Planning a family trip where everyone can enjoy themselves can be exciting but stressful as well. After Covid-19, it is expected that domestic travel will recover first. Why not use this time to plan for a road trip in Malaysia? Going on a road trip is a great way to bond and spend quality time with your family! Whether you are planning for a short weekend getaway or a vacation, Malaysia has so much to offer! Malaysia is ideal for family road trips as there are so many destinations that you can explore and enjoy with your family.
Here are 10 best family road trips in Malaysia!
Also Read: Here Is What Travel Will Look Like After Covid-19
Image Credit: Kota Tinggi Waterfalls Resort
It will take approximately 50 mins to drive down from Kota Tinggi to Desaru, hence making it an ideal short weekend getaway to enjoy with your family. Bring your family for a picnic and take a dip in the Kota Tinggi Waterfall. This spectacular view offers serenity, allowing us to relax and unwind. If you have more time to spare in Kota Tinggi, you can also visit the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. Participate in outdoor studies with your family and get close to nature. This can be a fun yet enriching experience for the family!
More family-fun activities await you in Desaru. Drive down to Desaru Fruit Farm and learn how to grow various kinds of fruits. On top of that, you can even do a taste testing of the fruits you have picked. You can also bring the kids to feed the ostriches at the Desaru Ostrich Farm. My best pick will be the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages - adults and kids alike.
This trip is another ideal short getaway that you can consider. Stay for a night in Port Dickson and the following day, you can drive down to Malacca in less than 1.5 hours. Port Dickson is the best place to relax and rewind. Book one of the water chalets available like Lexis Hibiscus and enjoy a night stay. Nothing can go wrong with spending quality with the family in a private pool.
The following day, you can take a drive to Malacca. There are many historical sites that you can visit in Malacca, which is known for its rich history. Head down to A Famosa and walk up the small hill to reach St. Paul's Church.
There are also plenty of museums around the area that you can visit too, like Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum. If you happened to be in Klebang area, you must not miss the Klebang Original Coconut Shake! Nothing can beat teatime with some traditional Malay kuih (delicious!) and a cup of coconut shake topped with vanilla ice cream (yummy!).
No matter how long you are planning to stay in Kuala Lumpur, there are always things to see and do. It has become mandatory to take a trip to PETRONAS tower whenever one is in Kuala Lumpur. There are various things to see and do around the area like exploring Aquaria KLCC, visiting the aquarium, or shop at Suria KLCC. After spending some time sightseeing and shopping at Kuala Lumpur, continue your journey down the road for about 4 hours to reach a UNESCO heritage town, George Town in Penang.
More fun-filled activities await you in Penang. Visit Dark Mansion, a 3D trick art museum unlike the normal, because they glow in the dark! Your kids will definitely enjoy this, we promise!
One of my best take in Penang will be Penang Hill. Ride up the funicular ride to enjoy breathtaking views, learn heritage and culture, and enjoy mother nature. Make sure to feast on their local delights like Char Kuay Teow and Assam Laksa. Penang houses some affordable cafes too so be sure to check that out with your family!
Image Credit: Old Town Ipoh on Lonely Planet
If you are looking for a lush greenery view on a trip, this road trip is made for you. The drive from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands takes about 2 hours. Firstly, wander down Old Town in Ipoh and discover the street arts and cute streets. You can also visit the city's gem such as Kellie's Castle and Birch Memorial Clock Tower. Once you're done exploring Ipoh's beautiful landmark and art, take a trip to Cameron Highlands.
Meanwhile, at Cameron Highlands, you can bring your family out for some outdoor activities. Don't miss out on fun activities like strawberry picking in the strawberry farm, visiting the butterfly farm, and exploring the lavender garden. At the end of the day, spend some quality family time over steamboat in Cameron Highlands.
Our trip down to Johor Bahru will always be about the food or groceries on the usual days. How about a short getaway, let's say a 2-days 1-night trip with a detour to Mersing? In less than 2 hours drive, you can get to Mersing from Johor Bahru. Over at Johor Bahru, you can visit Legoland, a popular theme park that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Spend a day with your family here; enjoy the rides and attractions it has to offer.
