The top 23 places to visit in Malaysia with Kids
Before flying into Kuala Lumpur in late 2024, I knew close to nothing about Malaysia as a country. I knew enough about it to find it on a map, but that was about it! But after just a short time in country, I knew that Malaysia was something pretty special.
With a huge variety of interesting and beautiful spots to visit, from the rural tea farms of the Cameron Highlands, to the clean, white sand beaches of Redang Island, to the bustling, metropolitan capital of Kuala Lumpur, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll likely be able to find it in Malaysia!
It’s affordable without feeling compromised, culturally rich without being exhausting, and adventurous without demanding constant grit. Public transport is usable. Food is accessible. English is widely spoken. And across the country, there’s a surprising amount of space for kids to explore the world in ways that feel real rather than staged.
This list isn’t about doing Malaysia “right,” or seeing everything worth seeing. It’s about choosing places where families move at their own pace. So that learning happens naturally, rest is possible, and memories feel shared instead of survived!
Some of these destinations are easy wins. Others require a bit more effort. All of them offer something distinct for families traveling with kids, and each one shines for a different reason.
So, without further adieu, here is my list of the Top 23 Destinations for Families in Malaysia!
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Cities & Cultural Hubs
Cities can often be hit-or-miss when traveling with kids, but Malaysia does it right. The larger cities here are where logistics get easier, curiosity is constantly rewarded, and parents can easily find something to answer the dreaded “I’m bored” statements that come with down time.
For families easing into Malaysia, or who may be balancing travel with work, school, or a period of slower rhythms, Malaysia’s cities are often a good place to start.
Kuala Lumpur
The place where kids realize big cities can be exciting, friendly, and surprisingly green.
Kuala Lumpur is a rare kind of capital city: big enough to feel impressive, but forgiving enough to travel with kids without constant friction. Sidewalks exist. Public transport is intuitive. Malls double as air-conditioned recovery zones. And the city is dotted with parks that feel intentionally designed for families.
It’s also one of the biggest travel hubs in South East Asia. Flights in and out of KL are some of the cheaper options in the region, and in our travels through SEA, we often found ourselves stopping here for a few days!
Penang (Georgetown)
Where food becomes a family adventure and history sneaks in between snacks.
Penang, especially George Town, is a city that invites wandering. Distances are manageable, streets are visually interesting, and there’s always something happening at kid eye-level, whether it’s street art, food stalls, or temples!
Penang is known as Malaysia’s foodie destination, and I can vouch for there being a ton of great tasting options around town. But there are also plenty of temples to check out, a national forest to explore, and one of the largest waterparks in the country (if you need a break from the learning).
Our family kept pretty busy during our time in Penang, but, if I’m being honest, the travel times between town and the good beaches/national forest for hiking keeps it from being a top choice on my personal list. Even so, it’s consistently a favorite for worldschooling families and many families choose to base their travels from here.
Also Read…
16+ Amazing Activities that make Penang one of the best things to do in Malaysia with kids
Melaka (Malacca)
A historic city with colonial architecture and (generally) a slower pace.
Melaka is one of the easiest places in Malaysia to explore with kids because it’s compact, flat, and visually engaging without being overwhelming. Much of the historic center is walkable, and the city’s layered past shows up in tangible ways, from old buildings, to river paths, to neighborhoods that feel distinct but still close together.
The main draws here are the historic buildings and tasty street food, but there are plenty of museums, parks, and attractions to fill your time.
While the major sites in Melaka are walkable, I never pass up a chance to get on the water!
This is a 45-minute river tour that takes you down the river and gives you an overview of the history, culture, and popular points in town.
Ipoh
A slower city where caves, cafes, and old streets invite curiosity without overwhelm.
Compared to the other cities on this list, Ipoh is significantly smaller, but actually benefits from that fact. It’s a quiet retreat from the hustle of the larger cities and allows families to reconnect with some more natural surroundings to boot.
The main attractions are Ipoh’s Old Town, which is like a much smaller version of Georgetown’s, the limestone karsts on Mirror Lake (similar to the karsts you’d see in Khao Sok, Thailand or Tam Coc, Vietnam), and the Perak Cave Temple.
