With the June school holidays approaching quickly, it’s no surprise that many parents are scrambling to find interesting ways to keep their kids occupied, and also spend more time with them. By now, you’ve probably exhausted all your options in Singapore, so why not consider embarking on a short getaway just across the border? Here are seven family-friendly destinations in Malaysia that would be perfect for family bonding:
1. Genting Highlands
View from Genting Highlands | Image credit: Aidan MakWhen it comes to family fun, Genting Highlands is one of the first few choices that will come to mind. There’s definitely a reason why it’s so popular with families! The breathtaking view from the top of the highlands is enough to keep people coming back for more. For the best view, get on the newly-opened Awana Skyway for an exhilarating cable car ride to the peak. Plus, the cool weather is definitely a huge perk away from sunny and humid Singapore.
Swimming Pool | Image credit: Best Western Premier Ion DelemenEven better, book a stay at one of the resorts perched high up on the mountains to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the beautiful highlands. A great one to check out is the Best Western Premier Ion Delemen, Genting Highlands – its warm and comfortable rooms, as well as the wide variety of dining and recreational options will make your vacation a truly unforgettable one. From cosy restaurants and trendy bars to stylish swimming pools and state-of-the-art fitness equipment, this hotel is so fantastic that you will never want to leave. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Balcony of a Bedroom Suite | Image credit: Best Western Premier Ion DelemenAnd when you’re there, just take a look outside from your balcony… You’re literally sleeping amongst the clouds! How cool is that? Breathe in all the fresh air you need from that high altitude, and you’re bound to feel refreshed and recharged during your getaway!
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[Best Western Premier Ion Delemen, Genting Highlands] Tempted already? Grab the whole family and start booking your stay right HERE. There's no reason to wait any longer, you've got everything you could possibly want or need all here! Don't forget to snap tons of photos of the Titiwangsa Mountain Range from your room. It's one of the world's oldest rainforests, so go ahead and drink in that spectacular view! |
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not (left) & Snow World (right) | Image credit: Ripley’s Facebook (left) & Resorts World Genting (right)Even though the much-anticipated 20th Century Fox Theme Park is still under construction (taking over the previous Genting Outdoor Theme Park), there are still many other attractions available for you to choose from! Be sure to head down for an eye-opening and educational time at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum, or visit Snow World to witness the biggest winter wonderland in Malaysia. Plus, there is a 3D trick art attraction within Snow World itself, so don’t hesitate to swing by and snap some silly and creative pictures with your family!
2. Johor Bahru (JB)
Legoland | Image credit: Legoland Malaysia Facebook pageFrom affordable clothes to delicious food, what’s not to like about JB? But that’s not all, this city at the southern tip of Malaysia is also a kids paradise! Opened in 2012, Legoland is Malaysia’s first international theme park and also the first Legoland theme park in Asia.
Image credit: Featuring miniature LEGO models of famous buildings such as Taj Mahal and The Forbidden City, Legoland displays an impressive attention to detail and offers a chance for you to “tour” the world with your kids. Don’t forget to grab this opportunity and encourage your kids to let their creative juices flow when playing with their LEGO pieces next time! Besides the miniature models, there are also thrilling rides, a Legoland water park, and a 4D cinema.
But... if you and your kids are not fans of LEGO, fret not, you can visit the Johor Zoo or the Sanrio Hello Kitty Theme Park for an equally satisfying time!
3. Penang
Street art in Penang | Image credit: Sitoo
Image credit: Situated in northwestern coast of Malaysia, Penang is a vibrant place full of historic and fusion charms. George Town, the capital city of Penang, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich and diverse culture heritage. Explore the narrow lanes of George Town and get your kids to spot as many of the quaint street art murals as possible!
In addition, consider dropping by the Made in Penang Interactive 3D Museum for a jolly good time with your family, or take the funicular tram up to Penang hill for a fantastic view.
