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Tourism Malaysia

7 KIDS-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN MALAYSIA THAT YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE

Are you ready kids? Aye Aye Captain!

As ‘kids’ and ‘play’ go hand in hand, it is no surprise that kids-friendly hotels are usually located within the vicinity of amusement or theme parks. However, there are also a number of hotels that take it up a notch and create their own mini ‘theme parks’, right within their premises. As we usher in the end-of-year school holidays before we welcome the year 2020, we’re pretty sure you’re looking for that rewarding holiday or that sweet escape for your whole family – before the same routine begins again!

We have covered our top picks for the best theme parks here,
so
this time let’s zoom in on the hotels that can best accommodate you and your
children’s needs as we enter the holiday season right here in Malaysia.

1. Sunway Resort Spa, Selangor

Armed with a series of awards and accolades, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is arguably the best theme park in Malaysia, boasting a variety of attractions namely Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park, Scream Park Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon.

To cater for travellers from near and far, Sunway has 3 different
hotels that are located within walking distance from the theme park, one of
which is Sunway Lagoon Hotel Spa, where you can play all day and then
retire to the fabulous rooms come night time.

This 5-star hotel is ideal for the whole family not only because
it is located next to the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, it also has a connection to
the Sunway Pyramid Mall which is one
of the premier shopping malls in Malaysia. What’s more, Sunway hotels are always
offering great deals for family packages such as this Family Fun Package, which
is valid until year end.

If you’re looking for more than the theme park and the swimming
pool, you can just walk to the Sunway Pyramid Mall and bring your kids to skate
at the Sunway Pyramid Ice, one of
the favourite hotspots for the young and the young at heart. It is a
world-class skating rink with an open view where you can skate for fun, or even
join the skating programmes available.

Credits : Sunway Resort Hotel Spa Official Website

2. The Andaman, Langkawi

Unlike the hyper commercialised theme parks and the lure of
digitalised gaming, the Andaman takes a different spin to define itself as one
of the best kids-friendly hotels, and that is to invite guests and their
children to be one with nature. Flanked
by the 10 million-year-old rainforest, Datai Bay with an 8,000-year-old coral
reef, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life lies the Andaman, a
resort that dedicates itself to the conservation of the coral reef that was
damaged by the tsunami in 2004.

Aside from providing the amenities for families with children such
as the family-friendly swimming pool with wading pool for toddlers, baby cots,
connecting rooms and babysitting services, The Andaman offers unique activities
for both kids and adults which include the Private
Guided Snorkel, Coral Nursery Feeding
and Coral Reef Walks as part of their conservation efforts. There is
also the Marine Life Laboratory
where there are interactive presentations on marine life and guests are invited
to join lab activities like scrutinising minute marine life under the
microscope. The best part is – all of the activities above are free of charge!

One of the unique experiences that
Andaman has to offer is the Young Marine Biologists Programme, where
children aged 8 and above are given the golden opportunity to experience a day
in the life of a Marine Biologist. If you have budding marine biologists in
your midst, this programme is exclusively structured to give young talents the
right exposure into marine life at a fee of RM99 per child. As prior
reservation is required for participation, you are advised to get in touch with
the resort for more details.

On top of that, The Andaman also has a kids’ club, known as Young
Explorers’ Club where fun and educational activities are tailored to your kids.
You may also enjoy a number of water-related activities such as kayaking,
jet-skiing, sailing, snorkelling, boating and if you are keen to get closer to
nature, you can also enjoy hiking, biking or just walking through the nature
trail.

As if we cannot gush more about this 5-star nature haven, check out our feature article on The Andaman for more information: Paradise for Families

Credits: The Andaman Langkawi Official Website

3. Hard Rock Hotel, Penang

Up in the northern region, we have Hard Rock Hotel in Penang,
which is located along the scenic route of Batu Ferringhi. This 5-star hotel
chain is famous not only because of its brand name, but this particular chain
in Penang goes the extra mile to provide a luxurious getaway that is family-friendly,
accommodating the needs of toddlers, kids, teens and all the way to adults.

