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6 Destinations in Malaysia That’s Fun For the Whole Family

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Sabrina Hanim •  Jul 01, 2016

Malaysia is full of fun things to do for the entire family, from relaxing together by the beach or engaging in adrenaline pumping activities together. There's bound to be something for everyone!

Credit: giphy

It's definitely hard to narrow it down to just a few, but here are some of our picks for some good-old family vacation time!

1. Lost World of Tambun

TambunWaterpark01
Credit: tourismperakmalaysia

If you're looking for a vacation that'll entertain the entire family, we’re here to tell you that the Lost World of Tambun is where it’s at! With a total of 6 parks to discover from thrilling rides, water parks to petting zoos, this is definitely a destination that the whole family would enjoy. One of the things we love most about this theme park is that it’s set amidst the backdrop of breathtaking limestone cliffs - simply gorgeous!

Check out the insane view from the top of the slide!
Check out the insane view from the top of the slide!

Credit: sunway

Take a spin on the Dragons Flight!
Take a spin on the Dragons Flight!

Credit: sunway

How cool is it that you can have tea in an actual cave?
How cool is it that you can have tea in an actual cave?

Credit: tourismperakmalaysia

Best part of it all? Not only do you get to stay at the theme park which also has a spa on-site (so you can ensure a whole day’s worth of fun for your money), you can also enjoy some down time at the hot springs at night!

HS-Saphira
Relax at the hot springs after a day of excitement.

Credit: sunwaylostworldoftambun

#HHWT Tip: Don’t forget to explore Ipoh town as well, one of Malaysia’s most historical cities and home to lots of mouthwatering local delicacies! 

Website

Ticket Prices: From RM43.30 onwards for theme park entrance, inclusive of access to LostWorld Amusement Park, Lost World Water Park, Lost World Tiger Valley, Lost World Petting Zoo, Lost World Tin Valley, Lost World Hot Springs & Spa and Lost World Lupe’s Adventure

Opening Hours:

Theme Park - 11:00am to 6:00pm (Monday to Friday), Closed on Tuesdays except on Malaysian school & public holidays

Lost World Hot Springs & Spa by Night - 6:00pm to 11:00pm daily

In collaboration with Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board in Singapore, we're giving away a 2 night stay (2 adults and 1 child) at Sunway Lost World Hotel inclusive of breakfast along with entrance tickets to Lost World Hot Spring and Spa & Lost World of Tambun Theme Park! All you have to do is:

  1. Comment on this FB post and tell us why you want to win the getaway
  2. Tag three friends in your comment 
  3. Share this Facebook post.

Contest is open to all Singapore residents, and closes on 17th July, 11:59pm. Terms and conditions apply.

2. Rawa Island

Malaysia is dotted with beautiful islands that you can choose from if you’re a family of beach bums, but we think that Rawa Island might just be the perfect place for a family getaway - especially if you're in need of some tech down time and just reconnecting with each other!

A view like this is hard to beat!
A view like this is hard to beat!

Credit: lopezana

With full board meals (so you don't have to think of where to eat!) and an awesome sea slide that’s sure to keep everyone entertained, it'll be hard to get everyone to leave once the vacation is over ?

Giant water slide straight to the sea? We're so there!
Giant water slide straight to the sea? We're so there!

Credit: islandinmalaysia

Beautiful beaches, safe waters for snorkelling, kayaking and other water sports as well as strong enough breezes to fly kites on the beach, it really is one of the best (and lesser known!) island holiday destinations for some relaxing family time.

Alangs Rawa
Credit: alangsrawa

[Looking for other exotic Malaysian islands to explore? Check out 7 others here!]

#HHWT Tip: Do take note the monsoon seasons in Malaysia if you're planning to visit any islands!

Getting there: Rawa island is approximately half an hour away by speed boat or 1 hour by ferry from the Mersing jetty in Johor. Do take note that during low season (November to March), the ferries are less frequent. If you’re flying in, the nearest local airport is Senai International Airport.

3. Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands
Credit: @raymond.yk_

Escape to cooler climates at Cameron Highlands! For a relaxing time amidst nature, Cameron Highlands is hard to beat with it’s rolling green hills of tea plantations and plenty of nature walks to choose from.

The Boh Tea Centre is a must-visit!
Tea and scones with this view? Yes please!

Credit: @eluise_ng

Have fun picking strawberries, visiting butterfly and bee farms, exploring Rose Valley and Lavender Garden, shopping at the Brinchang night market, enjoying freshly brewed pots of tea at the tea plantations, or just take in the lush surrounding greenery.

Fresh ripe strawberries for you to pick!
Fresh ripe strawberries for you to pick! Or have them with clotted cream and ice cream..yum!

