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Tourism Malaysia

7 IDEAS FOR A ROYAL TOUR OF PEKAN, PAHANG

Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, and has vast tourism assets including a national park, the highest mountain in the peninsular (Mount Tahan), beautiful islands, hill-top resorts, and beautiful beaches.

Those familiar with Pahang, also known as the “Abode of Tranquility”, may have already visited its many popular tourist spots such as Genting Highlands, Tioman Island, and the Pahang National Park. However, there is a little known town that sits by the great Pahang River that also deserves special mention (and further explorations).

Photo credite: https://www.facebook.com/lensapekanofficial

Pekan used to be the command centre and capital city of Pahang in the late 19th century. Today, it is known as a royal town and home to the Pahang Sultanate – those who visit will definitely feel its tranquil atmosphere and even get to enjoy some royal “treatments”!

Kick off a royal tour of Pekan with the following suggestions:

Puding DiRaja

There’s nothing better to start your explorations of this royal town than with a royal dessert! Puding DiRaja or Royal Pudding was said to have been created and served to the Pahang royal household. So popular was this treat, that it is now available even in Kuala Lumpur and perhaps other parts of Malaysia, although, the best is still to be had here in Pekan.

Photo credit: Journeys2Pekan.com

So what is it exactly? It is a medley of bananas, prunes, candied cherries, cashew nuts and what’s called jala emas (fine threads of egg yolk prepared in syrup), and served with a milky custard poured all over it. It is a complete dessert that tantalizes all the senses of your tastebuds – there’s the crunch from the nuts, the sweetness from the various fruits, the slight tartness from the prunes, the light texture of the egg yolk threads, and the smooth custardy liquid that slips past your throat.

Of course, Pekan in also known for other mouth-watering delights. If you have a chance – and room left in your tummy – dig into the Murtabak Makassar, which we hear is also a hit with royalty and local politicians alike! In fact, they say you simply can’t leave Pekan without tasting the Murtabak Makassar.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/murtabakmengkasarsdnbhd/

Essentially, it is a type of savoury pancake made of layers of minced beef or chicken filling, unique blend of spices, pastry and eggs. Best eaten dipped in pickled onions! Sounds yummy to us!

Royal Pahang Silk Weaving Centre

If you have a thing for fabrics, then you must acquire the Pahang silk as part of your collection! It is a collector’s item and would make a wonderful heirloom piece to be passed down from one generation to another.

Photo credit: Journeys2Pekan.com

Pekan is home of the “kain tenun” and in fact, some of the finest woven fabrics in this region comes from this great silk weaving centre. So fine is its craftsmanship that it was once appointed the exclusive makers of the Pahang royal garments. A little bit of trivia here: Pahang silk was the fabric of choice for the King and Queen during their coronation ceremony in 2019!

Photo credit: www.facebook.com/lensapekanofficial/

Today, the centre is a great place to learn about the history of Pahang’s woven silk, see a live demonstration of silk weaving and even purchase the fabric for yourself.

Sultan Abdullah Mosque Museum

A trip to Pekan can be quite educational indeed. Just make a visit to the Sultan Abdullah Mosque Museum and you will be thoroughly enlightened!

Photo credit: Journeys2Pekan.com

The Sultan Abdullah Mosque was built in 1929 and was the place locals congregated for their Friday prayers. It remained the key meeting place for religious services until 1976 when a newer mosque was built to serve the community.

Thereafter, the Sultan Abdullah Mosque was abandoned for some time until recently when it underwent a massive three-year reconstruction work to become the first mosque-turned-museum in the country.

Photo credit: https://batikandbubbles.com/

Visitors to the mosque museum will be able to learn about Islamic history and art with unique exhibits of the Islamic world, complemented by state-of-the-art touch screens and interesting narratives of the artefacts on display. The graceful arches, the majestic domes and minarets and all-white architecture make the mosque look quite stunning, almost like a mini Taj Mahal in little Pekan!

