6 THINGS TO DO IN KUALA LUMPUR FOR FAMILIES

Accommodation is plentiful with options for all budget sizes, and you only need to stroll down the street to absorb the city`s energy and charisma. It is extremely easy to get around as Kuala Lumpur is a very compact town.  Colourful cultural hubs, like Chinatown, Malay and Indian districts present a taste of the vibrant diversity while kid-friendly amusement meccas will keep your young ones entertained for hours. Venture outside of the town to discover the KL`s hidden gems surrounded by tropical foliage and exotic fauna and flora.

Genting Highlands Theme Park, KL

WHAT TO DO IN KL FOR FAMILIES

1.PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

Kuala Lumpur has grown from nothing to an ultramodern city. Its skyline these days is a reflection of the booming economy. The city`s gleaming skyscrapers, such as Petronas Twin Towers, are quite a spectacle during the day and by night. In the commercial part of the complex (KLCC), there is so much to do here that you can easily spend a day exploring its attractions. The towers are home to a large number of boutiques, shops, and stores as well as lovely food courts, cafes and restaurants.

The Petrosains Discover Centre is a perfect place where to take the young ones – a melting pot of educational, interactive exhibits for all ages. This museum-style space is dedicated to science and technology in a fun way. Remember to stay until dark to watch the fabulous water fountain light show held every night right in front of the towers.

Kuala Lumpur, Petronas Twin Towers

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2.WILDLIFE AND MARINE PARKS

Once in KLCC, another ideal place to take your family to is the Aquaria KLCC, also suitable for families with toddlers. It is a world-class aquarium that exhibits more than 5000 freshwater and marine species and it is divided into 8 sections. Let the kids touch exotic fish while you can dive with sharks or rays.

If you crave for some more wildlife and sea life, pay a visit to the National ZOO and its Aquarium. Relax by the lake of the Zoo gardens, ride an elephant and enjoy park `s family-friendly facilities.

Another wildlife location is presented by the Farm in the City – a non-traditional zoo experience.  This large venue is divided into several sections, such as reptile corner, a bird aviary and a fish pond with all kinds of species.

Aquaria KLCC

3.THEME PARKS

GENTING HIGHLANDS is the iconic theme park of KL. Located on the hilltop, 1 hour away from the city, this “City of Entertainment” is accessible by car but also by the popular Genting Skyway – Southeast Asia`s longest gondola lift. This is the ultimate fun paradise and one can spend days here without getting bored. Take pleasure in the parks like the Snow World, Sky Venture, Genting Bowl, Vision City and Fantasy World Video Game.

MIMALAND also called “Malaysia in miniature”, is a massive amusement park with fishing and boating lake, a huge natural swimming pool and a small zoo with a collection of full-size dinosaur models.

KIDZANIA – resembling a mini city, this little complex is purposely built to prepare children for the work life, once they grow up. Child-sized replicas of cars, skyscrapers, corporation buildings and shops are supposed to stimulate children`s imagination and there are more than 90 different professions they can choose from in order to pretend to be a lawyer, surgeon, pilot, firefighter, teacher and even a model.

SKYTREX ADVENTURE – this is an educational adventure park for all ages full of exhilarating rides, flying foxes and zip lines over two lakes of the tropical rainforest. Agricultural Park is physically quite challenging but the Little Adventure is great for the youngest ones.

BERJAYA TIMES SQUARE – this the place to go on a rainy day. Built in a shopping mall, it is a paradise for families. Various exciting rides are available in the Fantasy Garden and the Galaxy Station. The 800 m long a Supersonic Odyssey Rollercoaster is the absolute winner!

I-CITY  is known as the “City of Digital Lights”. You will find here the famous colourful display of LED-lit attractions, such as trees, plants, birds and animals. The Water Park, the huge Ferris Wheel, 3-D Museum and the Snow Park are the favourites of the complex.

SUNWAY LAGOON is an extensive water park with dizzying water slides, thrilling wave pool, surf beach, a pirate ship and a river ride.  The theme park includes Water Park, Scream Park, Amusement Park, Extreme Park and Wildlife Park.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

4.THE LAKE GARDENS

Another fabulous spot where to take your kids in Kuala Lumpur is the Lake Gardens. The 60-hectare gardens are a refreshing oasis in the heart of the city. Renting a rowboat and floating on the calm waters of the lake will surely make the whole family happy.

The tropical Perdana Botanic Gardens, the National Planetarium and the exotic Bird Park belong to the recreational complex, too.  A walk through the city`s Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve makes one feel like being in the middle of the rainforest, even though it is located in the centre.

The Lake Gardens, Bird Park

5.INTO THE JUNGLE

Further away, there is a natural paradise to discover for all fans of greenery. Kuala Lumpur surrounds features beautiful nature trails and spectacular views. For instance, families are welcome to explore the Malaysian tropical rainforest of the Taman Alam Kuala Selangor Nature Park – a thriving reserve covered with wetlands, plantations, and forested hills. The most popular is the Canopy Track which is 30 meters above ground level, but there are many other jungle tracks with good bird-viewing spots.

A day-trip to the Templer Park, situated 22 km north of Kuala Lumpur, is just another wonderful alternative for nice refreshment on a hot day. This is a 1200-hectare jungle reserve boasts exotic fauna and flora, walking tracks, swimming lagoons, and waterfalls.

The Canopy Walk, KL

6.MYSTERIOUS CAVE ENCOUNTER

Famous Batu Caves is a ‘must-see’ for all visitors of Kuala Lumpur. The majestic caves are 13 km north of the capital, in a towering limestone formation, and they became a pilgrimage centre for the Hindu community in Malaysia. The main Temple Cave has an Art Gallery, and at the top of the staircase, deep in a huge cave, there is hidden the Subramaniam Swamy Temple, protected by troops of cheeky monkeys.

NOTE you will have to overcome quite a few stairs to reach the entrance of the cave (no baby prams).

Batu Caves

WHEN TO VISIT

Weather in Kuala Lumpur is very unpredictable and even the dry season (May-July) often gets heavy rain falls. There is no cool time of a year either, so the best time to visit KL is all around the year. Nevertheless, try to avoid public holidays and weekends when the city gets extremely crowded.

HOW TO GET THERE

For all international flights visit www.skyscanner.com or www.momondo.com