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A 3-Day Road Trip from Singapore to Genting: Guide for a Perfect Weekend

| Last Updated: August 2024

You know what’s great about living in Singapore? Road trips to another country are super doable thanks to the island’s proximity to Malaysia. 

One of the best places to visit in Malaysia is Genting Highlands, a resort town hidden in the mountains. The weather is cooler there, and the scenery is a complete change from the usual city skyline. 

If you’re thinking about changing your scenery for a weekend, I came up with a detailed 3-day itinerary for a road trip from Singapore to Genting Highlands! 

How long is the drive from Singapore to Genting?

The drive from Singapore to Genting Highlands takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the traffic conditions along the way. Without traffic, you can reach the resort town within 4 to 5 hours. 

Day 1: Arrival at Genting Highlands

Let the views from Chin Swee Caves Temple’s pagodas take your breath away

From chinsweecavestemple 

Address: Exit 68, Genting Sempah
Contact Details: +60 32179 1886
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Average Duration: 2 to 3 hours 
Pricing: Free 
Website

The Chin Swee Caves Temple is a Buddhist temple complex spanning 28 acres and features beautifully ornate pagodas. The temple’s architecture is a tourist attraction in itself but the real showstopper here is the views. 

Perched atop a hill, the temple offers serene views of the highlands, and you might catch a sea of clouds covering the forests. Explore the massive Buddha statues and ornate pagodas around the area.

It’s the perfect first stop on this road trip to stretch your legs after a long drive! 

Tips: 

  • You can reach the temple via cable car from the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets. Park your car in the shopping complex’s car park, and take the cable car up to the temple to avoid the even longer drive uphill! 
  • There’s no entrance fee to the temple as long as you pay for a cable car ticket at Awana Skyway’s ticketing office through the outlets. Do not lose your ticket, as you’ll need it to get a ride back to Awana Station.

Get on thrilling rides, rain or shine, at Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park

From richellriau

Address: Level 1, First World Plaza Resorts World
Contact Details: +60 36101 1118
Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Average Duration: 2 to 3 hours 
Pricing: 

  • RM 90.00 per person (normal rate)
  • RM 65.00 per person (online exclusive)
  • RM 15.00 to 20.00 (per ride)

Website

Skytropolis is one of the most popular attractions in the highlands, featuring over 20 rides inside a massive indoor complex. You can get on as many rides as you want without worrying about the weather here! 

Popular rides include the drop tower, bumper cars, a mini roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and a grand carousel. There are rides for every age bracket, including toddlers and senior citizens. 

Tips: 

  • The indoor theme park is a completely cashless establishment, so make sure to top up your digital wallets and cards for ticket payments or when you buy souvenirs and snacks inside. 
  • You can purchase an unlimited day pass or get on rides on a pay-per-ride basis. Just note that prices vary if you pay online versus if you pay at the ticketing office outside the park. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid the queues and snag better rates.

Day 2: SkyWorlds and Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium

Get on MORE thrilling rides at Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

From gentingskyworlds

Address: Resorts World, Genting SkyWorlds
Contact Details: +60 19201 6286
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Average Duration: 3 to 4 hours 
Pricing: 

  • Adults: RM 126.00 (Low Season), RM 156.00 (Peak Season)
  • Children: RM 98.00 (Low Season), RM 128.00 (Peak Season)
  • Walk-in Rate: RM 219.00 (Adults), RM 191.00 (Children)

Website

After getting your fill of thrill at Skytropolis, the next stop is another round of exciting fun at Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park. This outdoor park is the latest addition to the highland’s complex of entertainment (and my favourite one, to be honest with you). 

Just like Skytropolis, there are dozens of rides designed for varying ages here. There are 9 themed zones inside ranging from the Ice Age to the tropical vibes of Rio. 

There’s a lot to explore inside this massive theme park, so get on as many rides and live shows as you can within the day! 

Tips: 

  • There’s free Wi-Fi available all around the park in case you need to stay connected to the Internet. Feel free to post your adventures inside the park on social media to get featured on Resorts World’s pages! 
  • Charging stations are available for a fee. Look for the charging station symbol at Studio Plaza, Andromeda Base, Asteroid Arcade at Central Park, and SkyAvenue Gateway. 
  • You can also rent strollers for a small fee.

Explore and learn about oddities from around the world at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium

From ripleysadventurelandmy

Address: Lot SA – T2C – B13, Ripley’s Adventureland
Contact Details: +60 17336 8343
Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 am

Average Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Pricing: RM 39.00
Website

Before Day 2 ends, head on over to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium for a bizarre menagerie of odd items from around the world. If you’ve ever seen the series of the same name, then you’ll know what to expect in this museum. 