Credit: klialimo4u

#HHWT Tip: Cameron Highlands is only accessible by car / bus. If you're heading to Cameron Highlands from the North-South highway, drive up from Ipoh instead of from Tapah.  The road from Ipoh is less windy than the one from Tapah and you get to stop by other attractions in Ipoh as well!

4. Kundasang

Always wanted to go to New Zealand to see the cows but your budget doesn’t permit? Take a flight to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah and head on over to Kundasang! You wouldn’t believe that you’re still in Malaysia!

Desa Cattle
This really isn't New Zealand, folks.

Credit: sabahup2date

With cows grazing on the green grass and the sight of majestic Mount Kinabalu in the distance, Kundasang really is a gem.

The best thing to have while you're at a cattle farm? Fresh gelato of course!
The best thing to have while you're at a cattle farm? Fresh gelato of course!

Credit: @faiqsyauqi

There's plenty to do in Kota Kinabalu town itself, with a trip to Kundasang requiring at least a 2 hours drive from the main city of Sabah. There's a couple of quaint accommodations in Kundasang should you wish to stay and explore the surrounding area - there's plenty to do from visiting the cattle farm (fresh milk and gelato!), shopping at the local night market to checking out thePoring Hot Springs and canopy walk which is a little bit a way from Kundasang but well worth the trip!

Check out the canopy walk at Poring Hot Springs too!
Check out the canopy walk at Poring Hot Springs too! Perfect for families to reconnect with nature.

Credit: @leviantica

#HHWT Tip: The view of Kinabalu peak is only visible at dawn and just before dusk. You'll be lucky to see the peak at other times due to the mist surrounding it!

Getting there: From the Kota Kinabalu airport, you can get a taxi to the Ranau-bound bus station, charter a cab or drive yourself there. We suggest renting a car and taking a drive as you'll get to stop for other tourist attractions along the way as well and get around town easily.

5. Kuala Lumpur

KL
Credit: kuala-lumpur

You can't think of a family holiday in Malaysia without either a staycation in KL (if you're from this side of town) or a quick stopover if you're flying/driving in from elsewhere. For families that prefer being in the city, KL truly has it all. From museums to parks, and loads of shopping to be done, KL appeals to both the young and old!

Take the top deck for the best views!
Take the top deck for the best views!

Credit: @klhoponhopoff

For a great way to see the best of the city, get on the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus that circuits KL every day and covers quite a fait bit for the major tourist destinations in KL. Trust us, it's fun even if you're a native KL-ite to be a tourist in your own city! Visit places like the KL Bird Park, Butterfly Farm or check out Aquaria in KLCC if you're into animals, and stop by the many malls in KL for your shopping fix, besides visiting cultural attractions like Chinatown, Central Market and museums like the Islamic Arts Museum.

The tilework gracing the front portal of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia contains the Qur'anic verse number 20, from Surah al-Ankabut (Chapter 29) : "Travel through the earth and see how Allah originates the creation." Isn't that beautiful?
The tiles gracing the front of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia contains the Qur'anic verse number 20, from Surah al-Ankabut (Chapter 29) : "Travel through the earth and see how Allah originates the creation." Isn't that beautiful?

Credit: @islamicartsmuseummalaysia

There's plenty to do in KL for the entire family that would require it's own dedicated post, and of course lots of good food to be had too!

6. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

Families that love animals and nature or are just looking for a different experience should definitely not miss a visit to Kuala Gandah. Just a short drive up north from KL, you can take a day trip to this one of a kind experience with the elephants at Kuala Gandah. Visitors can witness feeding of the elephants and even bathe with them (if water levels permit, and limited to only a certain number of persons per day)!

elephant bathing
Bathe the elephants and yourself while you're at it!

Credit: @larserik2102

The sanctuary is a base for the Elephant Relocation Team and is the only one of its kind in Malaysia, with the team dedicated to locating, and helping the elephants from areas that have been endangered to other suitable habitats throughout Malaysia. It's a great place to learn more about elephant rehabilitation and the impacts of deforestation.

The gentle deer at Deerland Park.
The gentle deer at Deerland Park.

While you're in the area, stop by Deerland Park to get up-close and personal with deers and also other animals like rabbits, pythons and parakeets, to name a few. It opens daily (with the exception of Fridays) from 10:30am to 5:30pm.

#HHWT Tip: Visitors can only see the elephants twice a day, to minimise stress towards these wonderful majestic animals.

Getting there: It is roughly a two hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, but you can also take an organised tour to the sanctuary. The sanctuary is open daily between 10.30 and about 4pm.

For more information on opening times and visitor timetables, check out their website here.

Where will you be heading to for your next family vacation in Malaysia? Leave us some suggestions below!