Traveling in Malaysia with kids

If you’ve got plans to go traveling in Malaysia with kids then make sure you find out what Responsible Travel recommends before you set off. With got the low down on activities for families in Malaysia as well as what to do with little ones to ensure you’re able to travel with confidence and experience a family vacation that’s as safe and exciting as magically memorable.

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Traveling in Malaysia with kids

Children are absolutely worshipped in Malaysia with well-maintained urban parks and play areas, combining with low-key beach resorts and accessible tropical rainforests.

Starting in the capital makes sense, with the Skytrain offering an alternative view of the city. Don’t miss out on Petaling Street in Chinatown for a much more exciting shopping experience to air-conditioned malls. The Batu Caves, just 30 minutes from KL, thrust you into a world of Hinduism, monkeys and steps, lots of steps. Speedy flights to Langkawi Island on the northwest coast invite a few laid back days at the beach, as well as an awesome SkyWalk, although if coral reefs and desert island beaches are your thing, head to the Perhentians (northeast) or Tioman Island (southeast) for a totally tropical treat. Finally, there are some amazing bungalows in Berembun Forest Reserve – the perfect setting for an adventure in the jungle, for the whole family, without any age limits.

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Activities for families in Malaysia

Head up to the Highlands

We recommend the jungle experience in Taman Negara National Park as it features an easy going canopy walkway as well as chances to spot lots of different types of wildlife. The tea plantations and butterfly farm in the Cameron Highlands are also great places to visit for families as is Georgetown in Penang, if only for the temples and all the different places to eat.

Homestays

Homestays are a great way to become immersed in local life and families always feedback how well the kids got looked after and how great it was for them to become more trusting of other cultures alongside interacting with local village children, on their level. Homestays also offer a real break from the norm with jungle treks on your doorstep and countless evenings spent looking at the stars.

Day at the beach

If you're looking to take your family to the beach then Langkawi is really family-friendly, although slightly over-developed, with lots of restaurants, beach bars and places to stay, including low-key guesthouses. However, if you're looking to swim with turtles and have an amazing underwater experience then there's nowhere better than the Perhentian Islands for a wild day at the beach.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Malaysia or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

Toll free 1-866-821-6866

Calling us from outside the US?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Toll free 1-866-821-6866

Calling us from outside the US?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Responsible Travel asks the experts

Chloe Mckellar, from our supplier Rickshaw Travel, offers some family-friendly top tips: “Be aware, blonde, blue eyed children, as in many other parts of Asia, will get lots of attention. There really isn't any harm intended when perfect strangers ask for a photo with your children or follow you around with selfie sticks however, saying no usually defuses the situation without any problems. Alternatively, cover up blonde locks with a hat!”

“I'd really recommend homestay accommodation for families as it's a great way to let children meet local kids and find out more about traditional ways of life including school activities, play time and general time spent around the home. A lot of accommodations, particularly smaller hotels, have just a few family rooms so it's worth booking well in advance. This tends to be because a lot of guesthouses and hotels are Chinese owned so the policy for one child doesn't extend to needing lots of larger, family rooms.”

More about Malaysia

Malaysia travel guide

No matter whether you're trekking in the Cameron Highlands or strolling amongst the architectural ambience of Ipoh and Penang, our Malaysia travel guide present plenty for active travelers looking for a lesser-visited Asian alternative.

Best time to visit Malaysia

Find out the best time to visit Malaysia in terms of temperature & rainfall as well as what we recommend from the country’s cultural calendar.

Malaysia map & highlights

Follow our interactive Malaysia map and highlights to help you make the most of your time as you explore from Belum and Berembun forest reserves to Taman Negara National Park and Tioman Island.

Things to do in Malaysia

Discover things to do in Malaysia that will take you way beyond shopping in KL with multi-cultural tours in Malacca, coast to coast options and rainforest adventures just the start of things to come.

Malaysia & Borneo tours

Thinking of traveling to Malaysia? It’d be rude not to pop by Borneo while you’re in that neck of the woods.

Malaysia travel advice

Find out how to get around Malaysia, what to pack and where and what to eat as you read advice and tips from our friends in Malaysia and take the time to travel safely in Malaysia after checking out our health & safety travel guide containing everything from mosquitoes to metered taxis.

Responsible tourism in Malaysia

There are no excuses not to travel right in Malaysia with animal welfare, income disparity and ethnic tensions all big issues that the country needs to address.