You’ll explore a collection of pop culture memorabilia, odd tales about extraordinary people from history, and over 300 artefacts and oddities. There’s also a collection of interactive games you can play to keep yourself occupied too! 

Tip: 

  • You’re allowed to purchase a ticket to the museum one day in advance, and I highly recommend doing so to avoid long queues at the ticketing office.

Day 3: Arcade Gaming, Bowling, and More Chill fun!

Get up close and personal with dinosaurs at the Jurassic Research Centre

From ripleysadventurelandmy

Address: Lot SA – T2C – B15, Sky Avenue, Ripley’s Adventureland
Contact Details: +60 17336 8343
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Average Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Pricing: RM 39.00
Website

Start off your last day in the highlands with a visit to the Jurassic Research Centre at Ripley’s Adventureland. If you’re a big fan of dinosaurs, this attraction is the best place to get your fill of them!

There are over 200 dinosaur models inside, plus an exhibit dedicated to real fossil displays and life-sized dinosaur skeletons. You can get as close as you can and touch them, too! 

Tips: 

  • The best time to visit the research centre is as soon as it opens at 10:00 am. The crowds are few, and you basically get the exhibits all to yourself. It’s the reason why I placed it first on day 3’s itinerary!
  • If you want to learn more about the exhibits, feel free to ask a staff member to take you around. They’re more than happy to give you insights about some of the fossils on display!

Knock down pins at Genting Bowl

From nabeelajay

Address: Level 3, Sky Avenue, First World Plaza
Contact Details: +60 16304 1700
Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
  • Friday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Average Duration: 1 to 2 hours 
Pricing: 

  • RM 12.00 (low season), RM 14 (peak season)
  • Shoe Rental: RM 4.00 
  • Socks: RM 4.00 

Website

Knocking down some pins at Genting Bowl is another favourite activity of mine whenever I visit the highlands. Bowling is always a fun family-friendly activity that requires little effort but little money, but with maximum fun. 

There are a total of 20 lanes equipped with an electronic system that enables you to form a team, create an avatar, and reset the pins with a few taps on the screen. Rates are charged per game, so play as many games as you can afford. 

Tips: 

  • The best time to visit the bowling alley is on weekdays because the crowds are fewer. Rates are also cheaper on weekdays because they will only charge you with low season rates (peak season is on weekends). 
  • You can also purchase a package that includes games at the alley plus an unlimited day pass at Skytropolis. It’ll cost you RM 102.00, though, but if you want to squeeze this activity on your visit to the theme park, the package may offer better value for money.

Challenge your friends to roads of arcade games at Vision City Video Games Park

From resortsworldgenting

Address: Lower Lobby, Genting Grand, Resorts World Genting
Contact Details: +60 32718 1118
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Average Duration: 1 hour 
Pricing: Prices vary per game 
Website

Who doesn’t love a good arcade visit? Vision City Video Game Park is a retro-themed arcade featuring dozens of retro and modern games that you and your friends can play until you drop. 

There are laser-shooting games, Pac-Man, Street Fighter, racing games, and other fun machines you’ll typically find in an arcade. Try your best to complete every machine available there if you have some energy left to burn! 

Tips: 

  • The arcade is a completely cashless establishment, and you pay for games using a Tap & Play system. You simply top up a game card you can buy at the counter and use that to pay for any game you play. For every 100 points you earn for playing, you get RM 2.50. 
  • Don’t lose your game card! You can still use it to play games and get on rides at Skytropolis the next time you visit! Credit balances can’t be refunded, so use them up during your visit!

Catch a blockbuster movie at Bona Cinemas

From bonacinemas

Address: Lot T2 – 03A & T2A – 06A, Level 1 and 2, Sky Avenue
Contact Details: 019 2144124
Average Duration: 1 to 2 hours 
Pricing: Prices vary per film
Website

End day 3 of the trip with a trip to Bona Cinemas! This cinema recently upgraded its screening rooms with wider screens, ultra high definition projectors, and customisable motion seats to give you a better and more comfortable film experience. 

I never miss a chance to catch an IMAX film here because of the upgrades. I get more than what I pay for, especially because the seats are super comfortable! 

Tips: 

  • Bona Cinemas screens films in both English and Cantonese, so make sure to book the right cinema according to your language preference! 
  • I highly recommend booking a VIP seat at the Class D-Box cinema. This cinema offers reclining sofa chairs equipped with high-tech motion systems that let you adjust the intensity of special effects movements for an enhanced viewing experience.