And, if you get tired of taking it slow, there’s also a waterpark to check out!
Don’t expect Ipoh to be your travel base, though. Its smaller size and slower pace make it more ideal as a weekend getaway than a place to set up shop.
My family doesn't typically do amusement parks when we travel, but, especially if you have a few days in Ipoh, this one can be a lot of fun on a warm day!
Johor Bahru
An easy win for theme-park joy and low-effort family fun.
Johor Bahru is one of those places that knows exactly what it’s offering and doesn’t overcomplicate it. This is a city that works well for families because entertainment is front and center, logistics are simple, and many experiences are designed specifically with kids in mind.
It’s a place that’s less about wandering and discovery, and more about showing up, having fun, and letting the day run itself. If you’re only traveling for a short time, that might not be what you’re looking for. But for families that travel full time, it’s just the sort of place that feels like a vacation.
The big highlight here (at least for my family) is Malaysia’s LEGOLand Park, which not only features tons of great LEGO-themed exhibits, but is also a pretty excellent waterpark!
While you can technically just show up at LEGOLand and buy tickets in person, it's not really recommended. Not only is there a chance that the park will be at capacity (during peak seasons) but it's often more expensive than buying tickets online!
I highly recommend using Klook to get tickets, instead. It's quick, easy, and often cheaper, especially if you can find a discount code!
Kuching
An easy entry point into Borneo, complete with wildlife and culture side by side.
Kuching is a place that feels quiet without feeling isolated, making it a great choice for families wanting to get the adventurous feel of exploring the wild without the inconveniences that come along with actually spending time in the wild. That makes it an excellent choice for families with younger nature lovers!
Borneo is best known for orangutans, and there’s a lovely rehabilitation center for these gentle creatures outside of Kuching where you can fairly dependably see some, though it isn’t guaranteed. Other top spots to visit are the Sarawak Cultural Village, the Borneo Cultures Museum, and the nearby Bako National Park!
While many of the guided tours in Kuching can be a bit pricier, entry fees to individual spots in the area are typically affordable! If you’re traveling on a budget, I’d suggest using Agoda to find a great place to stay and use Grab to visit the specific attractions that appeal to your family.
I personally feel that this one is a great balance between price and luxury with a great location and individual rooms that can fit a family of 4!
Sandakan
The gateway to some of the most wild nature experiences in Malaysia.
Sandakan isn’t flashy, and that’s part of its strength. This is a place where experiences tend to stick because they’re grounded in real-world issues: wildlife protection, habitat loss, and the responsibility humans carry toward the natural world.
While the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Sun Bear Conservation Center offer easy ways to see some unique wildlife (and support conservation efforts), the biggest draw in the Sandakan area is actually outside the city along the Kinabatangan River. This area hosts river safaris where guests can spot the Borneo Big 5 living their best lives in the wild!
A Borneo Big 5 river safari is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will stick with you forever!
This particular option is a great balance between luxury and affordability, but there are some more budget-friendly options available if you're willing to compromise a bit on accommodations.
That said, having a good guide is key to being able to spot all 5 of the Borneo Big 5, so it's often worth it to pay a bit extra on bucket list items like this. Without our guide, we wouldn't have been able to find the pygmy elephants at all on our trip!
Island & Beach Escapes
If cities are about stimulation and variety, Malaysia’s islands are about release.
These are the places where kids reset almost immediately. Shoes disappear. Mornings stretch out. The day’s biggest decision is often whether to swim before or after lunch. For parents, island destinations can feel like a pressure valve—especially after busy cities or long travel days.
What makes Malaysia’s islands especially family-friendly is the range. Some are polished and easy, others more rustic and immersive. Some suit first-time island travel with kids; others are better once your family has a bit of travel stamina.
The common thread is water that invites exploration, wildlife that feels close, and days that naturally slow down.
Langkawi
Island magic without the stress, so parents can relax and kids still feel wowed.
Langkawi is a common first island stop for families because it’s easy to access. You get beaches, nature, and a few “big” attractions without all the complicated logistics or long days in transit. Most families can fall into a simple rhythm here: beach time in the morning, an outing in the afternoon, and an early night.
