When we booked our trip to Malaysia, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. What I found was a country that blends futuristic infrastructure with humble, kind people, a rare combination that makes traveling here not only exciting but surprisingly easy.
Our family of four (with a toddler and an infant) spent eight days split between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. It was the perfect balance for us: five days of big-city energy and sightseeing in KL, followed by three days of slow mornings, beaches, and relaxation in Langkawi.
Here’s everything we did, where we stayed, what we ate, and the tips I wish someone had told me before going.
Visa Requirements
This was one of the top reasons for us to pick Malaysia. It offers a free, visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. All you need is a copy of your hotel booking, return flight tickets, show proof of funds and get a digital arrival card within 3 days of your travel date. It took barely 10 minutes to get one for my entire family. Although only the digital arrival card was checked during immigration for us, I recommend carrying all the requirements just incase you get unlucky and to avoid unnecessary drama.
Kuala Lumpur: The Perfect Start to a Malaysia Itinerary
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur with Kids
We booked an apartment hotel, The Face Suites, and it was exactly what we needed as a family. Having a kitchen and washing machine made life easier and practical with a toddler and an infant. The location was gold, only 5 – 10 minutes’ drive from the Petronas Towers, KLCC Park, and Suria Mall.
Other options include:
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Backpackers: Hostels in Bukit Bintang.
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Mid-range: Airbnbs or serviced apartments near KLCC and mid range hotels.
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Luxury: High-end hotels like the Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental with skyline views.
Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur (Family Friendly + Iconic Spots)
Our itinerary was built around both family activities and classic KL highlights:
Petronas Towers & KLCC Park: A must-visit. The towers are stunning at night, and the park has playgrounds and fountains where kids can run wild, and so can you (wink). There are many great restaurants here too.
Aquaria KLCC: Inside Suria Mall, perfect for toddlers and a great escape from the afternoon heat. My son absolutely loved the sharks and massive sting rays going over our heads. I must say this was a lot more enjoyable compared to the one in Dubai. Click here to read about my Dubai trip.
Putrajaya Mosque: A breathtaking landmark just outside the city. This mosque is PINK. You will have to wear robes to enter which are available just outside.
Chinatown: Street food, markets, and cultural buzz. A great place for the foodie in you.
Farm in the City: Perfect for young children who love animals. There are petting zoos and then there’s this. My son was thrilled to be able to feed so many different kinds of animals.
- Bukit Bintang: A hub for shopping, dining and nightlife. There is a different vibe on different streets offering different experiences.
- Zoo Negara: Most cities have zoos but this one is quite unique with a huge lake right in the middle and a whole savanna area with rhinos and zebras roaming around uncaged. I recommend visiting before noon or early evening onwards and avoid the afternoon sun, as there is quite a bit to walk around.
SuperPark Malaysia: An indoor activity park where kids (and adults) can burn off energy. Perfect to visit before dinner, if you know what I mean (wink).
Kuala Lumpur often gets labeled as “just skyscrapers and shopping malls,” but for us it turned out to be a surprisingly family friendly city.
How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur
We used Grab for almost everything. It was cheap, convenient and stroller-friendly. Kuala Lumpur is also walkable in central areas, with wide sidewalks for strollers.
For those without kids (or those who want to skip traffic), the MRT and monorail are excellent: affordable, air-conditioned and well connected to most major attractions.
Best Food in Kuala Lumpur: My Picks
Malaysia is a food paradise, and even with kids we managed to enjoy some favorites:
Nasi lemak: Coconut rice with sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, and egg.
Roti canai: Flaky flatbread served with curry.
Hokkien Mee: A noodle dish which comes with a rich broth and an option of dark soy sauce.
Satay: Skewers of grilled meat, usually served with a rich peanut sauce.
Our toddler now happily tries new foods while traveling, nasi lemak and roti canai included. Hopefully the baby follows suit!
Should You Do Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur?
With only four days in KL (our fifth was for onward travel) and two little ones, we skipped day trips. Honestly, the city itself offered more than enough to keep us busy. When you travel with kids, it has to account for their pace and comfort too.
If you have extra time, consider:
Genting Highlands: A resort town in the mountains with theme parks.
Malacca: A historic port city with Portuguese-Dutch architecture.
Langkawi: Relaxation & Beaches
How to Get to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi are cheap and short. Here’s a budget hack we used:
Buy the base fare with no checked baggage.
Add baggage allowance later, paying only for the exact weight.
This ended up cheaper than booking the standard fare including baggage upfront.
Where to Stay in Langkawi (Family Resorts & Villas)
We chose a beachfront villa, sticking with what worked for us in KL. The need for a kitchen and washing machine. It gave us comfort, space, and flexibility with the kids.
Langkawi options range widely:
Budget: Hostels near Pantai Cenang.
Mid-range: Villas or apartments and hotels.
Luxury: Resorts in Datai Bay (The Datai is world-famous).
Best Things to Do in Langkawi
Our focus in Langkawi was relaxation, but we still managed a few activities:
Datai Bay: Beautiful and quiet, perfect for families.
Kayaking & Bat Caves: An adventurous outing in Langkawi’s natural surroundings.
Resort activities: Hiking, water sports, and downtime by the pool.
I wanted to dive, but August weather in Langkawi can be unpredictable, rain and winds made it less than ideal. Tip: check diving and island-hopping conditions before you go.
Langkawi Weather in August: What to Expect
Expect sunshine mixed with sudden rain showers. It’s rarely trip-ruining, but some outdoor activities (like diving) may get canceled. Pack light rain gear just in case.
Langkawi Nightlife vs Family Travel
Langkawi has a lively nightlife scene with beach bars and parties, but with kids, we skipped it. And honestly, we didn’t miss it! Sunset swims and quiet evenings by the beach were just as rewarding.
Kuala Lumpur vs Langkawi: City Buzz or Island Chill?
The contrast was striking:
Kuala Lumpur: Fast-paced, modern, buzzing with energy.
Langkawi: Scenic, slow, and relaxed.
Together, they gave us the perfect mix of adventure and downtime.
Malaysia Travel Tips for Families
Malaysia Budget Guide: Backpackers to Luxury
Malaysia has something for everyone:
Backpackers: Budget hostels and cheap eats.
Families (our style): Higher mid-range for comfort, space, and convenience.
Luxury travelers: Top hotels and private villas, especially in Langkawi.
Is Malaysia Easy to Travel With Kids?
Yes. English is widely spoken, transport is smooth, and most places are stroller-friendly. Traveling with kids felt surprisingly stress-free.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia?
We visited in August, the weather was mixed, with sudden showers but plenty of sunshine too. Generally, November to April is considered the best season for Langkawi if diving and island hopping are a priority. It is usually hot and humid all year round. So pack accordingly, and stay hydrated.
Suggested 7 Days Itinerary in Malaysia
Option A: 5 Days in Kuala Lumpur + 2 Days in Langkawi
Best for travelers who want to cover a lot, including day trips from KL.
Option B: 4 Days in Kuala Lumpur + 3 Days in Langkawi
Best for families and those who want a balance of sightseeing and relaxation.
Contact Me For A Customized Itinerary
If you’re interested in planning a customized itinerary that suits your pace and preferences, feel free to reach out to me. Whether you’re looking for a more relaxed trip or something packed with adventure, I’m happy to help you create the perfect travel plan. Send me a message, and let’s make your Malaysia experience unforgettable! Or Click Here if you want to explore more of my travels.
Essential Gear: My Must Have’s
This Dubai trip with my one and a half year old was made effortless, thanks to essential gadgets and products we’ve discovered over our travels. These tried-and-tested items have become invaluable companions, enhancing our experiences and simplifying our stay and flight journeys. Here’s my handpicked selection to make your Dubai trip with a little one a breeze.
- Stroller: When there’s a lot of walking involved, this stroller has been very comfortable not just for my kid but for us too, that comes with storage as well. This also folds down to an easy to carry mode and it also fits in the over head bins on flights.
- Snack box: This box is very convenient to carry snacks for my kid especially during flights and at airports. It has 3 compartments that lets me carry a variety of snacks and fits in the diaper bag without taking up a lot of space.
- Busy Board and Toys and their favourite books for flights: How to entertain small kids on a flight? These 2 are small, compact and easy to carry that keeps my kid occupied for hours. We only use these on flights.
- Diaper Changing Mat: Changing diapers becomes very convenient with this mat providing a clean and comfortable space to lie your baby on especially while you are on the move, providing a germ free space that comes with pouches to store wipes and much more.
- Diaper Disposal Bags: Easiest way to take care of those dirty diapers after a change especially on the go without worrying about any smells that may discomfort those around you.
- Universal Charger Plug: This one is helpful for any trip to any country. One product that takes care of any type of plug points in different countries.
- Travel Containers: These containers help us carry the different products like specific shampoos or moisturizes for your baby or even for your self, that come in large quantities so you do not need to carry the bigger bottles.
Final Thoughts: Why Malaysia Belongs on Your Travel List
Malaysia surprised me in the best way. It’s modern, organized, and easy to navigate, yet its people remain some of the most humble and friendly I’ve met in a long time while traveling.
For us, it was exactly what we needed: a stress-free trip that entertained our toddler, gave us space to relax, and left us with memories of both city skylines and quiet beaches.
If you’re planning a trip to Asia, whether solo, as a couple, or with kids: put Malaysia high on your list. It’s a destination that works for every type of traveler.
These are of course just my opinions based on my experiences and gained knowledge. Differences in opinion are welcome.
