The Red Arrows are coming to KL!

Wow, I am so excited about this!The RED ARROWS are coming to Kuala Lumpur! AND…. they’ll be doing a flypast at KLCC!

  
This really is a sight not to be missed and is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser for everyone, young and old alike!

The Royal Air Force Acrobatic Team have plans to perform in 20 locations around Asia-Pacific but on Friday October the 14th it’s our turn! Watch in wonder as 9 Royal Air Force Red Arrows and 2 RAF Eurofighter Typhoons fly in formation over our amazing capital city!

  
This event is planned between 3pm and 4pm, but please follow the Malaysian Defense FB page (click here https://m.facebook.com/MalaysianDefence/) for full details or potential changes in the programme!

  
This is going to be great! Enjoy it, S x 

Play!Room: A KL hangout for kids!

Play!Room – the name says it all – and it’s a lot of fun!  
I have a photographer friend here in KL who is also a father to two lovely little children. He took his family to check out Play!Room last weekend and agreed to share his story here on Kuala Lumpur Kids so that you could find out a bit more about the place.  Located in Atria Shopping Gallery on the 2nd floor, this centre only opened in April 2016, so it’s clean, new, and colourful. The concept is one of a ‘Shop and Drop’   Playroom for children 4 years and over, so while mum and dad hit the shops or grab lunch, you know the little ones are safe and busy having fun.  Choose from some fabulous ranges of Lego, playing with Kinetic Sand or enjoying the dollhouses and all the accessories!  The staff are very friendly and are on hand to help with the activities as well as taking care of the children.   The normal charge is 22RM for an hour of play, but there are a number of multi-entry passes to choose from, as well as a Weekday Toddler & Guardian Pass for adults who fancy a play with tots under 4.   Definitely a nice idea and making use of their Shop and Drop scheme gives parents a well-deserved break. Look out for special offers on their FB page and check it out next time you’re in the area.  Thank you to Rock Cacing for taking these photos and for telling me all about Play!room. S x  

Fun, family, sporting activities in KL – A ‘best of’ list for Kuala Lumpur

Having fun and getting sporty as a family in Kuala Lumpur is so extremely easy with all the facilities dotted around the city. From climbing and trampolining to ice skating and rollerblading, there is literally something for everyone.

You all seem to like the albums that I have put together in recent months so I thought I’d put together a new collection of fun, family, sporting activities that you can check out the next time you’re looking for something new. Enjoy! S x

Amped Trampoline Park

One of the most recent trampoline parks to open in KL. It offers the usual trampolines, dodge ball and basketball, but also has a climbing wall, tightrope, and a great tubular slide!

Nicely air-conditioned with plenty of seating for spectators, this centre at The Club in Bukit Utama is worth checking out!

Funtopia Courtyard  It’s bright, colourful and only opened earlier this year and, if I’m honest, I haven’t seen it for myself yet! But, the photos look amazing and I think that any enthusiastic little adventurers (over the age of 5) would love to try out some of the fun climbing walls and obstacles if you’re over in Subang Jaya.

Sunway Pyramid Ice Skating

This is a large, impressive rink in the middle of the mall. The ice here is great and whether you’re actually skating or not, it never gets too cold! Beside recreational skating, they offer lessons from as young as 3 years old and allow you to advance through different levels. Also look out for promo rates and school holiday programmes which are really interesting!

Snook – Snookball Game Centre A fun, bright and original game that hit KL earlier this year. Combine football and snooker and what do you get?! Something that looks a bit like this and is great for all ages. I haven’t been here yet, but I think it looks fab! Let me know what you think!

MadMonkeyz

 Is a cozy option for anyone wanting to do some climbing. Although fairly small, there are two floors of fun to enjoy. No need for any ropes, just bring along a good grip! Colourful walls, cushioned floors and lessons available, this place works out very reasonably priced and would be a good starting place for the little ones.

Jump Street 

 This trampoline centre is pretty well known in KL and is a popular place. With an expanse of trampolines, there’s different zones for different activities. ‘The Cage’ is a safe zone for the little ones, while the ‘Main Court’ is for everyone and if you want to show-off your skills, you can make use of the ‘High Performance Zone’. Add dodge ball, a slam dunk court and a foam pit, and there’s a lot to do! Located in PJ, just behind The School at Jaya One.

 

Camp5 Climbing Gym

One of the most impressive climbing centres I’ve seen here that has a huge space over a couple of floors and allows you to climb to your heart’s content. Lessons for both children and adults are available and the staff are well trained to take you through the experience. There’s routes for differing levels of skill as well as camps for kids in the holidays. Located at Utama, this place is impressive!

The Royale Ice Skating Rink

If you’re up for a bit of ice skating, this is one of your options! The whole family can have a go on the ice and for the little ones needing an extra bit of help, they have these fab penguin aids that you can rent out! Your entry gives you unlimited time on the ice to perfect your skills but whether you’re ice skating or just spectating, wrap up warm – it gets cold in there! Try out lessons with an instructor and look out for their winter show on ice! Located opposite IKEA

Xero Gravity Rock Climbing Gym

 This climbing gym and fitness centre in PJ offers a range of climbing facilities suited to all ages and levels. For children aged 5 and over there are lessons and courses available as well as the possibility of learning to swim in their pool.

