I’m Sue, and our family recently spent 2 days and 1 night at Antara Genting Highlands with little E. We were looking for a kid-friendly hotel in Genting Highlands that would give us a short break from Kuala Lumpur without needing to drive all the way up to Genting Peak.
For this trip, we skipped Genting Peak entirely, so this is an Antara Genting only review focused on what families can expect when they stay here and never leave the development.
Antara Genting Highlands is a newly opened kid-friendly hotel sitting at approximately 1,650 metres above sea level, higher than Cameron Highlands (around 1,500 metres) and Fraser’s Hill (around 1,250 metres), and just below Genting Peak.
With cooler air, a quieter atmosphere than the main Genting hub, and a shopping mall right below the residences, it offers a different kind of highlands experience. We think it suits families with toddlers or younger children looking for a relaxed highlands getaway, or those planning day trips to Resorts World Genting.
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Antara Genting Highlands At A Glance
Location: Genting Highlands, Pahang, just below Genting Peak
Elevation: Approximately 1,650 metres above sea level, higher than both Cameron Highlands and Fraser’s Hill
Drive from Kuala Lumpur: Around 1 to 1.5 hours via the Karak Highway
Typical temperature: 15 to 22°C
Where we stayed: Luxury Deluxe Suite by 7Stonez, AIR Tower C (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, sleeps 3)
Trip length: 2 days, 1 night
Parking: RM10 per entry on weekdays, RM15 on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays
Walk to Resorts World Genting: Approximately 1.2 km on a fully covered link bridge, around 15 to 20 minutes
Mall below the residences: AK Antara Signature Mall, opened October 2025, three storeys, around 40 retail lots
Did we go up to Genting Peak? No. This is an Antara-only review.
Best for: Families with toddlers and younger children who want a quieter highlands break
What We Love About Antara Genting Highlands
A Nearby Getaway from Kuala Lumpur
Located about an hour or so from Kuala Lumpur, Antara makes a convenient highlands escape without needing to drive all the way up to Genting Peak. We could enjoy the cooler mountain air without the longer, winding uphill drive, which was a bonus when travelling with a toddler who might get carsick.
Kid-Friendly Facilities Under One Roof
One thing we appreciated was having plenty of family-friendly facilities in one place. With the shopping mall directly below the residences and indoor playrooms, a heated swimming pool, trampolines, and bowling available upstairs, we could easily spend an entire day exploring, eating, and keeping little E entertained without needing to head elsewhere.
A Quieter Alternative to the Main Genting Hub
Compared to the busier atmosphere of Resorts World Genting, Antara felt quieter and more relaxed. We think this is a plus for families with younger children who may find the crowds, noise, and constant activity at the main Genting hub a little overwhelming.
Homestay Units with a Kitchen and Separate Bedroom
We opted for a homestay rather than a hotel room because we wanted the convenience of having a kitchen and a separate bedroom area. Being able to prepare simple meals and snacks for little E made our stay more practical, especially when his meal times and needs are unpredictable.
A Brand-New Property That Feels Fresh
AK Antara Signature Mall opened in October 2025, making it one of the newest family-friendly spots in the Genting area. We liked how the mall and our unit felt fresh and well-kept, making the overall stay more comfortable.
Family Friendly Activities at Antara Genting Highlands
Kid-Friendly Facilities Inside Antara AIR Tower C Block (Where We Stayed)
During our stay, we discovered that AIR Tower at Antara Genting Highlands has several kid-friendly facilities within the building, particularly across Blocks C and D, which feature a water-themed concept. Access to certain facilities may vary by operator, so we recommend checking with your host beforehand.
Here are some of the key facilities for family friendly activities worth looking out for!
At AIR Block (where we stayed):
Trampoline Zone (outdoor) A fun spot for little ones to bounce around and burn off some energy while enjoying the highland surroundings.
Outdoor Playground and Climbing Wall The outdoor play area gives little ones room to explore and play, while the climbing wall adds an extra challenge for older children.
Whimsical Playground (indoor) A playful indoor space where younger children can enjoy some fun without having to worry about the cooler outdoor weather.
Indoor Kids Playroom Filled with opportunities for little ones to play and explore, the playroom is another convenient option for keeping them entertained.
Hammock Room For a slower pace, the hammock room offers a cosy spot to unwind between all the activities.
