Malaysia is a diverse and welcoming country with so much to offer families

Malaysia is very baby and toddler friendly as it is modern and offers all of the facilities and amenities that you will be used to in Europe and the USA. Malaysia’s centre is mountainous and malaria is a concern there. You might consider heading to Kuala Lumpur or one of the west coast towns such as Melaka or islands such as Penang or Langkawi to avoid malaria although there can be outbreaks so always consult your GP or a travel vaccination specialist before booking your trip.



The medical care is excellent and you can buy most of your baby essentials there and find a wide range of foods for toddlers to enjoy. It is a gastronomical paradise  and the street food is not to be missed, especially in Penang where the world famous outdoor street food offers something for everyone.  Malay people are generally kind and friendly and will be very interested in your child. There are also plenty of large department stores where you will be able to buy baby food and forumla (although it is expensive and imported brands are rarely available).

Careful Planning

Malaysia is a fantastic place to take a baby however, careful planning is required to ensure that you go to the right places, stay in the right hotels and bring everything that you need. It is easier to take a child under 8 months as you will have a bassinet for the long  plane journey. Younger babies won’t need to move around on their own. But if you decide to take an older baby or toddler, you will find plenty of facilities there also and there are some great parks and beaches where toddlers can stretch their legs.

On Arrival

Kuala Lumpur Airport

If you are transferring in Kuala Lumpur you will find a children’s playroom at level 5 of the main terminal building. Baby changing facilities and lactation rooms are located throughout the airport equipped with a changing mat, wash basin and chair. If you have checked your buggy or other baby equipment it may come out at the gate, on the baggage carousel or in the oversized baggage section so ask at the airport when checking in Or ask the cabin crew if you are not sure.

Travelling into Kuala Lumpur

If you are staying in Kuala Lumpur you can get an airport coach shuttle which leaves every 30 minutes from the main terminal. This takes approximately 1 hour to the city centre (traffic dependent). You can also book an airport limo at the arrivals section of the main terminal or the domestic terminal. An express train leaves from the airport every 15 – 20 minutes and take 30 minutes to the city centre. This is the fastest option and costs RM35 one way and RM75 return for adults. The train stops at 3 stations, Bandar Tasik Selatan Station, Putrajaya Station and Cyberjaya and Salak Tinggi Station. Car rental services are also available from booths inside the main terminal arrival hall but be sure to pre book a car with a car seat as one may not be available on arrival.

Taxis 

If  you have your own car seat you can get a taxi in the Arrivals area or if you want to book a taxi with a car seat you will need to make advance arrangements. You can book these from www.infotaxi.org/malaysia_taxi/kualalumpurtaxi. You can also rent baby safety equipment, toys and other equipment including high chairs and buggies from My Baby Rentals in Kuala Lumpur. This company also delivers to your hotel. A maxi cosi car seat costs RM60 per week and a lightweight stroller costs RM60 also. A Baby Bjorn sling costs RM20 per week

Jet Lag 

Malaysia is 6 hours ahead of the UK and Ireland. Night flights make jet lag easier to cope with as it minimises sleep disruption.

See also…

Kuala Lumpur

Penang

Langkawi

Melaka