Malaysia
What’s better than introducing your little global citizen to a
foreign country? Showing them one that’s a mix of different cultures all
living and working together harmoniously. Malaysia is a centuries-old
combination of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and British traditions. The kids
can simultaneously watch incense waft up from the front of a Chinese
temple, hear the call to prayer from the mosque down the street, and
smell the inviting aroma of Indian food from the cart on the corner.
It’s like visiting multiple countries all at one time.
Malaysia appeals to the adventurous explorer in kids. Trek the jungle
in search of the distinctive Rafflesia flower which can grow up to 100
cm wide and is famous for smelling like rotten meat. In Malaysian
Borneo, come face-to-face with semi-wild orangutans in rehabilitation
sanctuaries or cruise rivers in search of endangered proboscis monkeys
and river dolphins. Visit cultural villages to learn about now-forbidden
tribal ways like headhunting, and let the kids try out how well they do
with a blow dart. In Kuala Lumpur, climb 272 steps to the Hindu temple
built high up inside Batu Caves.
Children who enjoy modern sights will want to head up to the
Skybridge of the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world.
If that isn’t enough, spend a day or two at LEGOLAND Malaysia, just
across the border from Singapore. The water park, themed hotel, and
amusement park rides will undoubtedly keep them entertained. Make sure
to leave time to wander through Miniland Asia with models of everything
from China’s Forbidden City to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, all built out of
LEGOs. With a visit to Malaysia, your kids will feel like they’ve
travelled to more than just one country.
Bali, Indonesia
There is a very good reason Australians continue to flock to Bali
each year and it’s not just for cheap beer. Bali has a huge number of
things for families to do, and sipping cocktails in the resort pool bar
while the kids are in kids club is only one of them.
The whole family will want to spend at least a day or two screaming on
the thrilling waterslides or gently floating down the lazy river.
And even younger kids will have a ball with the smaller child-friendly
slides.
Something for the older kids. Hidden deep in the jungle north of Ubud,
the whole family can take a fun quad bike tour through small villages
and tropical rainforest. Then after lunch hop in an inflatable tube and
drift down a scenic river bordered by a steep canyon with lush, cool,
shady. The perfect combination of excitement and relaxation.
Singapore
Next stop Singapore. Singapore is immaculately clean, safe and very
child- friendly. Be prepared to spend a little bit more money in this
country, but it will be well worth it.
Singapore is loaded with fun activities for families. It’s easy to
get around, has colorful neighborhoods, and a mind-boggling array of
food, shopping, and entertainment options.
Kids will be most
interested in the Night Safari, Sentosa Island, and the Science Centre
but you could spend a week here and not be bored.
The mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures is apparent and adds to
the appeal of Singapore – as well as the taste! There is also a strong
British influence and many expats to give it a very multicultural vibe.
The common language is English and you will see this everywhere which
makes things extra easy.
The subway system is unreal. Efficient and thorough and will take you
to most destinations. As for attractions there are many! We
particularly loved Universal Studios Singapore,
and there are also water parks, the world’s largest aquarium, a
fabulous zoo and many cultural attractions as well. You could spend
weeks here and not run out of new things to do. The only downside is the
cost, Singapore is not cheap.
Travel Tips: Bring plenty of money, do not expect it to be comparable
in cost to the neighbouring countries. Try lots of food and get to some
hawker centres.
Bangkok, Thailand
Southeast Asia’s most exciting and dynamic city. From fantastic
street food to gritty canal trips, from stunning palaces to the ultra
modern sky train, Bangkok flat out wowed you.
You could spend a
week here doing fun family-friendly attractions and day trips so don’t
dismiss the nation’s capital as just another dirty busy transit hub.
Hong Kong
I think Hong Kong is the best Asian city to take kids. My reason for
this is that transport is fantastic and it is very easy to get around.
The MTR (train system) is user friendly and you can get everywhere you
want to go. Octopus Cards for this service can be purchased at the
airport and any money will be refunded when you leave.
English is widely spoken and understood in Hong Kong. You will always
find someone that understands and is able to help. The locals love
western children and go out of their way to make the kids feel welcome.
Feeding the fussiest kids is also easy in Hong Kong. There are plenty of
places to eat including all the western take away outlets we are used
to and my kids ate traditional Chinese dumplings at least once a day.
There is no issues with food – you are able to eat anywhere unlike a lot
of other Asian countries.
Hong Kong has Disneyland and Ocean Park among many other attractions
that will keep the kids entertained. Disneyland is focused on the under
10’s while Ocean Park is more suitable for teenagers but young kids will
also love the animals and many of the rides. Both Disneyland and Ocean
Park are very affordable in Hong Kong, easy to get to on public
transport and the kids loved every minute of it. Shopping is
also fantastic, from markets to prestige labels, it’s all there. Make
sure you barter hard in the markets though – it’s a competitive sport!
I can’t recommend Hong Kong highly enough to people with young kids.
If you want a stress free, easy holiday in Asia this is the place for
you.
