4D3N Genting Highlands Itinerary from Singapore
Image: Unsplash/ @aaronlee224
Looking for a quick, refreshing escape from the Singapore heat? Genting Highlands in Malaysia is a perfect choice for families. With its cool mountain weather (averaging around 16°C), abundance of family-friendly activities, shopping, and great food, it’s a top spot that’s just a bus ride away. You can visit Genting all year round—but try to avoid Singapore’s school holiday periods and Malaysia’s public holidays to skip the crowds.
Here’s a full itinerary of our 4 Days 3 Nights (4D3N) family trip, perfect for anyone looking to shop, eat, and relax in Genting Highlands.
Day 1: Departure from Singapore – Johor Bahru Stopover & Overnight Bus Ride
6:00 PM – Johor Bahru (JB) Dinner Stop
We entered Johor Bahru around 6PM for an early dinner. There are plenty of options near JB Sentral for local delights like bak kut teh, zi char, or even western fast food if you're traveling with picky eaters. It’s good to fill your tummy before the long ride up.
9:30 PM – Boarded 707 Travel Tour Bus (from JB to Genting)
We opted for 707 Travel’s overnight bus service which was punctual and comfortable. The ride up took about 6.5 hours with 2–3 toilet breaks along highway rest stops. The coach was spacious and clean, with reclining seats ideal for sleeping.
4:00 AM – Arrived at Genting Highlands
Thankfully, we were check in early at Resorts World Genting! After settling in and unpacking, we managed to get a few more hours of sleep.
Day 1 Morning: Dim Sum Breakfast & Exploring SkyAvenue Mall
9:00 AM – Woke Up & Headed for Dim Sum
There are many dim sum options around the resort area and inside the malls. We tried Old Friends Restaurant and were impressed by the freshness and variety—think siew mai, char siew bao, egg tarts, and har gao.
Tips: Using Credit cards (i.e. Visa) provides additional 20% OFF. Subject to the minimum spending.
11:00 AM – SkyAvenue Mall Exploration
SkyAvenue is the central mall in Genting, spanning multiple floors. It’s home to shops like Uniqlo, H&M, Padini, and specialty stores like Lao Bo Bing (great for snacks and souvenirs). We had a relaxing coffee break at ZUS Coffee—their signature drinks are a hit with locals and visitors. Oh, did I forget to mention that there is Chagee at Genting Highlands too?
Day 1 Afternoon: Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park
Image: Unsplash/ @shawnanggg
1:30 PM – Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park
We spent the afternoon at Genting SkyWorlds, an outdoor theme park that’s great for families with kids of all ages. Some must-try zones and rides include:
Eagle Mountain: Fast-paced rides for thrill seekers.
Liberty Lane: More kid-friendly attractions and fun zones.
Ice Age Adventure: Fun for the little ones with themed rides and character meet-and-greets.
Tickets can be bought on the spot and cost RM16 per ride (adults and child consider 2 tickets). Alternately, for those who wish to explore all the theme parks are recommended to purchase the unlimited ride tickets at RM97 (equivalent to minimum 6 rides). Expect to spend 3–4 hours here minimum.
Day 2 Morning: Chinese Restaurant at Mid-Hill
⏰ 10:00 AM – Breakfast & Grab Ride to Mid-Hill Restaurant
We took a Grab ride halfway down the hill to a popular Chinese restaurant (Loong Kee Restaurant) for a more local meal. It’s famous for its steamed fish, claypot tofu, and kampung chicken. A satisfying meal before our shopping spree.
Day 2 Afternoon: Genting Highlands Premium Outlets
⏰ 12:30 PM – Premium Outlet Visit (by Cable Car or Grab)
From the restaurant, we headed over to Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, a must-visit for those who love branded deals. You can either take a 15-minute Awana Skyway cable car ride if you are heading directly from the Highland (uphill) or Grab there.
The basic cable ride costs 11RM per person for a return trip. Alternatively, we recommend purchasing the express tickets at RM32 per person (return) to avoid the long queue, especially during the afternoon and late evening when returning.
Some good buys:
Nike: Sportswear at 30–50% off
Adidas
Kate Spade: Bags and accessories
Coach: Up to 65% OFF certain items
Longchamp: Huge discounts on seasonal pieces
Levis: Bought a regular jeans at RM99 only
Pro Tip: Look out for clearance items or last size section for the best discounts.
Day 2 Evening: Dinner at SkyAvenue
7:00 PM – Dinner Options at SkyAvenue
Returned to the hotel to freshen up, then back to SkyAvenue for dinner. The food options here are endless—Japanese ramen, Korean BBQ, Western steakhouses, fast food, and even buffet-style restaurants. We had Burger and Lobster for dinner!
