From Kuala Lumpur, we went to Genting Highlands, a place on top of a mountain that was developed starting in the 1970s by one of the richest men in Malaysia. Fast forward to today, it is the site of the First World Hotel, renowned for being the second-largest hotel in the world, a casino, a theme park, a mall, and a nearby residential village.

Malaysia / Genting Highlands / Southeast Asia

Highland Escape: Journeying to the Mountain Peaks of Genting

By Marky Ramone Go • May 2007

The massive vibrant exterior architecture of the First World Hotel towering over the Genting Highlands complex.

Scaling the Mountains via Cable Car

To get there, you needed to take a bus from KL Sentral Station; you could either go there by car or take a bus that would stop at a place offering visitors a ride on a cable car. Riding the cable car seemed more exciting, as it gave you a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains.

Looking down the steep lush green mountain slopes from the vantage point of the Genting cable car.

It was said to be the longest cable car in Asia, and about a kilometer long if my distance estimate was correct. It was also my first time riding a cable car.

The sprawling indoor and outdoor amusement parks embedded within the Genting Highlands mountaintop resort.

The High-Altitude Theme Park Experience

The highlight of the place was the location, of course; the weather was cool, just a bit less cold than in Baguio (we went there during the summertime in the month of May). The theme park featured an attraction called Genting Sky Venture, a free-fall simulator, alongside a casino, a water splash pool, and a big mall, among other things.

Colorful structures and outdoor rides characteristic of the family-friendly Genting Highlands amusement zone.

It was a place that would be much appreciated by travelers coming with their own families; the kids would surely enjoy the place more than ordinary backpackers who preferred the beaches over the comforts of hotels and themed attractions.

Visitors enjoying the scenic indoor waterways and recreational facilities at the resort complex.

Anyway, it was a nice little side trip for our Kuala Lumpur tour. Anybody planning on going there should make sure to check out the First World Hotel, as I remembered it had some of the cheapest rates compared to other hotels. I was sure the kids would enjoy the theme park, and the oldies might want to try their luck in the casinos. We didn't take our chances, though.

Genting Highlands Profile

Location: Pahang, Malaysia (accessible via KL Sentral)

Climate: Cool, high-altitude mountain weather

Transit Node: Features one of the longest cable car systems in Asia

Key Attractions: First World Hotel, Sky Venture, Theme Parks, Resort Casino

Practical Travel Guide

Getting There:
Take an express bus from KL Sentral Station directly to the Awana Bus Terminal, then transfer to the Awana SkyWay cable car for a scenic ascent to the peak complex.

Travel Tips:
The mountain air is crisp and cool—pack a light sweater. If staying overnight, booking the First World Hotel in advance offers competitive rates for large groups.

More Malaysia Adventures