Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort | Golf Course in Genting Highlands | GoGolf

Last updated: 14 August 2026

Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort is one of Malaysia’s foremost highland golf destinations, a place where sport, nature and luxury are held in balance. It sits in Genting Highlands, Pahang, standing proudly at an altitude of roughly 3,100 feet (about 945 metres). It is one of very few golf courses in Malaysia at this elevation, offering cool air you will not find in the tropical lowlands and a round wrapped in mountain panoramas. Around an hour by car from Kuala Lumpur, the setting itself marks the moment you leave the noise of the city behind for highland resort time.

The course is built on the design philosophy of Ronald Fream, with a technical, strategically rich layout set against tropical mountain scenery. Add star-class hotel facilities, professional multilingual service and the cool climate particular to Genting Highlands, and this becomes far more than a golf course: it is an integrated resort combining world-standard tourism with relaxation. It has the depth to serve not only golfers but families, couples and business travellers alike.

The bracing challenge of highland golf, and the natural stillness that opens up above the clouds. Being able to taste both at once is the greatest value Awana Genting Highlands offers. Below is GoGolf’s detailed review of this place where natural beauty and the challenge of the game come together so well.

Some of the facilities are beginning to show their age, yet the overall value Awana delivers remains very high indeed. It is ideal for golfers who want sport, relaxation and natural panoramas in one, and equally for families and couples seeking cooler air, or business travellers who want to refresh between meetings in a quiet setting. Easy access from Kuala Lumpur, spectacular mountain scenery and course conditions that hold up all year round are what make Awana worthy of the name of one of Malaysia’s leading golf resorts. Leaving behind the muggy heat of the lowlands to spend a day near the clouds — that sense of stepping out of the ordinary is exactly what keeps so many players coming back.

Key Information

Three Reasons Golfers Choose Awana Genting Highlands

A highland setting that is rare even in Malaysia, a technical layout rich in strategy, and resort facilities that fill the hours away from the course. Everything distinctive about highland golf is concentrated here.

1. One of the only true highland courses in Malaysia — at roughly 3,100 feet above sea level, courses where you can play a serious round at this altitude are limited even in Malaysia. A cool climate of roughly 16-24°C year-round brings extraordinary comfort to golfers who want to escape tropical heat. Clear air and mountain panoramas you cannot get in the lowlands lift the round into something special.
2. A strategic layout descended from Ronald Fream — elevation changes and slopes that make skilful use of mountain terrain, narrow fairways and water hazards throughout demand a fine-grained strategy that distance alone will not solve. The current layout has been reworked by Parslow & Winter Golf Design and refined into a configuration that makes even more of the natural terrain.
3. An integrated resort beyond golf — as part of Resorts World Genting, it combines a hotel, spa, outdoor pool, a range of sports and access to nearby attractions. Being able to fold golf, family leisure and nature tourism into a single itinerary without strain is a considerable strength.

Location and Access

Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort is one of the most distinctive and appealing golf destinations in Malaysia. It sits around KM13 in Genting Highlands, Pahang, standing proudly at an altitude of about 3,100 feet (roughly 945 metres). The cool highland air and captivating natural panoramas provide a natural stage that lowland golf courses simply cannot offer.

Reckon on roughly an hour by car from central Kuala Lumpur. Expressways also run from the direction of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), so access is smooth. Genting Highlands is known as one of Pahang’s signature destinations and the road network is well developed. Getting there is easiest by company car or your own vehicle, or by a ride-hailing service such as Grab. At weekends and on public holidays, and during peak periods on the Genting road, journeys can take longer, so it is worth setting out with time in hand to match your tee time. There are steep sections of mountain road, so plan your drive sensibly.

One advantage of the location is its proximity to major attractions including Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, the Awana SkyWay cable car, First World Plaza, Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm and Chin Swee Cave Temple. That makes it efficient to combine golf with family leisure, shopping and nature tourism in one itinerary. Awana also offers stillness away from the noise of the city, and a comfortable climate averaging roughly 16-24°C in which to refresh body and mind. It is no surprise that many travellers and professional golfers choose Awana both as a place to rest and as a stage for bracing highland golf.

Course Design (Ronald Fream) and Character

The golf course at Awana Genting Highlands ranks among the most demanding and most beautiful in Southeast Asia. Designed by Ronald Fream in 1986, it runs to 18 holes at par 71 over a total length of roughly 6,030 metres, and the present layout has been reworked by Parslow & Winter Golf Design. Elevation changes and slopes that draw on the mountain terrain of Genting appear throughout, producing a playing experience that is both technical and visually rewarding. The greens and fairways use Zoysia matrella, a grass suited to the highland climate, which holds firm and in good condition.

