Best Family Hot Spots for Your Weekend Escape

Lifestyle

5 minutes read

While jetting off to far-flung destinations might sound tempting, a road trip to Malaysia offers an affordable, convenient, and exciting alternative—perfect for bridging your family together with shared experiences, laughter, and adventure. From theme parks and cultural gems to breezy highlands and beach escapes, Malaysia has something for every kind of family. Whether you're after action, learning, or downtime, here’s your ultimate guide to planning a memorable getaway.

Happy Family Day. Dad, mom and daughter enjoying road trip sitting on back car, Parents and children traveling in holiday at sea beach, family having fun in summer vacation on beach with automobile

Why Choose the Bus for Your Trip to Johor Bahru?

Kopi Luwak Coffee Bean or Civet coffee bean with Cup of Kopi Luwak coffee, world's most expensive coffee from indonesia

After breakfast, we booked a 30-minute Aromatherapy Foot Reflexology session at Lawa Lawa Spa, located inside KSL City Mall. It was RM45 per pax, bringing us to RM90 for two.

The session included relaxing footwork with lemongrass or lavender oil and a comfortable recliner setup. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean, relaxing, and exactly what we needed after a long week. No gimmicks, no hard-selling.

Tip: If you’re planning a visit, call ahead to reserve a slot, especially after 11am. Walk-ins are possible, but there's often a wait, particularly on weekends.

Lunch at Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head – RM38 (S$11.52)

We left KSL around 12:30pm and Grabed to Kam Long Ah Zai, a decades-old shop near City Square that’s practically a JB institution. Their signature dish? Claypot curry fish head.

We ordered:

●      1x Small Curry Fish Head – RM31

●      2x White Rice – RM3.50 each
Total: RM38

Despite being the “small” portion, the pot came packed with tofu skin, okra, long beans, and tender fish cheek slices soaked in spicy, savoury curry. It was more than enough for two, especially after the hearty breakfast.

Tip: Arrive between 11:15am and 11:45am. Anytime after 12pm, expect to queue under the sun. Also, bring tissues; it gets messy, and the shop doesn’t always provide napkins.

Cultural Stroll at Jalan Tan Hiok Nee – RM0

Post-lunch, we needed a breather. So we walked over to Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, a charming stretch filled with murals, old-school barbers, antique shops, and indie bookstores.

We didn’t spend a single sen here, but it was one of the most relaxing parts of the day.

Tip: Don’t rush this walk. Turn into the side alleys, and you’ll notice many of the best murals and local artisans operate out of small units tucked between more prominent shops. It’s also a good way to walk off the curry and reset before evening plans.

Dinner Snack at FamilyMart – RM50 (S$15.15)

Panoramic view over the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

After a full day of walking, massages, and meals, we wrapped things up with a practical yet satisfying dinner at FamilyMart JB Sentral. Instead of looking for another sit-down restaurant, we went for their reliable and freshly prepared oden sets, which offered warmth, variety, and comfort.

Here’s what we shared between two:

●      2x Oden sets (with daikon, egg, tofu puff, konjac, fishcake) – RM12.90 each = RM25.80

●      2x Extra oden skewers (e.g. crab stick, chikuwa) – RM3.50 each = RM7.00

●      1x Salmon Onigiri – RM5.90

●      2x Bottled Oolong Tea – RM4.90 each = RM9.80

●      1x Hanjuku Cheese Tart – RM4.50
 Total: RM50 (S$15.15)

The oden was the star, served hot in a light broth, it was surprisingly filling and flavourful. The onigiri added a bite of carbs, while the tart and cold tea rounded off the meal without weighing us down.

Tip: JB Sentral’s FamilyMart gets crowded after 7pm, and hot items sell out quickly. We went at 6.15pm and got fresh oden straight from the pot. If you're making this your main dinner, go before the rush to avoid disappointment.

Singtel Daily Travel Protect – For Just S$4/Day!

Young happy family asian father mother and daughter happy exciting preparing luggage suitcase booking ticket and hotel for vacation holiday travel trip

While you hope for a smooth-sailing holiday, surprises can pop up on the road. From minor fender benders to sudden travel interruptions, being insured adds an extra layer of security. Here’s how Singtel Insurance steps in:

●      Singtel Travel Protect – Comprehensive Coverage for Your Family
Singtel Travel Protect includes overseas medical expense coverage of up to S$1,000,000 for emergencies. This ensures that if someone in your family falls ill or gets injured, you won’t be burdened by massive medical bills.

●      Singtel Car Protect – Added Security on the Road
Singtel Car Protect comes with personal accident coverage of up to S$120,000 for drivers and S$50,000 for passengers. Should an unfortunate accident occur, this coverage can offer financial relief during a stressful time. Should you be driving on a road trip, Singtel Car Protect covers West Malaysia, the Republic of Singapore, and the parts of Thailand within 80.5 km of the border between Thailand and West Malaysia.

●      24/7 Emergency Assistance – Help Anytime, Anywhere
With a 24/7 call center, Singtel Travel Protect provides immediate support for emergencies. Not only that, Singtel Car Protect also provides roadside assistance whenever you need towing.

By investing in a comprehensive insurance package, you can truly enjoy the holiday, knowing that both medical and travel-related emergencies are covered.

Make Your Family Getaway Unforgettable

A road trip to Malaysia is the perfect recipe for a meaningful family escape during the holiday season. From thrill-packed theme parks to serene beaches and cultural gems, there’s no shortage of adventures to bond over. Whether it’s a quick weekend breather or an extended getaway, these shared moments are perfect for bringing the family closer.

Start planning today—book your stay, pack your bags, and hit the road for a holiday that’s both affordable and unforgettable.

Safe travels and happy holidays!

FAQs

  1. Do I really need travel insurance for a short day trip across the border?

    Even for a quick day trip, travel insurance is worth it for the peace of mind it offers in case of unexpected issues. For instance, Singtel Daily Travel Protect provides up to S$100,000 in overseas medical expenses and up to S$500,000 for emergency medical evacuation – all for just S$4 a day.

  2. What if my phone gets lost or damaged during the trip?

    Travel insurance isn’t just for medical needs, it can also cover your belongings. Such as Singtel Daily Travel Protect, which includes up to S$100 in mobile phone coverage for theft or accidental damage. A small price for coverage that really matters in crowded areas.

  3. What are the most helpful cost-saving tips for JB day-trippers?

    Stick to the KTM Shuttle Tebrau for crossing the border—it’s fast, reliable, and only RM5 per person. Once in JB, avoid taking Grab between 5pm–8pm when surge pricing kicks in. Walking a short distance away from malls before booking your ride can also help reduce fares.

  4. Is there any protection if someone misuses my credit card while I’m overseas?

    Yes, some travel insurance plans include financial protection features too. For example, Singtel Daily Travel Protect covers credit card fraud up to S$1,000, on top of its medical and device coverage, for just S$4 per day.

 

 

 

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