Chendol (left) & Assam Laksa (right) | Image credit: Often regarded as Malaysia’s food paradise, Penang also offers a delectable range of sweet and savoury dishes. Be it a serving of the creamy and cooling chendol or a bowl of spicy and tangy assam laksa, the food in Penang can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making Penang the perfect family destination!
4. Pulau Rawa (Rawa Island)
Image credit: Phalinn OoiIf you are looking for a tropical and relaxing getaway, then Pulau Rawa is the place for you! With its turquoise waters and soft white sand, this tranquil island is the best place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend more quality time with your family.
Image credit: Phalinn OoiFeel free to sit back and relax while your kids frolic in the crystal-clear waters or build sandcastles on the beach. For the (more) adventurous, there are also jungle trails to trek through and exciting water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking. Perfect for older kids!
5. Kuala Lumpur (KL)
Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur | Image credit: Colin CapelleThe capital of Malaysia may seem intimidating with its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, but don’t write it off just yet! From bird parks and butterfly farms to aquariums and science discovery centres, KL has a plethora of family-friendly options that will keep your kids engaged and entertained. With the array of dining, entertainment and shopping options available in this modern city, you and your family will surely be spoilt for choice!
Sunway Lagoon | Image credit: Phalinn OoiIf you have a little more time to spare, consider heading over to the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park that’s a 15-minute car ride away from the city of Kuala Lumpur. The theme park boasts of five regions, namely the Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park and Scream Park. With more than 80 rides and attractions, Sunway Lagoon is a lively and comprehensive destination that has something for all ages!
6. Ipoh
Image credit: Robert MContrary to popular belief, Ipoh is not just about hor fun (flat rice noodles) and white coffee. With its historic buildings and pleasant atmosphere, this charming city in the northern part of Malaysia is a great destination to enjoy some family fun!
Street art in Ipoh | Image credit: Shi Heng CheongIf you’re into street art, you’re in luck – Penang is not the only place in Malaysia with adorable street murals. Ipoh, too, has whimsical art murals all around its old town. In fact, these murals were painted by Ernest Zacharevic, the same artist who illustrated the murals in Penang. There are seven of these wall art murals, so keep your eyes peeled for them and don’t miss out on the photo opportunities!
Lost World of Tambun Theme Park | Image credit: Phalinn OoiA mere 20-minute car ride away from the Ipoh city lies the sister theme park of Sunway Lagoon, the Lost World of Tambun. Set in the midst of lush greenery and natural hot springs, the Lost World of Tambun guarantees an exciting experience for all with its thrilling rides, water slides and petting zoo. After the sun sets, drop by Lost World Hot Springs & Spa to recharge yourselves after an exhausting day in the theme park.
7. Cameron Highlands
Tea plantations in Cameron Highlands | Image credit: Varun ChatterjiCovering a total of 712 square kilometres, Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations. Here, there is just no shortage of interesting things to do! Known for its tea plantations, the beautiful highlands offer plenty of opportunities for tea aficionados to explore the tea terraces, learn more about the tea production process, and even sip on the fragrant tea. This will surely be an eye-opening and informative experience even for non-tea-lovers.
Strawberry farm | Image credit: Ting~
Lavender garden (left) & Time Tunnel (right) | Image credit: lapetitecamera (left) & krebsmaus07 (right)From vegetable farms to rose valleys, attractions in Cameron Highlands will bring you and your family one step closer to nature. Be sure to involve your kids in some strawberry-picking, or bring them along to appreciate the lovely lavender flowers. Otherwise, you can also drop by Time Tunnel, a memorabilia museum showcasing old collectibles and photographs dating from the 1950s and 1960s. This is a great place for parents and grandparents hoping to walk down the memory lane, and for the youngsters to learn more about what life was like in the past. There’s no better way to bond with your family!
Whether it’s metropolitan Kuala Lumpur or laidback Pulau Rawa, Malaysia offers something for everyone. A combination of amazing scenery, delicious food and friendly people, this fascinating country will surely provide you with the most extraordinary and heartwarming experience. So trust me, you should definitely keep these destinations in mind for your next family getaway!