Sultan Abu Bakar Museum

If you think museums are stuffy places full of dusty exhibits, then this museum will certainly have you change your mind! With all the wonderful artefacts and the creative presentation of all the exhibits, we didn’t feel like we were in a museum at all. On the contrary, it certainly felt like we were in a well-curated art gallery with great storytelling of our history!

Photo credit: http://www.pahangtourism.org.my/

Pekan’s museum of note, the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, was, in turns, a British government officer’s residence, before it became an army barrack, a palace, and finally a museum.

The museum complex houses five galleries: The Keris Gallery; History of Pahang and The Malay Sultanate Gallery; The Islamic Art Gallery; The Ceramics Gallery; and The Archaeology Gallery. Depending on your interest, you can admire weapons like the Sundang (a double edge Bugis sword) or the Sikin (keris with short blades), take a closer look at porcelains and ceramics from China and Japan, or dive into the Metal Age by browsing through tools, artefacts, and skeletal remains.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/True-Asia-Media

The entire museum has been curated to provide an immersive experience with a selection of unique artefacts, insightful storytelling, thoughtful layout and touch screen information boards. Even the front yard has been turned into a kind of artistic gallery with sculptures of horses, elephants and other animals on the grass.

Black Water Jewel

The mountains and jungles of Pahang are very popular tourist attractions, however, many may not know that Pahang also has beautiful and biodiverse peat swamp forests that stretch over 160,000 hectares! It is home to 53 species of mammals and more than 200 birds, including eight species of hornbills.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/FTTSTemerluh/

One of the peat swamp forests of note lies in Pekan, where the Bebar River lies. It is protected as a conservation area, but recently, has been promoted as a tourist attraction. It is called the Black Water Jewel due to the dark brown or black waters – a natural colouration which is caused by the high content of organic matter – and the fact that it is the habitat for a diverse array of animals.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/lensapekanofficial/

Birdwatching activities and river cruising on kayaks are recommended here to explore the natural beauty, flora and fauna of the river. A three-hour cruise can be arranged from Runchang to Nenasi in Pekan. Throughout the journey, tourists have the chance to see unique animals, including the fully-protected oriental small-clawed otter and dusky leaf monkeys. A visit to the orang asli village can be arranged as well.

Meow Island

If you are a cat lover, you will enjoy a visit to Pulau Kucing, affectionately called Meow Island by the locals. It is a privately-run sanctuary for cats also known as the Dato’ Shamsiah Cat Shelter Park.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/MeowIslandMalaysia/

There are more than 60 rescued cats, some ducks, geese, goats and dogs, too, who all roam freely and lead comfortable lives, thanks to the care provided by the owners and occasional volunteers. Over the years, volunteers have built quirky and colourful cat shelters here, and helped out tending to the sick animals, feeding them as well as beautifying the landscape – all in the name of providing a safe sanctuary for these felines.

The shelter also receives the support from the Pahang Veterinary Department, who conducts monthly health checkups on the feline residents of the island.

Photo credit: /www.facebook.com/lensapekanofficial/

Here, you can pet and play with the animals, or do some volunteer work such as cleaning, building and repairing the cat shelters, or contribute donations should you feel like it.

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Tourism Malaysia

HIGH NOTES IN OCTOBER 2018

Love music? The month of October will bring many crowd-pulling acts to Malaysia. Here is a list of the most anticipated performances happening this month, from pop to classic to breezy island tunes!

Jacky Cheung A Classic Tour in Malaysia 2018

Proudly presented by Allianz Malaysia Berhad, organised by Star Planet, legendary “God of Song” Jacky Cheung will return to Kuala Lumpur for a 3-night performance on 5, 6 7 October 2018 at 8 pm.

The show, which will be staged at the Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil, created attention-grabbing headlines when the news was first announced, leaving many eager fans waiting to buy tickets.

Jacky Cheung “A Classic Tour” was first brought into Malaysia in last January with ticket demand far exceeding supply. And this upcoming “Encore” tour is anticipated to be another sellout concert!

