KL-bound with the kids in tow? The Malaysian capital may suffer from big-city syndrome, but it’s also surprisingly sprog-friendly, with lush, accessible outdoor adventures, yum eats and myriad cultural treats to keep mini fusspots entertained. Here’s how to do it all in just one day.
AM:
Make the most of your morning by kicking off bright and early at Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, an informative science and tech hub where budding Einstein’s will squeal with glee for interactive exhibs and audio-visual experiences. Hop on the Dark Ride for a sensory journey through tropical rainforest, mountain and underwater habitats through to modern-day Malaysia, or take a seat in the 3D Theatre for an eye-popping dinosaur flick.
While you’re here, make a pitstop at the Petronas Twin Towers. Tix can be purchased at the concourse level before taking the elevator up to the Observation Deck where you’ll be view-tifully rewarded with expansive panoramas across the city.
Lunch:
By now the kids must be ravenous so hail a cab and zip to Bangsar Baru, where Dr. Inc serves up a melange of Malay and int’l dishes (think everything from flave-packed curries to fresh salads and sarnies), plus top-notch java and sweet baked goodies in an artsy caff or breezy, flora-spangled patio. Upstairs Nala Designs is also worth a peek for an array of pretty printed lifestyle kit spanning pillowcases and other textiles to totes and notebooks.
PM:
Replenished, back into a cab you go for an afternoon in KL’s glorious Lake Gardens. This sprawling estate is the perfect place for kids to stretch their legs, with a maze of manicured bushes, vibrant hibiscus and orchid plantations, plus deer park all to be explored by foot. It’s also home to the world’s largest walk-in aviary the KL Bird Park, and the magical KL Butterfly Park, a vast greenhouse of more than 5000 flutterbys, creepy crawlies and exotic plants.
All this whizzing around got you feeling a little hot and bothered? If a time-out is in order, nip for a guilt-free pamper sesh at Bangsar’s swoony Ozmosis Day Spa. These pros have spesh 2-3 hr packages that allow you to wind down with calming Pevonia facials, aromatherapy rubs et al, while the little wrigglers are taken care of with storytelling, arts n’ crafts and a slew of facials, foot massages and mani/pedis tailored especially to them.
Dinner:
Is it that hour already? Avert looming temper-tantrums with a quick scoot to Bangsar’s laid-back Southern Rock Seafood Kitchen for – yep, you guessed it. Flip-fresh maritime morsels and succulent bivalvia are flown in fresh daily to this convivial, nautical-tinged eatery, and they’ll even plate up kiddie portions of classic fish n’ chips. Easy.
Stay:
Forget romance. Families looking for more of a crash pad than a love nest will feel right at home at centrally situ’d The Shangri-La. Suites are supreme with separate living areas, plush furnishings and eye-popping panoramas, plus first-class service and heat-beating, shaded dipper for sprogs to splash around in.
Hero image: Artit Wongpradu/Shutterstock
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