15 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia With Family Near Singapore

The ideal getaways for quick family-bonding moments!

Malaysia is renowned for its amazing tourist attractions and colourful variety of local delicacies.

Diverse in culture and rich with history, there’s always something for you to explore, both famous and underrated.

If you’re planning a family day trip or a wonderful get-together from Singapore, here are fifteen of the best places to visit in Malaysia right now.

Table of Contents

Best Places To Visit In Johor

From Singapore, Johor is the first state welcoming you into Malaysia. Consider visiting these three places during your beginning travels into the country:

1. Legoland Malaysia

Built in 2012 as Malaysia’s first international amusemant park, LEGOLAND is a prime venue for the whole family to unwind, have fun, and collect premium LEGO toys (particularly for collectors of all ages).

Things To Do:

• Check out LEGO recreations of real-world landmarks in Miniland – including a miniature Singapore!
• Discover beautiful aquatic animals in the underwater SEA LIFE.
• Let the kids play to their hearts’ content at LEGOLAND Park and LEGOLAND Water Park.

Remark(s):

• Due to its massive popularity, you can expect large crowds of visitors during the weekends and public holidays. Opt to visit LEGOLAND during the weekdays, specifically between March and September, to reduce chances of long cues and rainy weather.

2. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple

Another local wonder in Johor is the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, a Hindu house of worship ladened entirely by glass mosaics.

Spend some time marvelling at its spectacular interiors while you’re in the state!

Things To Do:

• Snap pictures of gorgeous glass artworks and designs.
• Learn more about the temple’s founding and its Hindu origins.

Remark(s):

• Respect the holy place; kindly monitor the children from playing with fragile glass artifacts or making loud noises.

3. Putuo Village

Escape the cityscape by visiting a Buddhist sanctuary in the bamboo-forested Putuo Village; a haven for naturists and tourists alike.

Things To Do:

• Enjoy a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush bamboo greeneries.
• Take fantastic photos that’ll last an eternity.
• Relax by indulging in some delicious food at the Fat Bamboo Cafe.

Remark(s):

• The best areas to explore are open and uncovered, so bring umbrellas to avoid getting wet during the rainy season.

Best Places To Visit In Malacca

After Johor, Malacca is the next go-to region for staycations and sight-seeing. There’s a whole lot to do and places to admire here, beginning with:

4. Jonker Street (Night Market)

Sometimes, following the crowd can lead you to some exciting experiences, and Jonker Street is just that.

A great spot for nighttime dining and souvenir hunting, illuminated by vibrant lights and bustling activities.

Things To Do:

• Hitch a trishaw (or trishaws) with the family, coasting around town at night.
• Get creative by snapping pictures with the 3D artworks painted on the walls of many sections around the area.
• Savour various cuisines at many well-known restaurants, like Hard Rock Cafe or Calanthe Art Cafe.

Remark(s):

• Jonker Street is also locally called Jonker Walk, and it’s best to come early to avoid the heavy daily traffic if you’re driving.
• For convenience, consider parking at one of the nearby shopping malls, Dataran Pahlawan or Mahkota Parade.

5. The Shore Sky Tower

Wish to view Malacca at a different angle (literally)?

Come visit The Shore Sky Tower, and you’ll be wowed by the awe-inspiring sights awaiting you at such elevated heights!

Things To Do:

• Selfies galore for social media enthusiasts.
• Catch a glorious view of the sunset!

Remark(s):

• Might not be the best place for acrophobic individuals (fear of heights), particularly the elderly or children.

6. Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum

Balance the itinerary by bringing the family to a trip down memory lane at the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum.

Understand more about the state’s strong foundations and proud history.

Things To Do:

• Improve general knowledge about the Malaccan community by learning more of their important heritage.
• Observe intricate details about the Malaccan customs and traditions that continue to be preserved to this day.

Remark(s):

• Some of the souvenirs and items were created by highly-skilled craftsmen, making them valuable catches.

7. The Huskitory

One for the animal lovers, The Huskitory is a sanctum for exotic canines, primarily the much-beloved Huskies (alas, the name).

Everyone’s guaranteed to leave beaming and happy by the end of the stop.

Things To Do:

• Cuddle and squeeze big, fluffy doggos!
• There’s an additional section available upstairs; the world-renowned Shiba Inus await.

Remark(s):

• Hygiene is exceptionally taken care of by the staff, but everyone should still consider wearing masks for a smoother and pleasant experience (especially those with allergies to fur or dust).

Best Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur/ Selangor

What’s a Malaysian trip if Kuala Lumpur and Selangor aren’t in it?

Almost everything can be found in the country’s most prestigious city, KL, while Selangor hides some surprising hotspots as well.

8. Aquaria KLCC

Among the top places to visit in Malaysia, regardless of where you’re from around the world, is undoubtedly Aquaria KLCC, one of the country’s most distinguished attractions.

Go underwater to meet extraordinary marine life, including sharks, at the heart of a busy city!