Every hole at Awana has its own character. The fairways are narrow overall, demanding accuracy from every golfer. Play here is not a contest of distance but of strategy and precision. Even a slight mis-hit disappears into dense tropical forest or one of the water hazards scattered across the course, which is why even experienced players describe deep concentration as essential. Reading doglegs, sloping lies and the effect of the wind while keeping the ball on the fairway — how well you manage the course translates directly into your score.

Awana also drains exceptionally well, so play is possible year-round even at altitude where the weather turns quickly. With its technical challenge, sweeping views and highland stillness, Awana thoroughly deserves the name “jewel above the clouds”. It has long been loved by players from professionals to amateurs who want to sharpen their game. It is a course with real depth, one that teaches the value of self-restraint and careful calculation.

Because this is a mountain course, the way each hole changes in character is another highlight. Holes framed by deep forest, holes where a lake presses into your line of sight, holes that look out over the resort complex below — the scenery shifts continually across the 18. Fairway slopes run in every direction, side to side and front to back, and it is barely an exaggeration to say there are no flat lies. The question is how to launch the ball on your intended trajectory from uphill and downhill lies. Even golfers who pride themselves on distance often find their score refuses to come together once the wind, the slopes and the tight landing areas are in front of them. That is precisely why the way in reveals itself the more rounds you play, and why the course invites you back. For players who back their own game, it is an excellent stage on which to test both technique and judgement.

Signature Holes and How to Play Them

Awana has a set of iconic holes that stay in the memory. The 4th, a par 3 and the 15th, a par 3 in particular are known for their difficulty, where water hazards and dramatic elevation change combine. Balls hit uphill are easily pushed off line by the mountain wind, while low shots risk being caught in a small gully or a narrow bunker. These are holes worthy of testing your game, demanding not only distance control but a reading of the wind, the right club and a clear-eyed choice of a safe landing area.

Especially memorable is the 3rd, a par 4, which opens up a full view of the Genting Highlands resort complex rising at roughly 4,000 feet. It is a signature hole where a tense passage of play and a view that steals your attention arrive together. A risk-and-reward concept is woven through the whole course: bold attacking play brings substantial rewards, while there are plenty of moments where steady strategy and accurate shots are what lead to a good score. Being forced to judge between attack and defence on every shot is what gives a round at Awana its keen sense of tension and satisfaction.

Highland Climate and Course Condition

Awana’s great distinguishing feature is its cool highland climate. Averaging roughly 16-24°C year-round, it is hard to believe you are in tropical Malaysia. Mornings and evenings can feel chilly, and the clear air makes for a genuinely refreshing round. Being able to enjoy natural coolness without leaning on heavy air conditioning is especially well received by travellers up from the lowlands.

The climate at altitude also shapes course strategy. Wind funnelling through the hills changes character from hole to hole, and on terrain with so many uphill and downhill shots, club selection becomes that much more exacting. The clouds are close and the weather changes readily, as it does anywhere in the highlands. That said, Awana is designed to drain well, so it stays in good condition and playable year-round even after a spell of rain. Shifting cloud and mist, and the green of the mountains spread out below — the conditions themselves are part of what makes this highland course appealing.

Managing Your Way Around the Course

The knack of playing Awana comfortably lies less in chasing distance than in simply putting the ball on the fairway. The fairways are narrow with dense tropical forest and water hazards waiting on both sides, so rather than insisting on driver from the tee, choosing a club you can reliably place is the effective judgement. Selecting a tee that does not overstretch you keeps the pressure down and makes tight landing areas manageable.

The points to watch at altitude are wind and elevation change. Wind moving through the hills shifts direction hole by hole, and on uphill and downhill shots the club can move up or down more than the measured yardage suggests. On the par-3 4th and 15th in particular, to avoid being pushed into water or a bunker, read whether you are downwind or into it and aim steadily for the centre of the green — that is what leads to a good score. Managing the ball on a lower flight to reduce the effect of the wind is also effective.

The greens are undulating and hard to read, so it pays to check slope and speed carefully. To avoid three-putting, first grasp the direction of the main slope and concentrate on getting the first putt close. The advice of a caddie who knows the course inside out is particularly valuable on a first round. Keep your discipline, and switch between attacking and defending on every shot — that is the shortest route to solving the “jewel above the clouds”.

