Malaysian stopover with 3 year old
 

Am planning a 5 day sidetrip/stopover in Malaysia with my 3.5 year daughter in May, flying from London to Perth. I'm looking for somewhere we'll both be happy - she beach/pool, dance or musical performances, possibly orangutans/elephants; me as above plus relaxing, shopping, local food and culture.

Any suggestions? - Destination, Hotel & more specifically on checking out the animals and perfomances... Our budget is faily flexible, as are we!

What time of year? That makes a big difference in rainy months and areas to go or avoid. I assume your airport is KL but please advise if that is not the case.

It will be over the last weekend in May, and we'll be flying via KL.

Thx

No suggestons yet, so what about Penang or Malacca? Or can anyone suggest places I SHOULDN"T take a 3 year old?

Are you happy to take a flight somewhere? That will open up more opportunities, also advise if you are on budget, mid range, or luxury level.

Yes, we'd be happy to take a flight ... Malaysian has some good deals at the moment. Our budget is in the mid-range I guess, but flexible if we find somewhere perfect.

With a 3.5 year, travel less and keep to KL. For USD100 per night, you can try good hotels like Shangri-La, Istana, Mandarin Oriental, Parkroyal, Equatorial, Renaissance or JW Marriott. All are very near shopping hub Bukit Bintang and lots of eateries around. I prefer Renaissance, it's near LRT station, KLCC Twin Tower and there's a local cultural theatre opposite. All within walking distance.

Probably not the best but for some wildlife, check out the National Zoo or Bird Park. For some rainforest scenes, go to Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, 40 mins from KL. Huge collection of mature trees and a canopy walk too. Hotel's lobby services will help you with taxis. And oh, I think your child would be thrilled with KLCC Aquaria. It's located inside KLCC building and loaded with a plethora of tropical aqua-life. There's an "undersea" tunnel too to watch sharks, manta rays and big fishes. Yous can sample local food at KLCC's foodcourt, 4th or 5th floor, i can't remember.

For you, retail therapy can be enjoyed at One Utama Shopping Complex. A great place where locals/expats go for quality and branded stuffs. The place is huge and you can spend a whole day browsing. Nearby, The Curve and IKEA building are good shopping spots too. I usually go the IKEA not for shopping but its great authentic Swedish food at the cafeteria. Cheap and nice.

Lastly, be sure to bring lots of water for your child because Malaysian weather can be very hot. Also, raincoat can come in handy because it pours without warning. Arabs are reputed to visit KL to see downpours as part of attraction!