Fun Pool and Lap Pool (heated) The heated pools are a nice touch in the cooler highland weather, giving little ones a chance to splash around while adults can enjoy a swim or simply unwind by the water.
Pool and Darts Room (need to book with management) Families and friends can enjoy some friendly competition here, but remember to check with management about booking arrangements.
Bowling Alley (need to book with management) Bowling offers a fun indoor activity for the family, although you’ll need to arrange access with management beforehand.
Arcade Room (paid per game) Those who enjoy video games can spend some time playing here, with charges applicable per game.
Jacuzzi After a busy day of exploring, the jacuzzi offers another way to relax, subject to the facility’s access rules.
At AYU Block (we checked this out from afar):
Terrarium The terrarium offers a nature-inspired space that adds a touch of greenery to the indoor facilities, making it an interesting spot to explore.
Trampoline Room (indoor) Little ones can jump, bounce, and burn off some energy in this indoor trampoline space, making it another fun option for active children.
AK Antara Signature Mall
AK Antara Signature Mall opened in October 2025, making it one of the newest family-friendly spots in the Genting area. Located directly below the residences, it is a three-storey resort-themed mall with around 40 retail lots. We enjoyed checking out the F&B options and exploring the mall, while little ones can have fun with the magical rides, including a double-decker bus and other kiddy rides. These rides are run by operator staff on site, so do have some cash or an e-wallet ready. Parents can also unwind with a massage at Thong Thai Massage.
Sky Paradise Indoor Playground and Arcade
Families looking for indoor entertainment can check out Sky Paradise at Level UG, Lot PUG 08 of AK Antara Signature Mall. The playground features a climbing zone, soft play, sports arena, ninja course, Mario adventure course, parkour, interactive light games, and an arcade. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, its 1 Hour Fun Pass starts at RM65 per child. We did not go in this time, but it looks like a fun option for families with active children.
Combining Antara With a Genting Peak Day
Although we did not visit Genting Peak during this trip, Antara is a convenient base for families who want to explore both areas.
The residences connect to Resorts World Genting via a fully covered pedestrian link bridge of approximately 1.2 km, with a walk of around 15 to 20 minutes depending on your pace. There is also the option of trying the Antara mini train, when available.
Families can enjoy Antara’s quieter mall and residential facilities as their home base, then head to the main Genting hub for day trips without the hassle of driving, parking, or arranging separate transport.
Family-friendly highlights at the peak include Genting SkyWorlds, Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, the scenic Awana SkyWay cable car, and Chin Swee Caves Temple.
Where To Stay at Antara Genting Highlands
7 Stonez Luxury ANTARA RESIDENCE at AIR Tower C
For our 2D1N family getaway, we booked a Luxury Deluxe Suite at 7Stonez in AIR Tower C, the water-themed block. The unit comes with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, with an extra-large double bed in the bedroom and a futon bed in the living area, sleeping up to 3 guests. This worked out well for the three of us.
Our unit had a mountain view looking down over the hillside below rather than up towards Genting Peak. If a particular outlook matters to you, it is worth asking your host which direction the unit faces before booking, as this varies between units in the same block.
We chose a homestay over a conventional hotel room for the extra space and convenience. Having a kitchen along with a separate living area where little E could move around made our stay more comfortable as a family. If you are travelling with a larger group or extended family, 7Stonez also lists bigger layouts such as the Luxury Executive Suite for up to 6 guests and the Luxury Royal Suite for up to 8 guests.
Check-in: Check the instructions provided by your host before arrival, as the property offers apartment-style accommodation with private check-in arrangements rather than a typical hotel front desk. For your information, we booked our stay through Booking.com.
Other AirBnB Operators at Antara Genting
Besides 7Stonez, several other operators offer apartment-style stays at Antara Genting across the AYU (Blocks A and B) and AIR (Blocks C and D) towers. If you’re comparing accommodation options for your family, here are three alternatives worth checking out.
NaiBnB in Antara Genting NaiBnB offers fully furnished apartments with kitchens, living and dining areas, and selected units with jacuzzi facilities. It’s worth considering for families who prefer the convenience of a home-style stay.
Antara Residence by Sleeping Lion This option offers family apartments with kitchenettes, balconies, and selected units with mountain views. Guests may access the building’s indoor swimming pool, sauna, and jacuzzi, subject to the operator’s facility access rules.
