Suggestion for family destination in ML..

Thailand. West Coast from December to May - and Ko Samui or mainland (Khanom) from May to December.

Thanks Gravitas!
I meant to inquire about locations inside Malaysia pls? Tks again.

Expats also go to the islands off the east coast from about April to October (when the monsoons are over) e.g. Perhentians, Tioman. Most go for diving. Or to the beaches on the mainland east coast e.g. Cherating  or Desaru (Johor). There are boutique hotels available that offer the required standards. Otherwise climb Mount Kinabalu (Kota Kinabalu, Sabah). There are some wildlife experiences in Sabah as well. Visit Sarawak for heritage and culture - Kuching is main city, but you can stay in longhouses in villages if you would like that experience. The Mulu Caves in Malaysia is the worlds largest underground cave. The 107 km Clearwater Cave found also in Sarawak is the longest cave in Asia. On peninsular Malaysia there are spas and retreats in the great rainforest areas such as Belum. Visit the elephant sanctuary at Kuala Gandah, which is 2 hours north of KL. Gua Tempurung (gua means cave) near Gopeng. Melaka - a historic city about an hour and a half drive from KL. Lots of buildings leftover from the time of the Portugese colonization. A World Heritage Site. If you like cool hill stations: Cameron Highlands - 3-4 hour drive from KL. Located in the highlands of Pahang. Very different atmosphere as the air is fresh and cool. Sprawling with tea plantations. Fraser's Hill - another highland about 3 hours away from KL. Very cool air and absolutely isolated. Best thing to do there? Doing absolutely nothing! Great place if you just want to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Janda Baik - A river up in the hills. Only about 45 minutes away from KL. Very cool and clear water. You can even arrange to go tube rafting here. Genting Highlands for gambling, theme park, cable car ride. Johor - LEGOLAND.

The nearest beaches are at Port Dixon and the hotels are placed at the best spots. The water is typically murky. I guess in a lot of cases it is caused by mangrove swamps in the vicinity and the tidal flows. Remember that the Straits of Malacca are probably the most polluted waterway in the world.

It is possible to go and see the fireflies in several places outside the KL metropolitan area. There are trips to Kuala Selangor and it involves going into the swamps to see the insects at dusk (so there will also be lots of mosquitos to contend with). I think there are particular moon phases or seasons when they are best so that could do with some research before setting off. 

Due to the heat, I think a lot of entertainment revolves around indoor or watery entertainment. There are lots of specialised kids centres offering different experiences. Its good to cool off after battling the traffic to get there!!

Although difficult at times, it is good to try and see what events are upcoming. A flower festival has just finished in Putrajaya (which also has a large gardens with cycle tracks). The best way to hear about events is to buy either the Star or the New Sunday Times on Sunday - or the Star and New Straits Times on Saturday. Gradually you will get to know the rythmn of the year and the various festivals and events to attend.

Thanks a lot. Gravitas. That is a lot which will make me be able to plan accordingly. Very useful advices (as usual!)... Regards..

Port Dickson is just 1.5 hours away by car.  A really easy drive.  It's a small place but there are a few good hotels, and a public beach with a pasar across the street.  I didn't see anything historical there; just hung out at the hotel pool and beach.

Kuantan is about a 3 hour drive to the other side of Malaysia and has much nicer beaches.  Like Port Dickson, not too bad for a weekend trip.  Just don't waste your money staying at the hilton, although the beach is nice the rooms there are very 3*.

Thanks Kasut,
I heard about Port Dickson, though I was told the beaches are not that great. However, would you recommend a hotel with a good beach pls.?
Kuantan, is new information for me and worth exploring as well. Many thanks!

West coast peninsular beaches are typically not as pristine as the east coast peninsular.

For the west coast, I personally prefer Pulau Pangkor or Langkawi for their beaches. Pangkor is smaller than  Langkawi - and that is why there will be more things to do in Langkawi. Plus it is a duty free zone, so certain things are cheap there.

If you would like to introduce your family and children to the beauty of equatorial rainforest without going to Taman Negara, then try http://www.sekeping.com/serendah

Apart from that, if you're just wanting to do a quick day trippers, then do like the locals do, like visiting popular waterfalls. There are many within close proximity to the city - check out http://waterfallsofmalaysia.com/map.php
Another unique thing to do is to enjoy the hot springs -
http://www.lipstiq.com/featured/10-hot- … -malaysia/

Yes, as philipyeo mentioned, Pulau Pangkor is definitely worth a visit. The ferry ride there is great and the atmosphere is laid back. You can see hornbills there.

There is also a luxury resort on another of the islands in the vicinity called Pangkor Laut and it is worth checking it out and waiting for some good offers.

There is also a breach area on the mainland close to Lumut (home to the Malaysian Naval Base) and the recently reclaimed man-made island.

The journey by car will take just over 3 hours and starts by heading for Ipoh. It quickly becomes very rural after that and there is lots to see as you go through the many villages.

Philipyo, thanks for your suggestions. The. Hot Spring is a good idea to explore.

Thanks. Gravitas,
As usual, you are there for us to give your valuable advice....
I would like to explore Pangkor Laut and nearby beaches.. Regards..

TS2011 Have you been to this attraction:

avenuek.com.my/home/entertainment/dinoscovery-by-dinosaurs-live/

The Dinoscovery by Dinosaurs Live!

Venue                                  : Discoveria, Avenue K (opposite Kuala Lumpur Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC)) 

Opening Hours                    : 10am to 10pm daily (last admission at 9pm)

A highly exhilarating experience, both educational and entertaining for the whole family!

Dinoscovery combines educational value and is physically fun and mentally stimulating for the whole family. You will be time wrapped to the Age of Dinosaurs; see how the larger-than-life dinosaurs move and hear them roar in their habitat and you can even get your hands on, and feel dinosaur poop!

The interactive exhibition with life-size Mesozoic Era animatronic dinosaurs has 15 attractions. The star of the show is the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based scavenger hunt known aptly as the Dino Quest. The hunt propels visitors as paleontologists on the hunt for ferocious dinosaurs and unique specimens.  Visitors can also watch a short dinosaur documentary in the 3D cinema.

Interesting... I might make a trip there with my family when I am back next year.

thanks Gravitas.
yes, I happened to know about them by accident and children enjoyed the place. Thanks again..

I have never seen this before:

Walking on Water