Genting Highlands Cable Car: The Complete Awana SkyWay Guide

If you are planning a trip up to Malaysia’s premier hill resort, you are likely looking forward to gliding over the treetops in a gondola. However, if you are searching for the official name to type into your GPS or booking app, you might find a couple of different answers. 

Genting Highlands actually features two distinct cable car systems, each starting from a different point at the base of the mountain:

1. The Awana SkyWay (Most Popular): This is the main, state-of-the-art gondola system that most tourists use today. It departs from the mid-hill transport hub and takes just 10 minutes to reach the peak.
2. The Genting SkyWay (The Classic Route): This is the older, historical cable car line that departs from Gohtong Jaya. It covers a longer distance (3.38 km) and takes about 15 minutes to reach the top. Additionally, it usually operates as a backup system or during peak holiday seasons to ease traffic congestion.

A standard one-way ticket for the main Genting Highlands cable car (Awana SkyWay) is RM 11 (₹240) per person, while a round-trip ticket costs RM 18 (₹400). Ticket options vary significantly based on cabin style and queue priority when purchasing directly from Resorts World Genting.

Ticket Price Breakdown

• Standard Gondola: RM 11 (₹240) for one way | RM 18 (₹400) for round trip
• Glass-Floor Gondola: RM 29 (₹640) for one way | RM 35 (₹770) for round trip
• Express Boarding Pass: RM 17 (≈₹375) one‑way / RM 32 (≈₹700) round‑trip 

Where to Buy Genting Highlands Cable Car Tickets

• On-Site Kiosks: Available at Level 4 of the Awana Transport Hub or Level 4 of the SkyAvenue Station.
• Online Booking: To avoid long queues during weekends and school holidays, you can book identical or slightly discounted tickets in advance on third-party apps. 

Good to know: The cable car occasionally closes for scheduled maintenance (recent closures have run about a week at a time), with the alternate SkyWay route staying open during that period. Check the operating status before you plan your day around it.

The Awana SkyWay runs between Awana Station (mid-hill) and SkyAvenue Station (summit), covering the ride in roughly 10 minutes. There's an optional stop partway at Chin Swee Caves Temple, a Taoist temple built into the hillside. You can get off, spend time at the temple, and catch a later gondola up without paying again.

The cable car system features a modern fleet of gondolas operating at a swift speed of 6 metres per second. To plan your budget, it helps to understand what each ticket tier offers:

Genting Highlands has two cable car services with different operating hours. Awana SkyWay operates daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, while Genting SkyWay runs from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. During special events, such as the Ghost Festival, Genting SkyWay may operate until 10:00 PM.

The best time to ride the Genting Highlands cable car (Awana SkyWay) is early morning between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. It offers the clearest mountain views, minimal boarding queues, and a higher chance of spotting wildlife in the rainforest canopy below. 

Best Time of Day

• Early Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM): The morning sun provides excellent lighting, and you will beat the massive tourist crowds arriving by tour buses later in the day. 
• Late Afternoon (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Ideal for caught-in-motion golden hour views.
• Night Ride (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM): A unique, moody experience flying through cool, thick night fog while looking at the brilliantly illuminated SkyAvenue entertainment hub. 

Best Days of the Week

• Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): Lines are practically non-existent. You are much more likely to secure an entire standard gondola cabin to yourself without sharing with strangers. 
• Days to Avoid: Midday on weekends, local school terms, and Malaysian public holidays. Queues at the Awana Transport Hub during these peak windows can easily exceed an hour. 

Best Months of the Year

• Dry Season (March–September): Clearer skies, less rain, and better panoramic views from the cable car.
• Monsoon Season (October–November): Frequent thunderstorms and fog can reduce visibility and block scenic views.

Choose the right cable car station based on your itinerary, whether you want mountain views, a temple stop, or direct access to the heart of Genting Highlands. Each station offers a different experience and route.

Located at Level 4 of Awana SkyCentral. This is the main base station where most travellers begin their journey. It sits directly adjacent to the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets (GHPO), making it perfect for pre-ride shopping.

This optional stop gives passengers access to the iconic Chin Swee Caves Temple, a massive Taoist temple complex built into the rocky cliffside. See the 9-storey pagoda, giant statues, and valley views. 

Stepping off here is completely free. Simply scan your original ticket to exit, explore the grounds, and scan the same ticket again when you are ready to board a later gondola heading up to the peak.

This is the final terminal at the summit of Genting Highlands. It drops you directly inside the bustling SkyAvenue lifestyle mall. 

From this station, you are just a short indoor walk away from major attractions like the Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, and Casino de Genting.

1. The 130-Million-Year-Old Rainforest Canopy

As the gondola glides out of Awana Station, the concrete world instantly vanishes. You will look down on a dense, uninterrupted sea of ancient tropical rainforest canopy. On clear mornings, you can spot rare highland birds, wild monkeys swinging through the branches, and hidden waterfalls cutting through the deep valleys below. 

