Malaysia has a surprising number of super fun theme parks spread throughout the country. Here are some to consider adding to your itinerary
1. LEGOLAND Malaysia
Encompassing a theme park, water park and SEA LIFE Aquarium, there’s loads of fun to be had at this attraction in Johor, in the country’s south. There are more than 40 rides, shows and attractions to keep the whole family entertained.
Journey into a forgotten world of dinosaurs and pharaohs in Land of Adventure, see miniature versions of Asia’s iconic landmarks (including Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Twin Towers and India’s Taj Mahal) at MINILAND, and cross a drawbridge to enter a magnificent castle in KINGDOMS. The kids will also love staying in a themed room at LEGOLAND Hotel.
2. Sunway Lagoon
With more 90 attractions spread across 35 hectares, Sunway Lagoon offers the ultimate theme park experience! Located at Sunway City, just 15 minutes’ drive from Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, it has six adventure zones. They include a water park, wildlife park, “extreme” park, “scream” park and Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon– Asia’s first Nickelodeon-themed land. If you need somewhere to sleep, Sunway Resort is just next door.
3. ESCAPE Penang
With rope and obstacle courses, ziplines, tree climbing activities, diving towers and the longest tube waterslide on the planet (as confirmed by Guinness World Records), ESCAPE Penang is an adventure lover’s paradise! Best of all it’s all located in a natural environment — the rich rainforest of Teluk Bahang on the island of Penang, on the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
4. Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
Malaysia’s largest indoor theme park, Berjaya Times Square, is divided into two parts. Galaxy Station, which is home to an 800 metre-long inverted rollercoaster, is perfect for thrill seekers, while younger children will adore Fantasy Garden. Virtual reality fans can also feel the force as they slash and dance to their favourite tunes wielding light sabres, explore a haunted house and take part in an aerial dogfight as a jetfighter. The attraction is spread across the 5th to 8th floors of Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur, which is also home to a five-star hotel.
5. Genting Skyworlds
Discover nine fun “worlds” inspired by movies and adventure at this 10-hectare theme park in Pahang, around one hour’s drive north of Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy a mammoth-sized pre-historic adventure at Ice Age, meet your favourite movie characters at Studio Plaza, and explore a whimsical hidden kingdom at Epic. Step into a Californian desert at Eagle Mountain, visit the Natural History Museum and see the fountain show in Central Park, and build your own fun-venture in the company of fellow inventors in Robots Rivet Town. Ride the Terraform Tower of Terror at Andromeda Base and waltz through the bustling neighbourhood of Santa Teresa at Rio, while Liberty Lane is inspired by the streets of San Francisco.
6. The Habitat, Penang Hill
Stroll among the treetops on the Canopy Walk and admire the view over historic George Town from 13 metres above the ground on the oval-shaped Treetop Walk.
Beginning at the forest floor, the attraction’s naturalists will take you on a journey along the nature trail to learn about plants, trees, insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals that call The Habitat home.
7. Sunway Lost World of Tambun
The only theme park in South-East Asia with natural hot springs coupled with an array of attractions and rides, Sunway Lost World of Tambun offers a unique and fun eco-experience for visitors of all ages.
Cocooned by lush tropical jungle and ancient limestone cliffs, the attraction is around two hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur or Penang. Stay at the nearby Lost World Hotel to gain free theme park access at night.
8. The Top, Penang
Brave the open-air Rainbow Skywalk, on the rooftop of the 68-level Komtar Tower, or the glass walkway on the Observatory Deck on level 65 for spectacular views over George Town at The Top.
You can also travel back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the earth at the Jurassic Research Center, which brings more than 200 dinosaurs back to life with the help of the latest animatronics technology. Feel like you are part of a movie at 7D Dome, which showcases the latest virtual reality technology, and meet marine creatures at Penang Boutique Aquarium.
9. Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
Set against the backdrop of a traditional Malaysian fishing village, Adventure Waterpark is home to the first water coaster in the region and one of the biggest wave pools in the world. It has more than 20 wet and dry rides, slides and attractions. It’s located on the Desaru Coast in Johor, which is home to some great hotels, including a Hard Rock Hotel and a Westin.
How to get to Malaysia from Australia
Malaysia’s flagship carrier, Malaysia Airlines, flies to Kuala Lumpur, with connections to other parts of the country. Flights take around eight-and-a-half hours from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, seven-and-a-half hours from Adelaide and five-and-a-half hours from Perth. Budget carrier Scoot flies to several Malaysian destinations via Singapore from Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Perth. They include Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi.
In partnership with Tourism Malaysia