Following the KL gig in January, the tour reached the shore of the United States, Australia and major cities in China, making headlines across international media platforms. In April, Jacky broke his own Guinness World Records by hosting his 147th show at Shao Xing, China, where his last world tour “1/2 Century” wrapped up with a total of 146 dates. The current tour is expected to hit 200 dates.

IL Divo Presents TIMELESS Live in Genting

 

Date: 7 Oct 2018

Venue: Arena Of Stars, Resorts World Genting, Genting Highlands

Il Divo will bring their Timeless Tour to Malaysia this October. The classical crossover vocal group had recently released their new record, Timeless. Il Divo rose to international stardom after they became the first classical crossover band in history to reach the top of the US Billboard 200 list (2005). The sensational singing group was also crowned Artist of the Decade at the 2011 Classic Brit Awards.

A multinational quartet comprising Urs Bühler (Switzerland), Carlos Marín (Spain), David Miller (USA), and Sébastien Izambard (France), the band has released nine highly successful albums including Il Divo (2004), Ancora (2005), Siempre (2006), The Promise (2008), Wicked Game (2011), A Musical Affair (2013) and Amor Pasión (2015).

For more information, please go to https://www.rwgenting.com/entertainment/shows/IL-Divo

Richie Jen Live in Genting 2018

 

Date: 19 – 20 Oct 2018

Venue: Arena Of Stars, Resorts World Genting, Genting Highlands

Richie Jen first found fame with his debut album, the Mandarin-language Ask Again in 1990, along with his role in the 1991 Taiwanese comedy film Cops Robbers. Signing with Rock Records in 1996, Jen’s star began to shine brighter with the release of his breakthrough album Too Softhearted, which became a massive success, selling over two million copies across Asia and the title track becoming his signature song. Additional success followed with the release of 1998’s Love Like The Pacific Ocean, featuring the hit song The Sad Pacific, which helped the album sell more than a million copies in Taiwan alone. Musical success continued through the 2000s, all the way to the release of his last studio album, 2011’s Daredevil Spirit and another one of his signature songs, Fold.

In addition to his musical successes, Jen has also found great fame in front of the camera. With over 40 movie roles under his belt, his roles range from comedies like Summer Holiday, romantic fantasies like Fly Me To Polaris and historical epics like Legendary Amazons. He also made his debut as a screenwriter and director in the recent All You Need Is Love. Beyond the cinema, Jen has also been a regular fixture on the small screen, acting in series such as 1998’s The Return Of Condor Heroes and 2011’s The New Adventures of Chor Lau Heung. Jen also served as presenter on Top Gear China and has been a part of the Chinese Idol judging panel since 2013.

For more information, please go to https://www.rwgenting.com/entertainment/shows/Richie-Jen

Mariah Carey Live In Concert Kuala Lumpur 2018

Date: 16 Oct 2018

Venue: Plenary Hall, KLCC

The Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum selling songstress Mariah Carey is coming back to Kuala Lumpur. Proudly sponsored by Qi Group of Companies, the exclusive one-night only concert will take place at the Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre on October 16th. The pop Diva is set to perform her much loved number one hits, bringing a brand new show to her Malaysian fans.

Mariah Carey is the best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million albums sold to date and 18 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles (17 self-penned), more than any solo artist in history. Mariah is a singer/ songwriter/producer recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, 21 American Music Awards, Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” Award, the World Music Award for “World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” and BMI’s “Icon Award” for her outstanding achievements in songwriting, to name a few – with her distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting, and producing talent, Mariah is truly the template of the modern pop performance.

For more information, please visit https://www.ticket2u.com.my

Island Music Festival

Date: 12 – 14 October 2018

Venue: Long Beach, Redang Island in Terengganu

Now, if you are looking for different tunes and music crowd, head up to the east coast and let yourself loose in music and monsoon.

