Kuala Lumpur: Genting Highlands Tour with Awana Cable Car

REVIEW · KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur: Genting Highlands Tour with Awana Cable Car

  • 4.164 reviews
  • 10 hours
  • From $19
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by E Asia Holidays · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Cool air, big views, and a temple stop.

This tour is interesting because it links a rainforest cable-car ride with a calm hilltop break at Chin Swee Caves Temple, then pivots into Genting’s entertainment-and-shopping zone. I like that the day is paced: a scenic ascent, a temple visit with photo time, then plenty of hours for what you actually came for. The one drawback to plan around is that the Genting summit is built for crowds and attractions, so if you’re craving quiet walking time, this setup may feel a bit rushed toward the fun side.

The value here mostly depends on your priorities. If you want transport plus a cable-car ticket bundled in, it can feel like a smart deal. If you’re only looking for a temple-and-nature day, you may wish the schedule allowed more time outside the built-up resort area.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

Kuala Lumpur: Genting Highlands Tour with Awana Cable Car - Key things that make this tour worth your time

  • Awana Skyway Cable Car: a real “up the mountain” ride with big jungle canopy views.
  • Chin Swee Caves Temple: intricate stone carvings and a nine-story pagoda, plus calmer hilltop energy.
  • Genting’s entertainment density: casino, indoor theme park options, and the wider resort buzz all in one area.
  • Premium outlet shopping: designer and brand-name stores (over 150) focused on discounts.
  • A full 10-hour day: enough time to move through the main sights without a sprint.
  • English-speaking guidance: helpful for timing, meet points, and staying organized.

10 hours from KL to Genting: the rhythm of the day

Kuala Lumpur: Genting Highlands Tour with Awana Cable Car - 10 hours from KL to Genting: the rhythm of the day
This is a one-day lift from Kuala Lumpur up to Pahang’s Genting Highlands, running for about 10 hours. There are two departure options—9:00 AM or 1:00 PM—and that matters because Genting’s vibe changes as the day goes on. Morning tends to feel more relaxed as you’re heading into the resort; afternoon can feel livelier once people are already filtering in.

What I like about the flow is that it doesn’t dump you all at once. You start with the drive, then the cable car, then a temple stop mid-route, and only later do you hit the casino/theme park zone and outlets. That order is smart because you get the cooler, scenic part before you spend hours in indoor shopping and gaming spaces.

Your biggest “consideration” is that Genting Highlands is not a quiet nature retreat. The resort is a full-on entertainment complex, so your time is naturally tied to rides, buildings, and commercial zones rather than long scenic strolls.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kuala Lumpur.

Awana Skyway cable car: the best part for most people

Kuala Lumpur: Genting Highlands Tour with Awana Cable Car - Awana Skyway cable car: the best part for most people
The day’s signature experience is the Awana Skyway Cable Car. You ride it over lush jungle canopy views as you ascend, which is the perfect way to break up a long trip from KL without feeling stuck in traffic the whole time.

Even if you’re not a cable-car person, this ride works for two reasons:

  • It turns the trip into a sight itself, not just a transfer.
  • The height gives you a different sense of place—green hills and thick vegetation far below instead of city blocks.

The tour includes 2-way Awana Cable Car tickets, so you don’t have to shop around once you’re there. That bundling is a quiet value win, because cable-car access can be one of the add-ons that makes independent planning feel expensive.

If you get even slightly motion-sick, bring what you need for that. The tour doesn’t mention special accommodations, and cable cars aren’t the place to “just hope it’s fine.”

Chin Swee Caves Temple: calm stop, big visuals, and a clear photo moment

Kuala Lumpur: Genting Highlands Tour with Awana Cable Car - Chin Swee Caves Temple: calm stop, big visuals, and a clear photo moment
Midway, you disembark at Chin Swee Caves Temple, a hilltop sanctuary known for intricate stonework and major temple architecture. This is where the tour shifts gears: from the jungle ride to a calmer, more spiritual-feeling space.

