Malaysia with kids,a full guide: everything you need to know!

Where does one begin when crafting their first travel blog? It might seem daunting at first, but as Pippi Longstocking famously said, “I’ve never done it before, so I think I can do it.” So, why not take the plunge?

Traveling to Malaysia with Kids

As a passionate travel enthusiast, I’m excited to take you on a journey through words and pictures. This time, we’re exploring Malaysia with kids!

The Constant Search for New Destinations

Every travel aficionado will surely relate to the constant quest for new adventures. Even while traveling, thoughts of the next destination creep in, and you find yourself always on the lookout for engaging travel blogs and exciting new places to explore.

Choosing Malaysia as Our Next Adventure

Last winter, during a sleepless night, I found myself searching for airline tickets to a destination we had not visited before. After a long search, it became clear – our next adventure would be a two-week trip to Malaysia. So, let’s get this party started… will you read along?

Finding Airline Tickets and Cost of a Trip to Malaysia

When planning a trip, I always consider multiple destinations that meet my criteria. This typically includes areas without malaria, reasonable travel distance by plane, suitable climate, and available time to travel. I usually search for tickets through platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. For our trip to Malaysia, we opted for a direct flight from Frankfurt to Kuala Lumpur with Airliner Condor.

Exploring Malaysia with Kids

Malaysia is a fantastic destination for families seeking a unique blend of cultural experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the tranquil beaches of Langkawi, there’s something for everyone in this Southeast Asian gem.

Discovering Kuala Lumpur

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is a vibrant metropolis that’s perfect for families. The city’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers are a must-see, and the interactive exhibits at the Petrosains Discovery Centre located within are sure to captivate kids of all ages. Don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s numerous parks and playgrounds, such as the KLCC Park and the Lake Gardens.

Experiencing Penang’s Rich Culture

Penang, known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, offers a rich cultural experience with its well-preserved heritage buildings and delicious street food. The interactive Made in Penang Interactive Museum and the Penang Butterfly Farm are great attractions for kids.

Relaxing in Langkawi

For a more laid-back experience, head to the beautiful island of Langkawi. Here, families can enjoy pristine beaches, take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Mat Cincang for stunning views, or explore the Underwater World Langkawi aquarium.

Exploring the Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands offer a cool respite from the tropical heat. Families can visit tea plantations, explore the Mossy Forest, or pick fresh strawberries at a local farm.

Adventuring in Borneo

For the adventurous families, a trip to Borneo is a must. Here, you can explore the rainforest, encounter wildlife like orangutans and pygmy elephants, and learn about the indigenous cultures.

With its diverse attractions and family-friendly amenities, Malaysia truly offers an unforgettable travel experience for families.

Why I Often Choose a Travel Agent for My Trips

Why would I book with a travel agent when I find the process of organizing trips enjoyable? The answer is simple. Firstly, there are two very enthusiastic travel agents in my office building who have combined their skills to offer the best advice and service. It’s comforting to know that everything is taken care of and if anything goes wrong, they are there to support me. The primary reason, however, is that I wish them success and good business. I genuinely hope that the profession of a travel agent isn’t becoming obsolete. It has been proven that there isn’t a significant price difference between their calculations and mine. I continue to search for tickets and activities because I find it fun.

Cost of a Trip to Malaysia with Kids

We don’t keep track of the smaller expenses while we travel, so here is an estimate:

Cost Breakdown for a Family Trip to Malaysia

Planning a family trip to Malaysia? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the potential costs:

• Flights: €3,000.00 (for 2 adults, 2 kids)
• Car rental: €600.00
• Accommodation: €2,250.00 (14 nights hotel including breakfast)
• Food, travel expenses on location and excursions: €1,775.00

Grand total: €7,625.00

What to Expect on a Budget

Imagine a tropical island with beautiful warm weather, friendly locals, and well-maintained roads. Picture yourself staying in mostly 4-star hotels, with a few nights in a 3-star establishment, and enjoying an extensive breakfast every morning. Every hotel features a pool, except for the one nestled in the jungle. You’ll be dining out every evening at a restaurant, and your large rental vehicle will comfortably accommodate multiple large suitcases.

During your stay, you’ll partake in several paid activities such as:

• A boat trip through Melaka
• Multiple boat trips through the jungle
• Visiting a jungle tribe
• A trip to the moss forest and the tea plantation in a 4×4 with a driver
• A visit to Orang Utang island
• Parasailing
• Massages
• Renting jet skis

Our Travel Route

We began our journey in Kuala Lumpur and immediately headed to Melaka. This charming city had us laughing out loud during our trishaw trip. Along with our driver, we sang at the top of our lungs.

