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their new friends around as much as any theme park ride. More ideas: Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman - an intimate tour through a restored kampung (village) head man’s house provides an antidote to the sometimes overwhelming consumerist flavour of modern KL; Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park - a magical boat ride through nature’s Christmas trees; And Genting Highlands - where the locals go to cool off (and there’s a theme park).
Langkawi - the real life postcard Langkawi was our first taste of Malaysia, and it’s definitely the high-water mark of the country’s tourism industry. This is where the best resorts and, arguably, the best beaches can be found. I couldn’t stop staring at the limestone islands off Tanjung Rhu beach, finally living out those whitesand fantasies after previous disappointments in other Asian destinations. On this side of the island at least, the beaches are blissfully free of hawkers (and rubbish), so we were able to relax completely, without the frantic “massage-sarong-coconutpineapple-madam-sir-madam!” call of the local touts. The water was warm and still, so our little one could be sunscreened and propped up in the shallow waves for hours on end. We hired a babysitter one night to enjoy a dinner in the resort’s high-end restaurant, but the familyfriendly outlets were just as good. Our resort offered an all-inclusive food and drinks package, which would be a real treat for older kids who can’t get enough smoothies and snacks. When it comes to activities, some families will wisely demur in favour of poolside sloth. But we were keen to explore beneath the turquoise waves and set off on a snorkelling trip to a nearby reef. It
was a little disappointing, as being shipped out with hundreds of other tourists to the same snorkelling spot was not what we had in mind. A veteran Langkawi family we met chartered a yacht for a private snorkelling trip - probably worth the coin. Other drawcards for the active family: horse riding, mangrove tours, diving and golf.
Melaka (Malacca) - a hybrid gem
Previous page: Kek Lok si Temple, Penang © Goh Chin Heng, Shutterstock.com
Above from left: Oriental Village of Langkawi, Malaysia © Guido Amrein, Shutterstock.com
Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia © Ng Wei Keong, Shutterstock.com
Malacca is a town shaped by the fascinating culture of the Peranakans (per-AN-ah-kahns), or Straits Chinese. Uniquely definitive of the Malay Peninsula, their heritage of mixed Chinese and Malay roots made for a fertile combination. Its richness is expressed through a gorgeous and intricate aesthetic style that permeated architecture, textiles and, most importantly to our little clan, cuisine. Peranakan dishes can take days to prepare, with the pounding of spices all done by hand. Gorgeous wasp-waisted kebaya blouses are hand-embroidered and embellished, and colourful rococo scrolling adorns the candy-hued shophouses whose shady balconies line the streets. Our kids loved riding in a trishaw with music blaring and coloured lights dazzling. Tacky? Maybe, but that word hasn’t yet made their vocabulary. Hop off at the Jonker Street market and browse for knickknacks - like the tiny feathered bird magnets peddled by one old “Uncle”. Browse the antique stores, and stop off at a side street for an unusual spa treat - the fish pedicure. My preschool boy loved it - I was not so keen! Follow the hordes of locals to find local specialty foods like pineapple tarts and satay celup. We recommend a stay at one of several slightly eccentric yet character-filled old converted shophouses, like Hotel Puri or Baba House.
AUTUMN 2013 www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au
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