What you can expect here:

  • Intricate stone carvings that are worth slowing down for.
  • A majestic nine-story pagoda that gives you a strong skyline view.
  • Grounds that feel more peaceful than the Genting entertainment floors.

This stop is often the “mental breath” of the day. After sitting in a vehicle and then riding upward, the temple gives you a chance to stand still, look around, and actually take photos without competing with as much neon-and-gaming energy.

One more real-world note: temple architecture at Genting sits in a heavily developed resort environment. That means you might notice construction activity or large complex buildings around the area, even if the temple itself is still genuinely impressive. If you’re hoping for a pure escape with no sign of development, you’ll want to adjust expectations.

Genting Highlands summit: choose your mood at the top

Once you arrive at Genting Highlands, you’re dropped into a place designed for fun. This is the part of the day where your interests decide how enjoyable it feels.

Casino time at Casino de Genting

The tour specifically includes a visit to Genting Casino (Casino de Genting). It’s described as one of the largest in Asia and it’s positioned as Malaysia’s only land-based casino. Even if you’re not planning to gamble, it’s a major part of Genting’s identity, and the building atmosphere is part of the experience.

If you do plan to play, set a budget before you sit down. Casinos can swallow time fast, and the tour is only 10 hours total.

Theme parks: admission is on you

For thrill-seekers, there’s access to the theme park zone concept through Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, but admission is not included. The same goes for other theme park options tied to Skytropolis-style venues—you pay your own tickets if you want the rides.

This matters because it changes the total cost. The tour’s headline price can look low, then theme park tickets can quietly add up. If you’re mostly interested in outlets and the casino, you can skip that add-on and keep the day simple.

A reality check on pace

The experience at the summit can feel like “see the sights, then move again.” One review experience highlighted that the entertainment focus can feel a bit strange or oversized, and that some people wish they had more time for walking through the surrounding areas. I’d treat that as a heads-up: you’re coming for Genting’s built entertainment, not for long, quiet trails.

Premium Outlets: where the shopping math can work

After the entertainment zone, the day includes time for Genting Highlands Premium Outlets—a shopping stop built around discounts. The info here is clear: you’ll find 150+ designer and brand-name stores and the outlet setup is designed for deal hunting.

This is the part that can make the tour feel like a bargain, especially if you’re coming with a shopping list (shoes, bags, everyday brands, maybe a wardrobe refresh). The outlets are also a practical weather plan. If Genting’s cool air turns damp or windy, indoor shopping gives you a comfortable alternative.

A balanced view: outlets won’t automatically mean “best prices.” You still need to check sizes, compare basics, and avoid impulse buys. But if you’re the kind of person who likes hunting for good pricing in a controlled, centralized place, Genting’s outlet center is one of the strongest reasons to consider this tour rather than going independently.

One review specifically said the outlet center was OK and that they found a few items at good prices. That lines up with how outlets usually play out: hit-or-miss by store, but strong potential if you’re ready to browse.

What’s included vs. what you’ll pay yourself

Here’s the straightforward breakdown.

Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional driver and guided services
  • 2-way Awana Skyway cable car ticket

This matters because transport to Genting from KL can eat time (and energy). Bundling the cable car also prevents last-minute ticket issues.

Not included

  • Food and accommodation
  • Theme park admission (Genting SkyWorlds/Skytropolis type entry is not covered)
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Food is the big flexible cost. Genting has lots of options, but you’ll need to budget for meals and drinks. If you plan to shop heavily, add some spending buffer too.

Price and value: when $19 makes sense

At $19 per person, the tour is positioned as a budget-friendly way to do a “big day” with key attractions included. Whether it feels like a win depends on what you’d otherwise have to pay for.

