Time for some thrills

Theme parks in Malaysia are not just for the children as there are plenty of activities for the young-at-heart too.

THERE are abundant tourism activities and attractions in Malaysia that both locals and international visitors can enjoy. No one ever runs out of things to do here!

Besides its gorgeous nature, rich history, colourful heritage and diverse food scene, the country also has numerous theme parks that will thrill not just the young ones but the young-at-heart, too.

Here are some of the theme parks to check out.

Escape, Penang

The Escape theme park in Penang is every thrillseeker’s dream. Nestled in the lush tropical rainforest, it houses the world’s longest water slide – stretching over 1km (or 1,111m, to be exact).

The park isn’t exclusively a waterpark: If you prefer a “drier” experience, head to the Adventureplay section, which features a plethora of exciting activities, such as rock climbing, flying fox and zip lines.

If you want to try your hand at skiing, check out the Ski Slopes, a “new” attraction that was launched last year.

Another fascinating section to check out is the Dead Sea Pool. This 4m-deep salt water pool is so concentrated that you can float on its surface. There’s also Hill Rider, a multi-lane race.

Getting there:

828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang,

11050 Tanjung Bungah, Penang

Opening hours: 10am-6pm, closed on Mondays

Lost World Of Tambun, Perak

Set amid the ancient limestone hills of Ipoh, Perak, the Lost World Of Tambun theme park has been greeting visitors since 2004. Be it weekends or weekdays, locals and tourists come to check out the many rides and attractions here.

From thrilling rides and water-based games, to a mini petting zoo and natural hot springs, there is plenty to do at the park.

The theme park is made up of several sections: the Lost World Amusement Park, Lost World Water Park, Lost World Tin Valley and Lost World Of Petting Zoo.

The Tin Valley pays tribute to the town’s rich tin mining heritage and history. Meanwhile, the Night Park is where the jungle comes to life.

Be sure to visit the Luminous Forest, too, with its glowing flowers and mystical creatures like bearcats. And if you’re daring enough, head to the Tarantula Valley to see … some eight-legged creatures!

There is a mini zoo at Sunway Lost World Of Tambun in Perak.

Getting there:

Lost World Of Tambun

1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1,

Sunway City Ipoh,

31150, Ipoh, Perak

Opening hours: 11am-11pm (10am-11pm on weekends & school/public holidays)

Closed on Tuesdays, except during school/public holidays

Lost World Hot Springs & Night Park

Opening house: 6pm-11pm daily

SplashMania, Selangor

Located at Bandar Gamuda Cove in Selangor, the SplashMania waterpark was opened in February this year. The 3.2ha theme park is tucked within lush green forests and has over 39 rides and slides, including the country’s first VR waterslide, the Atlantis VR.

This virtual reality ride takes visitors down a 250m-long slide, while passing through the mythical Lost City Of Atlantis.

The Shaka Waka, a 78m-long multimedia and audio waterslide, is definitely one of the highlights of this adventure park. The light and sound effects make the experience all the more exciting.

There is a giant pirate ship fitted with various waterslides too, and if you are up for an adrenaline rush, try The Plunge – experience sliding six storeys down at a breakneck speed!

The Ravage River is perfect for winding down after all the excitement. There are also a handful of kid-friendly rides for younger children.

SplashMania waterpark

Getting there:

Jalan Cove Sentral 4,

Bandar Gamuda Cove,

42700 Dengkil, Selangor

Opening hours: 10am-6pm, closed on Wednesdays

Wetland Studios, Putrajaya

The Wetland Studios is an indoor edutainment centre that opened some time in the middle of this year with a mission: to raise awareness about environmental protection and wildlife conservation.

The centre features various exhibitions displaying life-sized prehistoric creatures including The Origin, Dinosaur Encounter, Deep Sea Treasure and The Great Migration.

Wetland Studios is designed with three distinct levels. The ground floor features terrestrial animals like dinosaurs and endangered species such as elephants and tigers. The lower ground level showcases contemporary ocean creatures, emphasising the importance of water.

On the first level, visitors can explore winged and feathered species that can be found in Wetland Putrajaya.

Getting there:

Persiaran Persekutuan, Presint 13,

62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya

Opening hours: 10am-6pm, 10am-7pm (weekends)

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, Johor

For those looking for a more “wet and wild” kind of fun holiday, the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark in Johor is the place to be.

The 10ha theme park boasts an expansive array of wet and dry rides, as well as man-made beaches.

There’s a ride for everyone, from extreme roller-coasters and rides, to pirate ships and a lazy river, to water playgrounds for the younger tots to frolic and splash around.

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast in Johor

Getting there:

Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast,

Bandar Penawar, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor

Opening hours: 10am-6pm

Genting SkyWorlds, Pahang

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, Resorts World Genting, has over nine movie and adventure inspired worlds spread across the 10.5ha property.

The outdoor theme park features numerous attractions, including the Ice Age-inspired ride, and the Samba Gliders where passengers “fly” across the sky in a tracked hang glider.

The Acorn Adventure, meanwhile, transports passengers through a winding track at an accelerated speed.

Why not also challenge yourself at the Terraform Tower Challenge, where you will experience a heart-stopping drop from the top of a tower? Fun!

Do go for a 3D interactive ride at the Natural History Museum, too. If rides are not for you then you could always just enjoy the live performances, shows, and carnival games, too.

Photo: Resorts World Genting

Getting there:

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park,

Resorts World Genting,

69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang

Opening hours: 11am-6pm, closed on Tuesdays