Up for some family bonding? Head to Malaysia, which is an easy drive or short flight away from Singapore! Here are our top picks (complete with accommodation options) that we guarantee the whole family will love.
I love travelling, but taking a trip with the kids? Let’s say that it’s a whole different ballgame.
From managing picky eaters (I know!) and different nap schedules to many, many opinions… A holiday with the kiddos might indeed be hard work, but the memories are priceless. To make things easier, I like to take short trips every now and then — preferably to somewhere that doesn’t require flying, or at most a short haul flight.
With that in mind, Malaysia has got to be my favourite destination. The country is huge, plus there are so many diverse locations and experiences that are great for the fam. Here are my top picks!
1. Lumut: For families who want a beach getaway
For somewhere a little off the beaten track, set your sights on Lumut. This coastal town is around two hours’ drive away from Ipoh (which you can fly to from Singapore), or a three-and-a-half hour-drive from Kuala Lumpur (KL). Though commonly known as the gateway to Pangkor island, Lumut has its own unique charm too. Hugging a scenic waterfront promenade, the town is famous for seashell and coral handicrafts that make for neat souvenirs. Go on an interesting excursion to the Mangrove Park, where you can stroll along wooden walkways and spot mudskippers. Plus, don’t even get me started on the seafood!
And if you feel like visiting Pangkor’s pristine beaches, the island paradise is just a 33-minute ferry ride away – a perfect day trip awaits.
Where to stay at Lumut
Wowing with gorgeous sea views, DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort takes it up a notch with a private beachfront. The pool offers fantastic respite from the heat, complete with a fun kids’ water park (just look at those slides!). Drop the kiddos off at the Kids Club, where they’ll have the best time with games, crafts, and storytelling; whilst the adults can have some me-time at the award-winning Eforea Spa. Reunite for a thrilling ATV ride or pickleball game, before digging into authentic Malaysian fare at Makan Kitchen (special kids’ menus available).
2. Kuala Lumpur: For families who prefer a city escapade
When it comes to kid-friendly cities nearby, KL is a safe bet. There’s lots to do: learn about science in a fun way at Petrosains, The Discovery Centre in KLCC; step back into the past at KL’s Chinatown alley Kwai Chai Hong; visit KL Bird Park; or plan an excursion to Batu Caves. The whole fam can easily spend an entire day at Sunway Lagoon theme park and the nearby mall Sunway Pyramid. Adults can clock some retail therapy, whilst the kids will be well entertained at the dry and water theme parks. For a more relaxing option, unwind at The Lake Gardens which has a butterfly farm, the world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary, and more.
Pro-tip: Check out a kids’ café or restaurant with play areas while you’re in KL. The Malaysian capital has quite a number of these, such as Abby’s Play Café (has a regulating corner for kids to reset), The Red Beanbag, Open Playhouse (has seasonal kids’ activities), and TTDI Meat Point, just to name a few.
Wanna extend your holiday? KL can be combined with visits to nearby cities like Shah Alam and Klang, both of which are around 40 minutes drive away. Prepare to spend ages at Shah Alam’s i-City Theme Park, which is home to the Red Carpet Wax Museum, WaterWorld @ i-City, and SnoWalk. You could also feast on herbal bak kut teh in Klang, said to be the birthplace of the famous dish. For something fancy, have a Song dynasty-inspired immersive dining experience at Dai Jin.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Revel in comfort at Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Getting to and around the hotel is easy as it’s located right next to KL Sentral, a major transportation hub with an airport rail link, multiple train lines (monorail, LRT, MRT, and intercity trains), as well as local and regional bus lines. Plus, plenty of attractions are within walking distance. Think: Little India in Brickfields, the National Museum of Malaysia, and Perdana Botanical Gardens. Stretch out in large rooms that come with either lake or city views, before making a beeline for the inviting pool. Warning: your kids probably won’t be able to get enough of the water slide!
If you’d like to stay away from the city, DoubleTree By Hilton Shah Alam i-City is a pretty swell option. It’s right next to the mega i-City Theme Park, and a short drive will also bring you to spots like the elaborate Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, Shah Alam Lake Gardens, and National Botanic Gardens Shah Alam. Sweet tooths will especially love the signature chocolate chip cookie welcome! The best part? There’s a games room for both younger and older kids.
3. Penang: For families that want a foodie trip
A trip to Penang — my favourite food paradise! — just means assam laksa, cendol, and smoky char koay teow for days. In between (frequent) meals, troop the fam to Batu Ferringhi beach, 3D Trick Art Museum, or the Wonderfood Museum. Take the funicular up Penang Hill, visit Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, drop by Kek Lok Si Temple, or hunt down street art around George Town.
I believe there’s nothing better for the kids than having fun in the great outdoors. One of my favourite things to do is to spend a day at Penang National Park, which is an approximate 45-minute drive from George Town or Batu Ferringhi! Go on a boat tour, visit Turtle or Monkey Beach, and go on a leisurely hike.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring cash if you’re heading to Penang National Park. Only cash payment is accepted at the Park HQ registration counter.
Where to stay in Penang
Doesn’t DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang look stunning? Set against a lush mountainous backdrop, the resort offers a seaside charm with a touch of Peranakan heritage. It clinched the Best Island Resort in Malaysia at the 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards, and it shows. Families will love the kids’ club and splash zone, board games, as well as its guaranteed connecting rooms package. Get to Miami Beach easily via a connecting overhead bridge, and squeal with delight at the in-hotel TeddyVille Museum. It’s also near Escape Penang, an exhilarating adventure park that has obstacle courses and ziplining.
Get ready to plan your next Malaysia family getaway
As a parent, my ideal travel plan is to rock up to a place, and knowing that my kids will be well taken care of. If you’re like me, then you should check out Hilton’s group of hotels when you’re planning for your Malaysia trip. The hotel group has thought the whole family holiday thingamajig through, and gives parents a much-needed boost with guaranteed connecting rooms, as well as kid-centric facilities like kids clubs, splash zones, games rooms, and more. Takes some of that pressure off, don’t you agree?
Even better: Hilton has a total of 14 properties all over. You’ll find them in tourist hotspots like Penang and KL, as well as less busy places like Shah Alam and Damai Laut. Take your pick, and enjoy all that family bonding!
This post is in partnership with Hilton.