Day 3: Leisurely Morning, Casino Visit & Afternoon Tea
9:30 AM – Breakfast at The Bakery
Had a light breakfast with pastries and coffee at The Bakery near the hotel lobby. Ideal for a quiet start to the day.
11:00 AM – Walking Around the Mall & Casino Visit
We explored more of SkyAvenue’s upper levels before heading into the Resorts World Casino (adults only). It’s spacious and well-maintained with slots and table games like blackjack and baccarat. The entry was fuss-free, just walk through the security checks and ensure you have your Genting Silver/Gold card with you! You can register for a new card (besides Swensen’s), which usually has a long queue. But I did mine at a self-kioks located on the other floors.
3:00 PM – Afternoon Time
We went to Genting Bowling for a quick bowling session. As we went on a weekday, the rates were so cheap. For 2 pax, we paid RM24 for 2 games (1 game each which costs RM8) and shoes rental (RM4 each).
We then went up to Genting Cyberworld to have a 30-minute racing game which costs RM55 each (I think). It was fun and the service staff were there to guide you!
Optional: Some of us went for a full-body massage, although prices were close to Singapore’s, at RM188+ per hour. I recommend making the appointment at least 1 day in advance, as it is usually fully booked on the same day.
Day 4 Morning: Quick Lunch and Return to Singapore
9:00 AM – Check-out & Early Lunch at LeNu Noodle Bar
After packing up, we grabbed a fast lunch at LeNu, known for its Taiwanese-style beef noodles. Simple and comforting before a long ride.
10:30 AM – Departed by Bus (Genting to Singapore)
We took the return bus back to Singapore, departing from the Genting Bus Terminal. The ride was smooth with:
1 x 30-min lunch break at a rest stop café
Opportunity to buy local goodies like Otah, pastry biscuits, and Lao Bo Bing snacks from the driver or at the rest stop café
5:00 PM – Reached Jalan Besar, Singapore
We ended our journey at Jalan Besar and took the MRT home. Overall, a smooth and comfortable return.
Some restaurants that we tried:
Burger and Lobster: pricing similar to Singapore, but the food is superb! We spent about RM300 (after 20% discount from the tourist promotion*) for 7-8 adults. However, the waiting time was about 20 minutes due to the Saturday crowd.
Grand Imperial Restaurant Genting Highlands: We takeaway their Crispy Roasted Pork (RM78 for 15 pieces).
Grandmama: Food was okay, but the curry seafood was great!
Babajia: The waiting time was quite long, about 30 minutes. Food was decent if you are looking for an affordable family set meal.
Lan Kwai Fong 1982 Cantonese Bar & Restaurant: We takeaway their scallops, grilled octopus, sausage and the Pork Lard Fried Rice. It was so good! We had to come back the next day for supper! If you love to have a beer and enjoy the free live band, do eat in there!
Final Thoughts & Tips
Why Genting Highlands is Great for Families:
Cooler weather (around 16°C): A nice break from Singapore’s heat
Convenient transport: Buses from SG or JB are reliable
Family-friendly attractions: Theme park, Jungle Gym, arcades, Karaoke
Food variety: Dim sum, hotpots, noodles, pastries, western food
Shopping options: Branded outlets and affordable souvenirs
❗ Things to Note:
Avoid Singapore school holidays and Malaysia public holidays—it gets really crowded.
Walking distance: The walk from Resorts World Hotel to SkyAvenue can be long (10–15 mins), so wear comfy shoes or consider hotels closer to the mall. For those with kids, we highly recommend you to bring a stroller around.
Weather: Bring a light jacket or cardigan; it gets chilly, especially at night.
Payments: You can use credit cards or YouTrip almost everywhere.
Spa & Massage services are available but not significantly cheaper than Singapore.
Extra time? Consider a half day trip to Kuala Lumpur to visit Batu Caves or explore city malls like Pavilion KL.
🧒 Optional Add-ons for Families with Kids:
Genting Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park: Fully indoor and suitable for younger children.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Fun and interactive for kids.
BigTop Video Games Park: Arcade games for all ages.
Jungle Gym: A safe and vibrant indoor playground.
Genting Highlands makes for an easy and fun weekend or long weekend destination. Whether you're going with kids, older folks, or a group of friends, there’s enough to do without being overwhelming. From thrilling rides to warm soups in the chilly air, this quick mountain escape from Singapore is just what every family needs.
Would we go again? Absolutely. But maybe with one extra day to squeeze in a massage and explore Kuala Lumpur next time.