2. The Majestic Chin Swee Caves Temple

Approaching the midway point, the mist parts to reveal the spectacular Chin Swee Caves Temple complex built directly into the steep, rocky cliffside. From the cable car, you get stunning views of the 9-storey Pagoda, the 15-metre Buddha statue, and the colourful Journey to Enlightenment statues along the hillside. 

3. The Swirling Mountain Mist & Clouds

Genting Highlands is famous for its rapid, unpredictable weather shifts. Within a matter of seconds, you can go from basking in bright, clear Malaysian sunshine to being completely engulfed in a thick, cool blanket of moving mountain mist. It creates an incredibly surreal, moody atmosphere, giving you the distinct feeling of literally flying right through the clouds.

4. Genting SkyWorlds & The Summit Skyline

As you approach the final stretch toward SkyAvenue Station, the quiet jungle gives way to a burst of colour and energy. The gondola rises directly over the sprawling Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park. You will look down on the looping rollercoasters, spinning rides, and themed lands, all framed by the massive, colourful resort hotels cutting through the mountain skyline.

The Awana SkyWay Station is located at Sky Sentral, next to Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, making it an easy starting point for the cable car ride to the peak.

• By Car: Drive to Genting Highlands Premium Outlets and park at the adjoining car park. From there, follow the signs to Sky Sentral and Level 4, where the Awana SkyWay station is located.
• By Bus: Express buses from Kuala Lumpur can drop passengers at Sky Sentral, from where you can take the cable car to Genting Highlands.
• From Resorts World Awana: A complimentary shuttle connects Resorts World Awana with Awana SkyCentral/Genting Highlands Premium Outlets.
• By Taxi or E-hailing: You can take a taxi or e-hailing service directly to the Sky Sentral/Genting Highlands Premium Outlets area.

Tip: Once at Sky Sentral, head to Level 4 to board the Awana SkyWay. The ride to the peak takes about 10 minutes, with a complimentary stop at Chin Swee Station.

Once you step out of the SkyAvenue Station at the mountain summit, you enter a massive, climate-controlled indoor entertainment city. The temperature at the top stays a cool 16°C to 22°C year-round, making it a perfect escape from Malaysia's heat.

• Genting SkyWorlds Outdoor Theme Park: A sprawling, 26-acre outdoor park featuring 9 movie-inspired themed worlds, thrilling rollercoasters, and immersive live shows.
• Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park: A massive, multi-story indoor amusement park filled with colourful neon lights, classic family rides, and high-speed attractions that run rain or shine.

• Four Floors of Shopping: A mega-mall packed with international luxury brands, high-street fashion, gadget stores, and local souvenir shops.
• The High Line Roof Market & Dining: A vibrant food street offering everything from local Malaysian street food hawkers to world-famous culinary brands like Burger & Lobster and Five Guys.
• BigBox Health & Wellness: A large dedicated retail zone packed with wellness stores, pharmacy options, and lifestyle goods.

• Casino de Genting: Malaysia's primary legal land-based casino, offering a massive gaming floor with slot machines and classic table games open 24/7 (strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above).
• Arena of Stars: A massive, 6,000-seat amphitheatre that regularly hosts international concerts, music festivals, and live award shows.
• SkyAvenue LED SkySymphony: A spectacular, free indoor light and sound show featuring a massive grid of kinetic winch balls hanging from the ceiling that move in perfect sync with giant wrap-around LED screens.

From the indoor complex, visitors can walk completely undercover to several massive resort hotels, including the iconic First World Hotel. It is officially recognised as one of the largest hotels in the world by room count.

• Free Admission: Children below 90 cm in height ride for free.
• Free Midway Stop: Every ticket includes a complimentary stop at the Chin Swee Station to explore the Chin Swee Caves Temple.
• Baggage Policy: Passengers are allowed one aircraft-cabin-size bag per person. Oversized bags are subject to an RM 20 surcharge per trip or can be stored at the station for RM 5 per day.

• Ticket Validity: Keep your ticket safe, as you may need to scan it again after the Chin Swee stop.
• Peak Hours: Expect longer queues during weekends, public holidays, and school holidays.
• Weather: Cable car services may be affected by heavy rain, strong winds, or poor visibility.
• Arrival Tip: Reach the station early to avoid long queues, especially during peak periods.
• Photography: Keep phones and cameras secure when taking photos from the gondola.
• Accessibility: Check station facilities in advance if travelling with a wheelchair, stroller, or mobility aid.
• Operating Hours: Check the latest operating hours before your visit, as timings can change due to maintenance or weather.

The Genting Highlands cable car is undoubtedly worth adding to your Malaysia itinerary, especially if you want scenic views without the stress of a mountain drive. The cable car is worth it for scenic views and a smooth ride. For around RM11 (₹260), enjoy a 10-minute rainforest journey, a free Chin Swee Temple stop, and easy access to SkyAvenue. Choose the standard gondola if you’re travelling on a budget or with family, while the glass-floor option is worth considering for photographers and thrill-seekers. For the best experience, ride on a weekday morning when queues are shorter and mountain views are clearer.

Make the most of your Genting Highlands trip with a scenic ride on the Awana SkyWay. Soak in rainforest views, stop at Chin Swee Caves Temple, and enjoy a hassle-free journey to the resort.