Pantai Cenang is the convenient base with plenty of food and services, while Tanjung Rhu is a quieter option when you want more space. The SkyCab is an obvious headline activity and is doable with kids who can handle heights. Mangrove boat tours add wildlife and scenery without requiring hiking. And waterfalls and small nature parks are easy add-ons if you want to break up your beach days.
Langkawi works for a wide age range. Some activities involve boats or heights, but nothing is mandatory. You can get around using Grab and local taxis, which keeps the trip simple and avoids the hassle of driving.
Perhentian Islands
The kind of beach trip kids talk about for years because the water feels alive.
The Perhentian Islands work well for families who are comfortable taking things slow. There are no large cities, no theme parks, and very little structure. And that’s the appeal! Most days there will revolve around the water. Snorkeling doesn’t require planning or tours, and in many places, you can simply walk straight off the beach and see fish immediately. (My favorite kind of snorkeling spot!)
For families who like to dive, these islands also offer several great SCUBA destinations, and you can even get involved with the local sea turtle conservation project, if you have the inclination and the time!
Of course, outside of the beaches and water activities, there’s not a ton else to do. A couple jungle hikes and a local mosque you can visit are about it. So, this destination is best for families who are confident swimmers and happy spending long stretches in the water.
The Perhentian Islands make for an incredible family getaway with beach at water activities galore! But, they're also a bit of a backpacker's area, which means lodging for families can be tricky. If you're good with dormitory style accommodations, you'll be able to find plenty of options, but for families with younger kids, or who just want a relaxing place to come back to, I suggest checking out the Barat Perhentian Resort (Sea Front Family Room) or the D Rock Garden Resort (Deluxe Suite).
Tioman Island
An unplugged escape that reminds everyone how little you actually need to be happy.
Similar to the Perhentians, Tioman Island is a good fit for families who want an island experience that feels quiet and uncomplicated. Villages are small and walkable, days move slowly, and most activities revolve around the water and the surrounding forest rather than organized attractions or theme parks.
Snorkeling is easy to access from village beaches, and there are short jungle walks that lead to waterfalls and viewpoints without requiring long hikes. Things are a bit more built up than in the Perhentians, but it’s definitely still more of a rustic location. Basically, it leans more to adventure than to ease.
But, if you’re looking to get away from the cities for awhile, it’s a great choice!
When I'm looking for a place to stay with my family, I typically want to find a place that checks as many of our boxes as possible, without going over budget. And, at least for me, this does just that.
These aren't the fanciest rooms on the island, but they have an incredible location right on the beach, room for kids, and a price that won't make your wallet say "ouch".
Pangkor Island
A quiet island where simple days become the highlight.
Pangkor works best for families who need to slow things down. There are few headline attractions and very little pressure to plan the day. The beaches are calm and easy to use, the towns are small, and most days revolve around swimming, walking, and taking breaks when needed.
Apart from the beaches, there are a couple of (small) architectural sites worth checking out, and around sunset you can watch hornbills getting fed. There’s nothing there that you have to see, which makes it easier to stay longer in the places that are working for your family.
Stays on Pangkor’s main island are typically affordable and comfortable while staying inexpensive. But if you want to take things to the next level, nearby Pangkor Luat Resort offers a much more luxury experience on a smaller, more private island off Pangkor’s coast!
Yes, it's pricier than the budget stays on Pangkor proper, but if you've been looking for an island paradise where you can get away from it all and just relax, it's hard to argue with the results.
Redang Island
Crystal-clear water and postcard moments that feel almost unreal.
Redang can be a good choice for families who want clear water and minimal decision-making. The beaches are bright, the water is calm and easy to use, and snorkeling is often possible right off the shore. For kids, the appeal is immediate. Fish are easy to spot, and most days revolve around swimming rather than moving from place to place.
However. Redang leans heavily towards being a luxury getaway, and prices around the island reflect that. Of course, if luxury is what you’re looking for, that’s fine!
Most stays are resort-based, which simplifies logistics. Meals, beach access, and activities are usually close together, and days tend to follow a predictable routine. Dive trips are readily available, and the water and beaches are stunning. If you have the resources to make a Redang trip happen, it’s an incredible choice.