After two nights, we drove to Malaysia’s oldest rainforest, Taman Negara. The kids loved staying in the jungle, surrounded by monkeys. We embarked on numerous adventurous excursions.

Our next stop was the Cameron Highlands. Here, we took a thrilling 4×4 trip through the moss forest and the BOH tea plantation. We stayed here for two nights.

Finally, we spent one night in Ipoh. During our stay, we visited several beautiful cave temples and the Orang Utang island.

Exploring the Enchanting Island of Penang

Our journey continues to the captivating island of Penang. Here, we unwind for five nights in a luxurious beach resort in Batu Ferringhi. Although swimming is limited due to jellyfish, the island offers plenty of other attractions.

Day Trip to Georgetown and Kek Lok Si-Temple

We embark on a day trip to the charming Georgetown and visit the Kek Lok Si-temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. We also find ourselves enamored with the Pinang Peranakan Mansion Museum. Back at the resort, we indulge in the numerous pools, savor beachside cuisine, enjoy soothing massages, and partake in exhilarating jet-ski rides and parasailing.

Wrapping Up in Kuala Lumpur

Our trip concludes in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, where we stay for an additional two nights. This bustling city offers a plethora of sights and activities. We highly recommend a visit to the Batu Caves.

Our Journey in Numbers

In total, we covered an impressive 1350 km during our trip, creating a wealth of unforgettable memories.

Unforeseen Challenges During Our Trip

Our journey began with a 3-hour delay, and upon arrival, we discovered our suitcases were missing. We had to manage without our luggage for five days, and to add to our woes, one hotel didn’t have the rooms we had booked. Certainly, not the ideal start to our family trip to Malaysia.

The travel agency back in the Netherlands was supportive and helped us file a claim for the delayed luggage and request compensation from the hotel. Fortunately, we received compensation for the new luggage later. When embarking on a round-trip, it’s essential to remember that not everything will go as planned. There are bound to be a few bumps along the way.

Must-Do Activities in Malaysia

Malaysia is a fantastic destination. When visiting Malaysia with kids, there are certain activities you simply cannot miss:

Top Experiences in Malaysia for Families

Malaysia offers a plethora of exciting activities for families. Here are some of the top experiences you shouldn’t miss:

• Enjoy a traditional trishaw ride in Melaka.
• Take a boat trip – always a hit with families. We managed to take four during our trip.
• Meet the monkeys in the rainforest.
• Visit a jungle tribe for a unique cultural experience.
• Take a 4×4 ride to the moss forest in the Cameron Highlands.
• Visit Orang Utang Island – the monkeys are truly impressive.
• Stay at the Shangri-La Golden Sands resort on Penang for a luxurious retreat.
• Experience the jungle-themed room in the Furama Bukit Bintang hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The hotel also features a trendy play area in the basement.
• Visit the Heli bar in Kuala Lumpur during sunset. The kids can watch the sunset from the bar while adults can access the heli platform. Note: The platform is accessible for individuals aged 18 and above.
• Watch the evening fountain show at the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
• Enjoy quality family time in the back of the car during your routes.

Discover Child-Friendly Restaurants in Malaysia

When traveling with children in Malaysia, you’ll be pleased to find a variety of restaurants that cater to families. Here are a few recommendations, organized by destination:

Top Dining Spots in Malaysia

Malaysia is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide array of dining options. Here are some top recommendations:

• Hardrock Cafe Melaka: Known for its good food and excellent service, this cafe also offers live music and a beautiful view of the water.
• Restaurant Seri Mutiara in Taman Negara NP: While the buffet may not be a highlight, the a la carte menu is worth trying. The location is also quite charming.
• Restaurant Brasserie ’85 in Cameron Highlands: Located in the Strawberry Park Hotel, this restaurant is a must-visit.
• The Mugshot Cafe in Georgetown: Famous for its delicious pastries, good coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. Their bagels are a must-try.
• Sigi’s Bar & Grill on the Beach in Batu Ferringhi, Penang: For a romantic dining experience by the beach, this is the place to be.
• Long Beach Cafe in Batu Ferringhi, Penang: A popular spot for both tourists and locals, offering a variety of food stalls and a lively atmosphere. It’s also a great place to find souvenirs.

Experience Malaysia with Kids

Malaysia is a wonderful country to explore with kids. With its rich culture, diverse cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, it offers a unique and enriching experience for the whole family.

About the Author

Charlotte, the author of this article, lives with her husband Bart and their two daughters in the south of the Netherlands. Having traveled extensively as a child, studied tourism, and lived abroad, she now enjoys sharing her love for travel with her family. She believes in planning efficient trips that offer a balance of culture, nature, adventure, relaxation, and local interaction. You can follow her travels on her Instagram account: travel_frankort