If you were planning this alone, you’d likely face:

  • A full-day private taxi/van cost or multiple transfers
  • Cable car tickets
  • Entry costs for any attractions you choose
  • Time spent figuring out meet points

Because the tour includes the 2-way cable car plus round-trip vehicle time with guided services, the base price tends to make sense for first-timers. For some people, the experience still feels “a bit overpriced,” mainly because Genting is a commercial entertainment hub and not everyone wants the same level of built-up activity.

My practical take: this is good value if you want a checklist day—cable car, temple, casino-area time, and outlets. If you’re chasing quiet nature time, you’re paying for a setup you might not fully use.

Timing and pickups: how to avoid day-of confusion

Kuala Lumpur: Genting Highlands Tour with Awana Cable Car - Timing and pickups: how to avoid day-of confusion
This tour runs 10 hours, with 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM departures. It also offers optional pickup for hotels/residences within a 3 km radius from the Petronas Twin Towers. If your lodging is outside that radius, pickup still depends on the option you select, and you’ll likely start from a pre-arranged meeting spot.

After the tour, you get dropped off across a wide network of addresses across Kuala Lumpur (the list is long), which is great if you’re staying in the city center. That said, large drop-off networks can sometimes mean your return is “spread out.” You’ll want to keep your patience and expect the van to do its rounds.

What to bring for Genting Highlands weather and comfort

The weather at Genting can be cooler than Kuala Lumpur, and the tour guidance is simple:

  • Comfortable shoes
  • A jacket

Even if you think you won’t need it, pack the jacket anyway. Cable car time plus temple time plus long indoor/outdoor transitions can add up.

Communications: WhatsApp is your friend here

This operator uses WhatsApp as the main communication channel for driver and tour details. Driver information is sent via WhatsApp by 21:00 the day before.

This is one of those small things that can make or break the day. If you don’t use WhatsApp much, get set up before you leave home so you’re not scrambling the night before.

Who this tour fits best

This is a strong match for:

  • First-time visitors who want KL-to-Genting transport without planning hassles
  • Families who want entertainment options on hand, plus a cultural stop at Chin Swee
  • Shoppers who value the outlet center and want a one-stop place for browsing

It may not be the best match if:

  • You’re hoping for long quiet hikes or a nature-only day
  • You dislike crowded entertainment environments or casino zones
  • You’re extremely budget-sensitive beyond the base tour price (because theme park tickets and food are extra)

Should you book this Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands tour?

Book it if you want a structured day that combines Awana Skyway scenic rides, a meaningful temple stop at Chin Swee Caves Temple, and enough time to decide at the top between casino, theme park add-ons, and shopping at Premium Outlets. The included cable-car ticket and organized transport make it especially appealing if you don’t want to coordinate multiple parts on your own.

Skip it (or treat it cautiously) if your main goal is quiet nature time or you’d rather spend more effort on one or two stops instead of covering the whole Genting package. Also, if you care a lot about theme park rides, price your day including tickets from the start so the final total doesn’t surprise you.

If your ideal day is “cooler air, temple photos, then shopping and fun,” this tour fits the bill nicely.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, professional driver-guided services, and 2-way Awana Skyway Cable Car tickets. Food, accommodation, and theme park admission are not included.

How long is the tour, and what time does it start?

The tour lasts about 10 hours and you can choose a departure at 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM.

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Pickup is optional for hotels/residences within 3 km of the Petronas Twin Towers. Otherwise, your pickup depends on the option selected and you’ll use the agreed starting point.

Does the tour include admission to Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park?

No. Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park admission is at your own cost.

What should I wear or bring for Genting Highlands?

Bring comfortable shoes for walking and a jacket for the cooler mountain air.

Where does the tour stop for sightseeing?

You’ll stop at Chin Swee Caves Temple for photo time and sightseeing, then continue to Genting Highlands for entertainment-area time, Casino de Genting, and Genting Highlands Premium Outlets.

How do I get driver details before the tour?

You’re encouraged to use WhatsApp, since driver details are sent via WhatsApp by 21:00 the day before the tour.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Kuala Lumpur we have reviewed

Explore Malaysia