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Over the past 20 years, Amber Court has become one of Malaysia's most talked-about buildings
Some may recognise it as the apartment complex surrounded by online rumours, while others may know it from viral videos and movie appearances. (Yes, it was actually a set location for the 2017 Malaysian horror film Haunted Hotel!)
Amber Court first opened in 1996 as a resort-apartment development in Genting Highlands
However, the project faced difficulties after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis affected the property sector. Its developer, Villa Genting Development Sdn Bhd, was later liquidated in 2000, which led to challenges surrounding the building's management and maintenance.
As photos of the building spread online, Amber Court became associated with various rumours, with some people labelling it as one of Malaysia's "haunted" locations. Some visitors even shared stories of strange encounters during their stays there.
Adding to the rumours was the building's exterior, which had red streaks running down it walls.
However, during a recent visit to the property, we found the building to look far different from the image often portrayed online
After hearing about the iconic landmark, we decided to journey up Genting Highlands to pay it a visit. But instead of red-stained walls, we found a clean-looking building, with a fairly fresh coat of paint.
We later found out that Amber Court Apartments had been renamed as Golden Hills Resort, early in 2025. And while we were there, we noticed the common areas were maintained, while several accommodation units offered for short stays featured tidy interiors and comfortable setups for visitors. There was even a cute café inside.
Half-ready for a "spooky" adventure, we were actually kinda disappointed.
Despite the rumours over the years, Amber Court was never actually abandoned
Residents have continued living there over the years, and many have spoken out against the rumours surrounding their home. In 2022, more than 100 Amber Court residents gathered to protest against what they described as baseless rumours, saying the claims had affected the reputation of their homes. They also criticised visitors who came to film supernatural-themed content at the apartment complex.
And the red streaks on its exterior?
They were actually reddish patches were caused by algae and mould growth, which can develop in cool and humid environments like Genting Highlands.
Today, these marks are no longer to be found, as a fresh coat of paint has given the building new life once again.
Many Malaysians still remember the legend of Amber Court Apartments, but the building has since entered a new chapter
While its past continues to be linked to rumours, viral videos and online speculation, Golden Hills Resort continues to welcome both residents and visitors looking for a stay near Genting Highlands.
For those who only know the landmark through internet stories, the reality today is quite different. Behind the rumours is a property that continues to serve as a home for residents and a comfortable accommodation option for travellers heading to Genting Highlands.
