25 Best Things To Do In The Genting Highlands (Malaysia)

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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The Genting Highlands is only 45 minutes away from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and is one of the most popular vacation spots in the country. The Genting Highlands is known for being one of Malaysia’s hill stations, which puts it in the category of other spots like the Cameron Highlands. One of the reasons why people flock here is to take in the crisp mountain air, but another big reason to visit is to enjoy the attractions such as several casinos and both indoor and outdoor theme parks.

There is also a massive cable car system which has put the Genting Highlands on the map, or you can try whizzing through the rainforest on a Flying Fox. Another great thing about the Genting Highlands is that although the center is very commercialized, you can easily go trekking in the surrounding area and even hike to nearby waterfalls and mountains. This makes it a hit with both nature lovers and urbanites alike, which is something of a rare find in Malaysia.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in the Genting Highlands:

1. Outdoor Theme Park Kids

Outdoor Theme Park in the Genting HighlandsSource: 8590 / shutterstock
Outdoor Theme Park In The Genting Highlands

The Outdoor Theme Park in the Genting Highlands is one of the main jewels in its crown and includes amazing water slides and a range of rides.

There are different sections here which are perfect for all the family as adults can enjoy thrilling roller coasters but there are also some tamer rides for younger children.

If you are really feeling brave you can try rides such as the Space Shot and the Flying Coaster.

2. Dance the night away at Cloud 9

Cloud 9, Genting HighlandsSource: www.kuala-lumpur.ws
Cloud 9

One of the reasons that many people flock to the Genting Highlands is for the amazing nightlife here which is a little more exciting than in other conservative parts of the country.

With that in mind, Cloud 9 is one of the most famous nightclubs in the area and you will recognize it instantly thanks to its huge neon pillars.

The club plays a range of music such as R&B and hip hop and there is also live music available depending on the night of the week.

3. Visit the Chin Swee Caves Temple

Chin Swee Caves TempleSource: 2753185 / shutterstock
Chin Swee Caves Temple

The Chin Swee Caves Temple is part of 28 acres of wood lands in the Genting Highlands.

The temple was erected for the Taoist community in this part of Malaysia and it is dedicated to Reverend Master Chin Swee which was a famous religious leader in the Genting Highlands.

It is said that the master could exorcise spirits and could also bring rain to the area if farmers needed help with their parched crops.

When you visit the temple make sure to look out for the black statue of Chin Swee himself that adorns the front entrance.

4. Eat at Penang Food Village

Lor Mee NoodlesSource: 635437 / shutterstock
Lor Mee Noodles

Penang is known for having some of the most delicious food in Malaysia and now you can try it firsthand in the Genting Highlands.

Some of the food in the Genting Highlands can be upscale with prices to match, so if you are looking for a bargain then the Penang Food Village is an excellent choice.

Some of the signature dishes to look out for include the Lor Mee which is noodles in a distinctive black gravy as well as fried Kway Teow which are flat noodles mixed with egg and seafood.

5. Scare yourself at the Haunted Adventure

Haunted Adventure, Genting HighlandsSource: www.youtube.com
Haunted Adventure

If you want to feel a little scared in the Genting Highlands then why not visit the Haunted Adventure? Located in the First World Plaza, this attraction is made up of a tour that leads you through darkened rooms with a whole host of scary occupants.

It is not for the faint of heart but anyone looking for an adventure shouldn’t give it a miss.

6. Go for a walk on the Genting Highlands Mountains

Genting HighlandsSource: 1048594 / shutterstock
Genting Highlands

The Genting Highlands offer you some of the prettiest scenery in Malaysia and with that in mind there is no better way to check it out than by going for a hike.

The Genting Highlands is known for its casinos and resorts but once you get out into the countryside the landscape changes completely.

As this is a famous hill station the air is crisper at this elevation and you can check out the mountains as well as acres of unspoilt rainforests.

7. Explore Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Genting Strawberry Leisure FarmSource: 182506712 / shutterstock
Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm has the claim to fame of being that biggest strawberry farms in Malaysia and was the first to be founded in the Genting Highlands.

This is one of the nicest activities in the region and you can spend an idyllic afternoon picking strawberries and taking in the views.

You can also take a tour of the vast strawberry plantation as well as visit the onsite flower gardens.

There is even a strawberry cafe where you can try the delicious fruits grown at the farm.

Make sure to try the signature juices which are famous in the Genting Highlands.

8. Visit Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Center

Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation CenterSource: 3643088 / shutterstock
Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Center

One of the most famous spaces in the Genting Highlands is the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Center which first opened its doors in 1989. This is the only dedicated elephant sanctuary in Malaysia and you will find some 500 elephants here who have been rescued as a result of the threats from poaching and the destruction of their local habitats.

