Malaysia
S checks out Suria and Petronas Towers
What’s better than introducing your little global citizen to a
foreign country? Showing them one that’s a mix of different cultures all
living and working together harmoniously. Malaysia is a centuries-old
combination of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and British traditions. The kids
can simultaneously watch incense waft up from the front of a Chinese
temple, hear the call to prayer from the mosque down the street, and
smell the inviting aroma of Indian food from the cart on the corner.
It’s like visiting multiple countries all at one time.
Malaysia appeals to the adventurous explorer in kids. Trek the jungle
in search of the distinctive Rafflesia flower which can grow up to 100
cm wide and is famous for smelling like rotten meat. In Malaysian
Borneo, come face-to-face with semi-wild orangutans in rehabilitation
sanctuaries or cruise rivers in search of endangered proboscis monkeys
and river dolphins. Visit cultural villages to learn about now-forbidden
tribal ways like headhunting, and let the kids try out how well they do
with a blow dart. In Kuala Lumpur, climb 272 steps to the Hindu temple
built high up inside Batu Caves.
Children who enjoy modern sights will want to head up to the
Skybridge of the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world.
If that isn’t enough, spend a day or two at LEGOLAND Malaysia, just
across the border from Singapore. The water park, themed hotel, and
amusement park rides will undoubtedly keep them entertained. Make sure
to leave time to wander through Miniland Asia with models of everything
from China’s Forbidden City to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, all built out of
LEGOs. With a visit to Malaysia, your kids will feel like they’ve
travelled to more than just one country.