The best theme parks in Malaysia for kids

With thriving outlets in several locations such as UK, Germany and Denmark, LEGOLAND arrived on Johor’s shores in 2012 to become Malaysia’s first international theme park. Accommodating over 70 attractions, LEGOLAND divides itself into seven themed areas and a massive water park, each with its own brand of unique experiences and adventures.

Miniland is a trademark feature in every one of the LEGOLAND parks and greets visitors from the centre of the park – aside from some of Asia’s top cities made from over 30 million LEGO bricks, you’ll also find the iconic Star Wars model displays here. But the real attractions for kids are the interactive areas like Imagination, where they can build and play with their own creations (like LEGO cars!), or LEGO Technic, where they can learn to build and programme their own robots. The latter area is also where you’ll find the Aquazone Wave Racers and Project X, the park’s fastest ride.

Meanwhile, the LEGO Kingdoms and Land of Adventure breathe life into age-old tales and legends with man-eating plants, dinosaurs, dragons, treetop adventures, roller coasters and carousels all on the cards.

LEGO City is superb for younger children with plenty of activities like LEGO car and boat driving schools, and even a train ride. You can also bring the whole family along to catch the new Ninjago puppet show at the City Stage. Finally, don’t miss the Water Park, where water slides, a wave pool and interactive building activities, the Build-A-Boat being one of the latest, spell even more fun.

7 Jalan Legoland, Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, Nusajaya, Johor (07 597 8888/www.legoland. com.my). Daily, 10am-6pm, longer opening hours on selected days. (Theme Park + Water Park) Adults (12-59 years), RM207; children (3-11 years)/senior citizens (+60 years), RM165. (Theme Park) Adults, RM165; children, RM133. (Water Park) Adults, RM122; children/senior citizens, RM101; Toddlers (0-2 years), RM11.

Set in the exotic green landscape of Teluk Bahang, ESCAPE serves up the perfect antidote for computer addicts. ESCAPE was born out of frustration with modern, plastic-filled theme parks and aims to recall the good ol’ kampung boy days. The park re-introduces the concept of selfdirected play with a variety of fun, low-tech activities for kids and parents in the natural outdoors.

There’s a big range of things to do: scale the heights of your chosen path at Gecko Tower; try the Zoom Bug and make high speed turns in this highly maneuverable human-powered go-kart; go caving in the Foxy Burrow; or simply Go Bananas on the high rope course.

Zoom Bug

ESCAPE’s Serambi educational centre and Greenie programme educates kids about and reconnects them with nature, instilling a sense of appreciation for it via several interactive activities such as cooking with ESCAPE’s produce and creating environmentally friendly fertilisers.

The park is always expanding and adding new attractions. Ever flown a kite and wondered what the view would be like from above? Well, while attached to the newly launched Kite Flyer, you and the kids can sate your curiosity and experience kite-flying from the kite’s perspective. Meanwhile, the 3 Sixty grants daredevils their dreams of doing a 360-degree turn on a swing, albeit with adequate safety equipment at hand. Lastly, you and the kids should try the Aerobat: unleash your inner Tarzan by holding on to dangling ropes, swinging across and making a splash into the lake. Don’t forget the trademark ululating yell.

828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, Penang (04 881 1106/www.escape.my).Tue-Sun, 9am-6pm. School & Public Holidays, 9am-6pm. (Ages 3 and below) Free; (Ages 4-12) RM50; (Ages 13-60) RM72; (Ages 61 and above) Free, if accompanied by paying guest.

Fly, ride, play, scream and explore in Sunway Lagoon. Divided into five parks, there are over 80 exciting rides and attractions to choose from. The Water Park, Wildlife Park and Amusement Park are great for families, but the Scream Park and Extreme Park are only suitable for older kids.

Sunway Lagoon’s Water Park divides itself into two sections: the Waters of Africa is where you’ll find the monumental Vuvuzela, the world’s largest water ride, while Surf Beach accommodates one of the world’s largest man-made wave pools, where kids can try out surfing and body boarding.

Wildlife Park

The Wildlife Park was re-launched early in 2015 and offers an interactive and educational experience. The park is home to sun bears, meerkats, panthers, pythons and even an exclusive pair of white lions, Zola and Zuri. Kids can learn all about the animals through shows, petting sessions and ‘wild encounters’ that are scheduled throughout the day.

