Genting Highlands: Malaysias Casino Hill Resort
Resorts World Genting (commonly called Genting Highlands) is a casino resort built atop a mountain in Pahang state, Malaysia, about an hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. Opened in 1971, it was Malaysias first casino and remains the only legal casino in the country. Its mountain setting (1,800 meters above sea level) gives it cooler temperatures and dramatic views uncommon in equatorial Southeast Asia.
The casino
The casino is large by Asian standards: roughly 3,000 slot machines and 400+ gaming tables. Multiple gaming areas span across several floors and themes. Like Macau, the floor is heavily oriented toward baccarat and Asian games. Slot machines remain popular but secondary.
Minimum bets vary: low-stakes tables for casual visitors, premium high-stakes private rooms for VIP players. Entry to gaming areas requires age verification (21+ for Muslims, who are not permitted under Malaysian law; 18+ for non-Muslims).
The resort beyond casino
Genting markets itself as a complete entertainment destination, not just a casino. Multiple hotels totaling over 10,000 rooms. The Skytropolis indoor theme park. The reopened outdoor theme park Genting SkyWorlds. Numerous restaurants, shopping arcades, and entertainment venues. Live performance arena (Arena of Stars) hosting major Asian and international acts.
The cable car
The Awana SkyWay gondola system is the primary access route to the resort. The 3.4 km cable car ride climbs through dense rainforest and offers strong views. Operating hours vary; check before arrival as weather can suspend service.
Getting there
From Kuala Lumpur city center: 1 hour by car. KL International Airport (KLIA): 1.5 hours by car. Direct shuttle services run from KL Sentral and from KLIA. The Awana SkyWay is reached from the Awana SkyCentral terminal at the base of the mountain.
Practical tips
Cooler weather: bring a light jacket. The mountain climate is genuinely cool, sometimes 15-20 degrees Celsius cooler than KL. Cloud cover and rain are common; the resort spends much of its time enveloped in cloud which is itself part of the experience.