Antara Genting by PLAY Antara Genting by PLAY offers family-friendly suites with kitchenettes, dining areas, and balconies. Some room configurations also feature separate living spaces, making them practical for families travelling with children.
Cafe and Restaurants in AK Antara Signature Mall
Papparich We had an early dinner at PappaRich, a convenient choice for families looking for familiar non-spicy Malaysian favourites. Its menu includes local staples such as nasi lemak and other rice and noodle dishes.
The Lemon Tree We stopped by The Lemon Tree for morning coffee and pastries. It was a pleasant place to ease into the day before heading out.
Luck Bros Kopi Luck Bros Kopi serves a variety of Malaysian favourites, including nasi lemak with fried chicken and sweet-and-sour chicken rice. Several recent Google reviews mention a children’s meal that comes with a token for the toy machine, though we did not order it ourselves, so do check with the staff if your little one would enjoy that.
Ramen Mob If you’re in the mood for Japanese food, Ramen Mob serves ramen and other Japanese dishes, with options such as gyoza to go alongside your meal. For little ones who prefer milder flavours, ask the staff about non-spicy broth and suitable menu choices.
Ditan Hot Pot We did not get to try this one, but there was a queue outside Ditan Hot Pot when we walked past and the Google reviews look promising, so it is on our list for the next visit. Worth noting if your family enjoys hot pot, which suits the cool highland weather.
Convenience Stores For those little snack emergencies that come with travelling with a toddler, BilaBila Mart, MiX Store, and CU Mart are handy stops for packaged snacks, drinks, and everyday essentials.
How To Get To Antara Genting Highlands
Drive via Karak Highway Driving is our recommended option if you’re travelling with young children. The journey from Kuala Lumpur takes around 1 to 1.5 hours via the Karak Highway. See the parking rates section below for current charges.
Grab or E-hailing If you prefer not to drive up the winding highland roads, booking Grab or another e-hailing service is an alternative. However, fares depend on demand and pickup location, and finding a ride for your return journey may be more challenging.
Via Chin Swee Station on the Awana SkyWay Cable Car For a more scenic journey, take a Genting-bound bus from KL Sentral or TBS to Awana Bus Terminal, then board the Awana SkyWay cable car. Get off at Chin Swee Station and follow the covered pedestrian link towards Antara Genting. This route lets you enjoy the highland views without driving yourself. We drove on this trip rather than taking public transport, so do check the Resorts World Genting website for current bus operators, cable car timings, and fares before you plan around this option.
What To Take Note Of When Visiting Antara Genting
Pack Layers for the Cooler Weather Temperatures around 15 to 22°C can feel chilly, especially for little ones who are more accustomed to Malaysia’s warm weather. Bring jackets, long pants, and extra layers for the evenings.
Bring Swimwear and Grip Socks If you plan to enjoy the swimming pools or climbing activities, pack swimwear and suitable grip socks where required.
Book a Unit with a Kitchen Travelling with young children is easier when you have space to prepare milk, snacks, and simple meals. We found having a kitchen particularly useful for little E’s needs.
Check Out the In-Building Facilities Take some time to explore the facilities available at your accommodation block and the mall below. With playgrounds, pools, and other indoor activities, there’s plenty to consider without travelling far.
Pack Snacks or Food from KL If you prefer preparing your own food, consider bringing groceries and your child’s favourite snacks from home. Our unit had a microwave and stove, which were handy for heating food and preparing simple meals.
Parking Rates at Antara
- RM10 per entry on weekdays
- RM15 per entry on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays
- After 12 AM you get charged the next day’s rate on top
Since parking policies and charges may change, confirm the latest rates with your accommodation host or mall management before your trip.
Nearby Stops on the Way Up or Down Antara Genting
Gohtong Jaya Just down the mountain from Genting Peak, Gohtong Jaya is known for its variety of local eateries, cafés, and Chinese restaurants. It’s a convenient place to stop for a meal before heading to Antara or on your way home.
Genting Premium Outlets (GPO) If you enjoy shopping, make a stop at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets near Awana Station. With a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and a convenient location beside the cable car terminal, it’s easy to combine some outlet shopping with your Antara getaway.
Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills For another family-friendly highlands escape, consider visiting Colmar Tropicale at Berjaya Hills. Inspired by a French village in Alsace, it features colourful European-style architecture, restaurants, and leisure activities, offering a different atmosphere from Genting Highlands.
Is Antara Genting Highlands Worth Staying At With Kids?
