Listly by Lucie Aurore
With everything from a Legoland theme park to coastal getaways, Johor Bahru in Malaysia offers the perfect family holiday destination. Here are some not to be missed highlights.
Asia's first, Legoland Malaysia is undoubtedly one of the premier attractions in the region for which kid or grown up for that matter, doesn't love Lego! This huge park offers plenty of family fun and it's not just that kids get to have some interactive fun with Lego but get a chance to take part in exciting rides and see just what you can build when your imagination is set free. Among the attractions here are the Miniland section where millions of Lego have been used to build famous monuments like Singapore's Merlion Statue and India's Taj Mahal. The Lego Technic area has some great high-speed rides while also giving the family a chance to have their own Lego building project. For some more thrills there is the Project X which offers quite a wild ride, while the observation tower has some super views of the park.
Part of Legoland but an attraction in its own right, Legoland Water Park is a great place for families to beat the heat and have fun too. There's plenty of wet and wild rides here along with some great interactive elements including giving kids a chance to make their own Lego raft that they can use on a journey along a river. There is a huge wave pool where you can wade and splash about, though for more excitement you do get the Splash 'N' Swirl and Wave Rider that adds an element of fast paced thrills to the watery fun. Ideally one should look to spend time at the park in order to enjoy all on offer. If you are looking for a Johor Bahru hotel that is within easy reach of Legoland and its water park then Berjaya Waterfront Hotel is one option to consider since its only 30 minutes away and has family accommodation too.
Another theme park with plenty of family fun, the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park is famous for two major attractions; Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and The Little Big Club. All things Hello Kitty can be found at this particular section including highlights such as Hello Kitty's home, Hello Kitty shows and an interactive adventure with this most famous cat! Also at this theme park is what is known as The Little Big Club where favourite characters like Bob the Builder, Barney and Pingu can be found. Kids will love visiting Barney's Playhouse, Pingu's Igloo and a Bob the Builder play area along with viewing shows with these characters. Don't forget to head to the Thomas the Tank Engine themed section at the park where some interesting rides for younger kids can be enjoyed.
No matter the age, chances are you have been hooked on the game Angry Birds. Well in Johor Bahru you get a theme park dedicated just for them! Located on the 3rd floor of the Komtar JBCC Shopping Mall, this fun indoor park has a wide variety of interactive and active games that can be enjoyed by the whole family. There is the Piggy Shooting Gallery where you can take aim and shoot just like you do in the game, the Anti Gravity Trampoline where kids can leap to their hearts content, the Air Parkour Track where kids can enjoy the joys of parkour and even a mini go-kart track.
For something different, look to plan a day excursion to Desaru which is well known for its beach. Popular amongst Singaporeans too, this stretch of shore is an ideal place to soak up the sun and have fun in the sand. The water is relatively shallow and depending on the season you do get some decent waves for surfing as well. Also worth visiting when here is the scenic Desaru Fruit Farm and the Ostrich Wonderland where kids will love getting up close with these fascinating feathered creatures.