First World Plaza, Genting Highlands
Located in Resorts World Genting, Pahang, First World Plaza is a vibrant shopping and entertainment destination, offering world-class retail, dining, and fun attractions. Whether you’re indulging in mid-range to luxury fashion, savoring diverse cuisine, or exploring thrilling entertainment options, this mall guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors.
Introduction
Nestled in the cool misty peaks of Genting Highlands, Pahang, First World Plaza is a centerpiece of Resorts World Genting. This sprawling indoor complex combines shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking both leisure and excitement. Directly connected to the First World Hotel, the plaza offers seamless access to attractions, cultural experiences, and breathtaking views of Malaysia’s highlands.
History
First World Plaza was originally opened in the early 2000s as part of the expansion of Resorts World Genting. Over the years, it has undergone major refurbishments, most notably in 2017–2018, when the mall was redesigned with modern interiors, vibrant lighting, and new attractions. Today, it stands as a revitalized entertainment hub, blending retail therapy with family-friendly fun. Its connection to the world’s largest hotel by room count makes it a landmark destination in Malaysia’s tourism landscape.
The world’s largest hotel by room count is the First World Hotel in Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. It holds the Guinness World Record with 7,351 rooms, spread across multiple towers, making it the biggest hotel globally in terms of capacity.
10 World’s Largest Hotels by Room Count
| Hotel Name | Location | Room Count & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First World Hotel | Genting Highlands, Malaysia | 7,351 rooms — Guinness World Record holder as the largest hotel by room count |
| The Venetian Resort | Las Vegas, USA | 7,264 rooms — includes Venetian North Tower, Palazzo, and Venetian South Tower |
| Abraj Al Bait | Mecca, Saudi Arabia | 6,000 rooms — part of King Abdulaziz Endowment project near Masjid al-Haram |
| The Londoner Macao | Cotai, Macau | 6,000 rooms — formerly Sands Cotai Central, themed with British landmarks |
| MGM Grand Las Vegas | Las Vegas, USA | 5,044 rooms — largest single hotel building in the world |
| Izmailovo Hotel | Moscow, Russia | 5,000 rooms — built for the 1980 Olympics, consists of multiple towers |
| Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Resort | Las Vegas, USA | 4,748 rooms — luxury twin-tower complex with casino and golf course |
| Barkhatnye Sezony | Sochi, Russia | 4,688 rooms — built for the 2014 Winter Olympics, sprawling resort complex |
| Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino | Las Vegas, USA | 4,426 rooms — includes Mandalay Bay and Delano towers |
| Luxor Las Vegas | Las Vegas, USA | 4,407 rooms — iconic pyramid-shaped hotel with Egyptian theme |
Highlights
Shopping and Retail Therapy
First World Plaza is home to a wide range of retail outlets, from international fashion brands to local specialty stores. Visitors can browse mid-range to luxury fashion, sportswear, electronics, and beauty products. Tangs Malaysia is a highlight, offering exclusive fashion pieces and accessories. Duty-free shopping and souvenir stores make it a convenient stop for travelers.
Tangs Malaysia refers to the Tangs Outlet located at Genting Premium Outlets in Genting Highlands, Pahang. It is part of the well-known Singaporean department store brand Tangs, offering fashion apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products. The outlet in Genting Highlands operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and is categorized under fashion accessories retail.
Visitor Facilities
The mall is equipped with modern amenities, including spacious walkways, escalators, elevators, and multilingual signage. ATMs, currency exchange counters, and concierge services ensure a smooth visitor experience.
Dining and Gourmet Experiences
Food lovers will find endless options at First World Plaza. From Malaysian street food like Nasi Lemak and Bak Kut Teh to international cuisines such as Japanese ramen, Korean BBQ, and Western-style meals, the plaza caters to diverse tastes. Cozy cafés and dessert shops provide perfect spots for coffee breaks and casual gatherings.
Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malay dish considered the national dish of Malaysia. It consists of rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it a rich, creamy flavor. Typically served with sambal (spicy chili paste), fried anchovies (ikan bilis), roasted peanuts, cucumber slices, and a boiled or fried egg, it can also be accompanied by proteins such as fried chicken, beef rendang, or sambal cuttlefish. The name literally translates to “fatty rice”, referring to the richness imparted by coconut milk.
Entertainment and Attractions
Skytropolis Funland
This indoor theme park spans over 400,000 sq. ft. and features more than 20 rides suitable for all ages. From thrilling roller coasters to VR attractions, Skytropolis is a highlight for families and adventure seekers.
SnowWorld
Step into a winter wonderland with icy slides, snow sculptures, and real snowfall. Jackets, gloves, and boots are provided, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Genting Bowl
A modern bowling alley with neon lighting and state-of-the-art lanes, Genting Bowl is perfect for casual fun and group activities.
Ripley’s Adventureland
Though some attractions have evolved, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Zombie Outbreak, and Jurassic Research Center remain popular among thrill-seekers.
Nearby Attractions
Cultural Festivals
First World Plaza often hosts cultural performances, including lion dances during Chinese New Year and traditional Malay dances during festive seasons. These events add vibrancy to the shopping and entertainment experience.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, Chin Swee Temple, Masjid Yayasan Mohamed Noah and Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, all located within short distances.
Nearby Towns and Culinary Influence
The culinary offerings reflect influences from nearby towns like Bentong, famous for ginger products, and Raub, known for durians. Seasonal food festivals often highlight local produce, adding cultural depth to the dining experience.
Conclusion
First World Plaza is a dynamic entertainment and shopping hub, offering premium retail brands, world-class dining, and thrilling attractions, making it one of Malaysia’s most exciting destinations. Whether you’re exploring fashion stores, enjoying theme park rides, or indulging in local delicacies, this vibrant mall guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Plan your visit today—immerse yourself in the excitement of First World Plaza, Genting Highlands!
Summary
- Attraction: First World Plaza
- Location: #Pahang #GentingHighlands
- Attraction Type: #Shopping
- Source: Wikipedia
- Why Visit:
- Diverse shopping experience
- Exciting entertainment options
- Gastronomic delights from around the world
- Connected to First World Hotel
Quick Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | First World Plaza |
| Location | Resorts World Genting, Pahang, Malaysia |
| GPS Position | 3.4112° N, 101.7923° E |
| State | Pahang |
| Facility Type | Shopping Mall, Entertainment Center & Dining Hub |
| Main Attractions | Skytropolis Funland, SnowWorld, Shopping, Dining |
| Nearby Landmarks | First World Hotel, Awana SkyWay, Genting Grand |
| Accessibility | Connected via Awana SkyWay & major bus routes |
| How to Get There | Drive from Kuala Lumpur – approx. 1-hour via Karak Highway; Board the Awana SkyWay cable car; Public buses connect Genting Highlands to major city hubs |
| Best Time to Visit | Morning for relaxed shopping & café lounging; Afternoon for theme park adventures & dining; Evening for entertainment & nightlife |
| Entry Fee | Free for mall access (theme parks require separate tickets) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily |
| Contact | Phone: +603-6101 1118 |
Visitor Reviews
Name: Nelydia Locality: Singapore Review: “First World Plaza is a fantastic place for families. The indoor theme park kept my kids entertained for hours, and the dining options were diverse. Loved the SnowWorld experience too!” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Name: Ashworth Malai Locality: Mumbai, India Review: “I was impressed by the shopping variety. Tangs Malaysia had great fashion pieces, and the food court offered both local and international dishes. The cable car ride to the plaza was breathtaking.” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Name: Purine Wong Locality: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Review: “As a local, I often visit Genting Highlands, and First World Plaza never disappoints. Skytropolis Funland is thrilling, and the cafés are cozy for weekend getaways. Highly recommended.” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Name: Shafinas Rosli Locality: London, UK Review: “The plaza is vibrant and lively. SnowWorld was a highlight, and the shopping was enjoyable. It’s a great escape from the city heat, and the facilities are well-maintained.” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
