Some of the links in this post are affiliates. If you make a purchase, we will give you a commission. It's a good idea to read disclosure.

Are you planning to visit Malaysia in the near future? Do you want to know where to go in Malaysia? You are in the correct location.

There are so many things to see and do in Malaysia, from white sandy beaches to dense rainforests and jungles, to historic cave temples and Orangutans and sea turtles. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

Kuala Lumpur has something to see and do. Don't underestimate the cities of Malaysia if you're thinking of a family vacation there. It is home to some of the best food in the world and the whole family will enjoy it.

Malaysia is not often thought of as a family holiday destination. There are many places to visit in Malaysia for families.

boat on water
Sunset cruising in Langkawi

Why Malaysia is Malaysia one of the best places for families?

There are so many amazing things to do in Malaysia with family and the locals are welcoming. It's my top choice for a family vacation.

English is the main language in Malaysia and there is a good bus system. If you want to drive yourself, you can hire drivers or take a cheap domestic flight.

There are so many different places to explore in culture, nature, and landscape, from the rolling hills of Cameron Highlands to the untamed jungle of Borneo. This all comes at a very low price.

Getting Around Malaysia

Malaysia has a great bus network that will connect you to most places in the country. There are more than 6,000 bus routes, so you can always find a bus to your destination. You can buy tickets online.

There are some areas in Borneo that are not connected by buses. The wildlife corridor is a good place to visit if you want to see the elusive animals.

It is possible to rent a car through Rental Cars.com, which is the world's biggest car rental booking service that compares all the major brands.

Penang, Langkawi, and Sandakan have cheap internal flights. If you want to find a deal, check out Skyscanner.

The 16 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia For Families

It's time to plan where you're going to visit after you know how to get around Malaysia. There are many places to visit in Malaysia.

1. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to visit in Malaysia with your family.

body of water in a park
KLCC Park

It is the largest city in the country and has a lot of things to see and do. You can spend your vacation time here and do a lot of different things, from visiting the Batu Caves to eating Chinese food in Chinatown.

There is a huge playground and water play areas near the fountain show on the opposite side of the towers.

The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is a must see in Kuala Lumpur.

This isn't just one of the biggest bird aviaries in the world, but also has some of the prettiest gardens I've ever seen. It is great to walk around here and remind you that you are in the tropics.

KLCC Park is a great place for kids to visit.

bsh

Aquaria KLCC and Petrosain's Discovery Centre are on the edges of the park.

KidZania is one of the best family attractions in KL. My kids love going to this international chain because it allows them to try out many different professions while making money in a little KidZania world.

Some places that mom and dad will enjoy are included in the list. The tallest twin towers in the world are located on the 86th deck.

You can visit the National Museum of Malaysia, the National Mosque, KL Forest Eco Park and do some shopping.

The central market of KL is one of the largest markets in the world and is a great place to buy souvenirs.

For the best family vacation in Malaysia, you should visit Kuala Lumpur for a few days.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur for families

The hotel is called Berjaya Times Square.

The hotel has a variety of room types including two bedroom apartments, the biggest city hotel pool I have ever seen, and its location makes it one of our favourite places to stay.

One of the biggest shopping centers in Malaysia is connected to the hotel by an indoor theme park. It is the most convenient place to stay with children.

2. Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia with kids as a separate destination.

sunway lagoon malaysia
Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon is located between KL Airport and Kuala Lumpur and is a town of its own.

The theme park is easy to navigate and fun for a holiday in Malaysia.

There are six different zones at the theme park, which include dry thrill rides, a water park, animal park, and a fun Lost Lagoon area for little ones.

There is a variety of hotels with differing standards connected as well as the big shopping centre with many food options and entertainment options.

Where to Stay near Sunway Lagoon for families

Sunway hotel

There is a modern and luxurious hotel on this site that is close to the entrance of Sunway Lagoon.

There are connecting rooms for families at the hotel.

3. Port Dickson

If you are looking for some quality family downtime, Port Dickson is one of the best places to go in Malaysia.

lexis hibiscus port dickson
The Lexis Hibiscus

A stretch of coast close to Kuala Lumpur is referred to as Port Dickson.

There are many beautiful beaches here and some low key attractions for families such as an emu farm, an army museum, and a small indoor theme park.

The affordable and fabulous accommodations in Port Dickson are our favourite part of the town.

