Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s bustling capital, recently welcomed our family with open arms, offering an unforgettable blend of historical landmarks and exhilarating theme park adventures. This vibrant city, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, was the perfect backdrop for our family vacation. We chose Kuala Lumpur as it was only a 2 hour flight from Bangkok.
As we stepped into the city, we were greeted by towering skyscrapers and lively streets, symbolizing Kuala Lumpur’s cosmopolitan vibe. The skyline, crowned by the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers, was a spectacular sight, especially at night when the city was aglow with lights.
Discovering History and Culture Together
Our first family adventure took us to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a stunning example of Moorish architecture. This historic building, contrasting sharply with the modern surroundings, was a fascinating introduction to Malaysia’s colonial history. Nearby, at Merdeka Square, we soaked in the significance of the place where Malaysia’s independence was proclaimed.
A visit to the Batu Caves was a highlight for our family. This Hindu temple complex, set in enormous limestone caves, captivated us all. The towering golden statue of Lord Murugan and the challenging 272-step climb to the main cave temple was a memorable experience for both the adults and the kids.
A Culinary Adventure for All Ages
Michelle led us on a culinary tour, and exploring Kuala Lumpur’s food scene was a delight for our family. The street food at Jalan Alor, with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse flavors, was a hit with everyone. We indulged in a variety of dishes, from savory nasi lemak to sweet dim sum, ensuring there was something for every palate.
Family Thrills at Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park
We took a short drive up the hill from Kuala Lumpur to Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park. It is set in the cool Genting Highlands which is 5900 ft above sea level. Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park recently opened in February 2022 on the site of the former Genting Outdoor Theme Park after nearly 10 years of construction and legal delays. The park was supposed to be called 20th Century Fox World, but with Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox caused transitional delays. Ultimately, Disney wanted more control of the park than Genting Malaysia group was willing to offer so a lawsuit and settlement ensued.
Fly Up to Genting on the Awana SkyWay Gondola
There is a large shopping center at the bottom of the hill (Genting Highlands Premium Outlet) from Resorts World Genting which is also home to the Awana SkyWay Gondola that takes you up to Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, passing through Chin Swee Caves Temple. I highly recommend getting the SkyWay tickets ahead of time so that you can bypass the long queues. The Chin Swee Caves Temple offer amazing views of the valley and Buddha statue and pagodas.
Nine Movie Theme Worlds
The park’s nine themed worlds, featuring rides and attractions inspired by popular movies, provided an entire day of excitement and entertainment for both the young and young at heart. The girls loved watching the cartoon movies, Ice Age and Rio so exploring those lands was a big hit. We rode Acorn Adventure, an Ice Age themed roller coaster which takes up on twists and turns offering a great view of the entire theme park.
Thrilling Rides and More
Karlye and I rode Alpha Fighter Pilots in Andromeda Base which was a crazy, carnival-style ride that spins, rotates and tosses you around like a NASA astronaut simulator. We headed to the Invasion of the Planet of the Apes ride after that which was underwhelming. The 3D graphics looked a generation behind, and given that the park was brand new you would expect them to deploy the latest technologies to make it more immersive.
Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park: Indoor Fun for the Family
The entire Resorts World Genting complex is interconnected and feels more like a little city or large indoor mall like the Dubai Mall. The Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park is situated between SkyWorlds Theme Park and the Casino, was a fantastic destination for family fun, regardless of the weather. With a mix of thrilling and gentle rides, there was something to keep every member of our family entertained and smiling.
More Thrills Indoor
There were some standout thrill rides like Spin Crazy which is a gigantic pendulum that swings you up and around while spinning and Super Glider which is a suspended, lie-down style coaster which sharp turns and sudden drops. I’ve never been on a roller coaster of that style and it was definitely one of the best albeit short duration wise.
Conclusion: A City of Endless Family Discoveries
Kuala Lumpur proved to be more than just a stopover; it was a city where our family experienced the perfect blend of history, culture, modernity, and entertainment. From iconic landmarks to exciting theme parks, the city offered diverse experiences for all ages. Whether we were exploring historic sites, savoring local flavors, or enjoying thrilling rides, Kuala Lumpur provided an enriching and enjoyable adventure for our entire family.
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