Island Music Festival is a 3 days and 2 nights celebration of Rhythm Nature that has been going on yearly at Long Beach, Redang Island since 2013. It’s a rain or shine festival on the beach so leave your raincoats at home. Expect to discover new music, make new friends, have new experiences and a new appreciation for Mother Nature while having a great time!

This package-based festival is pre-sold and the package is inclusive of accommodation, ferry transfer and all Island Music Festival activities and entertainment.

Featuring an eclectic mix of local and international performers, the Island Music Festival is a place where island-style hospitality meets the party scene with great music vibes. Presenting the very best in live music, the local flavours of the festival include sexy DJ sisters Leng Yein and Leng Sean, DJ Skeletor from Malaysia’s number one hit station Hitz.FM, soulful RB band Back2Basixx, hippie pop trio Jumero, sensual songbird Talitha Tan, and many more!

Meanwhile, coming all the way from Paris, Fabrice Morvan who was half of the pop duo Milli Vanilli will be performing in Malaysia for the first time.

Apart from the performances, the festival will also present a catwalk runway featuring the latest beach line of the renowned celebrity designer from LA, M the Movement.

There will also be some great island activities and workshops lined up such as beach volleyball, crossfit, jungle trekking, DJ workshop, limbo rock, yoga, and more.

For more information, please visit https://theislandmusicfestival.com.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Best motorbike routes in Malaysia

By Vishnu Krishnan

Throttle heads, gun your engines because we’re taking you across the best and most scenic bike routes in Malaysia.

Malaysia, despite being a small country, has thousands of kilometers of paved roads that meander and criss-cross through small towns, cities, rural areas, coastal roads and majestic mountainous and forested regions.

Let’s Go!

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A useful map for plotting the first leg!

(Source: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6040239)

 Starting in Kuala Lumpur, head north on the Gombak MRR2 highway and cut off at the Genting Highlands exit. You will know you are on the right path if you bypass the large golden statue of Murugan on your left at Batu Caves. If you’d like to make a pit stop here and check out the marvellous Batu Caves Hindu temple, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

As you ride up the Kuala Lumpur – Karak Expressway towards the foothills of the highlands, this is where the fun really begins. Once you pass the Genting Sempah checkpoint (they have lovely local food to sample and is the last major gas station for the stretch) the gradient will get serious and the temperature drops.

Near the summit of Genting, make sure you check out the Chin Swee Caves Temple filled with pagodas and Taoist motifs that is best seen at night when the red lanterns are lit.

At the peak you will reach the Hotel-Casino complexes. From here you, cruise back down to the Bentong exit. Beware of the winding roads, slippery gravel and mist. The Bentong trail is a beautiful mountain road surrounded by lush forests and wildlife. One major attraction here is the Sungai Chilling waterfall.

Follow the gorgeous mountain road all the way up to Fraser’s Hill which is known for its scenic, rolling green hills and chilly weather. If you aren’t done with the climbing yet, jump on the Ringlet — Sungai Koyan Highway or Route 102 for another 186km to the even more beautiful

Cameron Highlands. Strawberries and tea anyone?

Next, move further north to one of the most scenic routes in the country, the Gerik or East-West Highway. Starting at exit A171 or the town of Gerik, this 128km pilgrimage is a must for all avid bikers. Along the way to the small town of Jeli, you will go through a mountain trail with soft gradients and smooth curves. If you are lucky, you may spot wild elephants.

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Our pachyderm friends can sometimes be seen on the Gerik Highway!

(Source: http://chongtaofatt.blogspot.my/2006_05_01_archive.html)

From Jeli, travel on Route 4 via the East West Highway to Kota Bharu to commence the longest stretch of the journey, the Kota Bharu to Rompin coastal road.

While you are in Kota Bharu be sure to sample some of the scrumptious local delights such as Nasi Kerabu.

From Kota Bharu, ride 490km south along the E8 via the East Coast Expressway to Rompin. Along this path, you’ll see dozens of fishing villages, small coastal Kampongs, paddy fields and of course the South China Sea. Be mindful of rainy season as the East coast can be treacherous between October and March.