If you fancy a room that can comfortably fit you and your kids,
you can opt for the Roxity Kids Suite
that has a separate TV and bed for your kids or even the Roxity Kids Suite that
comes with its own courtyard! Each Roxity Kids Suite comes with a Play Station
4 with 2 controllers plus a number of PS4 games, a selection of soft toys and
kids’ books in the room, Mini-bar range for kids and Roxity branded kids’
bathrobes. Within the suite, there is a sliding door between the Master bedroom
and the Kids’ bedroom which allows parents to supervise their children while
also affording them a little bit of privacy.

Click here for a cool 360 degrees view of the Roxity Kids Suite with
Courtyard: https://www.panomatics.asia/nextgen/my/hardrockhotel/roxitykidssuitewithcourtyard.html

Games session, arts crafts,
puzzles and hand painting activities await your kids at the Roxity Kids’ Club, where they will have
the chance to mingle with Roxtars, the cool and fun characters that will be
there to hype up the energy in the club. As no adults are allowed, your kids
will also have a chance to maximise their experience with their peers. That’s probably
a good time for you to have some private moments with your partner or just wind
down without the kids around.

There’s pool, foosball, video
games such as Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation®4 to entertain your teens at the TABU Teens Club where youngsters have
the space to mingle with their peers. If they are more of the adventurous type,
they also have the option of renting a bike to explore Batu Ferringhi.

Not forgetting parents with little
ones, Hard Rock Hotel has a Lil’ Rockers
Infants Club
designed for kids aged 3 years and below. The club operates in
an indoor play area located in the TABU Teens Club
equipped with a mini playhouse, mini slide
along with educational toys games and soft toys.

One of the coolest events for kids in town, the Ultimate Kids’ Foam Party is organised at
the hotel’s poolside on every first Saturday of the month. The ticket is RM20
each but in-house guests enjoy 2 complimentary tickets per room.

While the kids have plenty activities to keep them entertained,
treat yourself to the spa, yoga or the gym facilities provided by the hotel.

Head on to their website : Hard Rock Hotel Penang Official Website

4. Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort Spa, Langkawi

Fancy a beach vacation with the
kids? Make your way to Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort Spa in Langkawi for
that unforgettable family vacation you deserve. Your kids will definitely enjoy
Kiki Kids’ Club where they will go on scavenger hunts and swimming, create art,
face painting and handicrafts, and play traditional games.

The hotel has a mini water playground for the kids,
complete with a mini golf adventure park
and Kiki’s Animal Farm for the kids
to get up close with the animals.

Take a couple of hours off and
spend at the Pelangi Spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre or head on to the
beach for some water activities. And fret not, babysitting services are
available at the resort upon request for that much needed me-time!

With all the amenities that cater
to the whole family, it is no wonder that they are the top choice as a family
friendly destination as voted by travellers on TripAdvisor.

To encourage family with kids to
stay at Meritus, the resort gives out exclusive offers like the Family Fiesta
package that can save you some bucks.         

Check out the details on their website here : Meritus Pelangi Resort Spa Official Website

5. Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu

Malaysia is known for its
pristine beaches and tropical forests and one of the best ways to experience
both is by staying at the Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu, which
is neatly tucked in a tropical rainforest that fronts the ocean. There are many
activities offered by the resort for its guests that are made possible due to
its geographical location like parasailing, jet skiing and walking in the
jungle to name a few.

Known to be a golfer’s heaven
where you can enjoy your game amidst the stunning views of Tambalang and
Mengkabong rivers, the resort also has admirable facilities for your kids.

Shangri-La has an active kids
club and children’s pool for the young ones, along with a myriad of other
activities that are not only fun but also eco-friendly. Let your kids
experience firefly watching, traditional fishing, paddock ride, twilight river cruise, bird
watching at canopy
and being a
Ranger
!

For a comprehensive list of the activities offered that are categorised as either sports or nature, kindly visit the resort’s official website : Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Kota Kinabalu Official Website

6. Club Med Cherating, Pahang

Popular amongst beach lovers,
Club Med Cherating needs no further introduction. Voted as the Travellers’
Choice Award 2019 by TripAdvisor, this resort has all you need for a perfect
vacation, including kids and family-friendly activities that can help you
create wonderful memories with your loved ones.