Things To Do:

• Get up close and personal with captivating creatures not exhibited anywhere else in the country.
• Actual diving sessions with the sharks (accompanied by certified personnel)!

Remark(s):

• It’s recommended to come during the weekdays when visitor numbers are at the minimum.
• You can reach Aquaria via the RapidKL LRT by stopping at the KLCC Station; from there, it’s a cosy walk through Suria KLCC Shopping Mall.

9. KidZania

Pamper the children for a day by bringing them to KidZania, a delightful play area that lets them reenact real-world activities albeit scaled down to a more relaxed and fun environment.

Things To Do:

• Save lives as a doctor, protect the peace by dressing as a police officer, have a go at becoming an auto specialist; the kids can go wild with their interests and imagination!

Remark(s):

• It’s a good idea to bring spare clothing for the children; from spilled food to rough tumbles everywhere, anything can happen to the kids, so it’s best to be prepared.

10. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

As one of the many cool places to visit in Malaysia, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park definitely deserves a mention on this list.

The amusement park never fails to attract tourists from all over the world, boasting exceptional joy rides, true-to-life wave pools, and top-of-the-line facilities all year round.

Things To Do:

• Try surfing at the Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach; it’s difficult to catch those waves anywhere else in Malaysia!
• Detour to Sunway Pyramid mall to dine at the finest restaurants, watch a movie at the cinema, or go shoping at high-end stores.

Remark(s):

• Similar to other theme parks, try coming to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park during the off-season or weekdays to enjoy the facilities with less crowds.

11. Batu Caves

If you haven’t visited the ancient Batu Caves before, you would be remiss not to do so.

There’s loads of history to be uncovered, while further inside lies a hidden natural beauty untampered by civilisation.

Things To Do:

• Traverse all 272 steps built in front of the Temple Cave to reach the inner domain where millions-old limestones are preserved.
• Check out the massive gaping hole allowing light to illuminate the cave at the end – it makes for an enchanting photo session.

Remark(s):

• Be reminded to wear appropriate clothings; shorts aren’t allowed for men.
• The steep climb up the steps might be dangerous for the elderly and small children.

12. Kuala Kubu Bharu (White Water Rafting)

Thrill seekers would definitely be interested in white water rafting – a type of outdoor sports involving a group of people maneuvering a raft while riding a fast-flowing river.

The Selangor River in Kuala Kubu Bharu is a popular venue for such an adventure!

Things To Do:

• Learn the basics of rafting in general.
• End the venture by getting wet, swimming in the water at the end of the rapids.

Remark(s):

• Although you can choose which level of water rapid to partake in, senior folk and little children aren’t advised to participate, to avoid injury or harm.

13. Kuala Selangor Fireflies Park

Truth be told, not everyone has observed actual fireflies in real life before.

So, a day’s stop at Kuala Selangor should be on the cards!

Things To Do:

• Bring a quality camera (preferably low-light) to capture unbelievable images of the fireflies in action at night.
• You might get lucky and encounter the “Blue Tears” phenomena where water disturbances become blue due to the presence of special algae!

Remark(s):

• The region is protected, managed, and monitored by Kuala Selangor’s district council, so dealing with them directly can help you save a lot of hassle, time, and money.

Best Places To Visit In Pahang

While many Singaporean travellers usually end their journeys at Kuala Lumpur or Selangor, why not extend the trip a bit further inland towards Pahang, to explore a few more outstanding places before returning home!

14. Chin Swee Caves Temple

Imagine going to a religious site built high up in the clouds.

While Chin Swee Caves Temple in Genting Highlands isn’t actually located at the top of a mountain, it’s still around 1.5km above sea level, enveloped by a dreamy, thick fog that gives it a mysterious yet alluring vibe.

Things To Do:

• Step inside the illustrious Pagoda Temple – the trademark tower that everyone sees while driving up to Genting Highlands!
• Read the texts inscribed on stone monuments, sharing the tales of different deities and religious figures.

Remark(s):

• Although it’s accessible by road, parking spaces are limited, so it’s more convenient to go there by using a gondola from Awana SkyWay at Genting Highlands.

15. Genting Highlands Premium Outlets

Before returning to Singapore, it’s almost customary now to go shopping beforehand, and Genting Highlands Premium Outlets should be the final place on your checklist.

Seen as one of the most famous places to visit in Malaysia with family, you can find explosive discounts and unmatched deals for worldwide luxury brands, like Burberry and Swarovski.

Things To Do:

• Treat the family to scrumptuous food at the finest restaurants, such as Dome Cafe.
• Check out events currently ongoing at the central square.

Remark(s):

• Be mindful of your children; it’s easy to become caught up in crowds or lose sight of them after visiting multiple shops.

Conclusion

Malaysia is blessed with many remarkable places to explore, so you’ll certainly want to plan for future visits again in the near future.

To make things easier, opt for a private car transport service like PrivateCarSG to help lessen the travelling load, keeping the whole family happy!