Malaysia & Singapore Family Holidays

Family Adventure Holidays in Malaysia with Kids 

Malaysian Borneo

Discover Malaysian Borneo, which occupies the northern part of the shared island and is divided into the states of Sarawak and Sabah. Many adventure trips start in the Sarawak city of Kuching, where you can stroll along the waterfront and have fun spotting statues of cats throughout the city (‘kuching’ means ‘cat’ in Malay). 

From here, head to the Bako National Park for jungle hikes and the chance to see monkeys, monitor lizards, wild boar and more, stay with Iban head-hunters in wooden titled longhouses in Batang Ali, and see orang-utans being prepared for release into the wild at the award-winning Matang Wildlife Centre in Kubah National Park. 

In the Sabah region, you can see Borneo’s most famous inhabitants at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, cruise along the Kinabatangan, Borneo’s longest river, snorkel in the clear waters of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, and climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-east Asia.

Mainland Malaysia

Immerse yourself in mainland Malaysia, starting with the highlights of Kuala Lumpur (see below) before taking in the Cameron Highlands with their tea plantations, the ancient rainforest of Taman Negara National Park, the aeons-old temples of Penang and the Pantai Kerachut Turtle Conservation Centre in Penang National Park. 

See our features on a family adventure in Taman Negara and a family break in Penang. 

Malaysia Beach Holidays 

Kick back in Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands off Malaysia’s west coast. This tropical paradise of white-sand beaches and coconut trees is perfect for family beach holidays, with plenty to to keep all ages entertained, from gentle boat-trips through the wildlife-rich mangrove swamps to high-speed jet-ski tours. Read our features on a family holiday on Langkawi and a two-centre holiday on Penang and Langkawi.

Visiting Kuala Lumpur with Kids 

Experience Kuala Lumpur in its own right or as a stopover en route to other parts of Malaysia or further-flung destinations such as Australia. Marvel at views from the Petronas Twin Towers with their 41st-storey skybridge, hit the shops at Suria KLCC, a huge mall at the foot of the Towers, and run off steam in Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park with its two-acre playground and dancing water fountains at Lake Symphony. Kids also love the hands-on science exhibits at Petrosains, The Discovery Centre and meeting underwater creatures at Aquaria KLCC.

Outside Kuala Lumpur City Centre:

• Head to the city’s Central Market for traditional Malaysian craft, to KL Forest Eco Park for nature trails and a 200m canopy walk, and to the neighbouring KL Tower for the views from its Observation Deck, Sky Deck and Sky Box.

• Visit the 92-hectare Perdana Botanical Gardens with their deer park and bamboo playhouse and the nearby National Planetarium.

• Head to the sacred Batu Caves 7km from the city centre for an interesting day-trip from Kuala Lumpur

• Enjoy aquatic fun at the Sunway Lagoon theme park a 15-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur.

See our feature on a Kuala Lumpur city break with kids.

Family Holidays in Singapore 

Sentosa Island

Ride the cable-car to Sentosa Island, home to the Universal Studios movie theme-park, a zipline taking you over forest canopy and golden beaches, the Skyline Luge, the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, Adventure Cove Waterpark and the Singapore Oceanarium.

Waterfront Gardens

Don’t miss the waterfront Gardens by the Bay, a nature park including a grove of Supertrees functioning as vertical gardens, illuminated by night. With ages one to 12, head for the Children’s Garden with its water features (bring swimwear) and colourful café.

Arab Quarter, Little India, Skaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, and Singapore Botanic Gardens

Take a boat-ride on the river or soak up the atmosphere in the Arab Quarter and Little India, stopping at the Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple to see the 15m Buddha adorned with 1,000 lights. Then head north to the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden within the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. 

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

In the north, take little wildlife-lovers to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Chinatown, Science Centre Singapore, and Jurong Lake 

 In southern and western Singapore, explore Chinatown with its remarkable mix of places of worship, from a mosque to a Hindu temple. Investigate the interactive exhibits at the Science Centre Singapore (and go snowtubing in its Snow City). The 13-acre Chinese Gardens at Jurong Lake are another oasis of calm, while the interactive exhibits at the Singapore Discovery Centre bring the story of Singapore to life – and kids love its giant iWERKS cinema.

See our features 10 Things to Do on a Singapore Stopover with Kids.