Ever have that daydream of being on a perfect family holiday, only to shudder at the reality of a long-haul flight with a screaming baby (or babies) in tow? You are not alone.
As a mother of 18 month-old twins, I’ve had this nightmare too many times and so have trolled Malaysia in search of local gems for toddler-friendly trips. With the holidays upon us and those wanderlust bugs itching, here are some options that cater specifically to your little ones. Because let’s face it, happy kids mean happy parents and a happy holiday!
Club Med Cherating
www.clubmed.com.my
Club Med resorts are a classic choice for families – and for good reason. Aside from the enthusiastic staff, all-inclusive packages (free-flow alcohol, anyone?) and fun activities, this resort also offers amazing club facilities for children aged from four months up to 17 years (some at extra cost). Cots, toiletries, swim floats, highchairs and booster seats for kids are provided. There’s also a Baby Corner open 24 hours a day with a bottle steriliser/warmer, microwave, blender, plus a fridge stocked with baby bottled juices, purees, yoghurts and fruits.
The beaches are child friendly and a short shuttle train ride will take you to their newly renovated Zen Pool (no kids allowed) if in need of alone time.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
www.penang.hardrockhotels.net
If you and your little one enjoy rocking to loud music (quite literally, as the beats start from as early as 8am!), this high-energy resort is the perfect choice for you! Smack in the middle of Batu Ferringhi, the beach and night markets are on your doorstep.
Child-centric hotel amenities include a kid’s club for young ones aged four to twelve, along with a water playground, water guns and slides in Penang’s largest freeform pool. Splurging on the aptly named Lil Rock Suites will set your child up with their own TV, PlayStation 3, music videos, special kid’s in-room dining menu and a mini bar full of snacks. I expect there will be no tantrums to be had here, except when it’s time to leave!
Legoland Malaysia Resort
www.legoland.com.my
Kids rule at this integrated Lego themed hotel with a sprawling theme park and water park to keep the little ones entertained. When night calls, return to your rooms bedecked in fun pirate, adventure or kingdom themes. With their own sleeping area and bunk beds your child will be spoilt for choice and hopefully snoring blissfully till the morning! Thoughtful extras include complimentary Lego bricks in your room during your stay, treasure hunts, secret whoopee cushions, themed lifts and exploding toy boxes. Go on, let your inner child out!
Shangri-la Tanjung Aru
www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/tanjungaruresort/
Merely a 10-minute short hop, skip, and a jump away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, this resort has plenty up its sleeves. A child dedicated water play area is the first and only one of its kind in Borneo, and composes of a separate sections for toddlers to teenagers. Enjoy theme park quality water slides and a 2,000 square metre swimming pool with tapered shoreline for children. When the young ones have had enough of swimming, send them off to the Cool Zone, a massive kids club complete with toddler section, craft room and media zone while you relax in the coffee area.
There’s also a theme party every Friday night for its younger guests (from 6pm to 10pm), who can help the staff decorate and make other preparations for the evening. Babysitting services are available at RM30 per hour and don’t worry about bringing potties or cribs.
Four Seasons Langkawi
www.fourseasons.com/langkawi
In the mood to splurge? Save your dollars on international flights and put it to better use on this luxurious palace where you and your little ones will treated like royalty. Your stay might set you back a pretty penny, but children can look forward to their own bedroom kitted out with an LCD screen television and PS3 console (in a family beach villa), child-sized robes and slippers, beach toys and sandcastle-making kits. Expect personalised welcome cookies and milk as well as bedtime juice and toys. Bicycles are available free of charge to ride around the resort. If you actually make it to the pool, indulge in homemade ice popsicles before sending the little ones off to the kids club (for children aged 4 to 12) or use their reliable babysitting service and grab that much-deserved massage.
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A Guide to Bringing Babies on a Beach Holiday |
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8 Best Family Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur |
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Marie Lim was living a nomadic life and planned on travelling (or more like eating) the world. That is, before her twin girls happened. For now she calls Malaysia home with her Korean hubs while struggling to strike a balance between the challenging roles motherhood brings. To de-stress she finds writing and tubs of ice cream particularly helpful.
Image Credits: Four Seasons Langkawi, Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Club Med Cherating & Imgkid.com.
