. From here, you get a chance to marvel at panoramic vistas and explore the ornate temple complex. The reviews often mention the “breathtaking views” and “peaceful atmosphere,” making it a memorable part of the day.

Note that weather conditions and maintenance schedules can affect the cable car operation, as scheduled maintenance occurs quarterly, and glass-floor gondolas aren’t always available. Still, the experience of riding above lush rainforests is generally worth it, and the short stop at the temple adds a cultural touch.

Exploring Resort World Genting

Once at the peak, the fun really begins. You’ll spend about two hours exploring the Resort World Genting, home to a variety of attractions:

• The Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, which offers pay-per-ride attractions suitable for all ages. Visitors love how it provides a warm indoor escape from the outdoor chill, especially during the cooler months.
• The Genting Bowl and other arcade-style gaming options.
• For the thrill-seekers, the VOID virtual reality experience is a highlight, though availability might vary.
• SnowWorld provides a snow-themed area, offering a stark contrast to Malaysia’s tropical climate, with snowball fights and ice slides.

Plus, the resort features over 100 dining options and hundreds of retail outlets, making it a shopping and eating haven. Reviewers mention that the food options are plentiful, with something for all, from quick bites to sit-down meals.

The Return Cable Car Ride and Departure

Around 4:00 PM, the group reconvenes for the return journey via cable car. This gives a final chance to soak in the views before heading back down the mountain. The bus departs promptly at 4 PM, so punctuality is important to avoid missing the transfer.

Back in Kuala Lumpur, drop-offs are made at the original pickup points, making the experience convenient for most travelers.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles, which provide comfort during the roughly one-hour transfer each way. The group is limited to 15 travelers, maintaining an intimate atmosphere and allowing for more personal attention from guides. The drivers are typically English-speaking, and reviews mention that guides are well-informed and friendly, often sharing interesting tidbits about the sights along the way.

Timing and Pacing

The schedule is tight but well-organized. Each stop is allocated a specific amount of time to ensure the entire itinerary fits comfortably into the 8-hour window. However, the sharp 4 PM return means you’ll need to stay on schedule, and latecomers may miss the bus.

Costs and Extras

The tour price is $50 per person, which includes hotel pickup, cable car rides, and guided transportation. Entrance fees for attractions like the indoor theme park and shopping are not included—so if you plan to ride the rides or buy souvenirs, budget extra accordingly.

Weather and Clothing Tips

Given the high-altitude environment, temperatures can vary between 22-32°C. It’s advisable to bring a jacket or light sweater, especially for the cable car ride and the cooler outdoor areas. The weather can change quickly, so layered clothing is smart.

Accessibility and Suitability

Most travelers can participate, but consider physical mobility if planning to explore the temple or ride the more adventurous rides at Skytropolis. Also, remember that the tour isn’t suitable if you’re running late, as the departure time is strict.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One reviewer noted that the guide’s knowledge enhanced the experience, providing historical and cultural context about the Chin Swee Caves Temple and the rainforest. Another user mentioned that the views from the cable car were “simply stunning,” especially when the weather is clear.

Many appreciated the balance of shopping and entertainment, stating that it made for a “full, fun day” without needing extra planning. However, some pointed out that the schedule can feel rushed, especially if you want to spend more time shopping or exploring the theme parks.

The Sum Up

This Genting Highlands Day Tour with Awana Cable Car offers a practical, affordable way to experience the best of Malaysia’s highlands in a single day. Its well-structured itinerary packs in scenic rides, cultural sights, shopping, and indoor fun—all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

It’s ideal for first-time visitors, families, or those who simply want a hassle-free way to explore the cooler mountain air and vibrant attractions. While the schedule is tight and some attractions require extra tickets, the overall package provides excellent value for a diverse, memorable day.

If you’re after a straightforward, well-organized day trip that balances natural beauty with entertainment, this tour delivers on those fronts. Just remember to stay punctual, dress appropriately for the weather, and leave some room in your budget for souvenirs and rides.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off from Kuala Lumpur city center hotels within 5 km of KLCC, making logistics straightforward.

What’s the duration of the whole trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, with most of the day spent traveling, sightseeing, and enjoying attractions.

Do I need to pay for attractions separately?
Yes, entrance fees for attractions like the theme park and shopping are not included. You can choose to pay for rides and shopping as you go.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a jacket or light sweater for the mountain areas, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and perhaps some cash for souvenirs or additional food options.

Is the cable car ride safe and comfortable?
Yes, the cable car is generally safe, and the ride offers both standard and glass-floor gondolas, with the latter offering a more thrilling view.

Can I join if I’m traveling solo?
Absolutely. The group size is limited to 15, which makes it friendly for solo travelers wanting a guided day out.

What if the weather is bad?
Cable car operation depends on weather conditions. If weather or maintenance causes cancellations, you might need to adjust your plans accordingly.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options?
There are over 100 dining establishments, so options for different dietary preferences are likely, but it’s best to check with individual restaurants.

What happens if I’m late for the return?
The return transfer departs at 4 PM sharp. Latecomers who miss the bus will need to arrange their own transport back to Kuala Lumpur.

In essence, this tour provides a well-rounded taste of Genting Highlands—perfect for those wanting a mix of nature, shopping, and entertainment without the fuss of self-organizing.