Where to Eat and Drink in Genting

Beauty In The Pot

From bitpmalaysia

Address: Lot T3 – 25 – 30, Sky Avenue
Contact Details: +60 36101 1623
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 2:00 am
Pricing: $$ 
Website

The best way to stay warm in the chilly highlands is to enjoy a spicy and numbing hot pot from Beauty In The Pot. This hot pot restaurant is the most popular one in the quaint resort town, so make sure to snag a seat by calling the staff in advance! 

You can choose from 6 soup bases, ranging from savoury to spicy, or get a mixture of 4 in one. Dozens of meat, seafood, and toppings are available a la carte, but I recommend getting a whole platter to get the best value! 

Tips: 

  • Note that diners can only dine here for a maximum of 1.5 hours. My advice is to come here for weekday lunches instead of dinner because there are fewer diners (and fewer diners means that the staff become more lenient with the time limit!). 
  • You can’t reserve tables here because they operate on a walk-in basis only. Waiting times can get long during dinner hours (5:00 pm onwards), so come around brunch time (11:00 am to noon).

Burger and Lobster

From burgerandlobster

Address: Lot SA – T2 – 13, Level 1, SkyAvenue
Contact Details: +60 36105 9186
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$$
Website

As the name suggests, Burger and Lobster specialises in whole lobster dishes and juicy burgers in an American diner-themed restaurant. The whole place alone has a vibe, but the food also doesn’t disappoint. 

Moreover, they serve halal-certified beef from Australia and grill the patties fresh for every order. My recommendation is to get the grilled Chilli Lobster, a serving of their B&L Signature burger, and pair them with durian tempura! 

Tips: 

  • You can get the Dragon Combo if you can’t choose between lobster or burgers for your meal. The combo includes a choice of lobster in either chilli or original flavour, one order of your chosen burger, one lobster roll, and one dessert. Portions are good for sharing between 2 to 3 people and will cost you about RM 488.00 only! 
  • The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so come in early (around 11:00 am for lunch or 4:00 pm for dinner) to ensure you get a table and to avoid long queues outside.

Spice Garden

From spicegardenmalaysia

Address: Lot G/G2,00, Highlands Hotel
Contact Details: +60 36101 1118
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$ 
Website

Located in the Highlands Hotel, Spice Garden is an upscale Indian restaurant with a lot to offer. The minimalist design with elegant furniture and bright lighting creates a clean, inviting atmosphere.

The standout dish is the Lamb Shorba, a fragrant and hearty lamb bone marrow soup. For vegetarians, the Tandoori Vegetarian Platter is a delicious option.

With its sleek design and delicious food, Spice Garden is a top choice for anyone craving for Indian cuisine in the highlands! 

Tips: 

  • The restaurant is known to be a little tricky to find within the Highlands Hotel, so don’t be afraid to ask the concierge for directions or assistance! Clue: Try to look for two big elephant statues.
  • Don’t forget to call the restaurant to reserve a table. It’s usually fully booked before dinner time, so if you plan on eating dinner here, book a table in the morning or a day before your visit.

The Laughing Fish by Harry Ramsden 

From resortsworldgenting

Address: Lot SA – T2C – 22, & 23, Level 4, Sky Avenue
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$$
Website

While Harry Ramsden is known as a fast-food chain specialising in fish and chips in the United Kingdom, the Genting branch offers much more (and their offerings are definite must-tries!).

This British pub offers sandwiches, burgers, desserts, and a wide array of alcoholic drinks. I personally love their lemonades and their juicy fish and chips, so make it a point to order them while you’re there! 

Tips: 

  • Food portions here are known to be big. A serving of their signature fish and chips can be shared with two people!
  • If you want to save a bit more on your total bill, get a table in the al fresco area (where the high tables are). Service charge goes down almost 10% if you’re seated there (this is a tip some regulars told me the last time I was there!).

Motorino Pizzeria 

From motorinopizza

Address: Level 4, SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
Pricing: $$ 
Website

If you’re craving pizza, Motorino Pizzeria is one of the best spots to get your fill of delicious and fresh pizza. What sets Motorino apart is their pizza oven, imported from Naples, Italy, and their custom wooden pizza shovels, used by the chefs.

Out of the 10 different types of pizzas you can choose from, my favourites are the marinara or the Margherita pizzas. They’re classic flavours that are filling and tasty, but you have the option to customise them too! 

Tips: 

  • Smoking is permitted in their dining area, which may be an inconvenience to other guests. If you’re particular about this, I recommend being seated far from the entrance or asking for assistance from the staff about where the non-smoking areas are located. 
  • Ask the staff about their special pizza items that are not featured on their menu. They can whip up a secret recipe just for you if you ask them about it!