You're on Redang for luxury and Peridot by the Sea delivers.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, the views are incredible and the beachside relaxation is calling your name.
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Semporna, Borneo
Where snorkeling turns into a real-life nature documentary.
Boneo features some of the most pristine natural locations in the world, bar none. While spots like Sandakan focus on Borneo’s stunning jungle scenery, Semporna is the jumping-off point for exploring the island’s off-shore wonders. The town itself is more functional than charming, but it provides access to some of the best snorkeling and diving in Malaysia.
Most trips involve boat transfers out to nearby islands like Mabul or Kapalai, where visibility is high and marine life is abundant. For kids who enjoy snorkeling, the payoff is immediate. Fish, coral, and shallow reef areas make it easy to spend long stretches in the water without needing advanced skills.
However, if your family has the advanced diving skills, the nearby Sipadan island is home to some of the best diving in the world! Spots to visit the island are limited, and must be booked well ahead of time, but for advanced divers, it’s worth a trip.
This tour offers a variety of options to fit your family's wants, including snorkeling, hiking, and SCUBA diving among some of the world's best spots!
Desaru
A great beach on mainland Malaysia – and more!
Desaru is a straightforward beach destination built around ease and predictability. Resorts are family-oriented, beaches are easy to access, and most activities are clearly packaged rather than something you have to hunt down. That simplicity makes it a low-friction option for traveling with kids.
But while Desaru is definitely a beach destination, there’s plenty more to check out in the area. Mangrove tours, fruit and ostrich farms, and pretty decent adventure water park all add the the location’s value!
Desaru is a great choice for families in Malaysia looking for fun beach town vibes without needing to travel far. But while it makes a fun break from travel, it’s not a spot I would fly into Malaysia just to visit.
One of my absolute favorite beach activities is exploring tidepools and seeing what interesting creatures call the beach home!
This tour takes that fun and learning and kicks it up a notch with an English speaking guide who knows the area (and the animals) well and can give you insights into the local ecology.
Love it!
Highlands, Hills & Cooler Climate Retreats
For families who need a temperature reset and a gentler pace
With its abundance of tropical beaches and jungles, Malaysia can be hot. Especially during the summer months! Luckily, for families looking for a break from the South East Asian heat, Malaysia has a secret weapon: altitude.
Highlands and cloud forests are some of my favorite locations to explore across the globe, in part because of the cooler temps, but also because they often feel different from their low-land counterparts.
The highlands are where kids notice plants, insects, and landscapes they haven’t seen before, and where parents often realize how much mental energy the heat had been quietly consuming.
Cameron Highlands
Cool air, green views, and the rare joy of walking without melting.
The Cameron Highlands are a welcome break from Malaysia’s lowland heat, and that alone changes how days feel with kids. Cooler temperatures make walking and being outside manageable again, which opens up options that can be harder elsewhere.
The main event here is the various tea plantations where you can wander through the rows of tea trees before ordering a cup or two (or three) to enjoy. However, the cooler climate lends itself well to a variety of other crops as well, so it’s worth exploring the whole gamut of fruits and vegetables grown here. (Definitely go pick some strawberries!)
Other highlights of our trip included exploring the Mossy Forest and taking a few hours to hike into the nearby lowland forest to find a Rafflesia flower!
Genting Highlands
Theme-park energy meets mountain air—high stimulation, low planning.
Genting Highlands is organized around one thing: entertainment. Located in the mountains about an hour from Kuala Lumpur, it offers cooler weather and a concentrated cluster of attractions, hotels, and dining all in one area.
Most family visits revolve around theme parks, indoor attractions, and entertainment zones. Everything is clearly organized and easy to access, making it easy to fill a day with excitement. The theme parks, casino, and malls are in stark contrast to the Cameron Highlands, but that’s the vibe you’re looking for, it can be a fun stop!
Of course, if you need a break from the flashing lights while you’re there (sensory overload, anyone?), there’s also a lovely cable car ride that takes you over the local forests and a pretty impressive temple complex to explore!
