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Genting Highlands is constantly transforming, and the launch of the Antara Signature Mall, the retail heart of the expansive Antara Genting integrated resort, represents one of the most significant changes to the mountain's landscape in years. Positioned slightly below the main peak, this luxury-themed retail space promises a "Resort-Themed Retail Experience Above The Clouds," seamlessly blending nature, architecture, and high-end consumer convenience.
But with SkyAvenue already dominating the peak, and Genting Premium Outlets (GPO) holding the discount crown, where exactly does Antara fit in? Is this new mall a true destination, or just an overflow space?
At Newtopedia, we went beyond the developer’s brochure. We analyzed the concept, walked the entire 1,209-meter link bridge, and sampled the first wave of offerings to bring you the comprehensive, first-hand review you need to make the smartest choice on your next Genting trip.
The Quick Answer: Newtopedia’s Verdict on Antara Mall
The Antara Signature Mall is a success story in accessibility and focused luxury. It shines as a premium, less-crowded alternative designed for visitors seeking quality dining and top-tier entertainment away from the main resort chaos. The 1.2KM covered link bridge is a revolutionary feature that solves Genting’s historic connectivity problem, making the entire complex feel unified. While still in its ramp-up phase, the initial tenant mix is strong and highly intentional.
What is Antara Signature Mall?
Antara Signature Mall is the retail & lifestyle hub within Antara Genting. It’s been described as a “resort-themed retail experience above the clouds,” offering a mix of shops, cafés, restaurants, and leisure outlets.
According to the official site, the mall aims to deliver a “culinary & retail adventure”, from cosy cafés and bistros to more upscale dining and bars, catering to a variety of tastes and moods.
Because Antara combines living, leisure, and retail, the mall isn’t just for hotel guests, it’s a lifestyle destination for anyone visiting Genting: travellers, families, couples, or even those just passing by.
1. Location and Accessibility: The Link Bridge Revolution
The Antara project is defined by its solution to location: the 1,209-meter covered pedestrian link bridge. This feature is the single most important reason to consider visiting the mall, as it redefines how visitors navigate the mountain.
The 1,209-Meter Experience: Seamless Connectivity
The link bridge is not just a walkway; it's a climate-controlled, weatherproof extension of the resort. Designed to mitigate the mountain's sometimes challenging weather, the structure spans over a kilometre, equipped with escalators at all steeper points. This thoughtful design ensures that the walk is not a chore but a scenic, leisurely activity.
How to Get There
- To Resorts World Genting/SkyAvenue: The walk takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. It’s a comfortable, flat, or gently inclined journey, a vast improvement over navigating narrow roads or waiting for often-delayed internal shuttles.
- To Chin Swee Caves Temple/Awana Skyway: The bridge connects directly to the Awana Skyway (Chin Swee Station), offering visitors quick access to one of Genting's most beautiful cultural landmarks in about 7 minutes. This strategic connection makes Antara a natural stopover point, as intended by its design.
Newtopedia Pro Tip: Walk the link bridge during the late afternoon. The elevation offers stunning, uninterrupted views of the mountain landscape, making it a photo-worthy experience that doubles as a light wellness activity.
Strategic Location: The Perfect Stopover
Antara Genting is situated along the only road leading up to the peak, placing it strategically between the main entertainment hub (RWG) and the GPO/Awana areas. This location allows it to serve multiple audiences: resort guests, day-trippers coming up the mountain, and, crucially, residents of the adjacent AYU and AIR resort suites.
2. Deep Dive I: Culinary Haven (Food & Beverage)
The Antara Signature Mall positions itself as a premium "culinary haven." Our review confirms that the focus here is on quality, popular brands, and comfortable ambiance, rather than sheer volume.
The Anchor Tenant Experience: Premium Dining
The major drawcards are the high-profile F&B anchors, which benefit significantly from the mall's new, less-congested environment.
- Haidilao Hot Pot (Coming Soon / Open): The anticipation for this specific outlet is high. Haidilao is a massive draw in Genting, and a newer, less-used space promises a superior dining experience, more seating capacity, potentially less of the hours-long wait times associated with the SkyAvenue branch, and a pristine setting. This is where Antara directly competes by offering better quality of experience.
