LIFESTYLE
5 Kid-Friendly Holiday Destinations In Malaysia You Should Bring Your Family To
As we patiently move towards the end of November, it could only mean one thing for parents and students across Malaysia – the start of the school holidays! Yes guys, the school holidays are scheduled to start this 25 November until 1 January 2018. Is that a sigh of relief we hear from you guys because of the days of clearer roads ahead of us? We're celebrating too.
The school holidays is when kids get five weeks of break from school doing nothing but, well you know – cartoon marathons, playing games or Dota from sunset to sunrise, hanging out with friends, sleeping and waking up anytime they want, basically just living out their days as a child. Ah, how we miss those day... days without responsibilities.
Also, the school holidays are also when parents take time off from work and go for a much-needed vacation with the family. So, if you’re scratching your head thinking where on Earth are you going to bring your kids on a kid-friendly vacation this time, here are five Malaysian destinations you should visit that fit the criteria.
#1 Ipoh, Perak
Ipoh is a place where both adults and kids will absolutely enjoy. The plethora of local food will definitely impress you and leave you wanting more. Plus, there’s tons of cool hipster cafes serving great coffee and unique desserts to compliment your lepak session.
And if you’re up for it after the lepak session, bring your kids on a mural hunt which are plastered and hidden all over the streets of Ipoh. Trust us, your Instagram feed will thank you for it.
Another exciting activity that your family (especially your kids) would enjoy are the two theme parks in the city – the Lost World of Tambun and Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) – Asia’s first animation themepark.
Lost World of Tambun is surrounded by beautiful limestone formations and has a waterpark and plenty of amusement rides. MAPS is fairly new and features both amusement park rides and thrill rides based on some of your favourite animated characters – BoBoBoi, The Smurfs, Casper, The Croods, Megamind, and many more.
Ticket Prices
Lost World of Tambun: RM58 (Child & Senior Citizen), RM65 (Adult & Senior Citizen) Rates valid for Malaysians only.
MAPS: RM150 (Child), RM190 (Adult). But they’re having a promotion right now so you’ll only need to pay RM114 (Child) and RM144 (Adult). Both rates are valid for Malaysians only.
#2 Cameron Highlands
Ah, Cameron Highlands. The land of strawberries, cactus, and of course, tea leaves. If you think your family needs a break from the city life, this is the place to be. You can chill while sipping tea and eating scones facing the scenic tea plantation.
Once you’re done, bring your little ones on a fun activity – strawberry picking at a strawberry farm! Warning, eating while picking may be involved because who can resist those glistering red, fat strawberries anyway?! But if you’re more into some nature-ish stuff, then head on to Mossy Forest where you’ll be transported to another magical realm (seriously, the views are to die for).
At night, you can visit the legendary pasar malam and enjoy local delicacies and unique food made from strawberries. Have you heard of nasi lemak sambal strawberry? Well now you have, and it’s your mission to go and find out what it tastes like.
#3 Genting Highlands
If you’re tired of our hot and humid weather, why not head on to Genting Highlands? You can enjoy the weather and pretend that you’re overseas, go shopping at the new Genting Premium Outlet and Sky Avenue.
And if you’re in need of some fresh air, take the all new glass-floor gondola at the Awana SkyWay and enjoy a bird eye’s view of Genting Highlands.
Although 20th Century Fox Theme Park’s operations have been delayed and is still under construction, your kids will like the weather and also get a chance to play at the Vision City Video Games Park and catch school holiday shows such as Adventures of the Monkey King: The Golden Hooped Rod and Tour the World with Snoopy exhibition.
Ticket Prices
Adventures of the Monkey King: The Golden Hooped Rod: RM176 (VIP), RM136 (PS1), RM96 (PS2).
Awana Skyway (Cable car): RM8 (Normal gondola), RM50 (Glass gondola)
#4 Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley
Welcome to the city of concrete jungle and skyscrapers! The Klang Valley has tonnes of malls (too much, in fact), recreational parks, and of course theme parks such as Sunway Lagoon and Bangi Wonderland. There’s even interesting and educational places that you and your family can enjoy – Petrosains, Aquaria, KidZania, and many more. Some of these places do also organize interesting school holidays activities like cooking classes for kids at KidZania.
Having a fun time with the family also doesn’t necessarily mean you need to fork out entrance fees; you can enjoy some free attractions such as the KLCC Park, view the stunning night lights at iCity, explore the local culture and arts at Central Market, and bask in the natural beauty of Lake Gardens.
Ticket Prices
Sunway Lagoon: RM170 (Adults), RM140 (Child & Senior Citizen)
Bangi Wonderland: RM48 (Child), RM58 (Adult)
Petrosains: RM8 (Child), RM10 (Senior Citizen), RM20 (Adult)
Aquaria: RM39 (Child & Senior Citizen), RM49 (Adult)
KidZania: RM41 (2-3 years old), RM85 (4-17 years old), RM47 (Adults), RM35 (Senior Citizen)
#5 Johor
The southern state offers a hub for tourists at Nusajaya. It’s home to Malaysia’s first international theme park – Legoland, where adults and kids will scream their hearts out to the sight of everything Lego (seriously guys, EVERYTHING is made of Lego). Plus, you can drown yourself in all things Kawaii at Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town.
While you’re there, don’t forget to drop by Puteri Harbour to catch a glimpse of all the fancy yachts and boats as well as the breathtaking sunset.
After a tiring fun-filled day at these theme parks, perhaps mummy and daddy can stop by Johor Premium Outlet for some shopping session.
Ticket Prices
Legoland: RM119 (Child & Senior Citizen), RM149 (Adult)
Hello Kitty Town: RM85 (Adult & Child)
Thomas Town: RM85 (Adult & Child)
*If you purchase a combo of Hello Kitty Town + Thomas Town, the price will be RM125 only.