This is the cheapest place in the world to stay in an over water villa with a private pool.

It's not the best place for a family trip in Malaysia for people wanting lots of action, but it is a great place for families with toddlers to relax and have fun.

You can read more about the city here.

Places to stay in Port Dickson for families

There are some great family resorts in this area.

  • Avillion Port Dickson
  • Grand Lexis Hibiscus

Lexis is named after a flower.

There is a Guinness World Record for the most pools in a resort.

When you fly into Kuala Lumpur, look out for the over-water villas that form a hibiscus shape from the air.

The over-water pool villas are large enough for our family of five to live in and have their own swimming pools and saunas on the deck.

An indoor play centre, games arcade, water park, archery, and many other facilities can be found here.

4. Legoland Malaysia

The famous Legoland Malaysia is located in the southern part of Malaysia.

water amusement park ride
Legoland Malaysia

If you enjoy theme parks, rides, and Lego-building, this is the place for you. There is a Legoland water park next to the cinema where you can watch Lego movies in 4D.

Younger kids will enjoy it, but older kids will too.

It doesn't seem to be busy and we have been able to go on every ride as often as we want.

If you can, avoid weekends and Malaysian and Singaporean school holidays.

Where to Stay near Legoland for families

The hotel is located at Legoland.

This hotel will be a hit with all of you.

Located next to the theme park, you can enter a whole Lego universe with Lego-themed rooms, Lego activities and events throughout the day and puzzle activities tounlock secret treasure in your room.

Families of up to five are accommodated in two different sleeping areas in most rooms. They come in four different themes.

5. Ipoh

The best place for a family vacation in Malaysia is Ipoh, which is a short drive north of Kuala Lumpur.

street art in Ipoh
Checking out street art in Ipoh

About 650,000 people live in Ipoh, the capital of Perak. It is well known for its colonial era architecture. Malay, Chinese, and Indian make up the city's diversities.

It has a beautiful downtown area which is fun to visit. The Old Town has beautiful buildings and cute streets. Old Chinese stophouses and some of the local cuisines can be seen here.

Street art in the central area is one of the most fun parts of Ipoh. As you all try to find the next piece of street art, it makes for a great family outing in Malaysia.

Ipoh residents may have participated in activities past their time in the city. One of the best tourist attractions in Ipoh is looking for this art.

One or two of Ipoh's cave temples should definitely be on your itinerary.

Cave temple in Ipoh

The best place for a family day in Malaysia is at Sunway Lost World.

The setting of the theme park on the outskirts of Ipoh is absolutely stunning. There are limestone hills and greenery around it. It feels like you're in a lost world.

You can visit a petting zoo and learn about tin mining here.

We had a great time at the pool party where we could watch live shows in the hills.

Where to Stay in Ipoh for families

The hotel is called Lost World.

The hotel is located at a theme park which makes it easy to visit.

If you want to visit their hot springs and spa in the evening, it is a good choice.

A variety of room types are available at the theme park.

6. Cameron Highlands

The best place in Malaysia for a family holiday is the Cameron Highlands, it's two hours east from Ipoh and it's cool.

girl looking at grassy mountains
Boh Tea Estate in the Cameron Highlands

It has rolling hills, hiking trails, waterfalls, jungles and more.

You will find a lot of tea plantations here. At least one must be visited by you. There are farms for bees and butterflies.

It is a great place to learn more about how the world works at each of the outdoor attractions.

The Mossy Forest is a great place to learn about the unique flora and fauna of Malaysia and the Orang Asli.

Places to stay in Cameron Highlands for families

Nova Highlands is a resort and residence.

Bee and strawberry farms are close to the hotel and a butterfly park is a short walk away.

A cinema, arcade games, and restaurants can be found below the hotel.

There are different types of rooms. The three-bedroom apartments were great.

7. Penang

Penang is our top choice for the best place to live for kids in Malaysia.

people standing in front of an old building
Fort Cornwallis in George Town

The western coast of peninsular Malaysia contains Penang island. A short flight from Kuala Lumpur is all it takes to get there.

The town center of Georgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There is more to do in Penang than visiting the town center and seeing all the beautiful mansions. It is one of the top places to look for street art.

You can enjoy the beaches in Batu Ferringhi, visit the award-winning ESCAPE park where you can zip line, rock climb, climb around in trees, or get lost in the jungle at Penang National Park.