- Tono Izakaya: Catering to the Japanese dining trend, this provides an upscale alternative for evening meals.
- Tong Cheng Seafood: High-end seafood offers a necessary premium experience for resort guests and multi-generational families.
Quick Bites & The Modern Coffee Culture
Antara has skillfully curated the most popular, value-driven coffee and casual F&B chains essential for the modern consumer, aligning perfectly with Newtopedia’s focus on reliable, everyday choices.
| Outlet | Category | Newtopedia Insight |
| ZUS Coffee | Coffee/Café | High-value, affordable, and quick for a caffeine fix. Crucial for residents and visitors on the go. |
| Luck Bros. Kopi | Local Coffee | Provides a local Malaysian flavour experience, catering to regional tastes and providing quick breakfast options. |
| Tealive & Cha Panda | Beverage | Dominant players in the bubble tea market, ensuring the mall has trendy, popular beverage choices. |
| Gindaco | Japanese Snack | A specialty snack kiosk (Takoyaki), great for casual, low-cost snacking while shopping. |
| Happy Potato | Quick Snack | Simple, popular, and affordable food court-style snacks, essential for families. |
Authentic Asian Cuisine & Desserts
For reliable meals, Antara is securing key regional favourites:
- Yun Bridge Noodle: A consistent favourite for comforting, warm noodle soups, perfect for Genting’s chilly weather.
- Papparich (Coming Soon): A beloved Malaysian food brand. Its eventual opening guarantees a high-quality selection of local hawker favourites (Nasi Lemak, Curry Laksa) in a clean, mall setting.
- Koong Woh Tong: A traditional herbal dessert shop, providing local remedies and cool, sweet treats.
Verdict Expansion: Antara’s F&B strategy is clear: Quality over Quantity. It aims to draw patrons with flagship dining (Haidilao) and service the resort’s demand with reliable, high-value chains (ZUS, Tealive).
3. Deep Dive II: Entertainment, Wellness & Appliance
The non-retail components of Antara focus heavily on leisure, recreation, and catering to the high-end residential guests, a strong fit for the Entertainment and Wellness categories.
Top-Tier Leisure & Entertainment
Antara provides focused entertainment options that often require advance booking at other Genting locations, giving it a scheduling advantage.
- Red Box Karaoke (Coming Soon / Open): As a premium karaoke brand, this outlet delivers a high-quality, private, and fun social activity. The new facilities ensure the latest technology and highest standards, directly challenging the older venues on the peak.
- Resort Facilities (Contextual Value): While primarily for residents, the facilities hint at the mall's luxury clientele: an Arcade Room, Pool & Dart Room, and even a Professional Golf Simulator Room. These facilities suggest a focus on high-engagement leisure activities.
Family Fun and Wellness
The mall is highly conscious of the family market, providing essential support and relaxation amenities.
- Sky Paradise (New Opening): A dedicated, supervised Indoor Kids Playroom and Children’s Playground is a massive draw for families, offering parents a safe spot for their children while they shop or dine.
- Thong Thai Traditional Thai Massage & MRC Wellness: This addresses the "Wellness" category directly. High-altitude shopping and walking can be tiring; the presence of professional massage and wellness centres provides crucial avenues for rejuvenation and relaxation.
Essential Services and Retail
The "Appliance" and retail category is currently focused on convenience and essentials.
- BilaBila Mart / Mix Store: The crucial "convenient shop" presence ensures guests don't have to venture far for immediate necessities (snacks, drinks, phone accessories, small travel appliances).
- Retail Status: It is important for consumers to know that the retail mix outside of F&B is still ramping up. Shoppers looking for a wide variety of clothing or dedicated electronic appliance stores may still need to visit SkyAvenue or GPO.
4. Architectural Review & The Resort Theme
Antara Genting is a lifestyle project first, and a retail mall second. The architecture and design are integral to the consumer experience.
Design Philosophy: Between Heaven and Earth
The name Antara (Malay for "between") perfectly captures the project’s design: a sanctuary situated between the heavens above and the earth below.
