Genting First World Hotel: No More Buffet Service

Today marks our third day in Genting Highlands. We started our morning by heading to the fourth floor of the First World Hotel, where we had breakfast at The Food Factory. It used to be the only spot in Genting offering a breakfast buffet, operating daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. We purchased our meal tickets from the vending machine, with adult tickets priced at RM42 and children’s tickets (ages 4 to 11) costing RM21.

The food selection was decent, offering a variety of dishes that would satisfy anyone looking for a hearty meal to kickstart the day. However, if you’re reading this now, there’s no need to head to The Food Factory anymore—because it has permanently closed. For those who are still craving a buffet breakfast in Genting, your option now is The Coffee Terrace at the Genting Grand Hotel.

It’s quite puzzling to me that a place as large as Genting can’t support two buffet restaurants. It seems there isn’t enough space for both!

After a leisurely morning and breakfast at the First World Hotel, we decided to make a quick stop at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets. Located midway up the hill, this shopping haven is known for offering a wide selection of luxury and popular brands at discounted prices. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, sportswear, or accessories, you’ll find plenty to choose from here.

Our first stop? Starbucks. We grabbed some coffee and took a moment to just chill and soak in the cool mountain breeze. Sitting outside with a warm cup of coffee, surrounded by the fresh air and beautiful views, was the perfect way to start our visit. The outlet wasn’t crowded at all, so we had a peaceful, unhurried experience—definitely a nice contrast to the usual weekend rush.

After enjoying our coffee, we explored the shops. Surprisingly, the outlet was still quiet, which allowed us to browse at our own pace. Whether it was shoes, handbags, or sportswear, there were plenty of deals to be found, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. We stopped by a few stores, tempted by some great discounts, but even if shopping isn’t your thing, the scenic mountain views are worth the trip alone.

For dinner, we decided to keep things simple and had noodles at a nearby eatery. Interestingly, the area had been cordoned off, likely because of the fire that occurred here not long ago. I ordered char siew wanton noodles, which, while delicious, tasted a bit too salty for my liking—perhaps because we’ve been eating lighter meals lately.

We also noticed several new restaurants had opened up within the First World Hotel, though we didn’t get a chance to try them this time. Maybe next time we visit, we’ll be sure to explore these new spots.

Overall, it was a laid-back day in Genting Highlands, and we’re looking forward to tomorrow. It will be an exciting day as we head to Malacca for the first time! Stay tuned for my next blog post about our Malacca adventures.