How to Plan a Family-Friendly Vacation in Malaysia

Malaysia stands out as one of South Asia's premier holiday destinations, ideal for families seeking a memorable vacation experience. Boasting breathtaking beaches and top-notch entertainment hubs, Malaysia offers an array of water parks and amusement centres perfect for travellers with children of all ages. Whether determining the optimal time to visit or crafting a detailed itinerary, families planning a trip to Malaysia can benefit from these practical tips to streamline their getaway.

1. Time the Trip

Although Malaysia is suitable for a family holiday for most of the year, those who are visiting the country for the first time should consider visiting between December and February. This is the peak travel season for Malaysia and it's ideal for families due to the dry and sunny weather conditions prevalent throughout most of the land. The summer season from June to August is also perfect for those who wish to engage in water sports activities and outdoor excursions although the heat may be a little tough to bear for those hailing from cold climates. Avoid planning family holidays in Malaysia during the wet season as it will limit the types of activities the family can enjoy.

2. Find Strategic Bases with Family-Oriented Amenities

The next step in the planning process is finding suitable accommodation in the cities or areas of the country that one hopes to visit. It's important to keep in mind that although most rests call themselves the best resort in Malaysia, there is only a handful of hotel chains that provide family-friendly facilities and amenities in strategic locations. So whether you reserve a boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur or a beach hotel such as Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, ensure that the property provides easy access to some of the area's top highlights.

3. Schedule a Day or Two in KL

Every family trip to Malaysia should start with a few days in the nation's capital, Kuala Lumpur, as this is where the main international airport is situated. Home to some of the best theme parks and landmarks in the country, KL is a wonderland for families who love to shop, wine and dine and enjoy splashing around in water parks. Key points of interest to include in one's KL family itinerary include the Sunway Lagoon, the Petrosains Discovery Centre and Aquaria KLCC while KL Bird Park and KidZania are other family-related highlights worth exploring.

4. Don't Forget to Drop by Desaru

Often considered the best beach hub for families apart from Langkawi, the Desaru Coast offers families an array of attractions and activity bases that are not limited to its stunning beaches and the Desaru Fruit Farm. With venues such as the Dash Outdoor Adventure enclave and the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark among the area's main landmarks, it's little wonder that families include this sun-kissed region in their Malaysian holiday itinerary.

5. Create a Daily Sightseeing Itinerary

Regardless of the contents of one's travel plans, it's crucial to create a daily activity plan for each day on holiday. Malaysia is a warm and tropical country, and travelling around its cities and coastlines can take its toll on smaller children so it's best to schedule frequent breaks in between cultural tours and other excursions.

6. Other Tips                                 

When travelling around Malaysia, families are likely to come across street markets and street food vendors and it's perfectly safe to wine and dine at these venues provided that one steers the children away from spicy foods. Wearing sunscreen when stepping outside of the hotel is essential in the Malaysian climate as the threat of sunburn is not restricted to beach areas. Make sure the clothes packed for the trip are made from cotton or other airy fabrics as wearing synthetic materials can be torturous in the heat.