Traveling with tots in Malaysia

Malaysia – and in particular the islands of Langkawi and Penang, and the coast of Sabah – have a number of child-friendly hotel options.

In laidback Langkawi there’s little to do but kick back and relax on the beach and around the pool. For scavenger hunts on the beach, mini golf, swimming lessons, fishing and boat-making head to the Meritus Pelangi Beach & Spa Resort, Langkawi (www.meritus-hotels.com), where KiKi Klub members between four and 12 are entertained for free from 9am to 9pm. (Toddlers under four are welcome with a parent’s supervision.) Kids love the club’s mascot, a five-foot fluffy bird with bright yellow beak.

There’s the usual playground and children’s pool, as well as baby chairs, drawing sheets and toys at restaurants, and you can even request a baby car seat. KiKi’s Animal Farm tops the list of must-see on the kids’ list. Babysitting services are available (English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin are spoken; around RM8 for one hour; RM20 after 11pm).