Located in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the resort is a
premium all-inclusive family holiday package where it covers everything – from your
accommodation, Childcare for kids from 4 years to 17 years old,
all-inclusive dining that is available at any time, a premium open bar, and up
to sixty different sports and activities – so you can just enjoy your holiday
with your family without the hassle of planning every little detail!

ClubMed isn’t kidding when they say their resorts are built with
family in mind – they organise activities
for both adults and kids to enjoy
, like water games, sand castle
competitions, Giant Jenga, archery and many more!

For an intimate evening out with your other half, you can drop off
your kids into the capable hands of the qualified childcare providers at the Pyjamas Club. Amenities for kids are
all accounted for, like the 24 hours
baby feeding and equipment room
, playground, free access to tennis court,
sailing and even a Club Med Baby Welcome package that includes baby foods and equipment
so parents can travel stress-free.

Check out their list on the full amenities and services provided at the resort:

7. Legoland Hotel, Johor

Did anyone say Lego?

We cannot sum up this list without mentioning this iconic brand
hotel whose attraction is not only in its fun-tastic
theme park, but also in the structure of the hotel itself. Designed with
children’s imagination in mind, everything about the hotel reflects its colourful
bricks like the themed rooms, themed lifts
and interactive LEGO features
that will certainly excite your kids. Get your kids involved in choosing the
theme of your room from a selection of Pirate, Adventure, Kingdom or the latest
-NINJAGO for your stay.

In addition to the swimming pool, LEGOLAND Hotel steps up their
game by inserting LEGO themes wherever possible, by providing interactive
activities for the kids like the puzzle to access their own LEGO treasure (available in all rooms),
featuring a special wall with 12,528
LEGO minifigures
and spreading out the buffet at the restaurant with its
organised LEGO chaos.

Your kids will be entertained with the daily activities scheduled
such as the Meet Greet, Magic Class and of course the Building projects which will help unleash
their creativity. LEGO bricks and Xbox 360 Kinect are also available at the
children’s play area if you can’t get enough play time during their scheduled
activities.

We are pretty sure a stay at the
Legoland Hotel is not complete without a visit to the theme park, so we would
recommend you to check out the special rates offered for the hotel and Legoland
Park Entry. While you are
in the area, check out the SEA Life
which is another great attraction for the kids. Expose your kids to ocean life
where 13,000 fishes and 120 types of species are on display in 11 different
habitat zones.

For more information on the theme park experience, click on our article here

Check out more awesome LEGO details here : Official Legoland
Malaysia Website

These are just a few of the best picks for kids or family-friendly hotels in Malaysia. If you have more suggestions, let us know in the comments. Happy holidays!

Written by Athirah Idrus; Information and Photo Credits to each respective hotels.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

LIFE LESSONS IN RURAL MALAYSIA

As city dwellers, we are used to demanding for things to be done “yesterday.” We are so used to listening to the scripted customer service dialogue at fast-food counters that we’ve learned to tune it out. We are used to the mass-produced “nutrition” in polystyrene boxes. And no matter how much we “communicate” on our hi-technology gadgets, truthfully, we are actually distancing ourselves socially from more meaningful inter-personal connections.

Seriously, city life has become the bane of our existence. And I, too, have become a sad part of it! But at least I have learned to recognize it and done something about it.

My pill for life – which I pop whenever I feel I’ve become too stressed out, too deep in work, too “out of the loop,” irritated at the world – is a quick getaway. By that, I mean “get-away-as-far-from-the-city-as-possible-and-do-it-fast!”And it’s not just to any fancy resort of a certain star-rating. These places I go to are hardly rated at all. In fact, they’re not made of glitzy perfection; they don’t have turn-down service, butlers lurking at every corner nor room service.

But that hasn’t stopped them from offering the warmest and most welcoming hospitality I know. I’m talking about the more than 3,000 kind families scattered around Malaysia’s kampungs who have graciously opened up their homes to total strangers like me looking for a genuine Malaysian experience. They call it the Malaysian homestay programme. I call it first-class hospitality.