Where to Stay in Genting Highlands

Resorts World Awana

From resortsworldgenting

Address: Resorts World Awana, Dewan Wawasan
Contact Details: +60 32718 1118
Check In: 3:00 pm
Check Out: 12:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Website

When I think about Genting, I immediately think about Resorts World. The multinational hospitality company pretty much developed the top entertainment and hotel spots in the town, so it’s a no-brainer to book your stay here. 

Resorts World Awana is the best family-friendly hotel at the base of the highlands. They offer comfortable deluxe rooms that can fit 4 people and offer activities like tours for families travelling around the town. 

Tips: 

  • The hotel offers free shuttle bus rides every hour starting at 7:00 am to different locations around the highlands. Just ask the concierge about it, and they’ll assist you with the scheduling and reserving of your slots per shuttle. Just note that they can only do this for hotel guests!
  • There aren’t a lot of vegetarian options in the hotel’s breakfast buffet, but you can request a la carte vegetarian meals from the staff! Just make sure to request them in advance (especially for other dietary preferences).

GLAMZ at Genting

From glamzspace

Address: 1, Jln Meranti
Contact Details: +60 12664 5269
Check In: 3:00 pm
Check Out: 12:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Website

Glamping on top of one of Malaysia’s most popular mountain resort towns? Don’t mind if I do! 

GLAMZ at Genting is a prime glamping accommodation that’s making all the rage in the country and even for tourists visiting the town. You’ll get your own glamping tent, comfy beds, AC, cosy blankets and pillows, and a little outdoor space all to yourself. 

You also have the option to get a private jacuzzi built next to your glamping tent for an extra charge. Whether it’s a short night’s sleep or a serene gateway in the mountains, GLAMZ should be on your top list of places to stay in Genting. 

Tips: 

  • The glamping tents don’t come with toiletries, so don’t forget to bring your own before booking a stay here. Towels will be provided, though! 
  • The water heater sometimes doesn’t work at night, so showering at night can be uncomfortable. I recommend asking the staff for repairs as soon as you notice the water running out of warmth. 
  • The management does not allow cooking inside the tents, but you can use the BBQ pits for a small fee per use. There is also a stove located in the pantry area in case you want to cook other meals!

Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences

From swissgardengentinghighlands

Address: Windmill Upon Hills, Jalan Permai
Contact Details: +60 39213 0777
Check In: 3:00 pm
Check Out: 12:00 pm
Pricing: $$$
Website

Situated near the peak of Genting Highlands, the Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences is enveloped by mountains and fresh air. While the well-appointed rooms are impressive, the 41st-floor rooftop sanctuary is a highlight.

You can enjoy the heated pool, capture stunning photos with breathtaking views, or unwind in the sauna or indoor gym—it’s all up to you! There are plenty of amenities to keep you occupied or relaxed after a long drive. 

Tips: 

  • Feeling hungry? Head to The Garden Terrace Café on the 5th floor, where you can indulge in a delicious array of local and international cuisines to suit every palate.
  • In case you’re on a budget, the hotel is just a 5-minute walk away from local food stalls and eateries along Gohtong Jaya. There’s local fare and some international cuisines served there at cheaper prices (and you can sneak them into the hotel too if you like!).

Genting SkyWorlds Hotel

From gentingskyworlds

Address: Genting SkyWorlds, Resorts World
Contact Details: +60 32718 1118
Check In: 3:00 pm
Check Out: 11:00 am
Pricing: $$
Website

For a stay at the centre of all the excitement, consider Genting SkyWorlds Hotel. 

Situated directly in front of the Genting SkyWorlds theme park, this hotel boasts kid-friendly interiors with bunk beds and fun wall decorations. The best part is that you’re only a short walk away from the theme parks! 

Everything is conveniently within walking distance, including the two theme parks in Genting, SkyWay Avenue Mall, and the Awana SkyWay cable car.

Tips: 

  • Do not be late to your check-in time because the hotel charges penalties if you don’t show up in time. In case you think you won’t be able to make it because of traffic conditions, call the management ahead of time and inform them about your late arrival. 
  • There’s also a fee for those who arrive too early and want to check in right away. Early check-in fees start at RM 10.00 per booking.

Where to Shop in Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands Premium Outlets

From gentinghighlandspremiumoutlets

Address: KM13
Contact Details: +60 36433 8888
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Website

Do you consider yourself a shopaholic? If yes, then a definite stop in this road trip is at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets. 

This sprawling outdoor shopping complex offers incredible deals and discounts on global brands like Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Burberry, and many more. If you love to shop, this is the best place to do it in the highlands! 

Tips: 

  • In case you get hungry while shopping, the outlet complex has eateries lined up in one section. 
  • If your kids need to be occupied, there’s a playground designated for children right across the main outdoor courtyard.
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