Anastasia Smith
Malaysia is not just about stunning beaches and alluring shopping destinations. It offers many more attractions and activities like cultural diversity, ecological adventures, good food and festivities for every occasion. This makes it an ideal hotspot for family travel. Here are a few guidelines you can follow when you plan to visit Malaysia with your kids.
Unlike many countries across the world, Malaysia with its plethora of theme parks, animal farms, technology-driven entertainment zones and water resorts provide ample amusement for little ones. One of the best places to hang out with your children is Sunway Lagoon. This park which spans over 80 acres is divided into five segments: Water Park, Scream Park, Extreme Park, Amusement Park and Wildlife Park. It is a one-stop location which amuses people of all tastes from those looking to have some fun on water slides to horror fans, adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and also those who are looking for the regular amusement park features.
Other worthwhile destinations comprise Aquaria KLCC which houses 5,000 different marine creatures, i-City Theme Park which sets off the vibes of a carnival, Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park – the ideal place if you have kids under 10 years, KidZania where children will get experience on how to tackle a profession of their choice and Farm in the City where animals reside close to their natural habitat.
Public transportation in Malaysia is not only easy on the purse but quite bankable as well. Do not hesitate to catch a bus for your escapades. Most come with air conditioning and comfortable seating arrangements with blinds to block the flaming sunshine. Long-distance buses stop for toilet breaks and meals.
If young children are in tow, a taxi might be a good option especially if you have a few loaded backpacks to carry. Go for budget flights too as there are no ferries available to reach east Malaysia from Peninsular.
Train services are available on two main lines: the Thai border to Johor Bahru and Johor Bahru to Tumpat. Express trains stop only at main stations and are fully air-conditioned while local trains pull up at every station on the way to their destination.
Malaysia has a range of hotels and resorts which provide safe and memorable stays for the whole family. Many of these are located at the heart of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. An ideal hub for visitors, the main city offers numerous features like shopping, cultural experiences and entertainment. Some hotels in Kuala Lumpur City Centre are known not only for their family-friendly ambience but also provide easy access to malls and other entertainment activities around.
Check to see if kid-friendly features like kid’s pool, kid’s menus, spacious rooms and other family-centric facilities are available at the accommodations before booking them. Properties like Travelodge Chinatown Kuala Lumpur are not only equipped with resources that cater to all age groups but are within reach of attractions like the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC mall, Jalan Alor, Thean Hou Temple and the Central Market.
Malaysia is generally safe to travel around with your children because there is high security in the prominent cities and spots where tourists infest. Malaysians too are very amicable and hospitable towards travellers. However, following the general safety guidelines when you tread on foreign soil is better.
Although the city is safe, be cautious about your possessions in Kuala Lumpur as thefts have been recorded in crowded streets. Avoid exploring the wilderness as these may be infested by leeches, snakes and boars. Use mosquito repellents since dengue is on the rise in some areas. Also, refrain from approaching stray dogs as they may be carrying rabies.
