Taking a young family to a faraway land may seem daunting. However, James, his wife Anwi, and four-year-old Diya took the bold step to journey to Malaysia for two weeks. Here’s how they overcame their worries and why you should consider a similar adventure with your family and friends.
Finding Our Feet
Upon arrival, following the advice of the hotel receptionist, we ventured down a dark alley in search of food after stepping down from the iconic Bluewater ferry. Tired and hungry from our long flight, we soon found ourselves at a bustling street food market. The vibrant sights, sounds, and smells were overwhelming. Diya clung to Anwi, unsure of the new experience. We chose a restaurant with a picture menu, and although Diya initially burst into tears at the unfamiliar food, she soon embraced it, intrigued by the chopsticks and eventually loving everything on her plate. This was the first of many great memories from our adventure around Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur
The next day in Kuala Lumpur, we enjoyed breakfast on our hotel’s rooftop terrace before exploring the city. Highlights included the mind-boggling views from the KL Tower, shopping under the Petronas Twin Towers, and relaxing in the KLCC Park. After a full day of sightseeing and a week’s worth of ice cream, we were ready for our next destination.
Taman Negara National Park
The following morning, we headed to the Taman Negara National Park. After a bus ride to Jerantut and a local lunch, we embarked on a thrilling three-hour longboat journey up the Tembeling River. In the jungle, we climbed Bukit Teresek, ate at floating restaurants, and marveled at gigantic insects during a night walk. The highlight was the 500-meter canopy walk, providing breathtaking views of the forest.
Online booking platforms like redBus have made bus travel convenient for tourists. Notably, it also has a special offer for the School Holidays with 50 % off, and the lowest bus ticket prices using code – MYNEW
Cameron Highlands
From the humid jungle, we moved to the cooler Cameron Highlands. Here, we explored tea plantations and the misty forests of Gunung Brinchang, rich with unique flora. Diya particularly enjoyed bonding with our guide, Raju, illustrating the friendliness of the Malaysian people. After exploring the forest and tea plantations, it was time for a beach adventure.
Perhentian Islands and Lang Tengah
Our journey continued to the Perhentian Islands, where we lazed on the beach, swam in the sea, and snorkeled among vibrant marine life. A memorable encounter with a juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagle highlighted our stay. From the Perhentian Islands, we moved to the tranquil Lang Tengah, a small island perfect for relaxation. Here, we spent our days swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the serene environment.
Langkawi: Island Paradise Awaits
The next leg of our adventure took us to Langkawi, a breathtaking archipelago nestled in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Pristine beaches fringed with swaying palm trees beckoned us to relax and soak up the sun. We spent our days swimming in the crystal-clear waters, kayaking through hidden coves, and basking on the warm sand. The teenagers in our group reveled in the thrill of jet skiing across the turquoise expanse, while the grandparents opted for leisurely walks along the shoreline, collecting seashells and soaking in the tranquility.
Best Time to Visit Malaysia
The ideal time to visit Malaysia depends on the location you choose to explore. Here are some recommendations based on various regions of the country:
West Coast ( Peninsular Malaysia)
- December to February: This is the peak season for the west coast. The climate is dry, making it excellent for beach holidays. During this period, you may visit Langkawi and stroll through the lovely alleys of Penang’s George Town. However, expect larger visitors and increased lodging charges.
- Chinese New Year and Thaipusam: Major cultural holidays such as Chinese New Year and the Hindu festival of Thaipusam are held in late January or early February.
East Coast (Peninsular Malaysia)
- June to September: This is the peak season for the east coast. The weather is dryer during these months. If you want to visit Kuala Lumpur and explore the East Coast, now is a fantastic time.
Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak)
- November to February: Borneo experiences heavy rainfall during this period. If you’re visiting Borneo, be prepared for wet weather.
- April to October: For the east coast of Borneo, this is a better time to explore.
Conclusion – Why You Should Travel to Malaysia with a Young Family
I highly recommend a trip to Malaysia for young families seeking adventure and cultural experiences. The perfect blend of exotic yet familiar, coupled with the welcoming Malaysian people, made our trip unforgettable. Booking through Rickshaw Travel removed the stress of organizing logistics, allowing us to focus on creating meaningful memories. While there is some travel involved, the excitement and cultural delights make it worthwhile. So, go for it, and create some meaningful memories with your family and friends!