After having some fun at Legoland, you can drive to Mersing. Mersing is all about the beautiful beaches and white sands. You can opt for snorkeling and island hopping in Mersing if your family is up for it. My best take in Mersing is to book a resort and enjoy a relaxing time at the beaches with your loved ones.
If you think that Sepang is only home to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you are wrong. There are some fun-filled activities that you can do with your family here. In less than a 2 hours drive, you can get to Genting Highlands and the fun continues. Sepang is known for its Formula One race circuit, but if you're not in Sepang to watch one, head down to Avani Gold Coast Resort. You may choose to stay a night here or visit the Extreme Park for some activities like Go-kart, archery, and ATV jungle trail.
Next, take a 2-hour drive to Genting Highlands. Enjoy the rides and attractions at the outdoor theme park, which caters to both kids and adults. You might also want to check the indoor theme park and video game park. Hop on the Awana Skyway; you can enjoy the spectacular view from a distance together with your loved ones.
Image Credit: The Sungai Pandan Waterfall on Hotel Grand Continental Kuantan
For me, Kuantan is an underrated city. Not many tourists visit this beautiful destination. In less than a 3-hour drive from Kuantan, you can reach your destination, Kuala Terengganu. In Kuantan, you can find several beautiful waterfalls. In my opinion, Sungai Pandan Waterfall will be an ideal spot if you are on this road trip with young kids or the elderly. Make a trip to Kula Cakes to eat the local's favorite Mango Cheesecakes. This store should be in every cheesecake lovers' list as they serve other unique flavors as well.
After all that fun, drive to Kuala Terengganu for a heritage tour. Visit the Terengganu State Museum to learn about the history and culture of this place. Don't forget to also visit Pantai Batu Burok to enjoy the scenic beach view.
Another two locations that are off the beaten track should be on your list if you want to have a unique experience. It takes a 1.5-hour drive to get you to Kuala Selangor from Bukit Tinggi. The Japanese Tea House in Bukit Tinggi, also known as Berjaya Hills, offers you a soulful retreat. Explore the French-themed Colmar Tropicale and the zen-inspired Japanese garden. The rabbit farm is a must-visit for families; you can play and feed the cute little furry friends.
Next, drive to Kuala Selangor which takes about 1.5 hours. You can hike up Mount Melawati with your family and learn more about the history behind this notable hill. Also, make time to visit the Kuala Selangor Nature Park and walk through the mangroves. You can spot various species of birds here too! You should also try the Cendol Bakar. The preparation of the gula Melaka in this cendol is different from those of the normal cendol out there.
This trip is catered to you if you're bringing along pre-teen kids or older who are adventurous and love outdoor activities. It takes 2 hours to reach Sekinchan by car from Banting. First, enjoy various adrenaline attractions in Banting. Head down to Tadom Hill Resorts, where you can enjoy activities like ATV and water swings. If you want to try some paragliding, you can hike up Bukit Jugra. Otherwise, you can just enjoy the scenic view from the peak with your family.
Next, take a 2-hour drive to Sekinchan. Expect to see the lush green field of paddy in Sekinchan as it is home to the Paddy Processing Factory. Don't forget to drop by any of the small businesses selling tropical fruits nearby. The juicy giant mangoes, soursops, and guavas can quench your thirst over the hot day (Yum!).
Image Credit: Sosodikon Hill on Facebook
Located in Sabah, both Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang offers you scenic locations with fresh mountain air. Just about a 2-hour drive, you can get from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang. You don't always have to hike up Mount Kinabalu when you're in Kota Kinabalu. If you still want to enjoy some mountain views but don't want to break a sweat, visit Sosodikon Hill. Don't forget to visit the Asquare Kota Kinabalu, the first creative container night food market in Kota Kinabalu. You will be spoilt for choices with over 60 varieties of food to choose from different street vendors.
Next, take a 2-hour drive to Kundasang. You can visit Desa Dairy Farm in Kundasang with the kids and feed the calves and goats while enjoying some freshly made gelato. I'm sure your kids will enjoy this activity!
Also Read: 10 Tips On How To Prepare For A Road Trip
There you have it, the 10 best family road trips in Malaysia. So what are you waiting for? Start planning for your next road trip to Malaysia now!