- Floating Villas Concept: The resort suites (AYU and AIR) are designed as "floating villas," using contemporary architecture and extensive glass to maximize the panoramic mountain views and capitalize on the natural fog and cool air.
- Nature Integration: The design uses natural, earthy materials and incorporates key green spaces, such as The Terrarium and the Terraced Flower Valley. This "less is more" philosophy promotes serenity and a genuine escape from the city hustle.
- Thematic Towers: The residences are themed around nature and water (Ayu meaning beauty/nature, Air meaning water), which influences the surrounding retail ambiance and facility design (e.g., water features, landscaped gardens).
This dedication to design creates a sophisticated, cohesive atmosphere that differentiates the mall from the bustling, slightly chaotic feel of First World Plaza and SkyAvenue.
5. The Antara Advantage: Practical Comparison & Logistics
To help consumers make a smarter, well-informed choice (Newtopedia’s mission), here is a direct comparison and practical guide.
Antara vs. SkyAvenue & GPO
| Feature | Antara Signature Mall | SkyAvenue/First World | Genting Premium Outlets |
| Primary Focus | Premium Dining, Leisure, Resort Convenience | Mass Entertainment, Fashion Retail, Theme Park Access | Discount/Luxury Brand Outlets |
| Crowd Level | Low to Moderate (Quiet Ambiance) | Very High (Often Congested) | Moderate (High on Weekends) |
| Accessibility | 1.2KM Covered Link Bridge to RWG/Chin Swee | Central Hub | Requires SkyWay/Car from Peak |
| F&B Type | Flagship Brands (Haidilao), Trendy Cafés | Variety, Food Courts, Popular Chains | Casual Dining, Fast Food |
| Newtopedia Pick For | Quality of experience, less waiting, scenic walk | Sheer variety, theme park access | Best deals on luxury goods |
Logistics: Parking, Hours, and Costs (The Caveat)
While the mall excels in design and convenience, an authentic review must address logistical realities, particularly for drivers.
- Parking: Antara offers ample parking (approx. 2,800 spaces), which is less congested than the peak. However, visitor reviews indicate that parking can be pricey, with some guests reporting confusion over the daily flat rate versus the actual charges. Always confirm the current rate upon entry.
- Official Mall Opening Hours: As a new luxury mall catering to its residences, the general operational hours are slightly shorter than the main resort area.
- Mon to Thurs: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Fri (and likely weekends/holidays): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Note: Specific F&B anchor tenants (like Haidilao and Red Box) will likely operate much longer hours.
- The "Still New" Factor: As of 2025, many small retail units and food kiosks are still listed as "Coming Soon." Visit with the understanding that the mall is not yet 100% complete, focusing on the major anchor tenants that are open.
6. Newtopedia’s Final Verdict: Antara Genting as a Destination
The Antara Signature Mall is an integral piece in the evolution of Genting Highlands. It serves a sophisticated purpose: to provide high-quality leisure, premium dining, and unprecedented accessibility via the 1.2KM Link Bridge.
Who Should Visit Antara?
Antara appeals to a broad range of visitors:
- Tourists & Weekend Getaway Seekers: Looking for convenience and comfort without having to juggle transport up the steep Genting slopes.
- Families & Groups: Offering spacious serviced-suite accommodations plus easy access to resort amenities.
- Shoppers & Food Lovers: Those who want a relaxed mall + dining + café alternative outside the busy main resort area.
- Staycationers or Longer Visitors: Thanks to the residential aspect, Antara could suit those wanting a more peaceful base, with resort-like amenities and direct access to Genting attractions.
It is highly recommended for:
- Residents or visitors of the AYU/AIR resort suites and nearby lodging.
- Couples or groups prioritizing a luxurious, non-crowded dining experience.
- Visitors seeking quality activities like Red Box or a professional wellness treatment.
In short, Antara doesn't just offer an alternative, it offers an upgrade. It’s where you go to enjoy the mountain's beauty and serenity, without sacrificing access to world-class food and entertainment.
Antara is no longer just a stopover; it is officially a destination.
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Let Antara Genting Highlands be your next getaway, but go in with eyes wide open and ready to explore!