Yes, especially for families with younger children. We found Antara a lovely option for a short highlands getaway, with cooler weather, family-friendly facilities, and convenient dining options.
Best suited for: Families with toddlers or young children who prefer a quieter, more relaxed highlands break. It also works well as an overnight stay before or after a day exploring Genting Peak, without having to stay right in the middle of the crowds.
Not ideal for: Families expecting theme park action right at their doorstep. While there are plenty of facilities to keep children entertained, Antara offers a different experience from staying directly at the main Genting hub.
To be clear, this is an Antara-only review. We skipped Genting Peak entirely on this trip and did not step foot inside Resorts World Genting, SkyAvenue, SkyWorlds, or Skytropolis. Even without any of that, Antara still felt worthwhile as a standalone destination for our family, which is exactly the point we wanted to test on this stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antara Genting Highlands
Is Antara Genting Highlands good for families with young children?
Yes. Antara Genting Highlands suits families with toddlers and younger children because so much is available without leaving the building. The residential towers have indoor and outdoor playgrounds, an indoor playroom, heated swimming pools, a trampoline zone, and a bowling alley, while AK Antara Signature Mall sits directly below for meals and shopping. It is also quieter than the main Genting hub, which helps if your little one finds large crowds overwhelming.
Can you walk from Antara Genting Highlands to Resorts World Genting?
Yes. A fully covered pedestrian link bridge of approximately 1.2 km connects Antara Genting Highlands to Resorts World Genting, and the walk takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on your pace. Because the bridge is covered, you can make the trip even when it rains or the mist rolls in. There is also the Antara mini train when available.
How far is Antara Genting Highlands from Kuala Lumpur?
Antara Genting Highlands is approximately 50 to 60 km from Kuala Lumpur and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to drive via the Karak Highway, depending on traffic. Because Antara sits below Genting Peak, you skip part of the longer winding climb to the top, which helps if anyone in the car tends to get carsick.
What is the difference between the AYU and AIR towers at Antara Genting?
Antara Genting Highlands has four residential towers. AYU covers Blocks A and B and follows a nature theme, with features such as a terrarium and an indoor trampoline room. AIR covers Blocks C and D and follows a water theme, with heated pools, a jacuzzi, and water features. We stayed in AIR Tower C.
Does Antara Genting Highlands have a swimming pool?
Yes. The AIR tower has a heated fun pool and a heated lap pool, along with a jacuzzi. The heating makes a real difference at this altitude, where temperatures sit around 15 to 22°C. Access can vary depending on which operator you book through, so check with your host before arrival.
Is there an indoor playground at Antara Genting Highlands?
Yes, and there are two kinds. The residential towers have an indoor playroom and the Whimsical Playground for guests staying in the building. Separately, Sky Paradise is a paid indoor playground and arcade inside AK Antara Signature Mall at Level UG, Lot PUG 08, open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM with a 1 Hour Fun Pass from RM65 per child.
How cold does it get at Antara Genting Highlands?
Temperatures at Antara Genting Highlands typically range from 15 to 22°C. Sitting at approximately 1,650 metres above sea level, it is higher than both Cameron Highlands and Fraser’s Hill, so evenings can feel genuinely chilly for little ones who are used to Malaysian heat. Pack jackets, long pants, and extra layers.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on our 2D1N at Antara Genting Highlands, what stayed with me was how little we had to plan. There was no bundling little E back into the car to reach the next attraction, and no working around a theme park schedule. We took the lift down for meals, wandered the mall, and let the day move at his pace rather than ours.
Would we come back? Yes. There was a queue outside Ditan Hot Pot when we walked past and the Google reviews look promising, so that one is top of our list for next time, along with the covered link bridge across to Resorts World Genting for a proper peak day.
Have you stayed at Antara Genting Highlands with your little ones, or are you planning a trip there soon? I would love to hear which block you stayed in and what your family thought of it. Do leave a comment below and share your experience with us.
You May Also Like
If you enjoyed reading about our Antara Genting Highlands stay, check out some of our other family-friendly highlands and holiday reviews:
- Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills Resort Review — a short family holiday in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang
- Fraser’s Hill Review — another quieter highlands escape in Pahang
- Kuantan Holiday Trip Review — east coast beach getaway for families
- Taiping Trip — a nostalgic family-friendly destination
- Sekinchan Holiday — a weekend trip to the paddy fields