The ride itself is generally tame and relaxing, but there’s much to see and check out along the way, especially through the Terengganu coast which is full of seafood stops.

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The scenery along the coast is amazing on E8!

(Source: http://bikingmalaysia.blogspot.my/)

Once you reach the forested region of Rompin and stay the night on the beach, we’ll end the journey with a 292km cruise back to KL via Route 11. These roads are well maintained and provide a smooth journey returning home.

Do you know of other scenic roads and beautiful stretches of highway? Let us know on Facebook @malaysia.travel.my

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Tourism Malaysia

My Malaysia

By Lloyd Green

I sit here on the plane leaving Malaysia after eight months. An experience quite unlike any I have ever encountered. Malaysia is a country where the more you invest, the more you get out of it. You could be forgiven for thinking Malaysia is embodied by KL’s global reputation — its bright lights, shopping malls, bustling nightlife and iconic Petronas Twin Towers showcasing an opulence craved by many tourists — as well as pristine island getaways such as Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands.

But if you have ever had the chance to peer beyond its veneer, you will find a land of great beauty and a population eager to share it with you. This is where the real Malaysia lies and a world in which I’ve had the privilege to step into. You’ll enter one world and exit another taking with you snippets of many cultures that will not only shape your memories but also your relationships.

My Msia 1

The view from one of the more secluded areas at Genting Highlands

Much of my adventure here is owed to the great local friends I have made. They have afforded me an authentic experience not often chronicled in your local tour guides: Guest at an Indian wedding in Klang; life as a local at Orang Asli kampungs in the jungle near Gua Musang and Raub; a road trip to Pangkor; KL’s burgeoning comedy scene; a guided tour of the famed Kacang Putih industry in Ipoh; hiking around the intriguing Genting Highlands; celebrating Deepavali with Indian families in Klang; KL’s underground punk rock scene; teaching English in remote and rural communities; celebrating Christmas in the Portuguese Settlement in Malacca; adventures to Peninsular Malaysia’s most stunning waterfalls and hikes including Chilling Falls and Gunang Tahan; picking rambutans and bananas at plantations in the jungle; witnessing Iban tribal ceremonies in Sarawak; staying on a boat house in the Royal Belum National Park as well as tasting local delicacies such as the best fish noodle soup in Petaling Jaya and homemade Indian curries in Brickfields and Klang.

My Msia 2

You can hire a boat house and enjoy the tranquil Royal Belum National Park
(Pic http://belum.com.my/tour/2d-1n-houseboat-lake-temenggor/)

That’s not to say Malaysia’s main attractions are unworthy of your presence — the tourist trail in Malaysia is reliable and growing stronger all the time. In the economic hub of Kuala Lumpur, flavours and colour of India, China and Malay locals float inconspicuously, adding great contrast and history to this modern megacity with landmarks such as Batu Caves, Bukit Bintang and KLCC ensuring thousands continue to flock there.

Venture north to George Town in Penang and Ipoh for a romantic cocktail of art, architecture and colonial influences with night markets, Chinese hawker stalls in Batu Ferringhi, the original Old Town White Coffee in Ipoh and the emergence of urban street art in both places giving reason for tourism to thrive.

The chance to live and look after Orangutans as well as the quest of climbing Malaysia’s highest peak — Mount Kinabalu — will always ensure people go to Sabah and the magic of the Rainforest World Music Festival is a beacon for Sarawak tourism each year. And of course if island hopping and diving is your thing, then you’ll fall in love with places such as Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Layang Layang and Lankayan.

Malaysia has no doubt won a special place in my heart and I urge other travellers, tourists and expatriates to immerse yourself in the culture and let Malaysia sweep you off your feet. You will never regret it.