Roller Sports World   If you don’t have the outdoor space for roller blading, this arena could solve your problems. Located on the 4th floor of Bangsar Shopping Centre (with a second location on the 7th floor of Endah Parade) you can hire skates or bring your won and practise your moves. Lights, music and lessons also available!

Putrajaya Challenge Park  Now, it’s not in KL but it is worth a mention!

Why? Well if nothing else,climbing here in the special children’s room is completely FREE! Little ones can get to grips with the first steps of climbing in this brightly coloured little room with padded floors for protection. If climbing isn’t your thing, then head outside with bikes, skate boards or scooters and make use of the Skate Park!

 

There really are some amazing facilities, and I hope with this blog, I have introduced you to a few new places. Now get out there, and enjoy them!

Sarah x

Postcards from Around Malaysia: Penang

Going into the weekend and I thought it was definitely time to add Penang to my list of Malaysian getaways. 
Located on the northwest coast, it takes approximately 4 hours to drive to Penang from KL. With the capital, George Town, being a Unesco World Heritage site, it is a very popular destination with a lot to see and do.
  
When in the area, be sure not to miss:

Youth Park (Taman Perbandaran)

Penang Botanic Gardens

A train ride up (and down) Penang Hill 

Love Locks on Penang Hill

Street Art in George Town – trail maps available

A walk down Chew Jetty

Armenian Street

Batu Ferringhi (beach, water sports, pony rides at night!)

Tropical Spice Garden

Entopia (by Penang Butterfly Farm)
Other attractions in the area that we haven’t yet tried are:

Adventure Zone (Golden Sands Resort)

Kek Lok Si Temple

Penang Eco Park

Penang Bird Park

Upside Down Museum
 

Postcards from Around Malaysia : Taman Negara

Malaysia’s national park is one of the world’s largest tropical rainforests which definitely makes it worth a visit! Located about 300km from KL, it takes approximately 4 hours to drive there but there are buses too, or you could arrive in style by boat up the river!
A complete change of scenery awaits you as you get back to nature, stay in a little log cabin, and enjoy the flora and fauna around you! For this trip, don’t forget your mosquito spray, plenty of bottled water, and it’s always best to have a change of clothes on you!

  

When you are in the area, don’t miss out on:

The infamous Canopy Walkway

Rapid shooting

Visit an Orang Asli settlement

Jungle trekking

Night Jungle Walk

Other places that might interest you but that we didn’t do include:

A boat cruise to Lata Berkoh 

Go caving at Gua Telinga

Animal observation / bird watching

Postcards from around Malaysia: Cameron Highlands

With so many diverse and beautiful spots scattered around Malaysia, most of the time you don’t even need to get on a plane to discover something new. In a year of living in KL we have taken such pleasure in visiting the rest of the country so I thought I’d write a few blogs on some of our favourite spots, featuring one place at a time.

 

The Cameron Highlands is your perfect green getaway. With slightly cooler temperatures, an escape from the city heat really is most pleasant up here in the stunning tea plantations that sprawl their way over the hillsides. Lots of fresh air and open space to run around an explore and a sheer joy for any photographer, the area offers a relaxing weekend break.

When you are in the area, don’t miss out on:

A visit to one (or both!) of the Boh Tea Plantations

Indulge in tea and scones The Boh Tea Estate

Go strawberry picking!

Stop at Cameron Valley for yet more sweet treats and stunning views

Explore jungle trails and waterfalls

Other places that might interest you but that we didn’t do include:

A trip to see lots of bugs at the Butterfly Garden

Sam Poh Temple

A visit to a Bee Farm

Postcards from Around Malaysia : Malacca

With so many diverse and beautiful spots scattered around Malaysia, most of the time you don’t even need to get on a plane to discover something new. In a year of living in KL we have taken such pleasure in visiting the rest of the country so I thought I’d put together a set of postcards of some of our favourite spots, featuring one place at a time.

To start with, one of our absolute favourites; Malacca. But over the weeks I will bring you snippets from Penang, Taman Negarah, Ipoh, Langkawi and more… So watch this space! S x

  

Malacca: So rich in culture, colours and child-friendly venues it’s the perfect Malaysian getaway and just a 2-hour drive from KL. While some may say you can do it in a day trip, I love the city so much and feel there are enough things to see (and do!) that it warrants at least two days to explore!

Whether travelling with children or not, don’t miss out on:

A Melaka River Cruise

Wandering around the colonial district, Christ Church and Dutch Square

The Maritime Museum

A visit to the A’Famosa Fortress and St. Paul’s Church

A ride on a colourful Trishaw (by night is surreal!)

A walk down Jonker Street and experiencing the night market

The Floating Mosque
Other places that may be of interest but that we didn’t personally try are:

Menara Saming Tari (Revolving Tower)

Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park

Melaka Zoo and Night Safari

Upside Down House Gallery 

The Pirate Adventure