The best family day trips in Malaysia

A short and scenic road trip is all it takes to get to Sekinchan from KL. Cruise Federal Route 5 for an hour and a half to reach this sleepy town sandwiched between fertile paddy fields and the glistening Straits of Malacca.

Shake the kids out of bed and disembark early in the morning, when it’s cool enough to tour the rice paddies and watch local fishermen transporting their daily haul. A bird-watching paradise, Sekinchan is frequented by migratory birds that often skirt busier cities, so don’t forget to search the skies for winged rarities. The Paddy Processing Gallery should be next on your itinerary, so the kids can see where their rice is milled after being harvested.

If you only visit one attraction, make it the Sekinchan Wishing Tree. A wondrous sight to behold, the tree’s branches are weighed down with thousands of red ribbons bearing wishes. Cap your visit with a stroll on Redang Beach (not to be confused with Redang Island) and dinner at one of the myriad seafood restaurants in town. Sekinchan’s proximity to the sea makes it a popular destination to feast on fresh fish and shellfish.

The small town of Kuala Kubu Baru’s claim to fame is that it’s on the way to Fraser’s Hill. It has always played second fiddle to Fraser’s Hill, though it has its own simple attractions for those who seek a break from modern life.

The town is hardly what you call hectic but there are enough activities to keep you occupied. Get up early and head to the Farmer’s Market where you can buy fresh produce and try local fare like soto and lontong. Then, take a stroll to the charming traditional shophouses and historical sites such as the old Kuala Kubu Baru Railway Station, St Paul Catholic Church, the Clock Tower and the old Fire Station. If you have some time left, go to one of the hidden hot springs located behind Taman Arif’s rows of single storey terrace houses. A well-kept secret among locals, the springs have gained popularity due to their warmth and cleanliness – the perfect spot for families to ease aching muscles after a long day.

If you intend on staying a little longer, try The Sticks, an eco-glamping retreat tucked away in the rainforest of KKB offering a unique stay and interesting outdoor activities that you can do with your kids like whitewater rafting, jungle trekking and a guided tour to an Orang Asli village.

A 45-minute drive from KL, the tranquil village of Janda Baik is as far removed from the city as you can get in a day trip. A perfect escape from the hazy tumult of Kuala Lumpur, Janda Baik is nestled in a green rain forest where you can unwind and enjoy the fresh air whilst enjoying a lazy, clear-water cruise.

Go to A Little Farm on the Hill to show your little ones how their food is grown – this seven-acre farm is filled with beds of organic herbs and vegetables. The kids will love running around the farm and if they’re older, sign up for cooking or gardening classes to give them a feel of green living. Famous for its healthy lunches, book a slot for a feast where you’ll be served with lot of greens and delectable smoked meats.

If you’re planning a weekend trip, stay at Enderong Resort – Janda Baik’s very own Shangri-La. The resort is a nature retreat surrounded by streams, hills and grassy areas – an oasis for the city kids. Wake up early and hike a nature trail near the resort where you may stumble upon a small waterfall or even participate in an archery class.

Peninsular Malaysia is home to the critically endangered Asian elephant and it’s distressing to know that with deforestation and land cleared for agriculture, these magnificent animals are diminishing in number. In 1974, the Elephant Management Unit was created by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to relocate them to avoid human-elephant conflict. The unit started the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre in 1989 located 110km away from KL in Pahang, which is home to orphaned animals and trained elephants used to help in the translocation of their wild compatriots.

Arrive early and participate in the interesting activities like walking an interpretive trail where you can watch the young elephants roam around, video presentations of how the translocation process works, and the mahouts bathing their charges. If you’re expecting rides and shows where the animals are expected to perform, this isn’t for you. The kids will love feeding the elephants and there’s food (sugar cane or nuts) on sale; and everyone enjoys seeing them bathe in the river. There’s no entry fee per se, but a donation is expected and welcome and obviously goes back into the running of the centre.