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Wonderful Malaysia

Traveling with kids in Malaysia

Traveling to Southeast Asia with children is not particularly advertised. However, most holidays in region are perfectly suitable for children. Always check beforehand to determine if a certain organized trip is age appropriate. Visitors of Wonderful Malaysia often ask the question if it is possible – and if it is wise – to travel to Malaysia with small children. Looking only at all fun attractions in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, it is clear that the answer is ‘Yes’. However, as parents, you do need to take certain things into account that you do not have to think about in non-tropical countries. Malaysia is a fantastic country for children. There is an enormous variation and so there is always something to do. The kids will not get bored that easily in this country.

Great things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

kids-travels-berjaya-times-square-theme-park

In every city in Malaysia, there are a few big shopping malls and because they also serve as a social meeting point for the locals (also kids), you will often find many fun attractions within the malls. Each mall has a cinema and a big bowling alley. For example, the Berjaya Times Square mall has a bowling alley – Ampang Superbowl – with a whopping 48 lanes. However, the shopping mall is mainly – world – famous due to the indoor Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, where a roller coaster with loops thunders past the railings of the balconies of the various levels.

Sunway Lagoon

kids-travels-sunway-lagoon-water-park

Next to the big Sunway Pyramid Mall – which is quite a distance from the Kuala Lumpur city center – lays the enormous aqua theme park called Sunway Lagoon, very popular amongst the locals and lots of fun as a day trip away from the big city.

Genting Highlands Theme Park

kids-travels-genting-highlands-theme-park

One of the biggest (and most hectic) kids’ paradise in Malaysia is about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. Genting Highlands is an entertainment city with many attractions (including numerous casinos) and with a huge kids’ theme park. A big advantage of this theme park is the coolness of the highlands; a possible disadvantage are the crowds. We had never seen so many families with kids in one place. The theme is currently closed for renovations and expected to open in 2016 as the world’s first Twentieth Century Fox Theme Park.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

kids-travels-kl-bird-park

Within the beautiful Lake Gardens, the biggest park in Kuala Lumpur, you can find the popular KL Bird Park. Here you can see thousands of birds. Children will have a great time, and they will learn a lot about all the bird species you can see here too. Especially popular is the World’s Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary; where you can see birds flying around you or even have birds sitting on your shoulder.

KLCC Aquarium

kids-travels-klcc-aquarium

Another popular attraction for kids is the KLCC Aquarium. Here you can see thousands of fish species, many species can also be found in the seas surrounding Malaysia. This great attraction is located right in the center of Kuala Lumpur, nearby the huge Suria KLCC shopping mall.

KidZania

kids-travels-kidzania-kuala-lumpur

If you are traveling with young children and are looking for a fun day out in Kuala Lumpur, you should consider KidZania; an indoor family educational and entertainment center which offers an interactive learning and entertainment experience for kids in a kid-sized city to deliver the first-of-its-kind edutainment fun. The KidZania experience is about real-life experiences, empowering, inspiring and educating kids through role-play. It is located near a nice shopping mall, so you can combine this with some nice shopping afterwards.

Adventure trips with kids

Apart from the big cities, you also have many beautiful attractions which are equally pleasant for children and adults.

There is enough to do on the Malaysian peninsula. Visiting the beautiful National Park Taman Negara is absolutely a highlight of your trip; though you will spot few big animals, there are lots of smaller ones, birds and insects. The longboat trip to the nature reserve on its own will be liked by the children. The highlands are also great as a change (it is a lot cooler and you can go for lovely walks). Especially popular are the Cameron Highlands, where your kids can also visit one of many tea plantations.

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The islands of Langkawi and Penang can also be visited with children, usually visiting these islands is an excellent finale of a tour organized by the travel agency.

At the Oriental Village at Langkawi Island there is an enormous cable car – Panorama Langkawi – which takes you to the top of the mountain to see the beautiful panoramic view of the island. Langkawi has numerous other great attractions that your kids will love.

kids-travels-panorama-langkawi

Penang has a tropical fruit farm and a beautiful butterfly garden. There are quite a few nice temples and numerous other sights. The night market in the small coastal town Batu Feringghi is also great fun for kids.