It is one of the most popular destinations in Malaysia.

Penang has some of the best food in the world so you should encourage the children to be more adventurous. If you can, visit as many night markets as you can.

Everyone should be happy since the hawker centers have some western options.

Our kids loved the Youth Park where you can swim in free pools surrounded by nature, as well as taking a funicular ride up Penang Hill.

Kid's clubs are offered at many resorts in Penang.

Where to Stay in Penang for families

The Hard Rock Hotel Penang is located in Penang.

The hotel is located by the Batu Ferringhi beach and has a great pool and water playground.

Kids clubs for all ages can be found.

Some of the great features for families are in the room types. There is a separate sleeping area for the kids in the Roxity Kids Suites.

Private outdoor play area for your kids can be found in the courtyard option.

8. Langkawi

Langkawi is a popular family vacation destination.

When you shut your eyes, this is Malaysia. There are gorgeous beaches and beautiful scenery here.

The private beach at the Andaman Langkawi
The private beach at the Andaman Langkawi

A wildlife park, fruit farm, aquarium, and Langkawi Sky Bridge are some of the attractions that are great for children.

Sunset cruises and island hopping are just some of the water activities. Before you go to the hot springs, you can kayak through mangrove or zip line over the jungle.

Langkawi is a great place for tourists and there are many great resorts where you and your kids can stay.

This is a great place for a family holiday in Malaysia.

Where to Stay in Langkawi for families

There is a island called the Andaman Langkawi.

The hotel is located between the rainforest and the beach.

Suites with their own private pools can be found by the beach.

A huge pool area with a water slide and a coral nursery are just some of the facilities at this resort. Kids can snorkel at it.

One of the better kids clubs we have experienced is in the area.

9. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are a great place to go with your family if you want to escape the crowds.

The beach at the Perhentian Island Resort
The beach at the Perhentian Island Resort

The islands are located off the east coast of the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia and are accessible by boat.

The most popular island for families is Perhentian Besar, while backpackers prefer the smaller island of Perhentian Kecil.

The best time to visit is from April to October.

This is a good time for the kids to learn about snorkeling since there are some great places to snorkel off the beach.

Kayaking and jungle trekking are available. If you want to be surrounded by nature, this is the place to go for a family vacation in Malaysia.

Where to Stay in Perhentian Islands for families

The island resort is called Perhentian.

There are rules about where boats can go on the beach at this resort, which is one of the prettiest and calm on the islands.

There are turtles in the bay and it is a good place to snorkel.

The resort has a pool, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and more.

The prices and reviews can be found here.

10. Cherating

Cherating Beach is located on the east coast of Malaysia.

One of the beaches in Cherating Malaysia
One of the beaches in Cherating

There are some gorgeous beaches here as well as some top resorts, but it is still relatively undiscovered and makes for a good stop when visiting this part of Malaysia.

If you like turtles, Turtle Island is a great place to visit. There are efforts to save turtles at this one of the places to visit in Malaysia.

Cherating is a relaxing activity.

Places to stay in Cherating for families

The Club Med Cherating Beach is outside.

One of the best resorts in Malaysia has its own beaches and jungle.

One of the best kids clubs in the world, a stunning adults-only pool, tennis courts, and a trapeze can be found there.

All meals, most alcohol, and activities are included at this resort.

There are nightly shows, themed dinners, and a lot of other things that make this resort great for families.

It is our children's top pick of what to do in Malaysia.

11. Kuching

When planning a trip with your family, don't forget Borneo.

The island of Malaysian Borneo feels different from peninsular Malaysia and there is a lot to offer here as well.

The riverfront in Kuching
The riverfront in Kuching

The capital of the state of Sarawak is Kuching.

Its location on the Sarawak River leads to it being one of the nicer places to visit in Malaysia with a great atmosphere in the evening.

There are cat statues all over the city and the Cat Museum is tacky.

You are most likely to love the day trips to explore Borneo that are available in Kuching.

From Kuching, you can explore more of the jungle, culture, and wildlife. The Bako National Park is a great place to visit for rainforest and wildlife. There is a national park in Sarawak.

The Sarawak Cultural Village is a good place to learn more about the cultural groups in Sarawak. You can see orangutans in the wild and see sea turtles in the wild at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.

There are so many things to do here.

Kuching is a great place to visit with your family in Malaysia.