Furthermore, Sunway Lagoon certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to adrenaline-pumping action. While teens can head to the Extreme Park for attractions like G-Force X, Asia’s fastest slingshot that goes from 0-120 km/h in two seconds, the Amusement Park offers exhilarating fun for the whole family. Try Malaysia’s first 360-degree rotating pirate ship, Pirate’s Revenge, or let the younger ones run wild in Captain Kid’s Playland and Candyland. Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming Nickelodeon-themed attraction, which will include an array of exciting rides, as well as Nickelodeon’s signature slime deluge. It’s all set to open in early 2016.

3 Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, PJ (03 5639 0000/www.sunwaylagoon.com). Daily, 10am-6pm. Adults, (12 years old and above) RM150; Children (11 years old and below) & Senior citizens (60 years old and above) RM120. Activities in the Extreme Park have a separate pricing from the entrance fees. 

Set among lush rainforests and majestic limestone hills, the Lost World Of Tambun is certainly one of Malaysia’s pioneer locations for a family-friendly getaway. Playing host to an array of attractions, Lost World is divided into six themed areas, though the Adventure Park is limited to teambuilding activities.

The Water Park features Malaysia’s biggest wave pool in Jungle Wave Bay, as well as a few exhilarating tube rides, and a kids-only area called Explorabay, with smaller slides and water cannons for the little ones to play with.

Tiger Valley

For the best of both worlds, head over to the Amusement Park for a relaxing tour of Lost World with the ancient Adventure Express locomotive, or opt for a spine-chilling experience with the Storm Rider pirate boat and Perak’s first roller coaster, Lupe’s Adventure. Get up close with one of the world’s most majestic animals, the Siberian tigers, courtesy of the Tiger Valley. For a journey into the past, head over to the Tin Valley where kids can get in touch with Perak’s rich history and heritage, while learning the ancient art of tin mining.

However, come nightfall, Lost World transcends into a serene hot springs and spa centre, offering some much needed R&R for parents. Kids will be kept busy with the luminous lights of Saphira’s Lair, which illuminate this magical rainforest.

1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1, Sunway City Ipoh, Ipoh, Perak (05 542 8888/www.sunwaylostworldoftambun.com). Mon & Wed-Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm; School & Public holidays, 10am-6pm; (Hot springs) Daily, 6pm-11pm; (Spa) Daily, 12noon-11pm. (Online) Adults, RM47.55, Children and senior citizens, RM41.58, Children under 90 cm, free; (Walk-in) Adults, RM56, Children and senior citizens, RM49, Children under 90cm, free.

Johor plays host to the first Sanrio Hello Kitty Town outside Japan. At the Wishful Studio, kids can create their own Hello Kitty themed souvenirs, dress up as their favourite character, enjoy a tea cup ride, and be entertained by Hello Kitty live performances. Keep this place in mind for a truly memorable birthday treat, as celebrations and parties can be held at the Apple or Strawberry themed party rooms. Puteri Harbour is also home to the Little Big Club, a great park for active toddlers and kids.

Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya, Johor (1300 88 326 459). Closed on Tuesdays, 10am-6pm. Prices start from RM85 for children, RM110 for adults.

Climb, jump, ride, run and fly at Putrajaya’s 70,000 square feet apocalypse-themed adventure park. Featuring exciting attractions, including the world’s very first Roller Glider (a combination of zip line and roller coaster) as well as Free Fall (an indoor simulator of a parachute jump), this establishment acts as an easy, yet pricey, option for parents looking to rectify their mistake of handing their kids a chocolate bar or two too many.

AT-6, IOI City Mall, Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City, Putrajaya (03 8328 8888/www.district21.com.my).

If you’re looking for an adventure-filled family outing, then Skytrex has you covered. This outdoor adventure park seeks to get the public in touch with nature, courtesy of its thrilling challenges and obstacles, all set at different levels of difficulty. Upon completion of this stimulating course, your kids won’t look to bury their faces in iPads throughout the weekend. Safety is a priority here, so should your teen’s Tarzan impersonation fail, there will always be a safety harness to bail them out.