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Wonderful Malaysia

Rawa Island; Malaysia’s hidden jewel

Just off the shore of Mersing in the state of Johor Bahru, you can find yourself on a 30-minute boat ride to Malaysia’s hidden jewel, Alang’s Rawa. This island, along with the whitest sand you’ll have ever stepped foot on, has the clearest blue water and the most inner-peace and calm vibe when the word ‘island’ pops into mind. You’ll be able to find good rates on bus rides from Kuala Lumpur including the ferry rides to the island.

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Although it might be a bit of an impatient struggle to have to book three months in advance, because that’s how long you have to wait for the good things in life, it is definitely worth every single cent, so start saving up money and put aside a piggy bank now! Rawa might not be your usual backpacker’s traveling spot, but do not be fooled as it is a magnet for expats; usually fresh off the boat from Singapore and still in their Friday work-clothes!

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With the whitest sands as soft as snow surrounding the private chalets and newly built resort on Alang’s Rawa with an uncannily similar resemblance to the architecture of Santorini in Greece, it’s unnecessary to wear shoes, as it’s the biggest pleasure you can possible imagine, taking walks around the small yet breathtaking island. Adding to the white, powdery sand; is the sea, clear as can be and a warm delight to take a dip in at any given time during the day. One of the main attractions of Rawa is snorkeling, and some great snorkeling packages can be found online as you search for bookings for this island.

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Another main attraction on Alang’s Rawa is the food, and everything made there is fresh. Included in the bookings are buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all fresh food and juices made by the incredibly kind and fun staff. Apart from indulging in the food, you get to enjoy alcohol served at the bar just a few steps away from the ocean and listen to music as you take in the beauty of the sun, sand and sea.

Unlike most common beaches and islands around South East Asia, no roads can be found in Rawa, at nature’s best. This is definitely the place to get in touch with the adventurous person in you. There is a small hidden path to walk up the mountains, if you dare to take the hike you will be able to have the satisfaction in watching the orange rays fill the landscape as the sun goes down. Peacocks, amongst many other exotic bird species can be seen in Alang’s Rawa, but nothing compares to the island beagle, Daisy, one of the cutest dogs who was born-and-bred on the island itself!

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Other activities to do on the island would be to partake in beach sports such as volleyball, football, Frisbee, etc. Furthermore, if you are a tourist and have the need to see more of Malaysia’s beaches, nearby islands of Sibu and Tioman are only half an hour boat’s ride away.

It is easy to see why people swarm back to Rawa like bees for honey, either be it a romantic getaway, a business retreat, a party or just simply exploring, Alang’s Rawa is definitely an island you would want to have written down on your bucket list! Alang’s Rawa can be both categorized as a family ambience, a romantic getaway or a group-organized party, suitable for anyone of all ages to go and just enjoy the island itself. I hope this article has been useful and convincing to you readers, any questions and inquiries for specific details can be easily found online. Enjoy Pulau Rawa!

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Map of Pulau Rawa

About the author

Amanda Chini was born in Kuala Lumpur, lived in Mexico for 12 years, is culturally diverse and a third-cultured kid who’s been to Greece, Spain, England, Ireland, LA, NY, San Antonio, Colorado, Mexico, Aruba, Tenerife, Singapore and plans to travel to many more! Amanda is fluent in both English and Spanish, and her interests include photography, reading, writing and good food.

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Wonderful Malaysia

KidZania Kuala Lumpur (The Curve)

A whole new experience that can add experience and color to a child’s life has been brought to Malaysia. Malaysian kids are now given the chance to experience ‘working life’ through a role play session which offers up to 90 real-like jobs here at Kuala Lumpur. At KidZania Kuala Lumpur, children from the age of 4 to 14 will spend their time wisely in an indoor entertainment and educational theme park which caters to the ever-curious minds of children.

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“What do you want to be when you grow up? A pilot? A newscaster? At KidZania Kuala Lumpur you can fly a plane, read the news or both! In this world, there’s over 90 things you and your friends can do.”

With the price of RM55 for MyKad holders or RM75 for non-MyKad holders, kids will be able to ‘work’ as a fireman, chef, painter, actor or even a magician. Whatever profession that you can think of, they would have it at the newly opened Kidzania, which is located directly opposite popular The Curve shopping mall at Mutiara Damansara.

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The first KidZania was built in 1996 at Mexico by Xavier Lopez with a dream to provide children a playground to have fun while participating in the real life working environment. He has a vision to create a play room that can inspire the younglings. Upon entering the ‘corporate world’, a child will be presented with a boarding pass, a map and a cheque of 50 KidZos (i.e KidZania currency). With that, he/she will then pick an occupation by learning and performing the tasks dressed in the uniform equipped with needed ‘gear’.

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Everything is surreal at KidZania. Real-life stimulation are presented to the children so that they will experience the challenges of the position, just as those faced by the adults in the job. Children can expect to be putting out a fire should they wish to be a fireman, perform surgery on a patient if they desire to be a surgeon or pilot an airplane if flying is what they want. Creating an interior design piece or even hosting a television or radio program is possible too; as mentioned, almost possible occupation thought of is available for role-playing at KidZania.

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KidZania was not set up with the intention of gearing and grooming children to be doctors, lawyers and engineers as their parents would want them to be. Instead, KidZania places its main focus on creating a fun playground with sufficient freedom for the children to develop their abilities so that they will have more insights on his/her preference and interest. It is certainly wonderful to expose the children to available opportunities; after all, it is at this young age that perceptions and interests are formed. The children’s growth and development are stimulated too through the instilling of confidence and promotion of creativity and innovation.

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Opening hours of KidZania

A spacious playroom that can cater up to 1,700 people at a time is where you’d want your kids to be. KidZania is open daily from 10am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays. On weekends, school holidays and public holidays, they are open for a longer time until 9 p.m., giving your children ample time to learn about their desired profession. KidZania is indeed something different for the kids to do, unlike the regular play centre where they would just tire themselves out running up slides and swinging about.

Mon – Fri: 10am to 5pm
Sat / Sun / Public Holidays / School Holidays: 10am to 3pm (Session 1) and 4pm to 9pm (Session 2)

Entrance fees KidZania

Baby (aged 0-1): Malaysian/Non-Malaysian (Free)
Toddler (aged 2-3): Malaysian/Non-Malaysian (RM35)
Kid (aged 4-17): Malaysian (RM55) Non-Malaysian (RM75)
Adult (aged 18-59) : Malaysian (RM35) Non-Malaysian (RM50)
Senior Citizen (aged 60 above) : Malaysian/Non-Malaysian (RM30)

Contact details address KidZania

KidZania Petaling Jaya
Curve NX
Mutiara Damansara
47810 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 1300 88 KIDZ (5439)
Fax: + 603 7839 9488
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kidzania.com.my

How to get to KidZania

KidZania is located at the intersection between Ikea, The Curve and the big Tesco. There is ample parking space in the area (you can park easily at Ikea and cross the road, or park within the building). Every taxi driver knows the way to IPC Shopping Centre (formerly known as Ikano Power Centre). Getting a taxi back to your hotel in the city center of Kuala Lumpur might be tricky, as taxi drivers around IPC are known for charging high prices. Alternatively you can take the LRT to Kelana Jaya and take the (free) shuttle bus to IPC Shopping Centre.

Video KidZania

Map of KidZania

Suggestions?

Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do in Kuala Lumpur, or tips on the best places to eat? Let us know by leaving a reply below!

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