8 Best Family Day Trips From Kuala Lumpur

The long awaited school holidays are approaching! We know some of you are already racking your brains as to where this year’s family trip will be and we have proof you don’t have to cross the international border to have a good time with the fambam. Some of these attractions may even be in your own backyard! So if you haven’t already purchased your out-of-the country plane tickets, here’s a list of the best places to visit sans passport.

Gabai Falls, Hulu Langat

Turn off all your tech devices for a day and enjoy the beautiful, natural waterfall on the outskirts of KL. Have a little splash in the sun, the old fashioned way and minus the chlorine. The Gabai Falls is a nice change of scenery without straying too far from the city centre. Enjoy the clean air, greenery and fresh running water at this natural attraction. There are little huts scattered around the vicinity so bring along a picnic basket and lots of fruit!

The hike up is quite a task and can be quite daunting for the less adventurous and those with little ones. We suggest taking the cemented path which lead to the lower falls. Be careful of the slippery rocks and surfaces at the waterfalls. Moss and algae are not your friends in this matter. To be safe, wear proper tracking shoes while getting to your picnic site.

Distance from KL: 38 km (map)

Pulau Ketam

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life and check out this small island off the coast of Klang. Pulau Ketam is a short ferry ride from the Port Klang jetty.

This fishing village exists on long wooden stilts up to 10m above sea level. The “floating houses” are sure to be eye-openers to your little ones. No traffic jams here as the locals get around on bicycles or on their own two feet. Aptly named as “Crab Island”, Pulau Ketam is known for their fresh seafood spread. Have a feast on their catch of the day, be it crabs, prawns or fish.

Distance from KL: 53km (map)

Colmar Tropicale

Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills Resort, has been inspired by the century old streets in Alsace, France. The French-themed village includes a number of activities for families such as a tour of the European architecture, castle walking , taking photos by the admirable cuckoo clock tower and a swan-filled moat that resembles the actual Riquewihr Tower located in Riquewihr in France.

The weather is fantastic, as it usually is in Berjaya Hills. A great day trip, not too far from the city for families and friends to beat the heat and escape the busy life of KL and get some European atmosphere.

Distance from KL: 54km (map)

Port Dickson

Port Dickson is one of the beach and holiday destinations closest to KL city. So if you and the family are looking for a tropical escape just for the day, this would be the ideal destination for you to feel the warm sand between your toes and the calming water of the ocean.

They have varies activities to choose from other than laying back on the sand under the sun such as visiting the Ostrich Show Farm located on the PD Costal Road where children can enjoy petting the ostriches, engage in water sports in Teluk Kemang and take a tour up to Cape Rachado – the lighthouse overlooking the ocean.

Distance from KL: 95km (map)

Sekinchan Paddy Fields & Kuala Selangor Fireflies

Sekinchan is the Chinese phrase for ‘village suitable for plantation’ such as paddy fields. If you’re not keen on driving up there yourself, there are various day trip packages that includes a tour of the paddy fields, a visit to the Silverleaf Monkeys and finally, dinner and a boat ride through a stream of fireflies.

This trip is definitely considered to be an educational one as visitors get to experience a sunrise and sunset against the paddy fields like no other, witness the farmers harvest crop on the paddy fields as their daily routine, understand the habitat and character of the Silverleaf monkeys and catch a glimpse of the hundreds and thousands of fireflies who come alive and light up the river every night.

Distance from KL: 96km (map)

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, also known as the Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, is a great day trip for families. If you’re willing to take up a full package with a tour guide, transportation, and so on, there are various private tours that can be booked in advance.

This is another educational trip as these tours include transits at Deerland Park where you and the family can learn about the plantations and deers. You will then move on to the Elephant orphanage where you will spend some quality time with these gentle and loving pachyderms.

Distance from KL: 103km (map)

Cameron Highlands

For a quick and easy day getaway, a trip to Cameron Highlands is ideal. You and the family can visit the farms and villages, pick fresh strawberries and learn about the villagers and their daily routines up on the mountainous Cameron Highlands.

This is another big tourist destination that has one of the cheapest private tour packages. On the way to Cameron Highlands, people usually stop over the handcrafted basket factory, the Iskandar waterfalls, the Aborigines village where visitors can learn their methods of hunting, visit the tea plantations and of course pick fresh strawberries at the strawberry farm.

Distance from KL: 200km (map)

Taman Negara Day Tour

If your family is feeling a bit adventurous, make a day trip to Taman Negara – one of the oldest rain forests in the world. Walk over the canopies of trees, look out for exotic birds, take a boat ride through the rivers that surround Taman Negara, meet the aboriginal tribes and learn about their culture and lifestyle and enjoy the hearty, simple meals of the town and village.

Taman Negara, Pahang entrance, is a big tourist destination. So if you’re traveling with family, there are various packages in which you may purchase in advance.

Distance: 200km

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Image Credit: Flickr users Abd Hadi, Yeoh Thean Kheng, stratman², Attila Siha, Chee Hong, Jau Kay Kiang, Hugo Lim, alancf, wazari & Richard Herbert.