Some journeys are about getting somewhere. Others are the destination itself. The Genting Awana Skyway belongs firmly in the second category. Floating above ancient rainforest, wrapped in mountain mist, the cable car ride feels less like transport and more like a slow cinematic reveal of Malaysia’s highland landscape.
Even travelers who normally rush between attractions tend to fall quiet inside the cabin. The rainforest stretches endlessly below, clouds drift past at eye level, and the temperature drops just enough to remind you you’ve left the city behind. The experience is short, but the shift in atmosphere is immediate.
This guide explains what riding the Awana Skyway is actually like, who it suits best, and how to plan your visit so it becomes a highlight of your Genting Highlands trip.
What the Awana Skyway Experience Includes
The Awana Skyway is a modern gondola cable car system connecting the lower highland station to Resorts World Genting. Each cabin glides smoothly over the forest canopy, offering panoramic views of one of the world’s oldest rainforests.
A standard ticket grants a one-way or round-trip ride depending on your selection. Some cabins include glass floors for an enhanced view straight down into the trees – an optional upgrade for visitors who want extra drama.
The ride lasts about 10 minutes, but it feels longer in the best way: slow enough to absorb the scenery, fast enough to stay comfortable.
Who This Experience Is Best For
First-time visitors to Genting Highlands
It’s the most scenic way to arrive.
Families
The cabins are enclosed, safe, and easy for children.
Photography lovers
Morning mist and forest layers create cinematic shots.
Travelers seeking a relaxed activity
No physical effort required it requires to just sit and enjoy.
This isn’t an adrenaline attraction. It’s about perspective and atmosphere.
Timing, Duration & Practical Logistics
Ride duration: ~10 minutes each way
Location: Awana Station to Genting Highlands
Operating hours: vary by season
Best time: morning for clearer visibility
Mountain weather changes quickly. Early rides tend to offer the best combination of light and cloud.
Tickets can sell out during weekends and holidays, so pre-booking reduces waiting. Lines move efficiently, but peak times can still feel busy.
Dress in light layers. The highland air is cooler than Kuala Lumpur.
What You’ll See During the Ride
As the cabin lifts, the city disappears and rainforest takes over:
- Dense green canopy stretching endlessly
- Rolling mountain ridges
- Passing clouds and fog banks
- Occasional wildlife glimpses
- Resort skyline emerging above the trees
The transition from nature to highland resort happens gradually. You watch civilization reappear from above, which gives the arrival a sense of ceremony.
Glass-floor cabins intensify the sensation, especially for visitors comfortable with height.
The Emotional Side of the Journey
What surprises many riders is how quiet it becomes mid-air. Conversations fade. Phones lower. The movement of the cabin is smooth enough that you forget machinery entirely.
There’s a meditative quality to floating above rainforest. You’re suspended between sky and forest, with nothing to do except look. In a destination known for entertainment complexes and casinos, the cable car offers a rare moment of calm.
That contrast is part of its charm.
Sample Genting Day Plan Around the Skyway
Morning: Awana Skyway ride
Midday: Explore Resorts World Genting
Afternoon: Indoor attractions or theme park
Evening: Scenic return ride
The cable car frames the day beautifully.
Tips to Improve the Experience
– Ride early for clearer views
– Choose glass-floor cabin if comfortable
– Keep cameras ready before boarding
– Avoid heavy bags in small cabins
– Watch weather forecasts
Good timing makes a big difference.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Scenic rainforest panorama
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Accessible for all ages
- Short but memorable
- Easy logistics
Cons
- Weather dependent
- Crowds on weekends
- Brief duration
It’s a visual experience, not a full-day attraction.
Alternatives to Consider
If you want more highland scenery:
- Genting Highlands scenic viewpoints
- Mountain hiking trails
- Indoor theme park attractions
- Resort entertainment complexes
Each adds a different dimension to the trip.
Why the Awana Skyway Feels Special
Many cable cars exist purely as infrastructure, a practical way to move people from point A to point B. The Awana Skyway feels intentionally designed as an experience. From the moment the cabin leaves the station, the outside world softens. Roads disappear, buildings fall away, and the rainforest takes over in layers of green that seem endless. The elevation isn’t dramatic in a thrill-seeking sense, but it’s enough to detach you from everyday scale. Trees shrink into texture. Mist slides across the windows. Sound fades into a low mechanical hum.
What makes the ride memorable is its pacing. Nothing rushes. The cabin glides steadily, giving your eyes time to adjust and absorb details you’d miss at ground level like the density of the forest canopy, the shape of mountain ridges, the way clouds cling to the slopes. Then, almost theatrically, the resort skyline appears above the treetops. It feels like an entrance rather than an arrival.
Visitors often describe this transition as the emotional highlight of their Genting trip. Not because it’s extreme or adrenaline-driven, but because it creates a rare travel moment: a pause. In itineraries packed with movement and noise, the Awana Skyway quietly forces stillness. You sit, float, and look. That simple act an uninterrupted observation is what turns a short cable car ride into a lasting memory.
Final Thoughts
The Genting Awana Skyway transforms a simple commute into a scenic ritual. It frames the Genting Highlands as a journey through rainforest rather than just a destination. For families, photographers, and casual travelers alike, it offers a calm, memorable perspective that complements the energy waiting at the summit. You arrive not just transported but reset. And that’s the quiet power of the ride.
Related Articles
- Hong Kong International Airport – Traveller’s Guide
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Full Traveler’s Guide
- Maximize Your Layover: Top 10 Things to Do at Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)
Disclaimer
This article is based on travel research, publicly available information, and insights from frequent travellers. All recommendations are for informational purposes only. Travelers should verify details such as opening hours, transport schedules, and safety guidelines before planning their visit. The author cannot be held responsible for any changes or incidents that may occur during your travel.