It takes around 45 minutes to get to the sanctuary from the center of the Genting Highlands but it makes a good trip if you want to see these amazing creatures up close.

10. Learn some history at Lim Goh Tong Memorial Hall

Lim Goh Tong Memorial HallSource: Chongkian / Wikimedia
Lim Goh Tong Memorial Hall

The Lim Goh Tong Memorial Hall is dedicated to Tan Sri Dato Seri Lim Goh Tong who is famous for having founded the Genting Group.

Lim Goh Tong was known in the region for having put the Genting Highlands on the map and for much of the development that has happened in the area.

This part of Malaysia used to be a relatively sleepy hill station before the Genting Group transformed it over the years and a visit to the memorial hall is a good way to learn more about the history of the Genting Highlands.

11. Catch a show at the Arena of Stars

Arena of Stars, GentingSource: www.rwgenting.com
Arena Of Stars

The Arena of Stars is one of the best known attractions in the Genting Highlands.

If you want to watch a show then this is the place to do it and some of the biggest names in the world have played here.

The Arena of Stars is made up of a huge theater which has a dazzling lighting system and international stars regularly play here.

The best thing to do is check out what is on when you are in town so that you don’t miss out on seeing one of your favorite performers.

12. Make your way to Sungai Sendat

Sungai SendatSource: 3656414 / shutterstock
Sungai Sendat

Sungai Sendat is a delightful waterfall that is located in Ulu Yam Baru.

You can get to the waterfall from the Genting Highlands and once there you will find a huge cataract that gushes over three separate tiers.

Many people choose to hike here and then camp close to the waterfall and this area is part of a forest reserve which has scenic gazebo and picnic areas.

As a result, it makes a great pick if you want to get out of the center of the Genting Highlands.

13. Explore the World of Phalaenopsis

Pink PhalaenopsisSource: 2799358 / shutterstock
Pink Phalaenopsis

It has a rather complicated name but the World of Phalaenopsis is basically a large Orchard Farm.

The farm spreads out over several acres and you will find some 398 different kinds of orchids here in an amazing array of different shades.

If you love all things flora then this is definitely not to be missed and you can also learn how the flowers are cultivated here according to bio technology.

14. Try your luck at Casino de Genting

CasinoSource: 78238 / shutterstock
Casino

The most famous attraction in the Genting Highlands has to be the Casino de Genting.

Anyone who has been to Vegas may find it a little smaller than some of the most famous casinos in the world but it is the only legal casino in Malaysia and as such something of a powerhouse in the region.

When you visit the casino you can expect some 3,140 slot machines as well as 426 table games, so if you fancy a game you won’t be disappointed.

There are also shows and musical concerts performed daily at the casino.

15. Have an adventure on a Flying Fox

Awana Genting Highlands Golf ResortSource: 390 / shutterstock
Awana Genting Highlands Golf Resort

If you are looking for an adventure in the Genting Highlands then the Flying Fox at the Awana Genting Highlands Golf Resort is the place for you.

Once you get here you will be securely fastened into a safety harness and can then fly through the forest and check out all the sights of the Genting Highlands from the vantage point of the air.

The zip line here is some 100 meters long and located on a scenic hill and this is definitely an experience not to be missed if you are in the area.

16. Cool off at the Snow World Experience

Snow World Experience, GentingSource: ewenhooi.blogspot.com
Snow World Experience

The last thing you may be expecting in Malaysia is snow, but that is exactly what you can expect at the Snow World Experience in the Genting Highlands.

Here you will find a winter landscape that has to be seen to be believed and there is even an actual snow slide which is called the Cresta Run.

You can also have fun with all the family and make snowmen or just throw some snowballs around and this is a great way to cool off if you are tired of the Malaysian heat.

17. Visit Ripleys Believe It Or Not

Ripleys Believe It Or NotSource: www.ripleys.com
Ripleys Believe It Or Not

Ripleys Believe It Or Not museum covers an impressive 12,000 feet of space and provides fun for all the family looking for a rainy day activity in the Genting Highlands.

When you visit you will find some 500 different items that come from the collection of Robert Ripley and include some of the most bizarre curios you can imagine.

There are 11 galleries here which are all dedicated to a different theme and it takes around 45 minutes to walk around the museum (without stopping and trying the interactive experiences) due to its sheer size.

18. Take a trip to Gohtong Jaya

Cable Cars to Gohtong JayaSource: 897106 / shutterstock
Cable Cars to Gohtong Jaya

Gohtong Jaya is a quaint town that is located just outside the Genting Highlands and sits on a pretty plateau.

The town is next to a range of attractions for which the Genting Highlands is famous and makes a nice change of pace if you want to see a more authentic side of Malaysia.

