Genting Highlands
Pahang
Genting Highlands is a hill station situated at 1,800 meters elevation on Mount Ulu Kali in the Titiwangsa Mountains of central Peninsular Malaysia, within the state of Pahang. Established in 1965 by businessman Lim Goh Tong, it was developed to provide a mountain resort closer to Kuala Lumpur than Cameron Highlands. The area is dominated by Resorts World Genting, an integrated hill resort featuring casinos, multiple hotels, shopping malls, and theme parks where gambling is legally permitted. The resort has expanded over the decades to include seven major hotels, including the First World Hotel, which once held the Guinness World Record for the largest hotel globally. Two cable car systems, the Awana Skyway and Genting Skyway, provide scenic access to the hilltop resort. Genting Highlands enjoys a subtropical highland climate with mild temperatures year-round, making it a refreshing escape from the lowland heat. The resort also offers entertainment venues such as the Arena of Stars and various indoor and outdoor theme parks. Its unique combination of natural highland environment and extensive leisure facilities makes Genting Highlands a distinctive destination in Malaysia.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit Genting Highlands during weekdays or outside Malaysian school holidays to avoid crowds. Purchase tickets for theme parks and shows in advance via the official website or mobile app to secure entry and possible discounts. The cooler climate means light jackets are advisable. Utilize the cable car systems for scenic and convenient access to the resort. Accommodation booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Interesting facts
- •First World Hotel at Genting Highlands held the Guinness World Record for the largest hotel globally from 2006 to 2008 and regained it in 2015 with 7,351 rooms.
- •The resort features two cable car systems: Awana Skyway (2.8 km) and Genting Skyway (3.38 km), offering scenic transport to the hilltop.
- •Genting Highlands maintains a subtropical highland climate with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C (77°F) and dropping as low as 8.4°C (47.1°F).
- •The resort was granted Malaysia's first casino license in 1969, making it a unique legal gambling destination in the country.
History
The concept of Genting Highlands was conceived by Lim Goh Tong in 1963 after visiting Cameron Highlands.
He identified Mount Ulu Kali as an ideal location due to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur.
Genting Highlands Berhad was established in 1965, and construction of access roads began the same year.
The first hotel opened in 1971, alongside the granting of a casino license.
Over the following decades, the resort expanded with additional hotels, cable car systems, and entertainment facilities.
A master plan initiated in 2013 aimed to further develop the resort's infrastructure and theme parks, culminating in renovations completed by 2021.
Place Guide
Resorts World Genting1965-present
The main integrated hill resort featuring hotels, casinos, shopping malls, and theme parks. It is the central attraction of Genting Highlands, offering diverse entertainment and accommodation options.
First World Hotel2001 (with expansions)
One of the seven hotels within Resorts World Genting, known for holding the Guinness World Record as the largest hotel globally with over 7,000 rooms.
Awana Skyway Cable Car1977
A 2.8-kilometer cable car system built in 1977, providing scenic transport from the base to the hilltop resort area.
Genting Skyway Cable Car1997
A 3.38-kilometer cable car system built in 1997, serving as an alternative route to access the resort’s peak.
Contact
Phone: 03-2718 1118
