School’s out, the heat is on—and every parent is wondering “Where can we go that’s fun, fresh, and family-friendly?” While Malaysia is full of vacation staples like Genting Highlands, Legoland, and beaches, this holiday is the perfect time to explore some newer spots and underrated gems that are likely to integrate fun, learning, and connection into one adventure.
With most international schools in Malaysia enjoying their mid-year break between July and August, this period offers the perfect opportunity for families to take extended trips, discover new experiences together, and make the most of quality time without the usual school-day rush.
Whether you’re in the mood for nature, play zones, or something totally off the beaten track, here’s a guide to new places worth checking out this holiday season —with something for every type of family.
Photo Credit: Dreamer's Playground
1. Dreamer’s Playground (KL Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur)
Best for: Young children, creative play, indoor fun
This cosy indoor play space is built for hands-on, imaginative play. Think large wooden blocks, sensory tables, craft corners, and Montessori-inspired stations where children are free to build, design, and create without overstimulation. It’s ideal for younger children (ages 2–8), especially when the heat gets intense or the rain kicks in.
Why it’s great:
- Quiet, open layout that doesn’t overwhelm
- Free-play concept builds confidence and creativity
- Instagram-worthy corners for family photos
- Clean, modern, and safe space to relax while children roam
Parents love the well-conceived setup—and the café nearby is an added bonus.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
2. Jungle Gym @ Sanctuary Mall (Kota Kemuning, Selangor)
Best for: Children with energy to burn, adventurous toddlers to teens
Jungle Gym isn’t new, but their Sanctuary Mall outlet is their latest and boldest version. This circus-themed indoor playground is filled with vibrant tunnels, trampolines, slides, rope bridges, and ball pits. It’s designed to let children climb, bounce, and explore without boredom.
Why it’s great:
- Strong safety features and attentive staff
- Dedicated toddler zone for the under-4s
- Seating areas for parents (with WiFi!)
- Affordable hourly or unlimited play passes
Perfect for half-day visits or when you’re trying to fill that tricky post-lunch energy slump.
Photo Credit: The Smart Local
3. ESCAPE Putrajaya (Putrajaya)
Best for: Families with older children (8+), thrill seekers, outdoor lovers
ESCAPE has long been known for its adventure parks, but the Putrajaya location is the latest addition, offering high-flying ziplines, obstacle courses, splash zones, and sky bridges in a jungle-meets-urban setting. It’s all about challenging yourself, getting sweaty, and laughing through the nerves.
Why it’s great:
- Less crowded than the Penang version
- Combines nature and thrills in one spot
- Eco-friendly and tech-free
- Suits older children and teens
Make sure to book ahead—slots fill fast during school breaks. And bring water, hats, and closed-toe shoes.
Photo Credit: Tabin Rainforest Lodge
4. Tabin Wildlife Reserve (Lahad Datu, Sabah)
Best for: Nature-loving families, teens, wildlife watchers
Want a holiday that’s way off the beaten track? Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah offers guided family experiences in the heart of Borneo’s rainforest. Spot orangutans, hornbills, and the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant. There are even mud volcanoes to explore.
Why it’s great:
- Deep nature immersion, far from city life
- Stay in eco-lodges surrounded by jungle
- Educational and conservation-focused tours
- Suitable for older children (ages 7+)
It’s a trip to plan ahead for, but the memories—and the wildlife—are worth it.
Photo Credit: Places of Juma
5. Cameron Highlands (Pahang) – With a Twist
Best for: Mixed-age families, cool-weather seekers, farm explorers
Cameron Highlands is a classic—but this summer, give it a new spin. Skip the over-touristed tea shops and go deeper:
- Take a walk through the Mossy Forest, a misty, magical trail full of moss-covered trees.
- Visit bee farms, butterfly gardens, and local vegetable markets.
- Try farm-to-table strawberry picking or homemade scones at quieter farms.
Why it’s great:
- Cooler temps (a break from the KL heat!)
- Combines nature, food, and education
- Still accessible by car and easy to navigate
- Lots of free or low-cost activities
Avoid weekends to beat the crowds. Pack jackets—it gets chilly!
Photo Credit: Tourism Melaka
6. Melaka Wonderland + Melaka Zoo (Ayer Keroh, Melaka)
Best for: Younger families, mix of water fun and animals
Melaka Wonderland Theme Park has received a recent refresh—cleaner slides, better facilities, and new food outlets. Add a trip to Melaka Zoo, located nearby, and you have a full day of wild, wet fun.
Why it’s great:
- Affordable for families
- Combines education and play
- Less intense than Sunway Lagoon but still entertaining
- Water rides for both little ones and older children
Pro tip: Go early and pack towels. Also check out the zoo’s interactive animal shows and feeding sessions.
Photo Credit: Gamuda Cove
7. Gamuda SplashMania (Gamuda Cove, Selangor)
Best for: Water-lovers of all ages, thrill-seekers, families
SplashMania at Gamuda Cove is Malaysia’s new water theme park sensation—an expansive 18‑acre tropical playground with ‘Nature meets FUN” at its core featuring 24 thrilling slides ‘and 15 attractions, this park delivers nonstop water excitement: from lazy rivers and wave pools to adrenaline-pumping slides like Shaka Waka, Wild Rush, and Aqua Swirl.
Why families love it:
- Hosts a mix of gentle rides for little ones—like the colourful Treasure Tower play area with tipping buckets—and high-speed slides for teens and parents.
- Integrates 70% green space, blending lush landscaping with water fun
- Includes useful family-friendly amenities—lockers, surau, clean showers, and cafés (though in-park food is a bit pricier than offsite).
- Highly rated: visitors praise the cleanliness, safe facilities, and short lines on less busy days
Bonus: Backyard Day Trips and DIY Adventures
If travel’s not on your list this year, don’t underestimate what’s nearby. Here are a few ideas that don’t need a hotel booking:
- Forest reserves and waterfalls near your city (e.g. Kanching Falls, Taman Rimba Kiara)
- Urban adventures like KL Tower Skywalk or Petrosains Discovery Centre
- Local farm tours, aquariums, or even your neighbourhood park—add a twist with scavenger hunts or picnic challenges
Adventure is a mindset. Sometimes it’s just a new lens on a familiar place.
Final Thought: Adventure Doesn’t Have to Be Far
This holiday, skip the pressure to ‘go big.’ Go fresh. Explore what’s new, what’s near, and what fits your family’s pace right now.
Adventure isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you feel when you get there.
So whether it’s tree-top ziplines, hands-on art play, cool mountain air, or spotting a rare animal in the jungle—let this be the holiday where your family finds joy in new places, together.
