It is important that we preserve history and share it with our children.
This ensures they may have an opportunity to appreciate and understand what the older generations have gone through for us to have the comfortable lives we currently do.
While you might want to travel the world to gain a wider experience, there are many places in Malaysia that are rich in history too to deepen your roots.
Take a walk down memory lane at these family-friendly historical places in Malaysia that are not only entertaining for kids, but also helps them learn more about our country.
A Famosa Fortress, Malacca
The A Famosa fortress was built by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1512.
It used to consist of long ramparts and four major towers, one of which was a 60m four-storey keep that was the tallest building during that time until it was destroyed by the Dutch.
What remains is the surviving gate of the Portuguese fort, one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in the whole of Asia.
It’s one of the most famous historical places in Malaysia to learn about the early days of how Malaya came to be.
Highlights:
- Free attraction
- Walking distance to Jonker Walk
- Plenty of other attractions close by (e.g. Menara Taming Sari, Christ Church, Dataran Pahlawan)
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: Jalan Kota, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia
Contact number: +6062314343
Fort Cornwallis, Penang
Fort Cornwallis is a bastion fort in George Town built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century.
Although the fort was built for the British military, it never engaged in combat and was used more for administrative than defensive activities.
Here, you and your family will be able to explore barracks, cells, lighthouses and cannons that were prepared for any possible attacks (which never happened).
Highlights:
- UNESCO Heritage Site
- Good place to stroll and explore
- Real cannons
Ticket Price:
Malaysians – Adults RM10, Children RM5
Foreigners – Adults RM20, Children RM10
Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Penang Hill
Contact number: +6042620202
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Kuala Lumpur
The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is one of the most famous landmarks and historical places in Malaysia.
This railway station was designed by the most prolific and talented of British colonial architects, Arthur Benison Hubback and completed in 1910.
The station served as the city’s main rail hub before most of its operations was replaced by the more modern Kuala Lumpur Sentral in 2001.
Here, you and your family can admire the unique Anglo-Asian architecture and even take a train ride using the KTM Komuter service.
Highlights:
- Admire unique Anglo-Asian architecture
- Great for children who love trains
- Easily accessible
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50621 Kuala Lumpur
Contact number: +60322671200
Kellie’s Castle, Perak
Kellie’s Castle is an unfinished mansion built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie-Smith in Batu Gajah, Perak.
During the construction, William Kellie-Smith died. His devastated wife decided to move back to Scotland, leaving construction uncompleted.
The castle is a great place for kids to explore, with ample space to move about and secret passages to discover.
Highlights:
- Secret passages for kids to discover
- Stunning architecture
- Affordable price
Ticket Price:
Malaysians – Adults RM5, Children RM3
Foreigners – Adults RM10, Children RM8
Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address: Kellie’s Castle, Batu 5, Jalan Gopeng, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak
Contact number: +6053653381
Dataran Merdeka and Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Kuala Lumpur
Dataran Merdeka, set in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic historical places in Malaysia.
This is where the Malayan flag was raised for the very first time on 31st August 1957.
The Sultan Abdul Samad building is also one of the most prominent and treasured heritage buildings in the city, and once housed the superior courts of the country: the Federal Court of Malaysia, the Court of Appeals and the High Court of Malaya.
Highlights:
- Plenty of other attractions nearby (e.g. Kuala Lumpur Children’s Library, Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Panggung Bandaraya)
- Soak in the patriotic atmosphere
- Perfect picturesque backdrop for your family photo
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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