You've come to the right place.
Malaysia Adventures
Malaysia is so rich in culture and Southeast Asian history. It consists of a diverse population including indigenous Malay. Rounding out the citizenry are Indians and Chinese, attracted to this land during the 19th century in search of a better life. Who would think that this country situated between the South China Sea and the Straits of Melaka would house such magnificent family attractions?
Exotic Theme Parks
Theme park resorts of note include the Genting Highlands Resort ( 603/6101-1118), built at a mountainside hill station known for its cooler climate. This resort houses both an indoor theme park, with kiddie rides, a video arcade and bumper cars, and an outdoor theme park with coasters, swings and twirling teacups. There's also a challenging 18-hole golf course, a horse ranch offering equestrian activities including children's rides and beginners' lessons, a number of hotels and Malaysia's only casino.
Just off the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway, a stone's throw away from the Commonwealth Village, lies the 1,000-acre Mines Resort City ( 603/943-6688, 800/ 88-6018) and exhibition complex built around a lake created from an open cast mine. It is being touted as one of the Seven Wonders of Malaysia. The Mines Wonderland nighttime theme park includes the Aqua Laser Show, in which movies are projected on a screen of water, and a musical fountain where spectacular light effects enhance the waltzing waters. The highlight of the park is the 10,000-square-foot (1100 m²) Snow House displaying ice carvings of Malaysian landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and international attractions including London's Big Ben and the Sydney Opera House. Make sure to check out the Mines Palace of the Golden Horses ( 603/943-2333), a breathtakingly beautiful hotel offering a blend of Moorish architecture and Malaysian culture.
You could spend days at Sunway Lagoon (+65 235-2498), just outside of Kuala Lumpur, as this resort boasts of an ice skating rink open year-round, 10 cinemas, a 48-lane bowling alley and a 'wet and dry' theme park. Being North American, I was attracted to the Niagara Falls Flume Ride. However, no one warned me before taking this ride, that I'd get soaked and look like I had gone over the real falls -- in a leaky barrel.
Kuala Lumpur's Family Attractions
Make sure not to use up all your energy at the theme parks because there is so much more to do and see in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur (commonly known as KL) is a modern bustling city. Sights to see include the Kuala Lumpur Tower ( 603/208-5448), the Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest at 1,469 feet/452m, the Orchid Gardens and nearby Bird Park and the Butterfly Park housing 6,000 of these exotic insects and 15,000 plants. Introduce your children to the National Mosque (shoes off and heads covered, please), and the Colonial-era neighborhoods which evoke the spirit of W. Somerset Maugham.
If you like colorful textiles, check out the Batik Factory ( 603/263-7303), the Central Market filled with silk, pewter and earthenware, Chinatown, the Petaling Street Night Market and the world famous Royal Selangor Pewter Factory ( 603/268-9600).
Bukit Bintang, a long-time commercial Chinese neighborhood whose park once housed a stage used for festivals, has emerged since 2000 as an upscale shopping area, indicative of the city's new prosperity. Including the streets Bukit Bintang, and parts of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Imbi that lead to the major new shopping malls, this is an area where herbal medicine shops have given way to trendy restaurants, new hotels and law offices. Bintang Walk, a high-end shopping lane leading to the Ritz-Carlton will intrigue visitors of all ages.
A deluxe choice for accommodations (and you can afford absolute luxury with this exchange rate) is the elegant new Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur ( 603/2142-8000) where seasonal specials mean rates as low as US$100/night for a double sleeping four.
Post your comment