Clubhouse and Resort Facilities

As part of Resorts World Genting, Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort offers world-standard facilities that combine the comfort of a luxury hotel with natural beauty. The resort has roughly 410 rooms and suites in total, designed in a modern and elegant style. Each room comes with air conditioning, cable TV, a minibar, Wi-Fi, a safe, an electric kettle and a private bathroom with amenities, bringing the comfort of home. The green views from the balconies also draw praise from many guests.

For dining, several restaurants and cafes serve everything from Korean barbecue, popular with East Asian guests, to local Malaysian dishes and international cuisine. Set within forest views, the authentic flavours and the breadth of choice earn high marks from many guests. For relaxation and wellness there is an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, a sauna and a spa offering professional massage, along with activities such as tennis courts and archery. It is ideal for active travellers too.

There are also fully equipped meeting and conference facilities for corporate events and formal occasions. A 24-hour front desk, shuttle buses to the Genting Highlands entertainment area and Premium Outlets, ample parking and a business centre all add to convenience during a stay. With its romantic natural scenery and fresh highland air, Awana is also popular as a venue for weddings and family occasions. Hotel facilities on a 4.5-star level, quality service and a natural setting come together to offer both a stay and a sporting experience only a mountain resort can provide.

Staff are described as helpful and professional, and the fact that they can work in several languages including English, Chinese and Malay gives international guests real peace of mind. Service attentive to detail from check-in to check-out is one reason so many guests return. Whether you are a golfer who wants to rest between rounds or a traveller who values time with family, Awana makes a comfortable base. Listen to birdsong in the morning in a quiet setting wrapped in forest, work up a sweat on the highland course during the day, and soak in the cool air under the stars at night — a stay at one with nature, of a kind no city hotel can provide.

Facilities That Support Your Golf

Awana Genting Highlands is not only a demanding golf course but a complex resort where sport and recreation come together, with strong supporting facilities. There is a driving range convenient for warming up or working on your shots before a round, available both during the day and at night. A pro shop stocking well-known brands, the service of caddies who know the course intimately, and buggy arrangements mean everything you need for a comfortable round is in place.

After a round you can rest at the Awana Hotel, which adjoins the course directly. Rooms come with cable television, a fridge, a full set of bath amenities, a hairdryer, a coffee and tea maker, mineral water and an internal telephone. For families there is a kids’ play area and a souvenir shop, and shuttle buses run to the Genting Highlands entertainment area. With entertainment, sport and business functions all in one place, Awana is an ideal destination both for an active resort holiday and for a corporate trip. You can make the most of a highland stay combining golf and accommodation, surrounded by nature above the clouds.

What Guests and Golfers Say

Most reviews of Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort point to high satisfaction with comfort, service and atmosphere. The cleanliness of the rooms, comfortable sleep and the green views from the balconies are frequently praised. The cool climate is particularly well received by travellers from tropical regions, who value being able to feel natural coolness without relying on heavy air conditioning.

For golfers, playing Awana is rated as both distinctive and challenging. Some guests describe it as more than sport — a “mental journey” that demands deep concentration on every shot. Small errors send the ball vanishing into the trees or a lake, and that thrill is exactly what makes the course special. Among professionals and amateurs alike, the course design descended from Ronald Fream is highly rated for the balance it strikes between challenge and beauty. Many say the 4th and 5th holes are especially difficult, while the 3rd is a favourite for many players thanks to its spectacular view.

Staff are described as helpful and professional, and their ability to communicate in several languages including English, Chinese and Malay adds to the reassurance felt by international guests. The shuttle buses to Genting Highlands Premium Outlets and the main entertainment areas are also well rated, making it comfortable to get around even without a car. On the other hand, some comments mention waiting times at check-in during busy periods and a wish to see some room fittings and interiors updated. The resort carries out regular refurbishment to maintain quality, and overall satisfaction remains at a high level. Whether for a family holiday, a honeymoon or a business trip, Awana offers a full and memorable stay.

Awana and Resorts World Genting

Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort is part of Resorts World Genting, one of Malaysia’s signature integrated resorts. Genting Highlands is a vast hill resort in which everything from the entertainment complex at the summit to the green areas at the foot forms a single whole, and Awana is positioned as its gateway — a quieter base closer to nature. The Awana SkyWay cable car connects to the entertainment zone at the top, with its theme parks, shopping and casino, and the journey above a sea of cloud is itself one of the highlights of a visit.