In my escape of the clutches of city-life, I have ventured to several Malaysian kampungs that have taken part in this national tourism venture, meant to give the rural population a piece of the tourism pie. The programme has actually been well-received and today, 15 years after it was first introduced in Pahang, there are more than 200 villages listed under the programme.

They have all been pleasant experiences to remind me that a satisfying life is more about being in the present moment rather than in the pursuit of the next promotion, the next big gadget, the next sleek car.

I felt this most when I was making my way to Kampung Pantai Suri in Kelantan. We had to abandon our car for a more eco-friendly transportation. From the Kok Majid jetty, we glided slowly down the Sungai Kelantan estuary on a long boat (it was the only way to get to the village). Along the way, we passed sandbanks, wooden bridges, and the sight of young boys diving off a tree into the river in wild abandon. The splashes, their gleeful laughter, the friendly teases exchanged among them reminded me of a life less cluttered.

But it’s not just the children who know how to enjoy life. Even the elder folks have a deep sense of appreciation for the present. They know that they’ve worked hard, and they know that their bodies deserve a good respite. Despite the urban dwellers high-flying life in the cities, it is these folks in these older parts of Malaysia who lead much more enriching and full lives.

At the end of my stay at Kampung Pantai Suri, I was rushing off to board the boat home. On the way, I passed by a group of elders joking and laughing away under the shade of a huge mango tree. It was high noon and the heat was searing but the shade beneath the tree was a cool place to relax. These folks were sitting around hacking away the tops of coconuts to get to the juice and fleshy insides.

They saw me in my rush and called me to slow down and join them. Not wanting to miss my boat, I hesitated, but finally, their jovial demeanour and cheery calls won me over. “If you miss this one, you can take the next boat,” they said. So I sat with them as they selected a coconut for me to drink. It dawned on me that we sometimes lead our lives with clock-work precision that we forget to stop and drink the coconuts, so to speak.

This was as natural as it gets. The wind to cool me off, instead of the air-conditioning; a leafy, shady tree overhead, instead of a zinc roof; and fresh coconut juice in my hands, instead of those mocktail glasses with the little umbrellas stuck in them.

The kampung folk’s hospitality is legendary in Malaysia. When you check in at one of the homestay kampungs, you’ll notice that it’s like coming home to your grandparent’s home for Hari Raya. Some people may find the idea of staying at a stranger’s home rather awkward, but whatever they say about Malaysian hospitality being genuine and warm is true – in fact, they could possibly put public relations agencies to shame! It doesn’t take long to bond and you’ll immediately feel like part of the family. Many “host families” and their guests have parted ways in tears at the end of their homestay duration. I know I have…!

Another thing in abundance here in these traditional villages is time. Things around here move at a slightly slower pace than in the city. An entire morning can be dedicated to the preparation of lunch. On one occasion, the womenfolk who were neighbours with each other congregated at their friend’s kitchen and commenced their preparation of the day’s meal. Amid their twittering gossips, teasing banter, the peeling, cutting and slicing of a variety of herbs, leaves and spices, and the steaming pots of what-not from the stove, lunch slowly took on the form of a feast! Just another example of teamwork at its best!

Despite being in a kampung, you’d be surprised at the variety of things to do. Each kampung is unique, has its own traditions and cuisine heritage (depending on its location in Malaysia) and lifestyle. Some of the villages are set near jungle, others may be by the sea or river. Some may be surrounded by paddy fields or fruit orchards.

A host family at Kampung Haji Dorani has their own paddy field and during the harvesting season, I had a chance to help them out in gathering the crop. I considered it as my little contribution to alleviating world hunger, and took great pride in it! They also happened to have a small fruit orchard and many an evening was spent on the patio of the house peeling away the skin of the mangoes to reveal the juicy, golden flesh beneath. There’s just something so satisfying about picking your own fruit, harvesting your own rice and catching your own fish for the night’s dinner. This is exactly what they’ve been saying about the farm-to-table concept, and there I was living the life!