Where to Stay in Kuching for families

There is a hotel in Kuching, called theHilton Kuching.

The hotel is located in the center of town near the Sarawak River. It's the best place. It's important to book a room with river views.

Many restaurants and a pool are available. It might be one of the most affordable hotels in the world.

12. Sandakan

Sandakan is a good place to bring children for a holiday in Malaysia.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located on the opposite side of Borneo in Sabah state.

sandakan orangutans borneo
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The center helps orangutans that need to learn how to care for themselves and survive in the wild.

The older orangutans are in the wild as they learn to become less dependent on the twice- daily feedings that occur here.

You can see orangutans at the feedings. It is an incredible experience.

There is a memorial to the prisoners of war from the Borneo Death Marches in Sandakan.

The city is nice and can be used as a base with some great places to eat.

Where to Stay in Sandakan for families

The hotel is called Sandakan.

The Hotel Sandakan is the best place for families to stay in Sandakan.

Family rooms and two restaurants are included in the price.

13. Malacca (Melaka)

One of the most vibrant areas in the city is Malacca, which is home to the stunning river walk. It has a lot of places to eat and listen to live music.

The 17th-century Stadthuys building is an Ethnographic Museum and used to be a residence for Malaysia's governors.

Jonker Street, the center of Chinatown, is the number one place to visit if you want to eat street food.

The oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia is located there.

The Christ Church Melaka, a Dutch church, is one of the most famous attractions in Malaysia.

There is a lot of history to explore in Malacca and is probably somewhere mom and dad will appreciate the most, but children will enjoy some of the theme parks in the city.

Where to Stay in Malacca

The top family lovers water theme park.

Since most of Malacca's attractions are about history, it makes sense to stay somewhere more suitable for the kids. The resort is the top place to stay in Malacca for families.

There is a pool with bumper cars. Family rooms are available for people with young children.

If you want to make simple meals in the room, you can use the dining area.

14. Taman Negara

Taman Negara is a great place to take your kids to see what Malaysia is all about.

It is a huge national park that is located on the Malay peninsula and is made up of tropical rainforests that are over a century old.

One of the most popular things to do here is to take a canopy walk through the rain forests trees, as well as take nearby boat trips down the Tembeling River or trek up to the top of Mt Tahan.

tigers, macaques and birdlife can be found in the park. One of the largest flowers in the world is found there.

Where to Stay in Taman Negara

The guest house is called Taman Negara.

The guest house is located near the park and has comfortable rooms.

The Kuala Tahan Jetty is just 200 meters from the guest house.

15. Kota Kinabalu

The capital of Sabah in Borneo is Kota Kinabalu. It is the starting point for hikers wanting to hike the highest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu, and is also where you can go to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu is a waterside domed mosque located in the coastal city.

The Mala Mala Cultural Village is a good place to learn about indigenous tribes and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a great place to snorkel.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

There is a hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

The hotel is located in the city center of Kota Kinabalu. There are four restaurants, an outdoor pool, and modern furnishings at this base.

Breakfast can be had from the restaurant. Fratini's Past & Pizza is a great place to eat Italian food.

16. Gunung Mulu National Park

The Gunung Mulu National Park is a great place to visit with your family. There is a rainforest in the Sarawak region of Malaysian Borneo.

Gunung Mulu National Park

You will go crazy for this place. The Deer Cave, which is filled with bats, is said to lead to the Garden of Eden.

There is a hidden valley and waterfall through the cave.

There are jagged limestone rock formations in the landscape. This is a good place to hike and look for orchids.

Where to Stay in Gunung Mulu National Park

The village of Mulu is located in the southern part of the country.

It is possible to stay at a homeopath in Gunung Mulu National park. You can stay with a local family in their guest room and share a meal with them.

It is a good way to introduce your children to a new culture.

This is how you can stay in the park since you can't stay in the park.

Before You Go

There are 16 places to visit in Malaysia for families. You can see that there are a lot of unique places. This guide will help you plan your next visit to Malaysia.

Booking your accommodations in advance is important. Booking.com in Malaysia will show you what's on offer if you book last minute.

More Asia Travel Tips

Would you like to visit other countries in South East Asia? There are some resources that can help you plan a great trip.

Pin Below To Save On Pinterest:

blue ocean with a pier
tall city buildings
blue ocean with a pier Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest