10 Best Short Trips And Weekend Getaways From KL With Kids

SUMATRA, INDONESIA: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (1 Hour From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

Sumatra’s exotic wildlife, lush tropical jungles, and active volcanoes make it a nature lover’s paradise indeed. It’s a short flight across the Malacca Strait to Sumatra’s largest city, Medan, from where you’ll travel to Bukit Lawang village in the heart of Gunung Leuser National Park. Stay in the EcoTravel Cottages at the Sumatra Hotel operated by Sumatra EcoTravel Bukit Lawang. This breathtaking jungle boutique is located on the banks of the Bohorok River.

Sumatra EcoTravel Bukit Lawang also offers fantastic jungle trekking tours to see wild Sumatran orangutans. Definitely make time to visit southeast Asia’s largest lake, Danau Toba. Book a sunrise volcano trek with Berastagi Adventure to hike up Mount Sibayak. You’ll also see the active volcano Mount Sinabung smoldering in the distance. It’s best to visit Sumatra during the dry season from May to September.

Sumatra EcoTravel Bukit Lawang, Tour Office and Cottages: Jl. Besar Orangutan, Bukit Lawang, Bohorok, Kabupaten Langkat, Sumatra, Indonesia, +62 822 76092633, info@sumatra-ecotravel.com, www.sumatra-ecotravel.com

Berastagi Adventure, Gg Sampang Malem Simpang, Jl. Ujung Aji, Berastagi, Sumatra, Indonesia, +62 857 6022 3302, berastagiadventure@gmail.com, www.berastagiadventure.com

HONG KONG: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (4 Hours From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

Escape to a magical kingdom not far away in Hong Kong. A place where your little princesses and superheroes can act out their dreams, and where moms and dads are taken back to childhood magic. Yes, we’re talking about Hong Kong Disneyland! The magic of Disney is something experienced and loved by those of all ages. Meet your favorite beloved Disney characters and Marvel superheroes and enjoy thrilling and exciting rides throughout the park.

Stay in the vicinity of the park at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. This lavish Victorian palace offers families a unique opportunity to enjoy a fully immersed Disney experience, including access to the theme park. Explore the hotel’s Mickey Mouse shaped garden maze and stay in stately rooms, even spectacular Disney themed ones. Visit nearby Inspiration Lake to enjoy a picnic at the perfectly groomed park. Check Disney’s Park Calendar for suitable dates.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Magic Road, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 3550 3388, reservations@hongkongdisneyland.com, www.hongkongdisneyland.com

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Magic Road, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 3510 6000, reservations@hongkongdisneyland.com, www.hongkongdisneyland.com/hotels/hong-kong-disneyland-hotel

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Disneyland Hong Kong, www.littlestepsasia.com/hong-kong/play/top-things-to-do-with-kids/disneyland

SINGAPORE: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (1 Hour From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

Singapore is a popular fun-filled family destination for short getaways. Stay where all the action is in Singapore on Sentosa Island at Village Hotel Sentosa. This vibrant island resort is located right in the heart of Sentosa, just 15 minutes from the CBD. Their Deluxe Family rooms are perfectly designed with family stays in mind. This resort features a spa and 4 thematic pool experiences on the pool deck which includes a Pool Bar, Children’s Pool, and Lazy River.

There are tons of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Keep the whole family entertained both at the resort itself and nearby the resort. The resort hosts a range of weekend activities from fitness classes to movies under the stars. It’s close to golden beaches, plus you can hop into a cable car from Merlion Station next door, to explore the Island’s rainforest from the treetops. Spend hours of fun across the road from the resort at Universal Studios Singapore. Singapore is a year-round destination.

Village Hotel Sentosa, 10 Artillery Avenue, #02-01 Palawan Ridge, Sentosa Island, Singapore, +65 6722 0800, info.vhs@fareast.com.sg, www.villagehotels.asia

Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore, +65 6577 8888, enquiries@rwsentosa.com, www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/universal-studios-singapore

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to 50 Adventures for Families in Singapore, www.littlestepsasia.com/singapore/play/top-things-to-do-with-kids/family-friendly-adventures

LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (1 Hour From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

Part of over 99 islands in the Strait of Malacca, Langkawi is a stunning archipelagic island located about 30km off the coast of northwestern mainland Malaysia. It forms part of the administrative district of Kedah, Malaysia. This is a top close destination for families to visit as it exudes thick mangrove forests, gorgeous white waterfalls, and idyllic tropical beaches. Stay at the family-friendly Four Seasons Resort Langkawi offering tropical garden or partial Andaman Sea view Pavilions and spectacular private home-style Villas with private pools.

There’s also an awesome Kids Club at the resort where the specially trained staff will take your little ones on fun-filled adventures while you enjoy the spa! The resort’s property is situated in a UNESCO Geopark and kids will love all the activities associated with the Discovery Centre too - rock climbing, trekking, bike tours, and more! Make time to pop past the famed Langkawi Sky Bridge stretching high above the rainforest and book a Mangrove Tour with LangkawiGo Tours to explore the Kilim Geoforest Park by boat. Visit Langkawi between November to April for sunny days and less rain.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Jl. Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia, +60 4 950 8888, res.langkawi@fourseasons.com, www.fourseasons.com/langkawi

LangkawiGo Tours, Lot 63 Kompleks Pekan Rabu, Mukim Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia, +60 18 665 1866, marketing.langkawigo@gmail.com, www.langkawigotours.com

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to the Top Things to do with Kids in Langkawi, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/malaysia/langkawi/things-to-do

VIETNAM: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (2 Hours From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

Ho Chi Minh, more affectionately known as Saigon and Vietnam’s capital, offers families in Kuala Lumpur a fabulous opportunity for a buzzing city getaway. When heading to this bustling metropolis, book into the stunning family-friendly Sherwood Residence, just 20 minutes away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. This elegant 5-star hotel and residence offers beautifully appointed 2- and 3-bedroom serviced apartments and penthouses right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

The kids will love the hotel’s mini cinema, kids playroom, and extensive outdoor swimming pool. Sherwood Residence’s convenient location on scenic Pasteur Street, allows for easy access to all major tourist attractions and shopping areas in the city. Just a short walk from the hotel, you’ll be able to visit the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and some amazing local restaurants and bars. Ho Chi Minh’s shopping scene is not to be missed, with local street markets, food stalls, malls, and boutique outlets to browse. A must-visit is the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. For the best weather, visit between December and April.

Sherwood Residence, 127 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, +84 28 3823 2288, info@sherwoodresidence.com, www.sherwoodresidence.com

Ben Thanh Market, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, contact@ben-thanh-market.com, www.ben-thanh-market.com

Check out Little Steps’ Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Ho Chi Minh, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/vietnam/ho-chi-minh/shopping-guide

THAILAND: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (2 Hours And 45 Minutes From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

It’s time to get off the beaten track and into the jungle of Chiang Mai in Thailand. Inspire the kids with a Tarzan-like adventure by booking your stay in a real jungle tree house - Tree House Hideaway. This Tree House is open to stay-over guests with simple private rooms, including a large family room, and hearty meals. It’s nestled 700m above sea level on a hillside overlooking the unspoilt Mae Mae mountain village in the Chiang Mai region. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive from Chiang Mai City. You’ll be totally mesmerized by the incredible jungle views from the main tree house terrace balcony.

Your friendly Tree House host family include various tours and activities in your stay package like treks to local waterfalls and jungle temple visits. They are also able to organise additional activities for guests, with other service providers they’ve partnered with, like zipline tours, visits to ethical elephant sanctuaries, and white water rafting tours. Elephants are “big” in Chiang Mai, and you should definitely let your hosts arrange for a visit to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, to experience the magic of feeding and bathing these gentle giants. Visit between November and February when the weather is cooler and perfect for outdoor activities.

Tree House Hideaway, 128 Moo 11, Mae Mae Village, Mae Na, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 82 265 6074, www.treehouseinchiangmai.com

Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, 74/1 Moo 9, Tambon Khilek Amphoe, Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 931 329 288, kantaelephantsanctuary@gmail.com, www.kantaelephantsanctuary.com

SRI LANKA: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (3 Hours And 30 Minutes From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

You may not have considered Sri Lanka as a destination to visit for a short getaway, but you definitely should. Sri Lanka’s terrain and spectacular wildlife offers up some truly amazing nature experiences. One such experience is glamping - “camping in style” - where the jungle meets the ocean. Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a luxury tented camp situated on the coast on the southern part of Sri Lanka, next to the jungle. Once you fly into Colombo direct from Kuala Lumpur, hop onto a short 45-minute domestic air taxi flight with Cinnamon Air directly to the resort, aboard an 8-seater Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.

At the resort, guests delight in the experience of staying in the state-of-the-art Cocoon pod canvas tents with teak and copper detailing, some even with private plunge pools. Be right in nature, but still super comfortable with modern amenities. The breathtaking leopard-inhabited Yala National Park sits next to this resort. Visit the Park for exceptional safaris and nature walks to see leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and mugger crocodiles. This is a destination you can visit year-round.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Palatupana, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, +94 47 703 6000, reservations@resplendentceylon.com, www.resplendentceylon.com/wildcoastlodge-yala

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Sri Lanka with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/sri-lanka/road-trip-to-sri-lanka-with-kids

BORNEO, MALAYSIA: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (2 Hours And 40 Minutes From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

Fly directly to Kota Kinabalu on the Malaysian island of Borneo for a chance to explore Sabah’s incredible natural surroundings, including pristine beaches and lush tropical rainforests. Escape the bustling city to where the sea meets the rainforest at the magnificent Shangri-La Rasa Ria resort. They offer 499 elegant rooms and suites featuring traditional Malay accents. You won’t be bored either, as this resort also boasts its own 18-hole golf course, a 3km stretch private beach, and a 64-acre forest reserve (Rasa Ria Reserve), plus over 60 activities to enjoy at the resort.

The large coastal jungle Rasa Ria Reserve, nestled at the foot of Sabah’s iconic Mount Kinabalu, is home to diverse varieties of flora and fauna. The Discovery Center at Rasa Ria Reserve offers fantastic guided walking treks through the reserve. If you’re an adventurous and fit family, hike up Mount Kinabalu. For something special, pay a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre located in the rainforest of the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. Here you’ll get to see the wild and rescued orphan orangutans of Borneo. Visit Borneo between March and October for the best weather.

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Dalit Beach, Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, +60 88 797 888, malaysiarasaria@shangri-la.com, www.shangri-la.com/en/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, W.D.T. 200, Sabah Wildlife Department, Jl. Sepilok, Sepilok, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, +60 89 633587, info@orangutan-appeal.org.uk, www.instagram.com/sepilokorangutan

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Kota Kinabalu with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/malaysia/kota-kinabalu/family-friendly-kota-kinabalu

CAMBODIA: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (2 Hours And 10 Minutes From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

Visit a destination filled with culture, history, and beautiful temples. Cambodia offers exactly this. Fly directly to Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia and a gateway to the ancient ruins of the extraordinary Angkor Wat temple complex. Siem Reap is a kaleidoscope of colors, sights, and sounds, offering families a way to experience Khmer culture. Book a stay at the majestic Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in one of their stately rooms, suites, or villas, which are beautifully appointed with gleaming hardwood floors.

This spectacular hotel sits on 15 acres of manicured land in the leafy French Quarter. It’s one of the most iconic heritage properties in southeast Asia originally opening in 1932, welcoming the likes of discerning travellers, including the famous! Enjoy history with the hotel’s original teak and wrought iron cage elevator, and relax at Raffles Spa or laze in their magnificent outdoor Angkorian-inspired pool. The best part for history-loving families is that the hotel is only 8km away from the Angkor Wat temple complex, around the corner from the Angkor National Museum, and a short walk to the riverside and its colourful markets. The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season from November to March.

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia, +855 63 963 888, bookus.siemreap@raffles.com, www.rafflessiemreap.com

Angkor National Museum, No.968 Vithei Charles De Gaulle, Khrum 6, Phoum Salakanseng, Khom Sveydangum, Siem Reap, Cambodia, +855 63 966 601, info@the-anm.com, www.angkornationalmuseum.com

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Family-Friendly Siem Reap, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/cambodia/siem-reap/family-friendly-siem-reap

BALI, INDONESIA: Short Family-Friendly Getaways From Kuala Lumpur (3 Hours From Kuala Lumpur Direct)

Bali has to be one of the top family-friendly destinations to visit in Asia. This Indonesian Island is packed with fantastic places to eat, stay, and play. Stay in Bali’s Seminyak neighborhood, a lavish and upscale beach area. Bali is a year-round destination, but to enjoy the best activities in the best climate, visit between April and October. Located perfectly within walking distance from Seminyak’s beachfront, is the chic modern W Bali -Seminyak resort. This resort epitomizes relaxed sophistication with 229 hotel rooms, suites, and villas bursting with color, Balinese scenes, and curated local art. Totally Instagrammable!

Chill out with cocktails and incredible sunset views at the resort’s WOOBAR Bali, with seaside lounge chairs and a sundeck. Swim in the resort’s gorgeous tropical inspired pools and enjoy ultimate pampering at AWAY Spa on-site. This resort’s prime location sees it close to nearby popular beach clubs like Desa Potato Head, sacred temples, prime family beaches, superb shopping spots, and divine dining joints.

W Bali - Seminyak, Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 300 0106, whotels.bali@whotels.com, www.marriott.com/w-bali-seminyak

Desa Potato Head, Jl. Petitenget 51B, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 620 7979, seminyak@potatohead.co, www.seminyak.potatohead.co

Check out Little Steps’ Family Travel Guide to Seminyak, www.littlestepsasia.com/bali/play/neighborhood-guides/seminyak-family-guide

Check out Little Steps’ Guide to Top Things to do in Bali with Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/bali/play/top-things-to-do-with-kids/50-things-to-do-in-bali-with-kids-babies-toddlers-and-teens