I absolutely love that staying here means having the bragging rights of having stayed in the biggest hotel in the world (with 7,351 rooms)!
However, it's worth noting that bigger isn't always better, so it may be worth checking around for other hotels. But, for my part, the fun of being able to say that you stayed in a hotel with a Guinness World Record makes this one my top pick!
National Parks & Wild Malaysia
Best for families ready for awe, unpredictability, and experiences that linger
No matter the country, national parks tend to be among my personal favorite locations to visit. These destinations aren’t about convenience or polish, but rather about getting out into nature and exploring what our world has to offer! National Parks and Wildlife experiences require more planning, more patience, and more flexibility… but the payoff is experiences that tend to mark kids in lasting ways.
Taman Negara National Park
Where kids realize the rainforest is a real life place
Taman Negara is one of the most accessible ways for families to experience a true rainforest in Malaysia. Depending on where you go in the park, boardwalks, canopy walks, and guided routes can make it possible to move through dense jungle without needing advanced skills or long, demanding hikes. The environment feels wild, but the logistics are manageable with the right planning.
For many kids, this can be their first exposure to a rainforest that feels genuinely immersive rather than designed. The forest is loud, busy, and constant. Animals aren’t a guaranteed sight, but signs of life are everywhere, which makes the experience feel real rather than curated.
Taman Negara is one of the oldest stretches of rainforest on the entire planet and it covers a huge swath of Peninsular Malaysia, so what your experience will actually look like depends heavily on where you choose to go in the park. If you just plan on doing some basic hiking, you may not even need a guide! But for seeing the more popular spots deeper in the park, be prepared to hire someone qualified to take you there.
If you're looking for a longer amount of time in the forest, I'd suggest staying in Kuala Tahan and making trips in.
But if you're staying in Kuala Lumpur and wanting to visit Taman Negara as a day trip, this is an excellent, organized-for-you option that gives you an incredible full-day rainforest experience.
Kinabalu GeoPark
A place that makes mountains feel mythical and science feel tangible.
Kinabalu GeoPark works well for families because it makes large-scale geography understandable without being overwhelming. Mount Kinabalu (the highest peak in Malaysia) dominates the area, but visiting the park doesn’t need to be about climbing it. Most family activities focus on the surrounding parklands, gardens, and viewpoints, which still give a strong sense of the mountain’s size and significance.
You’ll notice the changes quickly here. The air is cooler, vegetation shifts with elevation, and rock formations are different from most other spots in the region. Short walks and interpretive sites make it easier to talk about geology, ecosystems, and how mountains form without it feeling like a classroom lesson.
Depending on what you choose to do while there, Kinabalu GeoPark can work for a wide age range. Families who expect a summit experience will likely be disappointed, but those interested in observing the area’s beauty will find plenty to work with.
Places like Kinabalu Geopark lend themselves to exploration, but choosing to do that exploration with experienced guides who know the best things in the area definitely makes it easier!
Klook is my go-to app for finding great tours at great prices while in Malaysia, and this one is worth checking out!
Royal Belum State Park
True wilderness that invites awe, humility, and deep respect for nature.
Royal Belum State Park is not a casual stop. Reaching the park takes time, and once you’re there, the sense of isolation is immediate. That remoteness is central to the experience and shapes how families move through it.
As with visits to Taman Negara to the south, most visits are guided and structured around the rainforest landscape. Boat trips along the lake provide access to forest edges, waterfalls, and trailheads. Short jungle walks focus on observation rather than distance, with guides pointing out wildlife signs, plant use, and how the ecosystem functions. Visits to indigenous villages add cultural context rather than entertainment.
Personally, I would choose a trip to Taman Negara over Royal Belum, as both offer truly wild jungle experiences. However, if you are basing your travels in the north of Malaysia rather than around KL, it can be an incredible addition to your trip!
Looking for a unique way to experience Royal Belum State Park? Look no further! Royal Belum Mystical let's you sleep on the water in their house (hotel?) boat!
It's a bit more expensive than staying in town, and a bit more rustic, but it's also a one of a kind experience that your family will be talking about for years to come.
