Shopping in the fresh air, designer bargains everywhere you look, and fantastic views of the Genting Highlands — what’s not to love? The Genting Highlands Premium Outlets (GPO) is a popular outlet shopping center just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. It’s a big hit with locals and is always packed, especially on weekends. People come for the great deals, but also because this is one of the few places in Malaysia where you can actually shop outdoors. Locals are so used to huge, indoor shopping malls that they almost forget what it’s like to see daylight while shopping.
We stumbled upon it on our way to Genting Highlands — a lively spot on top of the mountain full of action and entertainment. There you’ll find amusement parks, shopping malls, cinemas, tons of restaurants, and of course, the casinos (the only legal ones in Malaysia). GPO and Genting Highlands are directly connected by the Awana SkyWay cable car. So even if you’re already up at Genting, it’s worth hopping on the cable car down for some shopping (don’t miss the beautiful Chin Swee Caves Temple along the way!).
Nice variety of (luxury) brands
The best thing about GPO is the huge variety of brands, all with big discounts. There are about 150 shops in total. Luxury brand lovers will be happy to see names like Coach, Michael Kors, BOSS, and Kate Spade — often selling at a fraction of the regular price. If you’re after something stylish but more affordable, check out brands like Dockers, Superdry, and Under Armour, which often have great deals. Sports fans can shop at Adidas, Nike, and Puma for running shoes, casual wear, and other gear.
Watches and accessories are also big here. And if you’re looking for gifts, you’ll find designer perfumes, leather goods, and stylish backpacks at really competitive prices. We weren’t planning to buy anything, but by chance, I found the TUMI Alpha card holder I’d been eyeing for ages — at half the price of what it costs online. So yes, our visit turned out to be a success.
Decent food and drink options
There are plenty of food spots in the outlet mall. If you’re in the mood for a local Malaysian snack, Madam Kwan’s is perfect for a hearty plate of nasi lemak or laksa. The Chicken Rice Shop is another good pick for a simple meal with tasty roasted chicken and fragrant rice. If you’re after something quick and familiar, there’s also Burger King. But most locals prefer the food court, where you can enjoy a good meal for as little as RM10.
You could also take a short trip up the cable car to Genting Highlands for even more dining options. One place you’ve got to try is Burger & Lobster, famous for its fresh lobster rolls and burgers (the signature lobster burger is a bit pricey, but really good!). The High Line Roof Top Market is a great spot to grab a cocktail and sample different gourmet food stalls. You’ll also find Jom Makan, another food court with loads of affordable options.
Best time to visit and opening hours
The Genting Highlands Premium Outlets are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting on a weekday morning — it’s much quieter, and you won’t have to wait in long lines at the fitting rooms or checkouts.
On weekends and public holidays, it can get pretty crowded, especially in the afternoons when shoppers from KL and nearby areas start arriving.
Is it worth the trip from Kuala Lumpur?
If you love shopping and hunting for bargains, then yes — GPO is definitely worth a visit. The combination of discounts, brand variety, and fresh mountain air makes it one of the more enjoyable outlet shopping experiences in Malaysia. But if you’re just looking for a casual shopping day, you might be better off staying in Kuala Lumpur. These are outlet stores, so you’ll mostly find items from past seasons.
Is it a must-visit? In our opinion, only if you were already planning to go to Genting Highlands anyway. It’s a great spot for locals and expats, but the average tourist might prefer malls like Pavilion KL, The Exchange TRX, or The Gardens, all located in KL.
Prices were a bit cheaper than in the city center, but not so cheap that you’ll leave with bags full of stuff. It’s worth checking the store directory on the GPO website beforehand to see if there are any shops you really want to visit.
How to get there?
GPO is pretty easy to reach — unless you go during peak times on weekends.
The most convenient way is by Grab from KL. If traffic is heavy in the city, you could take the subway first to a station on the outskirts, then call a Grab from there — you’ll already be out of the busy city center. For the return trip, consider booking a premium Grab, since many regular Grab drivers often don’t want to go up the mountain for standard fare (so there aren’t any for the way down). Another option is to set your destination to a station just outside central KL — some drivers prefer avoiding the city center later in the day.
You can also easily drive yourself — it’s only about an hour via the Karak Highway.
If you don’t have a car, there are buses from KL Sentral, Pekeliling Bus Terminal, Pudu Sentral, and TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) that drop you at the Awana Bus Terminal, which is just a short walk from the outlets.
Tips
- Before heading to the shopping center, we first visited the Royal Selangor Visitor Center — a great attraction just outside the city (and on the way to the Premium Outlets). From the museum, it took only about 35 minutes by Grab.
- Before you start shopping, check if there are any extra discounts beyond the usual outlet prices. Some shops offer additional deals if you sign up for their membership programs or pay with certain credit cards. You can also pick up a VIP discount booklet at the information desk, which can help you save even more at selected stores.
- If you’re visiting during the rainy season, don’t forget to bring an umbrella, since GPO is an open-air shopping center. The weather in the mountains can be a bit unpredictable — the cool mist adds to the charm, but sudden rain showers can easily catch you off guard.
- For savvy shoppers who want to get the most value, it’s worth comparing prices with other outlet malls or even online stores. While the discounts at GPO can be quite good, some brands also have regular seasonal sales or better temporary offers in their standard stores.
- The Awana SkyWay cable car takes you from the Premium Outlets up to Genting Highlands. The ride starts at Awana Station, and there’s even a stop halfway at a beautiful Chinese temple. If you’re buying tickets, go for the Express Boarding option — it helps you skip the often long queues.
- Aside from the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, there’s also the Mitsui Outlet Park near KLIA (the international airport). But generally, people find GPO has a better variety of shops. Plus, the outdoor shopping vibe is a nice change — you don’t get that often in Malaysia.
- Make sure to check out the full list of brands on the official Genting Highlands Premium Outlets website.
Suggestions?
Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do in Kuala Lumpur, or tips on the best places to eat? Let us know by leaving a reply below or join our private Facebook Group Friends of Malaysia.