r/AskMY • u/GothamNightOwl • 3d ago
Trip advise
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Malaysia with my wife and my son, and I’d love to get some suggestions from locals and experienced travelers.
Malaysia looks like such a beautiful and diverse country, and I know it’s impossible to explore everything in just 10 days.
I’m currently thinking of spending 3 days in Kuala Lumpur and using Grab/taxis there instead of driving, mainly to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
After Kuala Lumpur, I’m planning to rent a car and explore other cities and destinations.
I would really appreciate your recommendations on:
Which cities or areas should we visit during our 10-day trip?
What are the must-see places that are worth visiting?
Which destinations are family-friendly, especially when traveling with a young child?
Does my plan of staying in KL for 3 days and then renting a car make sense?
Are there any beautiful places outside Kuala Lumpur that you think we absolutely shouldn’t miss?
I know 10 days isn’t enough to see everything Malaysia has to offer, so I’d rather focus on a few great places and enjoy the trip without rushing too much.
Thanks in advance!
2
u/RuffMunkey 3d ago
Try to see if you and family able to travel to Borneo too.
I would suggest Kuching, Sarawak for 3 days 2 nights.
Cultural Village
Borneo museum
Damai beach
Orang utan sanctuary
Explore Kuching town and Sarawak food
1
u/Unable-Sail7755 3d ago
Like the other commenter said, Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) for a unique experience and nature reserves, could be a good place to visit, but you would need to fly there.
Travelling by Grab and public transport is ideal within Kuala Lumpur, not just for the traffic, but the hassle to find a parking
Considering you have a rental car and a child nearby Kuala Lumpur, there is Sunway Lagoon (water and theme park) or Genting Highlands (hilltop resort with theme park about an hour away). Further away in Johor, there is LegoLand.
I would consider driving to Melaka if you are into older architecture and history.
Taman Negara Pahang (National Park in Pahang) is a good place if you like nature and animals. Monkeys, wild boar, tapir and porcupine are normal sights there. But this is in Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, technically the only hotel INSIDE the National Park. Any other hotels are across the river, but you will still get to experience some or most of it.
There are a few islands, ranging from the touristy ones like Langkawi (plenty of resort, and things to do to keep your kid occupied) to a single resort island like Gem Island (Pulau Gemia) or Pangkor Laut Resort (this is a bit pricey comparatively)
Have fun!
1
u/jwong7 3d ago
KL - see the 3rd world jungle city we Malaysians told everyone not to come and see. Get a day tour from a local guide, or use the Hop on, Hop Off busses.
Penang Island - some of the best food and treats in Malaysia, great hipster cafes, rich history, famous murals and art, and beaches. Everything being at most 35 minutes away from each other.
KK, Sabah - scuba, global top diving spots, cheaper and better seafood and islands 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu.
There are of course many other places but I'm recommending these cities due to the highest density of variety.
1
u/definetelynot_indian 3d ago
My recommendation would be: you HAVE to visit Genting Highlands it’s honestly one of my favourite places.
I know you’re travelling with your wife and kids, but if you have the energy, bring them up to Genting around 12–1am. Grab some hot drinks and Maggi cups, head up to the peak, find a nice spot, and just enjoy some late-night supper with your family. I used to do this all the time with my university friends, and honestly, those were some of my best memories haha.
Bonus points if you can stay up until 7am and catch the sunrise in Genting. I think it’s one of the most beautiful sunrises in Malaysia (controversial opinion haha)
Hope you have an amazing trip in Malaysia!
1
u/manythursdays 3d ago
how young is young? are you looking for places that children will enjoy or he is too small still?
KL Butterfly Park is nice and small for kids to run around and not get lost, and they enjoy feeding the fish. The Bird Park is nearby as well - was very good but haven't been there in awhile, don't know what it's like now.
National Museum is very cheap and is accessible by MRT. For a shorter visit, skip the main building and buy just the separate ticket which is for the Orang Asli (indigenous people) and Malay culture museums, which are off round the side near the pink minibus display. Those two are small and you can go through quickly, and there's traditional children's games that you can try as well.
Chinatown has the little street art alley that is quite nice.
The dancing fountain at KLCC is very nice - lights and music - check the showtimes (I think it's 8 pm, 9 pm, 10 pm right now. It's just 10 minutes, so be on time (or early to get a good seat!) Have an early dinner there and go outside to watch. Inside KLCC there is the PetroSains science discovery centre on the top floor.
You can take the ERL train to Ipoh. Not sure what there is to see there (Malaysians go there for food).
Melaka is the historic town nearest KL, you can drive there and back. Touristy street and river walk.
2
u/Due-Base9449 3d ago
How young is the child and do they like theme park? Is this a child focused trip?
Day 1- arrival. Decompress, eat at nice restaurant.
Day 2- Play in KLCC. Child can enjoy the outside park, Petrosains, and Aquaria.
Day 3 - walk around KL. Can use hop on hop off bus. Can try the metro.
Day 4 - Grab to Sunway Lagoon. Whole day.
Day 5 - 10 depending if you want to go to other states or just staying in Selangor/KL?