It has always been rooted deep into our Malaysian culture to include our kids in almost every outing and we take them anywhere where it’s permissible to take kids. Our country too, so happens to be one of the most children-friendly places on earth and there are scores of venues to have some great family fun. If some time out with the kids are on your menu anytime soon, do take a look at some of the fun places that’s available out there to keep them happy and entertained!
LOVE FOR NATURE
If your children happen to enjoy the great outdoors, then you're indeed lucky to be residing in Malaysia! Firstly, there are quite a few recreational parks which offer opportunities for children to navigate and explore. The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary and Deerland are just two examples of popular recreational parks. You can also visit Farm In The City on the outskirts of KL, where it’s possible to pet tame, lovable animals and see exotic species in a Malaysian village themed setting. The KL Bird Park has always been a firm favourite for some wholesome family fun with our feathered friends! It is known for having the world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary. A stone's throw away is the equally acclaimed Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park where a plethora of spectacular butterflies flutter freely under the cavernous netting. Similar parks can be found in Cameron Highlands, Penang and Melaka too.
SEA BEHIND THE GLASS!
Aquaria in KLCC is an impressive state-of-the-art aquarium which the whole family will enjoy! Check the Petronas Twin Tower website for Aquaria special shows, opening times and entrance fees.
OFF THE EAST COAST
Some of the country’s best beaches and islands, including Redang Island, Perhentian Islands and Tioman Island are located off the East Coast, where crystal clear waters and alluring picnic spots beckon.
HIT THE BEACH, WHY DON’T YOU?
The sun and sea breeze never fail to excite kids, hence a beach getaway will surely please them. How fortunate we are as Malaysians, for our tropical country is literally lined with beautiful beaches – with over 4,600km of coastline and dozens of gorgeous islands too! Begining from up north, Langkawi Island offers one of the most beautiful beach getaways for families and it also boasts some historic spots as well. Next comes Penang, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, some beautiful beaches including the famous Batu Ferringhi beach beckon. Further south from there is Pulau Pangkor, a scenic island with a more tranquil atmosphere. The island boasts some sparkling sand beaches such as Teluk Nipah and some beautifully secluded coves. Port Dickson is the closest sandy beach to Kuala Lumpur and for that reason is quite a hit with city-dwellers. The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is essentially one continuous sandy beach so go ahead and pick your spot! Cherating, with exclusive resorts like Club Med, is one of the more famous stretches of beach on this coast where families with children can have a relaxing time.
FUN @ THEME PARKS
As many families can testify, theme parks offer hours of fun with countless activities, rides and adventures too! Sunway Lagoon is one such place, conveniently located on the southern outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. It is an international-standard theme park with a water-based section (wave pool, water slides, lazy river etc.), land-based amusement park (thrill rides etc.), an extreme park, a wildlife park and a latest addition, the Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon! The Lost World of Tambun near Ipoh comes a close second in popularity. Also managed by Sunway Group, the park includes a water park, land-based amusement rides, a petting zoo and a hot spring resort.
Up next is Berjaya Times Square Theme Park which has one of the most exhilarating indoor roller coasters in Malaysia! Down south, Legoland Malaysia is a world-class family theme park in Johor. It opened in September 2012 and is Legoland’s first theme park in Asia. It covers 76 acres and has over 70 interactive rides and activities children will adore! Younger kids will enjoy Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park which is close to Legoland. This indoor theme park is home to Hello Kitty Town and Little Big Town which features Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Pingu and Barney. Other amusement parks scattered around the country include Wet World Water Park in Shah Alam and A’Famosa Resort near Melaka.
TAKE THE KIDS ON A DAY TRIP!
Many families opt for day trips, especially in between school holidays, like on leisurely weekends. Here are a few cool spots for the perfect day trip with the kids!
Historic Melaka
The city of Melaka is crammed with heritage buildings and places of interest. A 45 minute Melaka River Cruise is a comfortable and inexpensive way to explore the city and see giant monitor lizards on the river bank. Menara Taming Sari is a 110 metre high tower with a revolving observation platform providing visitors with 360 degree views. There are lots of museums in Melaka including a replica of Flor De La Mar treasure galleon which will appeal to boys.
Malaysia Agriculture Park
The huge park located at Shah Alam has something for everyone including the Skytrex Adventure Park with ladders and aerial ropeways. The kids can even enjoy some, messy paint-balling! There’s also an animal park and a spice and beverage garden. There are bicycles to be rented out for cycling too. Take your kids to the Four Seasons Temperate House to give them chance to experience different kinds of weather.
i-City
A popular theme park in Shah Alam where kids can experience a winter wonderland in Snow-walk and admire an amazing forest of man-made trees brightly illuminated with millions of colourful LED lights. Kids will love the Waterworld@i-City, a water theme park which includes the first vortex spiral slide in South-East Asia. Another fun activity at i-City for kids is the Trick Art Museum where two dimensional paintings appear as three dimensional.
Gua Tempurung
If your kids are the more adventurous types, then they’d surely love a visit to the famous Gua Tempurung in Perak, which is one of the largest and most accessible caves nearest to Kuala Lumpur. You can even choose to join a Gua Tempurung guided tour. There are four to choose from, ranging from an easy 40 minute stroll to a strenuous three and a half hours of activities which involves wading through underground rivers.
BATIK PAINTING FOR THE ARTISTIC
For children who want to practice their creativity skills, Batik painting is available at the Kuala Lumpur Handicraft Complex or they could try their hand at making a pewter bowl at the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory.
