Brought to you by Hoot Holidays
Noodles for breakfast, sailing pirate ships at lunch and putting out fires for dinner.
What kid would not want to spend their holidays in Southeast Asia?
For Australians, a visit to Southeast Asia is convenient. The region is close, the exchange rate generally works in our favour and the locals love kids. But with such a wide range of cultures and a plethora of countries to visit how do you decide which one is going to be best for your family?
Here are 4 countries with fun attractions that we think have something for everyone in your family, especially the kids, because let’s face it, if they are happy then mum and dad are happy too.
Bali, Indonesia
There is a very good reason Australians continue to flock to Bali each year and it’s not just for cheap beer. Bali has a huge number of things for families to do, and sipping cocktails in the resort pool bar while the kids are in kids club is only one of them.
Our top 3 things to do in Bali with kids:
1. Waterbom Park
The whole family will want to spend at least a day or two screaming on the thrilling waterslides or gently floating down the lazy river. And even younger kids will have a ball with the smaller child-friendly slides.
2. Canyon Tubing & Quad Biking
Something for the older kids. Hidden deep in the jungle north of Ubud, the whole family can take a fun quad bike tour through small villages and tropical rainforest. Then after lunch hop in an inflatable tube and drift down a scenic river bordered by a steep canyon with lush, cool, shady. The perfect combination of excitement and relaxation.
3. Bali Safari & Marine Park
This is actually 4 parks in one, so enjoy seeing the animals in the Marine park and the Safari park before heading over to the small water park and rides in the amusement park.
Singapore
Next stop Singapore. Singapore is immaculately clean, safe and very child- friendly. Be prepared to spend a little bit more money in this country, but it will be well worth it.
Our top 3 things to do in Singapore with kids:
4. Universal Studios
Kids of all ages will want to stay the whole day. You will be enamoured with the number of rides on offer, food to try and shows to see. Not to mention the excitement the little ones will have when meeting characters from their favourite movies.
5. Port of Lost Wonder
A beachside pirate ship with water guns, slides and tipping buckets, makes this a great day out for the younger members of the family. But parents don’t disappear, there’s free Wi-Fi at the Port of Lost Wonder too!
6. Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
This is one of the best zoos in the world and definitely worth a visit. Bring your swimmers, as there is a kids water park half way through, which is a huge relief on a hot tropical day. Stay until the evening and walk to the nearby Night Safari to see nocturnal animals in action and fire-breathing dancers.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Most parents think of Kuala Lumpur as a teeming metropolitan with nothing to do but shop and eat. But we guarantee there is a lot more to Kuala Lumpur then that.
Our top 3 things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids:
7. Kidznania
This is a little world built for kids . Your children will have a field day playing the part of any number of adult careers including fire fighters, dentists, pilots, chefs and more. Oh, and did I mention there is a parents retreat upstairs with free Wi-Fi.
8. KLCC Playground
Right in the city centre is a vast area that sets the benchmark for public playgrounds. Situated beside this is a public wading pool. And then just outside the nearby Suria Shopping Mall you will find a beautiful fountain display. Head in one evening for a play, a swim and then oohs and ahhs at the evening fountain show. The mall also has plenty to do including a science museum, cinemas and shopping.
9. Sunway Lagoon
Amusement park, water park, resort. If you are looking for a special treat, stay at the resort and spend a few days enjoying this Asian wonderland.
Bangkok, Thailand
Here’s our wildcard. Why would anyone want to take their kids to the hectic city of Bangkok? Well, other than the great tasting food, memorable rides in fast-paced tuk-tuks and colossal shopping malls here’s 3 other reasons.
Our top 3 things to do in Bangkok with kids:
10. Fantasia Lagoon
This was a complete surprise. A small waterpark located on the roof of a shopping mall. What makes this such a great day out was the superlow entry price of only AUD$7 each. Bargain!
11. Ocean World
A well-maintained aquarium, again in the heart of a shopping mall. You can even ride a glass bottom boat over the shark tank or walk along the ocean floor. The range of marine life is massive, and the complex is very pram friendly.
12. Royal Dragon Restaurant
Not your typical Chinese restaurant. This restaurant holds the Guinness World Record for largest restaurant with over 5000 seats. Plus your food could be delivered on roller skates or zipline. There’s even a show held every night on a stage propped above the water.
Hopefully, these 4 locations have whet your appetite because there is a whole lot more countries out there offering family friendly holidays.
Hoot Holidays also has a helpful list of family friendly favourites that you can check out.
For your next family holiday think outside the box and discover Southeast Asia. You will not only find so much variety and entertainment, but you will probably end up saving money as well.
Written by Erin Bender
Erin has been travelling with her husband and two children since May 2012. It’s an open-ended, unplanned, round-the-world trip discovering amazing places for families. You can find unique family travel insights at her award-winning travel blog , follow her on Facebook , or see more beautiful images on Pinterest .
