Genting Highlands is one of those places every Singaporean has been to — or plans to go. Perched 1,800 metres above sea level in the Pahang mountains, it offers something Singapore literally cannot: cool weather. At 15–25°C year-round, it's the closest thing to autumn you'll find within a day's drive.
But Genting has evolved dramatically in recent years. The new SkyWorlds Theme Park has replaced the ageing outdoor park, the Awana SkyWay cable car offers breathtaking rainforest views, and the indoor Skytropolis keeps the kids entertained rain or shine.
Here's everything you need to plan your trip from Singapore.
How to Get There from Singapore
| Method | Duration | Cost (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Bus | 5–6 hours | S$35–50 one way | Budget travellers, solo trips |
| Self-Drive | 4–5 hours | S$30–50 (tolls + fuel) | Families, groups of 3+ |
| Fly to KL + Bus | 3–4 hours total | S$80–150 | Short trips, comfort seekers |
Pro tip: If driving, leave Singapore before 6am on Friday to avoid the Johor Bahru immigration crush. The mountain road from Gohtong Jaya to the resort is winding — those prone to car sickness should take the Awana SkyWay cable car from the base instead.
Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park
The big draw. Genting SkyWorlds opened in 2022 and features 26 rides across 9 themed worlds including Ice Age, Rio, Epic, and Night at the Museum. The highlight rides include:
- Acme Blast — A launched coaster that shoots you through a Looney Tunes-themed canyon
- Epic Voyage — A boat ride through breathtaking CGI environments
- Ice Age: Expedition — A family-friendly water dark ride
- Independence Day: Defiance — An intense motion simulator that puts you in a space battle
The park is outdoors but at altitude, so the weather is genuinely pleasant — no Singapore-style sweating through your shirt by 10am.
Book Genting SkyWorlds tickets from RM11.95 →
Awana SkyWay Cable Car
The Awana SkyWay is a 2.8km gondola ride that takes you from Awana station through the rainforest canopy to the SkyAvenue mall at the summit. The glass-floor gondolas are worth the small premium — the view straight down into dense jungle is equal parts thrilling and terrifying.
It's also the most scenic way to arrive at Genting's hilltop complex, especially when the clouds roll in and you're literally riding through them.
Book Awana SkyWay from RM3.46 →
Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park
If it rains (and it does rain at altitude), Skytropolis is your backup plan. This indoor theme park features a mix of rides, arcade games, and VR experiences. It's lighter on thrills than SkyWorlds but perfect for younger kids and families who want something gentler.
The Ripley's Believe It or Not museum and Zombie Outbreak laser tag are also inside the resort complex.
Book Skytropolis tickets from RM5.03 →
Beyond the Theme Parks
Genting isn't just rides. Here's what else to do:
- SkyAvenue Mall — shops, restaurants, and the stunning Sky Terrace with mountain views
- Chin Swee Caves Temple — a stunning Buddhist temple built into the mountainside (free entry)
- Strawberry Farm — pick your own strawberries at the Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm
- Premium Outlets — discounted designer brands at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets
Also Popular: Batu Caves Combo Trip
Many visitors combine Genting with a stop at Batu Caves — the iconic Hindu temple with its 272 rainbow-coloured steps. It's about an hour from Genting on the way back toward KL, making it an easy add-on.
Book Genting + Batu Caves guided tour from RM31.46 →
Plan your Genting trip: Book theme park tickets, cable car rides, and guided tours on HolidaySG — all with mobile vouchers. Browse all Malaysia attractions →
Recommended Malaysia Tours and Experiences
Malaysia surprises with its diversity: theme parks in Johor, street food in Penang, highlands in Genting, and heritage in Melaka. Pre-booking gets you skip-the-line access and better rates at the top attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to visit Malaysia?
A: Peninsular Malaysia is great year-round. The west coast is driest from December to April, while the east coast is best from April to October. Borneo is driest from March to October.
Q: Do I need a visa for Malaysia?
A: Citizens of most countries get 30-90 days visa-free. Check our Malaysia visa page or the immigration website for your specific nationality.
Q: How do I get from Singapore to Malaysia?
A: You can take a bus across the Causeway (cheapest), drive, or fly. The bus from Queen Street takes about 1-2 hours depending on border queues.
Q: Is Malaysian food halal?
A: The majority of restaurants in Malaysia are halal-certified. Non-halal Chinese restaurants are clearly marked. Malaysia is one of the easiest countries for halal dining.
Q: What Malaysian food should I try?
A: Nasi lemak, char kway teow, roti canai, laksa, and satay are absolute must-tries. Every state has its own specialties — Penang is widely considered the food capital.
Recommended Experiences
Here are some top-rated experiences you can book in advance to make the most of your trip: