Home » Kuala Lumpur » 15 Fun Day Trips For Families From KL & Selangor, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the place to be for those who love a fast-paced lifestyle. From visiting the Petronas Twin Towers to indulging in street food at Jalan Alor, it is a bustling city which offers plenty to do for everyone. However, with the many long weekends and upcoming school holidays we have in 2022, a short break to the countryside with the family is sometimes exactly what we need.
Little Steps has compiled a list of places with sprawling landscapes and famous delicacies that are a bit more off the beaten path and the best part is that they’re all less than 2 hours’ drive from KL. Bon Voyage!
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As the perfect place to escape the bustling city, it's one of the many nature getaways in the country where locals can appreciate lush greenery, fresh air and mesmerizing views. A Little Farm on the Hill should not be missed especially if you have a green thumb or are interested in planting your own produce! You will also get to enjoy your meals being made from the ground up. If you’re an avid hiker, the 7-tier waterfall known as Ulu Tampit is a must-visit! For a complete Janda Baik experience, book a stay at Tiarasa Escapes and enjoy safari-style tents and treetop villas.
This coastal spot has been gaining popularity in recent years for its magnificent hidden gems. From scrumptious local delicacies to stunning views of the Straits of Melaka, Kuala Selangor has so much to offer. Be sure to visit the Sky Mirror Sasaran Beach, learn more about paddy harvesting in Sekinchan, indulge in signature seafood dishes at River View Seafood Restaurant and end the day with magical firefly sightings at Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park.
This modern, eco-friendly city, which also functions as the administrative and judicial capital of Malaysia is filled with charming parks, lakes, communal gardens and unique landmarks that make it an exciting place to visit. Putrajaya Botanical Garden has 5 themed gardens with beautiful blooms that make it a great spot for picnic or cycling. Beyond that, Putrajaya is also home to many cultural sites and don’t leave without paying the Moroccan Pavilion a visit! Fancy some water activities? Try flyboarding at Marina Putrajaya and showcase your best stunts!
Taman Negara National Park is one of the oldest areas of tropical rainforest in the world. On a trip here you can see an amazing selection of local flora and fauna, and this is also the home of an indigenous group called the Orang Asli who are the original inhabitants of Malaysia. Before you spend the day trekking, you’d want to fill up on a hearty breakfast at Mutiara Restaurant. Then, go for an easy walk at one of the serene and enjoyable trails which starts at the Wildlife Headquarters heading towards Bukit Teresek. For the more adventurous ones, take the trek to Gunung Tahan which usually takes trekkers around seven days to complete.
One of the most popular attractions in Kuala Lumpur is Batu Caves which is a temple complex located about 30 minutes from the city center. Batu Caves is a series of caves among limestone hills and they’re home to one of the largest Hindu shrines in the world. The gates open at 6am daily and some of the best sights include the Lord Murugan Statue, Colorful Cave Staircase, Temple Cave, Dark Cave and Ramayana Cave. For the thrill-seekers, Batu Caves also offers climbing routes suited for rock climbing. Do arrange in advance with a tour as professional supervision is required.
Bask in the cool mountain climate as you explore Malaysia’s biggest hilltop resort that has plenty to offer from theme parks to casinos and world-class restaurants. You can choose to either drive or “fly” via a cable car to the top of the mountain where the real fun begins! Explore the newly opened Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, iconic Chin Swee Caves Temple, SkyCasino in SkyAvenue Mall, endless shopping at Genting Premium Outlet and world-famous restaurants such as Five Guys and Burger & Lobster. If you’re planning to stay for the weekend, Resorts World Genting won’t disappoint!
There’s no other place quite like Bukit Tinggi in Malaysia. Whether you’re looking to infuse some French or Japanese-Zen culture, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, trust Bukit Tinggi to offer you the best! A small town in Pahang, this place has a complete Japanese experience for travelers from a Japanese restaurant, spa and tea house. The most famous spot here is the Colmar Tropicale French Village which resembles the region of Alsace in France.
Framed by majestic limestone cliffs, rivers, and caves, Gopeng is easily the go-to destination for anyone to jump, swim, hike, and raft into an adventure! Located about 2 hours away from KL, the ancient rainforests in Gopeng is home to a myriad of flora and fauna including the Rafflesia. White water rafting is the most popular attraction in Gopeng and some of the town’s most picturesque sceneries can be found along the river. There are also impressive limestone cave tours you can join while in Gopeng.
Fondly known as KKB by the locals, this town is popular for its scenic beauty. Located about an hour away from Kuala Lumpur, catch a breathtaking sight of the Sungai Selangor dam, savor local delicacies at the local market and take a dip in the famous Sungai Chilling Waterfall. For Loh Mee lovers, Kedai Kopi & Makanan Hock Choon Kee is known to serve one of the best Loh Mee in Malaysia!
About an hour drive from KL, one of the most popular places to visit in Ulu Yam is the World of Phalaenopsis. It is the largest Phalaenopsis orchid producer in Malaysia, and inside this orchid farm, you will find a charming hidden cafe called Florescence. With a stunning orchid-filled interior, it is known to be one of the best food spots in Ulu Yam. While in Ulu Yam, you can also visit the Organic Guava Farm, score yourself some local honey known for its health benefits and wander around the Hokkien Village for some laidback village atmosphere.
This historical state is rich with history, culture, scrumptious food and iconic landmarks. Start your trip right with the iconic Melaka food, chicken rice balls! Head over to Dutch Square after a hearty meal for a leisurely stroll and continue strolling along the Melaka River and take some snaps facing the backdrop of striking graffiti and street art on the walls. Hop on a Melaka River Cruise with the kids for a wholesome Melaka-experience! While exploring the iconic landmarks, pop by Jonker88 or one of the best cendols in town!
Just off the coast of Port Klang in Selangor lies a fishing village called Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island. You can take a ferry to the island from Port Klang and once on the island, you will be greeted by….tiny crabs! One does not simply come to Pulau Ketam and miss out on a seafood lunch! Upon exiting from the pier, visitors tend to flock to the main restaurant facing the waterfront. The commercial area has plenty of shops selling snacks and souvenirs while the main area houses a Taoist temple with a grand-looking archway topped with lotus flowers.
Raub is where you’ll find an entire area just dedicated to the stinky goodness of durian. It is home to the famous Musang King but their off-season durians is just as good. Deep in the rainforest near the village is a picturesque waterfall accessible via a 4WD. Since it is still unknown to most tourists, the waterfall is clean and unspoilt making it a perfect spot to swim, meditate or have a picnic on the rocks. If the weather allows, you can trek to a higher part of the waterfall to speed down the natural water slides.
This quaint town in Pahang has plenty to do making it worth a visit with the kids. The Bentong Gallery offers a history lesson of the famous tin-mining industry in Malaysia back in the day. There are also a few durian orchards in Bentong with the famous one being Jimmy’s Durian Orchard that stretches up to 20 acres. You can then head over to Chamang Waterfall for a dip in waters or simply have a casual picnic while experiencing peace and tranquility.
Located about an hour from KL, this place is great for jungle trekking, picnic and a rejuvenating dip in the natural swimming pool located at the foot of the trail. It is adorned with silvery streams, stunning cascades and home to exotic birds flitting about between the tree branches, perfect to leave you feeling refreshed and ready for another Monday. Do watch out for cheeky macaques that are ever ready to lighten your load with their crafty minds and quick fingers.
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