If you want to visit the best dive and snorkel islands during the dry season – April until October, then you should travel to east coast islands like Perhentian, Redang, Kapas or Tioman. You can snorkel, swim and even dive together with the children. Besides many beautiful fish species, there is a big chance you can swim with huge turtles (especially abundant in the seas around Perhentian Island).

kids-travels-perhentian-island

Kuala Gandah is a small village just a few hours away from the capital Kuala Lumpur, where you will find an elephant sanctuary. You can feed and wash the elephants, which is yet another great experience for the kids (please do not ride on the back of elephants as they weren’t built for that). Also nearby Kuala Lumpur is the small village of Kuala Selangor. Here you can visit the firefly park (in the evenings) and witness millions of fireflies (lightning bugs) once it is dark.

In Borneo you can for example easily discover the jungle (basic level). You will choose an easy to reach and accessible nature park instead of the really hard core jungle trips. A visit to one of the traditional indigenous people will also be memorable for the kids. In the northeast of Borneo (close to Sandakan) you can also visit Sepilok, the orangutan reserve.

There are also various other attractions, such as the humongous Gomantong bat cave, Turtle Island where you can observe turtles and the amazing Kinabatangan river (3 to 4 hours’ drive from Sandakan); where you can see elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and many other kinds of animals and birds. A true adventure for children!

kids-travels-kinabatangan-river

If your kids love theme parks, you should consider a visit to Johor Bahru in the south of Malaysia near Singapore. Here you have Legoland Malaysia; with over 40 rides, shows and attractions. Highlight is Miniland; where over 30 million bricks of lego where used to recreate numerous Asian landmarks.

kids-travels-legoland-malaysia

All in all there is so much to do with children on tour through Malaysia. Apart from all these huge attractions, there are often also small activities which will be of extra fun for the kids. The locals are always very nice and sweet with children. They will often be spoiled and will get far more attention than they need.

A beautiful description of a proud parent with children

Our kids traveled with us for a couple of months, they spent a long time in airplanes and buses but still were easy to handle. Most travelers are surprised when they realize that you can still go backpacking once you have kids. Our kids talk to everybody and get a lot of attention in return. Observing things with the kids gives you another view on the country, because they will notice completely different things than you. Children’s simplicity … A new world opens up. And if they cry from time to time…it doesn’t matter. Give them some attention and they are fine again. For years our kids have behaved so well on the plane. It is the biggest experience in their lives. And why do you travel….because as parents, you enjoy it. You want something more than Center Parcs, European beaches or similar. And kids like everything…So, you travel because as an adult you like it, you are doing it for yourself. In the process, you try and make it fun for the children too and you organize some activities that they really like. So, people with kids, keep flying!!!! Everyone has been young and has cried before. No reason to miss out on these great adventures…

Malaysia is a safe country

Malaysia is an exceptionally safe country, but rule of thumb is not to do or undertake any crazy things (the ones that you would also avoid in your own country). Driving in Malaysia is safe too, highways are often in excellent conditions. Roads in local towns might force you to drive slowly. Self-drives are particularly popular at the peninsula.

Protect yourself and your children

You should always be well prepared (for example during day trips): take enough water, enough DEET to protect yourself against mosquitoes, Dengue does occur a lot and it is not pleasant (read: life threatening!). If your family doctor advises malaria treatment, then go ahead with it. Only in a few regions in Malaysia there is a risk of Malaria. If you do not like Malaria treatment for your children (for example because they are too young for it), just avoid those areas.

It is also important that you and your children are well informed in advance regarding the tropical regions. Apart from the vital protection, you should also carry sun screen wherever you go. Adults usually get sunburn within the hour, children are often a lot more sensitive. You can buy sun screen in Malaysia too.

Visit Malaysia 2014

2014 will be an important year for Malaysia, as it has been branded ‘Visit Malaysia 2014‘. During this year there will be many events to celebrate Malaysia’s tourism achievements and potential. Many events are also great for kids, so if you are planning a trip to this wonderful country, make sure you do so in 2014.

Have fun in Malaysia.

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