The “Why” and The “How”

First off, great choice. Taking the coach (bus) to Genting is actually my preferred way to go. It is dirt cheap (usually RM10–RM12), very comfortable, and saves you the headache of navigating the winding mountain roads yourself.

However, there is one major confusion point for first-timers: The bus rarely goes direct to Genting Highlands Resort Complex. There’s an extra step.

Most buses stop at the Awana Bus Terminal (mid-hill). From there, you must take the cable car (Awana Skyway) the rest of the way up. Don’t worry, this is actually the best part of the trip.

Here is exactly how to do it, step-by-step.

Step 1: Buying Your Tickets (Do This Early)

Do not wait until you get to the station. Genting is incredibly popular, especially on weekends and public holidays. If you show up at the counter at 10:00 AM hoping for a ticket, you might find the next available seat is at 3:00 PM.

  • Where to book: Use apps like RedBus, Easybook, or BusOnlineTicket. You can also check the Resorts World Genting website.
  • The Route: Look for KL Sentral to Awana Bus Terminal.
  • Cost: Roughly RM10 – RM12 per person (one way).

Pro Tip: Book your Return Ticket (Genting to KL) at the same time. The return buses sell out even faster than the outgoing ones. You do not want to be stuck on the mountain at 8:00 PM with no ride home. (Sometimes the hotels at Genting Highlands do sell out, even for Crockfords, which costs at least RM 1200 per night. Getting stuck with no way home means you might have to take Grab/Taxi (at RM 200 one way – it’s not affordable to everyone) or stay an extra night at either Gohtong Jaya (mid hill) or Genting Highlands (easily hundreds. I miss those days when First World hotel was going for like RM 38 or RM 68 per night.)

Step 2: The Departure (KL Sentral)

For most tourists, KL Sentral is the easiest departure point. It is the main transport hub of the city, and should be very accessible regardless where you stay in Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya.

  1. Go to the Lower Ground Floor. This is where the bus terminals are. It can be a bit confusing; look for the escalators going down from the main concourse (where the trains are).
  2. Find the “Go Genting” or “Aerobus” booth. Even if you bought your ticket online, have the QR code ready on your phone.
  3. Boarding: The bays are usually clearly marked. The buses are generally bright red (Go Genting) or yellow/red (Aerobus).
  4. Luggage: There is a luggage compartment under the bus for big bags. Small backpacks can go with you.

(Note: You can also take buses from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) or the newly upgraded Terminal Bersepadu Gombak (TBG), but KL Sentral is usually the most convenient for tourists staying in the city.)

Step 3: The Journey (approx. 1 Hour)

The drive takes about 60 minutes depending on traffic.

  • The Experience: It’s a highway drive that eventually turns into a winding mountain climb. It’s scenic, with lots of jungle greenery.
  • The Temperature: Malaysian bus drivers love their air-conditioning. Bring a light jacket or hoodie. It will be freezing on the bus.

Step 4: The Transfer (Awana Bus Terminal)

The bus will drop you off at Awana Bus Terminal. This is a modern transport hub, not a dusty roadside stop.

  1. Get off the bus and grab your bags.
  2. Follow the signs for “Awana Skyway” (Cable Car). You will usually need to go up a few floors via escalator.
  3. Buy a Cable Car Ticket: If you didn’t buy this online with your bus ticket, you can buy it at the machines or counters here.
    • Standard Gondola: ~RM10 (One way).
    • Glass Floor Gondola: ~RM21+. (Cool view, but not necessary if you’re on a budget).
    • Bag Fee: If you have “airline carry-on” size luggage (roughly 22in x 14in x 9in), you can bring it in the gondola. If you have huge oversized luggage, they may charge you a surcharge (around RM20) to store it or bring it.
  4. The Ride: The cable car ride takes about 10-15 minutes. On a clear day, the view is spectacular. On a rainy day, you ride through the clouds (Silent Hill anyone?).

Free Stop: The cable car stops halfway at Chin Swee Station. You can get off here for free to visit the Chin Swee Caves Temple (highly recommended for the giant Buddha statue and views). You can use the same ticket to continue your journey up later.

Step 5: Arrival at the Peak (SkyAvenue)

The cable car ends at SkyAvenue Station.

  • You have arrived! You are now inside the main mall/complex.
  • Walk out the turnstiles and you are immediately surrounded by restaurants, the indoor theme park (Skytropolis), and signs pointing to the hotels.

Step 6: The Return Journey

  1. Go back to SkyAvenue Station.
  2. Take the cable car DOWN to Awana Bus Terminal. Allow extra time for this. If your bus is at 5:00 PM, board the cable car by 4:15 PM. Lines can be long on weekends.
  3. At Awana Bus Terminal, find your departure gate.
  4. Show your pre-booked ticket and board the bus back to KL Sentral.

Summary Checklist

  • [ ] Check for bus tickets availability online.
  • [ ] Book KL Sentral -> Awana bus ticket.
  • [ ] Book Awana -> KL Sentral return bus ticket.
  • [ ] Bring a hoodie (for the bus) and comfortable shoes.
  • [ ] Have RM10-20 cash or TNG e-wallet for the cable car ticket (if not pre-booked).

Enjoy the trip! The cool air up there is a lovely break from KL’s heat.