Genting Highlands Day Tour

Planning a day trip to Genting Highlands from Kuala Lumpur? This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic rides, cultural sights, and entertainment options—perfect for those wanting a taste of everything in one go. With a price tag of just $38 per person, including cable car tickets and hotel pickup, it seems like a convenient way to explore the hill resort without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we particularly love about this experience is the Skyway Cable Car ride—a breathtaking journey over lush forests and the golf course, offering stunning panoramic views that are hard to beat. But a possible drawback is the variability of attractions—some reviews mention longer waits and closed facilities, which can slightly dampen the experience. Still, this tour is well-suited for families, solo travelers, or groups looking for an active, diverse day out that covers the major sights and fun spots in Genting Highlands.

If you’re after a straightforward, guided day with some flexibility to explore, this tour ticks many boxes. It provides a good introduction to Genting’s highlights, with enough free time and interesting stops to make it worthwhile. Just remember, given the mixed reviews about attraction availability, planning to expect some variability is wise.

Key Points

• Affordable price point: At $38, it offers good value considering the inclusions like cable car tickets and transportation.
• Scenic cable car journey: The Skyway ride provides spectacular views and is a highlight of the day.
• Diverse stops: From shopping outlets and cultural temples to indoor and outdoor theme parks, there’s plenty for different interests.
• Group size and flexibility: A maximum of 15 travelers means more personalized attention but also requires early booking.
• Potential for waiting times: Some attractions, especially during peak times, may face long queues or be temporarily closed.
• Well-organized logistics: Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and clear itineraries help streamline the day.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Transport

The tour begins at the meeting point in Kuala Lumpur at MATIC109, Jalan Ampang, with a 9:00 am departure. You’ll be transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle driven by an English-speaking driver, which instantly makes the long day feel more relaxed. Hotel pickup is included within a 5 km radius of KLCC, simplifying logistics. The group size is capped at 15, making for a more intimate experience, and the return is scheduled for around 4:30 pm, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort

Your first stop is Awana Golf & Country Resort, known for its stunning natural scenery and peaceful vibe. While not explicitly included in the main highlights, this stop sets the tone for the day, allowing you to take in the lush greenery and perhaps snap some early photos before the more hectic attractions.

Genting Highlands Premium Outlets

Next, you’ll visit the sprawling outdoor shopping center, which houses many well-known brands at discounted prices. This is a perfect spot for those interested in snagging a bargain or just browsing stylish outlets. The 30-minute stop offers a quick but satisfying shopping experience, with a diverse food court to refuel.

The Skyway Cable Car Ride

The star of the day is the Skyway Cable Car ride, which takes you over the golf course and forest canopy to the top of Genting Highlands. This gondola is one of the longest and fastest in Southeast Asia, offering about 20 minutes of awe-inspiring views. Reviewers highlight this as “a mind-blowing experience,” with some noting that their driver provided QR codes for the return trip, which made the process seamless. The ride’s scenic quality is a major draw, providing a rare vantage point over the mountain landscape. Keep in mind, the cable car operation depends on weather and maintenance, so there’s a chance it might be delayed or unavailable.

Chin Swee Caves Temple

On reaching the peak, you’ll visit the Chin Swee Caves Temple, a Taoist shrine perched amidst rocky terrain, featuring a large statue of Qingshui, a revered monk believed to drive away evil spirits. Reviewers mention that this site is “the most scenic” spot of the trip and attracts many devotees from across Asia and beyond. You can choose to stop and explore, or simply enjoy the tranquil views. If you prefer just a quick photo, you can get off at this stop and rejoin the tour later, thanks to the same ticket.

First World Plaza & Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park

A major highlight for families is the First World Plaza, which has recently been refurbished and offers a modern, attractive space with plenty of shops and eateries. Just above the hotel lobby, it’s a convenient stop for a quick look around. For those wanting more fun, the Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park is an expansive space with over 20 rides and attractions, including a carousel and cable car-themed rides—perfect for kids and those young at heart. Reviewers mention that the indoor environment is cool and comfortable, making it a pleasant break from the Malaysian heat.

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

If you’re craving outdoor thrills, the Genting SkyWorlds outdoor theme park, spanning 26 acres, is a significant addition to Genting Highlands. With nine uniquely themed zones and 26 rides, it’s suitable for all ages—from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to gentler rides for young children. The tour includes around four hours here, so you’ll have ample time to explore and experience the various thrill sections. However, note that tickets for this park are not included in the basic package, so you’ll need to purchase them separately if interested.