Gohtong Jaya is known for its row of traditional shop houses which are a great place to come if you want to try some delicious Malay food.

19. Watch a game at All Sports Bar

If you want to catch a sports game in the Genting Highlands then the best place to come is All Sports Bar.

Here you will find three huge screens where you can watch some of the biggest tournaments in the world, as well as plasma screens and eight televisions.

The bar is known for its football coverage such as games from the English Premier League and it pays to get here early if you want to get a good seat as the bar is very popular.

You can also enjoy watching your favorite sport with a cold beer and the bar also serves light snacks.

20. Explore Mini Cameron Highlands Garden

Mini Cameron Highlands GardenSource: www.youtube.com
Mini Cameron Highlands Garden

Mini Cameron Highlands Garden is a nod to the produce found in the real Cameron Highlands, but if you don’t have time to go there in person then this is a good substitute.

The gardens feature a small strawberry farm as well as a number of sections that showcase hydroponic vegetables as well as mushrooms.

This is also part of a wider arcade that also has a Malay village with some models of traditional houses.

21. Visit the Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort

Genting Highlands Golf & Country ResortSource: 1848416 / shutterstock
Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort

The Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort lies at the base of the Banjaran Titiwangsa Mountain Range and is one of the most upscale resorts in this part of Malaysia.

Here you will find one of the prettiest golf courses in the country which was designed by Ronald Fream and if you want to fit in a game while you are in Malaysia then this is the perfect place to do it.

22. Go hiking in the Berjaya Hills

Berjaya HillsSource: 711748 / shutterstock
Berjaya Hills

If you are looking for an excursion from the Genting Highlands then you can consider a trip to the neighboring Berjaya Hills.

Located in Pahang close to Bentong, the hills sit at a height of 820 meters and also have a clutch of resorts of their own.

Some of the sights to look out for include Colmar Tropical which is a hotel and village that has a surprising French theme that is meant to be modeled on the Alsace.

There is also a Japanese village here and you can try out a spa and a golf course when you are in town.

On the outskirts of the Berjaya Hills you can hiking through amazing primary rainforest.

23. Ride on the Genting Skyway Cable Car

Genting Skyway Cable CarSource: 161803154 / shutterstock
Genting Skyway Cable Car

The Skyway Cable Car is one of the best ways to whizz to the summit of the Genting Highlands.

If you have a head for heights then you can get into a gondola style pod and then rise to the apex of the hill and take in the spectacular views over the Genting Highlands at the same time.

One of the best things about the cable car is that it is also open at night which means that you can check out the views even after the sun goes down and the resorts sparkle in the distance.

24. Climb Gunung Nuang

Gunung NuangSource: 3949499 / shutterstock
Gunung Nuang

If you want a trip outside the main part of the Genting Highlands then head to Gunung Nuang which is a mighty mountain that sits between Pahang and Selangor.

The summit rises to a height of 1,493 meters and you can hike on a number of trails to the top including Janda Baik.

It takes around two or three hours to scale the peak depending on your fitness levels and this is a great way to enjoy some of the most picturesque scenery in this part of Malaysia.

A highlight on the way to the summit is Lata Chemperoh Waterfall so make time for a quick stop off.

25. Indoor theme Park & Video Games Park

 Indoor theme Park & Video Games ParkSource: 1464035 / shutterstock
Indoor Theme Park & Video Games Park

One of the top attractions in the Genting Highlands is the Indoor Theme Park & Video Games Park which is home to some of the main sights in the area.

These include a huge selection of exciting attractions such as museums and an exciting climbing wall.

You can also have a go at other activities such as indoor sky diving and there are arcades here with video games so this is a great place to visit with younger children, especially on a rainy day in the Genting Highlands.



25 Best Things To Do In The Genting Highlands (Malaysia):

  • Outdoor Theme Park Kids
  • Dance the night away at Cloud 9
  • Visit the Chin Swee Caves Temple
  • Eat at Penang Food Village
  • Scare yourself at the Haunted Adventure
  • Go for a walk on the Genting Highlands Mountains
  • Explore Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm
  • Visit Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Center
  • Learn some history at Lim Goh Tong Memorial Hall
  • Catch a show at the Arena of Stars
  • Make your way to Sungai Sendat
  • Explore the World of Phalaenopsis
  • Try your luck at Casino de Genting
  • Have an adventure on a Flying Fox
  • Cool off at the Snow World Experience
  • Visit Ripleys Believe It Or Not
  • Take a trip to Gohtong Jaya
  • Watch a game at All Sports Bar
  • Explore Mini Cameron Highlands Garden
  • Visit the Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort
  • Go hiking in the Berjaya Hills
  • Ride on the Genting Skyway Cable Car
  • Climb Gunung Nuang
  • Indoor theme Park & Video Games Park