Penang & Melaka Guide
The UNESCO world-heritage listed cities of Penang and Melaka offer families living history, incredible food and a rare glimpse of old Asia.
A couple of hours’ drive south of the capital lies the birthplace of Malay civilization, Melaka.Much further up the west coast is the first British settlement, the island of Penang, with old colonial buildings and a vibrant Chinatown district adorning its capital Georgetown.
Explore Melaka...
Mini Fantastically decorated trishaws are readily available: rickshaws can be hired to tour the UNESCO heritage sites with ease. Take the Melaka River Cruise or go for a buggy ride through the Taman Botanical Gardens (bit like battery powered chairs the elderly use, safe for your littlies to drive whilst you sit on the back!) make sure you remember to stop of at the dinosaurs...Cool off at the Wonderland Waterpark and visit the crocs at the Ayer Keroh Crocodile Farm (no Crocodile Dundee stunts here…!)If you can persuade the littlies to have an afternoon siesta, then Jonker Street comes alive at night. The night market and eateries are worth an explore. The Geographer Cafe is a well known hang-out, great for families (can be crowded at weekends though)
Which Family Pod? Squidgy baby; Toddling around ; Energetic explorers
Tiny Tip: You can take a taxi for the hour and a half journey from Kuala Lumpur, costs around 140 RM.
Penang, the Pearl of the Orient...
Penang really does have it all: take a wander through the capital Georgetown, complete with stunning colonial buildings, such as the Macalister Mansion (now a boutique hotel) & The Eastern & Orient Hotel. A lovely way to explore Malaysia's past and kids will love the transport and brightly coloured buildings.Near the George Town Butterfly Farm is the Spice Garden, you can take a tour but the littlies will much prefer running in and out of the shady paths & exploring the beautiful gardens. The Tree-top Cafe and giant swings make this a must-do.
Which Family Pod? Squidgy baby; Toddling around; Energetic explorers
Tiny Tip: Book taxi's & tours with baby seats at Ocean Jupiter the local baby friendly tour company in town.
For littlies who like a train-ride
The Penang Hill funicular railway is a great way to cool off by making for higher ground and the views of Georgetown from the top of Flagstaff Hill are great.Exhibitions and cafe's can be found at the top, although we have told that the Owl museum is a no-no for littlies (lots of breakables)
Tiny Tip:Make like the locals & buy anti-mosquito patches from the pharmacies and stick a couple on the kids or buggy
Kiddie friendly highlights.
Toy Museum
The largest personal collection of toys in the world… from Star wars to superheroes, Barbie & Pixar, in fact every genre that has been released in the last 50 years.
Penang Youth Park
A paradise for families, shady playgrounds, jungle paths and many different types of slides, wading pools and tons of other activities.
Penang Butterfly Farm
Turtles at Kek Lok Si
Complete with golden glass elevators reminiscent of Willy Wonka
Brightly coloured Penang ferry to mainland
Penang Bird Park
Fort Cornwallis.
Which Family Pod? Toddling around ; Energetic explorers