Sky Casino

For those intrigued by gaming, the Sky Casino offers an elegant, lively environment, and is the largest casino in Genting Highlands. Though an hour is scheduled here, note that access requires a separate entry ticket, which is not included in the tour. For some travelers, this might be a quick peek into the gaming halls, while others may opt to skip if gambling isn’t their thing.

European-Style Kenyasi Number 2 & Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Next, you’ll visit a European-style winter village called Kenyasi Number 2, which features tobogganing and igloo houses—great for a quick, fun stop, especially if traveling with kids. Then, a quick visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium offers a quirky tour through 300 exhibits housed in a peculiar building façade. This stop is short but adds a humorous and unusual twist to the day.

Return via SkyWay Cable Car

As the day wraps up, you’ll take the Skyway Cable Car back down, with the same QR code used for the return trip. The ride offers one last chance to enjoy the lush views and catch some sunset moments if timing aligns.

Authentic Insights & Real Experiences

A mix of reviews paints a realistic picture of what to expect. One reviewer mentioned, “The coach ride was comfortable and we were well briefed by the guide,” highlighting the professionalism and smooth logistics. Conversely, others noted frustrations—long lines at attractions, some facilities being temporarily closed, and the challenge of coordinating tickets, which could give the experience a slightly chaotic feel during busy periods.

One traveler shared, “We were stressed as we had to pay return tickets once more though we showed the booking number,” indicating that some confusion over ticketing can occur, especially if you’re not fully briefed beforehand. It’s worth preparing for this by confirming details and keeping your QR codes handy.

On the upside, the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views truly stand out. Multiple reviews mention that guides, like Mr. Muru, made the day more enjoyable with enthusiastic commentary and helpful tips. The scenic ride on the cable car, in particular, received rave remarks for its “breathtaking natural views,” which make the journey worthwhile even if some attractions face delays or closures.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Book early: The tour is popular, and booking 25 days in advance isn’t unusual.
• Bring a jacket: Temperatures can range from 22°C to 32°C up in the mountains, so layering is smart.
• Expect some waiting: Some attractions may be busy or face technical issues, so keep your plans flexible.
• Plan for extra expenses: Entrance fees for theme parks or casino chips aren’t included, so budget accordingly.
• Prepare for weather: The cable car rides are weather-dependent, so check the forecast and be flexible with your schedule.
• Download the app: For attraction bookings, though it’s not mandatory, having the app can help avoid long lines.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers looking for an easy, all-in-one day trip that covers the must-see spots in Genting Highlands without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets. It’s especially great for families or groups who appreciate having a guide and transportation taken care of, and want to experience the iconic cable car ride along with some fun at the theme parks.

However, if you’re a thrill-seeker eager to spend most of your day riding roller coasters or gaming at the casino, you might find the limited time and optional ticket costs restrictive. Budget-conscious travelers should also consider the extra expenses for park tickets and activities not included in the base price.

Final Thoughts

The Genting Highlands Day Tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Malaysia’s popular hill resort, blending scenic views, cultural sights, and family entertainment. The highlight remains the cable car journey, which provides a memorable perspective of the lush mountain landscape. The inclusion of a well-organized transport system and hotel pickup makes it a practical choice for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

While some attractions may experience delays or closures, the flexible stops and knowledgeable guides help make this day manageable and enjoyable. It’s a good value if you’re after a balanced mix of sightseeing and fun, especially with kids or travel buddies up for an active, varied day.

If you seek a hassle-free way to explore Genting Highlands’ main highlights with the convenience of a guided tour and all-in-one ticketing, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within a 5 km radius of KLCC, making pickup convenient and straightforward.

Are the cable car tickets included?
Yes, the return Skyway Cable Car tickets are included in the tour, with QR codes provided for easy access at the stations.

Can I visit the Chin Swee Caves Temple?
Absolutely. You can choose to stop at the temple and explore or simply enjoy the view from the bus if you prefer.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially with stops like the indoor theme park and the European-style winter village. The entire experience is family-friendly.

What if some attractions are closed or busy?
The itinerary is flexible enough to allow you to skip certain stops or reallocate time. Just check with your guide for the best options.

Are extra tickets needed for the theme parks or casino?
Yes, tickets for the SkyWorlds Theme Park, Sky Casino, and other attractions are not included and need to be purchased separately.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a jacket, comfortable shoes, and your QR codes for the cable car. A camera and some cash for optional expenses are also recommended.

To sum it up, this Genting Highlands Day Tour offers a solid, value-packed way to experience Malaysia’s famous hill resort. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, hassle-free day with a mix of scenery, culture, and entertainment—ideal for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting to see the highlights without too much planning.