Niah National Park (Sarawak)
Where caves turn into time machines and imagination runs wild.
Niah National Park is best known for its massive limestone cave system, and that single feature is the reason it works so well for families! The experience is focused and easy to understand: you’re here to walk through one of the largest cave complexes in Southeast Asia and see where humans lived tens of thousands of years ago.
Visitors follow a clear route along clear boardwalks leading into the Great Cave and through its interior chambers. Along the way, you can see bats, swiftlets, archaeological sites, and the sheer scale of the space itself.
Niah stands out because it delivers something rare: a dramatic, meaningful experience that’s contained in a single outing.
Niah National Park is far enough off the beaten track that finding lodgings for your family can be tricky. Luckily, Sutera Horizon offers beautiful accommodations just outside the park itself, perfect for a family adventure!
Gunung Mulu National Park
The kind of adventure that quietly redefines what “epic” means.
Gunung Mulu National Park is defined by its massive scale. It’s home to some of the largest cave systems in the world, set within dense rainforests. Where the focus in Niah National Park’s cave system was on prehistoric human habitation, Gunung Mulu is a place where you go to admire the wild wonder of the caves themselves, as well as the bats that call them home!
The caves are the main draw here. Vast chambers, dramatic formations, and clear evidence of how water and time have shaped the landscape. One of the most memorable moments for families is the evening bat exodus, where thousands of bats pour out of the caves at dusk.
This is definitely one of the more wild, less visited places on this list, but if you’re family is looking for uncompromising adventure, there are few experiences on earth like it!
Remote. Pristine. Difficult to get to. You can approach a trip to Gunung Mulu in two different ways.
On the one hand, you can really lean into the rainforest adventure of it all and choose to stay at a rustic homestay hosted by locals who know the land and can show you the culture. It's less expensive, educational, and my personal preference.
However, sometimes easy wins out over authentic. If a trip to the forest is rustic enough for you and you need some simple luxury to retreat to at the end of the day, there's also a Marriott Resort where you can stay!
Kuala Selangor
Fireflies, rivers, and the quiet magic of slowing down after dark.
Kuala Selangor is a coastal spot just outside of Kuala Lumpur and better as a (long) evening trip from the city than as a place to stay. That said, it is home to two(!) bioluminescent spectacles that make it worth the trip.
First and foremost is the fireflies. Kuala Selangor is home to one of the largest gatherings of fireflies across the globe and each evening visitor can hop on a boat to observe them as they light up the night! Their lights are pretty dim, which make them tricky to photograph, but watching them come alight with your own eyes is a really cool experience!
If that’s not enough reason to come out, there’s also bioluminescent algae just off the coast! The algae glows when stressed, giving off a blue-ish glow. Tour operators will hand you a paddle-like stick to stir the water with so you can see it first hand, or, if the waves are strong enough, you may see them glowing naturally as they crash into the water!
We saw both phenomena on the same tour, and it was a fun evening out! Do note that tours are very likely to be crowded unless you pay extra for a private tour, but our family found the group tour to work well for us.
My family chose to visit Kuala Selangor from KL as more of a DIY experience. We hired a driver that a friend of ours knew and drove the hour and half there hoping to hire a small, private boat to get an up-close firefly experience. But it didn't really happen as we foresaw.
Instead we ended up booking with one of several different tour operators with boats in the water. Everything was much more organized and less organic than we had imagined. That's not to say that the fireflies and Blue Tears aren't magical. They are! But if I had it to do again, I'd probably book ahead with a provider like this one on Klook, for simplicity's sake.
Of course, you don’t need to visit every place on this list. In fact, trying to do that would probably make the trip worse, not better!
Malaysia works so well for family travel because it gives you tons of options without forcing a single “right” way of experiencing the country. Some destinations are easier entry points. Others take more planning or stamina. Some places are great bases for longer stays, while others are best treated as short, focused experiences.
The goal isn’t seeing everything. It’s choosing places that match your family’s rhythm. How much movement you want, how much structure your kids need, and how much effort you realistically want to put into logistics on this trip.
Pick a few places that make sense together. Leave space in your schedule. And trust that you’ll get more out of the trip by doing less, not more.