The afternoons are usually my favourite time because that’s when I get to spend time with the village kids. At Kampung Batu Laut near Banting, Selangor, the children would rush down to the beach after school and practice their sailing skills. These kids are being groomed to be the next sailors and sea captains and some of them have excelled so well as to compete in sailing competitions worldwide!

Despite the age difference, there’s a whole lot to be learned from these kids — about creativity (fashioning kites from bamboo) and teamwork (building a raft made of old tires). It was way better than those corporate training sessions in hotel meeting rooms!

The Malaysian homestay experience may have some similarities with the bed and breakfast concept in Europe, but I dare say that we’ve perfected it. It’s not only a retreat for those wanting to escape the city, it’s a lesson in life about humanity, patience, and for us, Malaysians, our heritage and traditions.

So if you find yourself stuck in life, corporate meetings, a 4×4 cubicle, traffic jams, or whatnot, perhaps it’s time to take a little drive back to our kampungs and learn to enjoy the simple pleasures of life again.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Regatta Lepa – a boating festival Sabah style

Regatta Lepa – a boating festival Sabah style

Most people go to Semporna in far southeastern Sabah for the world class diving sites that lie just off the coast – Sipadan immediately springs to mind for many. But for me, it was a small notation in Lonely Planet that got me hooked: “This mainly Bajau town really comes alive at the end of March when a colourful regatta takes place, but normally it’s quiet.”

A regatta in Sabah? A Borneo festival with traditional, single-mast sailing boats? I was in.

I arrived in Semporna a few days before festivities for the Regatta Lepa got underway when tents and stalls were just being set up. The 2012 event was Sabah Tourism’s 19th annual version of the colourful local festivity and it promised an intimate view into some of the traditions of the region.

Semporna itself seemed a pretty little place with stilt houses sprawled across the bay, which in turn was filled with boating activity, markets and trade. It looked promising already but I headed over to Mabul Island first for the customary diving experience and then returned to the mainland several days later.

By the time I returned on the Friday evening, the festivities had begun. In what had been empty streets when I first arrived, were numerous stalls piled high with all manner of goods – scarves (for Muslim women), kids’ toys, clothing, hats, jewellery, local food and drinks.

 

There were so many of these stalls they literally clogged the streets – many of which were closed to traffic. Wandering further afield into what might have actually been permanent market areas, I also came across numerous stalls grilling up various types of seafood.

There were also some cultural events taking place on the town field with dancing in traditional dress, music and singing. And there were some traditional wooden hulled lepa boats already sailing around, decorated and ready for the boat parades of the morrow. These single-mast sailing boats of the Bajaus of Semporna give the festival its name and it was exciting to see them finally.

Cultural performances with electric costumes on the town field. Pic: Joanne Lane.

However I’d really come for the excitement of the boating events on the Saturday and it was worth waiting for. These were held on the waters in front of the Seascape Hotel so I trudged down there to join an enormous crowd heckling for key viewing spots on the river. A word of advice for future festival goers – get here early for the best views.

There were single kayak or group canoe events, an event in which competitors had to climb a pole and try to push each other off, and even a tug of war competition in which boat competitors could use their legs only to row. It was noisy, raucous and thoroughly enjoyable with teams getting resounding cheers when they returned to the docks.

Hotly contested boating events during the festival. Pic: Joanne Lane.

After this the regatta of the boats began with a colourful stream of lepa boats decked out in flags and even dancing women in traditional dress. They smiled, swayed, and moved impossibly long finger-nailed hands around while men behind them beat on gongs, drums and other local instruments.

When this was over there were numerous speeches and prayers and the crowd moved off back into the streets. I turned my attention then to the market stalls nearest the hotel. It was good to see some of these encouraging coral conservation and better fishing practices as the region is indeed known for its underwater life and dynamite fishing has been a problem in the past.

The colourful parade of lepa boats complete with dancing women. Pic: Joanne Lane.

The WWF was running a children’s drawing competition of the local flora and fauna under and above the sea, there were sustainable farming/agricultural exhibits and some men displaying the famed woodwork skills of lepa boats. One was particularly pleased when I commented on how good they were.
Local tourism ventures had also put together some free tours in the area including the town, local trekking and mangrove trips. You simply signed up if they still had space and then met at an appointed time to be taken on the trip. Unfortunately by the time I came across their information I’d missed the last tour.

In the afternoon and evening the action moved to the town field again with a lantern parade threading through town from the harbour with boats lit with fairy lights.

This was followed by a variety of speeches, some of which were translated in English. One, by a governor or local minister, was particularly good espousing the racial harmony and diversity of multicultural Malaysia and really roused the crowd with cheers.

This was followed by various cultural performances including women in the most incredible costumes and very dramatic fireworks late in the evening that boomed over town in an incredible display of colour.

On the final morning Semporna seemed to be returning to its normally quiet routine with the boats, parades, lanterns, music and dance of the annual regatta already over. In all it was a fantastic way to see a bit of local culture.

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2012

January 9, 2012 at 12:30 pm

It is that time of the year again where fans of yacht racing flock to Langkawi in Kedah to catch the premier sailing event of Asia, the Royal Langkawi International Regatta. This event will begin on 9th January and will go on until 14th January 2012. This year marks the 10th regatta to be organised by the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club since it started in 2003. Langkawi will also be the host once again for the many different classes of competition, including the Racing Class, IRC Class, Sports Boat, Multihull, Club Cruising and Ocean Rover.

Langkawi is set to host Asia’s premier sailing event – the Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2012

This year’s race will be preceded by a curtain-raiser, the Ao Chalong – Langkawi ‘Champagne Run’ which will kick off on 7th January 2012 from Ao Chalong Yacht Club, Ao Chalong Bay in Phuket, Thailand to Telaga Harbour in Langkawi, Kedah. The teams that will be competing in this year’s regatta will be vying for the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy (for participants of internationally registered yachts), the Commodore’s Challenge Cup (for participants of club-registered cruisers), the LADA-IRC Challenge Trophy (for participants of the IRC 1 Class), the Langkawi Sports Trophy (for participants in the Sports Boat Class) and the Malaysian Multihull Challenge Cup (for participants under the Multihull category).

For more information on racing schedules and also about the Royal Langkawi International Regatta, please log on to the main website here.

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Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

MELAKA BEACH FESTIVAL 2011

24 November 2011 | Last updated at 01:17AM

100,000 expected at Tanjung Bidara’s beach festival
By Jason Gerald John | 0 comments
MALACCA: Some 100,000 people, both locals and tourists, are expected at the Melaka Beach Festival 2011, which would be held at the Tanjung Bidara beach from Dec 9 to 11.
tanjung bidara

The scenic Tanjung Bidara beach will host modern water-sport activities and also traditional games next month.

The festival’s organising committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Karim Sulaiman, who is also the Tanjung Bidara assemblyman, said the event would involve both modern water-sport activities and also traditional games.

Among the activities which would be held during the three-day beach festival are sailing competitions, pillow fights, climbing the slippery pole, tug-of-war, beach volleyball and soccer, duck catching competition and mountain bike racing.

“Besides these activities, we would also be organising a beach run, fishing competition, kite flying competition, karaoke competition and also the Big Bike Charity Wash,” he said recently.

Karim said the event, which is organised by the State Tourism Promotion Board and the Alor Gajah Municipal Council, would also see a career opportunity and exhibition by the Armed Forces.

“Pos Malaysia Bhd will host a photography exhibition and a sepak takraw competition at the event.

“This event would be a huge hit among visitors to the state as it is one of the year-end programmes which had been included in the 2011 Melaka Tourism Calendar.

“I hope people from all walks of life from in and out of the country would join us for the three days of fun, games and family outing, especially during the school holidays.

“I am sure there would be something for all family members and visitors to participate in and it would surely be a memorable experience,” he said.

Read more: 100,000 expected at Tanjung Bidara’s beach festival – Central – New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/100-000-expected-at-tanjung-bidara-s-beach-festival-1.10102#ixzz1eaajkhmv