This setting lets golfers staying at Awana choose a rhythm of their own: a round on the highland course by day, and the entertainment and dining at the summit by night. Days when you want to focus on golf can be spent in the quiet of the highlands; days when you want the bustle with family can be spent up the mountain. Moving between such different scenes within one resort is a particular strength of an integrated resort. Being able to enjoy world-standard golf and the appeal of Malaysia’s leading hill resort at the same time is what makes Awana special.

Combining With Nearby Courses

Genting Highlands is a mountain resort northeast of the capital region, and courses of quite different character are dotted around it. After tasting the cool of the highlands, pairing it with a lowland course adds variety to your stay.

• Saujana Golf & Country Club — also designed by Ronald Fream. A lowland championship course that makes for a striking contrast with the highlands.
• Templer Park Country Club — a course looking out on the limestone hills of Rawang. Easily worked into the drive north from KL.
• Bangi Golf Resort — 27 holes from the same Golfplan design team. Good for an easy day out.

You can look for other courses in the GoGolf course listing.

Making the Most of Genting Highlands and the Area

Genting Highlands is one of Malaysia’s foremost highland destinations, known as the “resort above the clouds”. Using Awana as a base, you can fold a wide range of attractions into one itinerary alongside your golf. Genting Highlands Premium Outlets offers shopping for well-known brands, while the Awana SkyWay cable car lets you take in spectacular mountain scenery from the air. First World Plaza and SkyAvenue at the summit gather entertainment venues and dining, so even families will not run short of things to do all day.

For those who want to touch nature and culture, the Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm, where you can pick strawberries, and the imposing Chin Swee Cave Temple built into the hillside are both recommended. Nature walks particular to the highlands, such as birdwatching and trekking, are also well provided for. Combining golf, shopping, nature tourism and entertainment in a cool climate, Awana draws attention both as a weekend destination from around Kuala Lumpur and as a base for golf trips from abroad.

Genting Highlands sits at altitude, and being able to enjoy a climate and scenery different from lowland Kuala Lumpur is part of its appeal. On a clear day a sea of cloud spreads out below and the view from the summit is quite something. Around Awana at the foot, meanwhile, forest closes in and the setting is full of natural calm — birdsong and a cool breeze. Being able to move between the bustle at the summit and the quiet below while keeping golf at the centre is a way of spending time particular to this place. Over a stay of several days you might work through the course carefully on the first day, then head out with family for the cable car, the outlets and the temple on the next, weaving a variety of activities into a single itinerary without strain. From golfing group trips to three-generation family holidays, the depth to answer such a wide range of visitors is a great part of the appeal of Genting Highlands and Awana.

A Memorable Golf Experience

A round at Awana brings together a cool highland climate, a strategic course that makes the most of mountain terrain, and panoramic views over the Genting resort complex. Working through narrow fairways and undulating holes one at a time in the clear air at roughly 3,100 feet carries a particular satisfaction that lowland courses cannot provide. Being able to take serious golf and a refreshing spell in the hills at the same time is exactly what this highland course does best. The satisfaction of one well-struck shot that beats the narrow fairway and the mountain wind is something you will never taste on a flat lowland course.

Once your round is over, you can spend the time as you please — a meal at a restaurant looking out over the forest, relaxation at the spa, or a quiet evening at the hotel. Technical challenge, sweeping views and highland stillness: Awana, known as the “jewel above the clouds”, is a special destination that answers everything from a day round to a golf trip with friends or family.

Before You Play

• Access: a company car or your own vehicle, or a ride-hailing service such as Grab, is convenient. Roughly an hour by car from central Kuala Lumpur. Weekends and public holidays get busy, so set out with time in hand. There are steep sections of mountain road, so plan your drive sensibly.
• Climate and clothing: a cool highland climate averaging roughly 16-24°C. Mornings and evenings can turn chilly, so a light jacket or something to throw on is reassuring.
• Dress code: golf shoes, a collared shirt and long trousers are the basics. Jeans are not permitted. Check the clothing rules before you arrive.
• Course character: narrow fairways, elevation change, mountain wind and greens that are hard to read. Accuracy, club selection and a safe landing area matter more than distance.
• Best time to play: a morning start is popular, when the temperature is comfortable and visibility good. It also leaves plenty of time to get round the 18 without rushing.
• Weather precautions: the weather in the highlands changes readily and mist or rain can set in. Carry wet-weather gear and check the forecast on the day.
• Caddies and buggies: it is worth checking the official site before you arrive for the availability and details of caddies, buggies and practice facilities.

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