Located just an hour’s drive from Malaysia’s bustling capital, Genting Highlands is an integrated resort city perched at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level. Known as the “City of Entertainment,” it is famous for its vibrant casinos, indoor and outdoor theme parks, and massive shopping malls.
Because of its high altitude, Genting enjoys a wonderfully cool climate all year round, with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 25°C. For locals and expats living in tropical Kuala Lumpur, it serves as the ultimate weekend getaway to escape the heat.
On my recent trip, I traveled from downtown KL to the peak using a combination of the express bus and the cable car. Here is a complete, step-by-step guide with practical tips to help you navigate the journey smoothly.
1. Route Overview: Understanding Mid-Hill vs. Top-Hill
Before booking your tickets, it helps to understand that Genting Highlands is broadly split into two main geographic zones:
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The Mid-Hill Area (Awana / Genting Highlands Premium Outlets): Located halfway up the mountain (around 700 to 800 meters in altitude). This area serves as the primary transportation hub and is home to several hotels and the massive Premium Outlets mall. The temperature here is only slightly cooler than KL.
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The Top-Hill Area (Resorts World Genting Peak): This is the actual summit at 1,800 meters, where the clouds roll through the streets. It houses the casinos, theme parks, and major entertainment complexes. When people talk about “visiting Genting,” they usually mean this peak.
The Transit Breakdown
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KL City ➔ Mid-Hill: ~1 hour via Highway Express Bus.
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Mid-Hill ➔ Top-Hill: ~15 minutes via the Awana SkyWay Cable Car.
2. Booking the Express Bus (KL ➔ Mid-Hill)
While you can purchase tickets directly at the terminal, booking online in advance is highly recommended. During weekends and public holidays, buses sell out quickly, and you could find yourself stranded at the terminal waiting hours for the next available slot.
I recommend using a reliable aggregate booking platform like redBus. The interface accepts international credit cards and is incredibly straightforward.
Buses run frequently (every 30 to 60 minutes). The two primary operators serving this route are Resorts World Genting and Aerobus. Here is how they compare:
| Operator | Average Price | Seating Layout | Cable Car Ticket |
| Resorts World Genting | ~RM 23 | 3-row (1+2 configuration) | Included (via QR code) |
| Aerobus | ~RM 10 | 4-row (2+2 configuration) | Excluded (Must buy separately) |
Note: While Resorts World Genting appears more expensive, it includes the RM 10 cable car ticket automatically, making the actual price difference negligible. The 3-row seating configuration offers significantly better comfort.
3. The On-the-Ground Experience
On my journey, I tested both operators: taking Resorts World Genting on the way up, and Aerobus on the way back down.
Departing from KL: Resorts World Genting Bus
Most Genting-bound buses depart directly from KL Sentral Station (though some routes leave from TBS Terminal, so be sure to double-check your voucher).
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Finding the Boarding Area: At KL Sentral, head past the main train gates toward the entrance of the NU Sentral shopping mall. Instead of entering the mall, head toward the back right corner where you will find an escalator leading down to the ground floor bus bays.
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Boarding: Show the PDF voucher on your phone to the attendant standing by the bus doors. Note: If you booked the Resorts World bus, your voucher will contain a QR code—this is for the upcoming cable car, not the bus itself.
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The Ride: The 3-row seating configuration is incredibly spacious, featuring excellent legroom and dedicated footrests, making the 1-hour mountain climb incredibly pleasant.
The Return Journey: Aerobus
For the return trip down to KL, all buses depart from the ground-floor transportation hub located inside the Awana SkyCentral complex (the same building where the cable car lands).
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The Waiting Lounge: The departure terminal features clear electronic screens displaying which gate your bus will park at.
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The Ride: The Aerobus utilizes a standard 2+2 holiday coach layout. While it is slightly less premium than the 3-row layout, the 1-hour duration is short enough that it doesn’t make a major difference in comfort.
4. The Awana SkyWay Cable Car (Mid-Hill ➔ Top-Hill)
Once your bus arrives at Awana SkyCentral, follow the clear overhead signs up to the cable car boarding gates.
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Ticket Validation: If you rode the Resorts World bus, simply open your email voucher and scan the provided QR code directly at the automated turnstiles. If you used Aerobus, you can purchase a cable car ticket (RM 10) at the self-service kiosks or counters right outside the gates using cash or card.
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The Boarding Gate: Staff will direct you into the next available gondola. Depending on crowd levels, you will likely share the cabin with other travelers.
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The Journey: The ride takes about 15 minutes, offering sweeping views of the 130-million-year-old rainforest.
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The Hidden Stopover: The cable car makes an intermediate stop at Chin Swee Station. Your ticket allows you to exit here for free to explore the spectacular Chin Swee Caves Temple, featuring a massive nine-story pagoda nestled against the misty cliffs. After exploring, simply re-board the cable car with the same ticket to complete your journey to the summit.
5. Summary
Getting to Genting Highlands is one of the most cost-effective and seamless side-trips you can make from Kuala Lumpur. By securing your bus tickets online and utilizing the highly efficient cable car system, you can transition from the humid city streets to the cool, misty mountain air in just under an hour and a half.
Looking for a unique place to stay?
If you want to escape the crowded mega-casinos at the peak, I highly recommend retreating to the mid-hill area to stay at The Yanné, Onsen Hotel—a brilliant, Japanese-style hot spring wellness retreat tucked away in the mountain mist.
Read my full review of The Yanné, Onsen Hotel here