We all love vacations, and certainly there is great appeal in exploring exotic locations in foreign countries. But 2016 is a definitely a year for belt-tightening, especially for those of us with kids. However, that does not mean you can’t spend a nice weekend away, just take a staycation instead!
A staycation is simply a vacation in one’s home country, rather than abroad. The advantage of taking one, besides being friendly on the pocket, is that it can be as long or short as you need it to be (long weekend getaway anyone?) and you’ll be able to spend quality time with your family exploring places you’ve never been to before, right in your own country. The bonus is your kids will grow up learning that their country is just as great as any other!
Here are some places you can consider for your next staycation:
Taman Sari in Hulu Langat
Only 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur, Taman Sari in Hulu Langat is a peaceful retreat surrounded by fresh air and lush greenery. A unique feature is its location close to a village that has been virtually untouched by time.
Sample the local food, or go exploring in the rivers and waterfalls. Other activities include jungle trekking, animal farm, horse riding, local handicraft and much more.
Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base, Johor
Take your family to the sea! A tropical jungle, a golden 350-meter long beach and extensive greenery surround the Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base on Pulau Sibu, Johor.
There are no frills, but plenty to do to keep your kids occupied. They will love the endless activity list, including scuba diving, island hopping and jungle treks and parents will love the endless kids’ facility list, from hooded baby towels to bed guards. There’s even a children’s library!
Terra Tree House, Cameron Highlands
Show your children the benefits of getting close to nature; it’s a great respite from the hustle and bustle of the air-conditioned malls and endless iPad games that characterise urban living. Terra Tree House in Cameron Highlands is a comfortable base for your outdoor adventures.
It’s a minimalist retreat, equipped with organic cotton bed sheets, gas powered heated showers and organic meals plucked straight from a farm nearby. As electricity is only available from 7pm to 10.30pm, the only form of entertainment is the great outdoors.
Hang out with the croaking frogs, take a trek, splash in the waterfall, or get dirty at the farm where they’ll teach you about biodynamics, an ethical form of agriculture that enhances soil structure.
Calanthe Artisan Loft, Melaka
The Calanthe Artisan Loft is located on Heeren Street, right in the heart of the Historical City of Melaka. Touted as a “home away from home” with a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, its also walking distance to UNESCO Historical sites.
Take the kids on a learning expedition to famous historical sites in Melaka by day and play by night in Jonker Walk, a night market with lots to eat, lots to see, and plenty to buy!
Little India, Brickfields
For the ultimate culture and learning trip, why not bring the little ones for a stay in Little India or Brickfields, right outside of Kuala Lumpur? It’s a colourful, vibrant town with lots to see and do.
The streets are lined with religious structures and the shops here sell everything from traditional Indian goods such as saris, flower garlands, spices and Bollywood music, to local delicacies such as vadai, thosai (Indian pancakes made from fermented rice flour) and more. Best of all, it’s totally accessible by LRT (KL Sentral station).