Kuala Lumpur and Bali : Family Travel

After a good rest at our Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort hotel, we left early for our flight. Jean-Maximilien took the opportunity to visit the airport’s Premium Plaza lounge before our quick 2h15 flight.

We got off the plane and hurried to the customs, where, surprise! We spent a good 45 minutes with Arthur asleep in our arms waiting to show our passports. It was no picnic, I might add.

To reach the center of Kuala Lumpur, we took a taxi to our hotel (45 min drive) and were able to observe the multitude of skyscrapers or constructions in progress before arriving at our destination.

When we arrived at W Kuala Lumpur, we were greeted with a smile. The staff had fun with the kids while remaining very professional and helping us with our luggage. The hall was decorated for the Chinese New Year.

The hotel impressed us with its contemporary if not futuristic design and its large modern spaces.

The hotel has the advantage of being located next to the Petronas Towers, the lively area of Kuala Lumpur.

Thanks to our Titanium status and chat interview before our arrival, Jean-Maximilien once again managed to get a suite for the family.

The suite was comfortable with designer armchairs and colourful cushions; and all its mirrors gave an impression of grandeur. (It was almost 1300 sq. ft.). The king bed was soft (as if we were on a cloud) and the bathroom was huge.

After 2 nights at W Kuala Lumpur, we decided to try St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. Jean-Maximilien managed to find an excellent rate of $150 for this hotel which usually goes for double that amount.

He repeated his request to the hotel, namely to get an upgrade, and got it again by force of negotiation.

We went to the foot of the Petronas Towers and its shopping mall several times.

They’re twin towers with an impressive structure, beautiful by day and by night, with an active neighbourhood surrounding it.

We discovered the HUGE playground (dozens of structures) for children in the area. You can really lose your children in there!

We visited the famous Batu Caves, located 20 minutes drive from the center. Cost: $10 with Grab, return

The heat is a bit stifling but bearable. Alexandra surprised us by climbing all the steps (and there are quite a few!!). We watched an offering ceremony.

Many tourists were robbed of food in front of us during our ascent.

A little anecdote, Arthur wanted to approach a little too close to one of them, this one grabbed his legs. Jean-Maximilien quickly removed it, and our children did not go near them again.

Our Grab told us that various waterfalls are in the vicinity, but we preferred returning to the hotel to rest.

Our concierge at the W having found us a babysitter, we were able to relax at the hotel bar to take advantage of our Titanium status (free alcohol and snacks):

We were also able to try the OpenHouse restaurant. A delicious local cuisine that made us discover beautiful flavours. We took the 4 course menu. We recommend it!

Finally we visited the Little India district. Small but very nice with nice shops of smock, jewelry and markets. Flowers were painted on the sidewalks the day before (Kolams).

The Hindus were celebrating a festival, Pongal, and for the occasion, several of them got together to prepare food on the street, near the Kolams, and offered it to all passers-by with the means at hand after a ceremony of offering to the sun and the god!

The dish prepared was glutinous rice cooked in brown sugar and milk, chickpeas and other foods. Being invited, we even sharef a meal with them. These people are so kind and generous!

One of the reasons why we chose the St. Regis is its proximity to the central station, which is very convenient and quick to access. This is why many businessmen choose this hotel.

The hotel offers a shuttle that takes you directly to the station. When we arrived at the station, once we had our tickets, we had about 30 minutes on the train.

Once at the airport, the situation becomes more complicated: all the passengers’ luggage is weighed by the Air Asia hostesses. Since every person is only allowed 7 kg, we were forced to check in one of our suitcases. It took time to get through customs again, there was a long queue to show our passports.

After walking through the long corridors of the airport, we arrived at a new security gate located before our boarding gate. We were happy to finally sit in our plane. Our destination: Bali!

A flight that went smoothly with the children. We could tell everyone was tired at the end, though, as Alexandra stopped listening to us.

Fortunately, a customs line was dedicated to families with children under 5 years old or seniors 65 years and older.

We took a Grab car quickly to get to The Laguna hotel.

The hotel had a long, open entrance with a beautiful central chandelier.

Before entering, suitcases were scanned and a staff member rang the gong to signal our presence to security.

We got an upgrade, the room had a direct access to the pool. We all slept in the same bed that night.

Our luggage was taken care of and during the check-in, I took a (long) discovery walk with the children.

The Laguna hotel was splendid, alternating between pools and lagoons, trees with tropical flowers.

A taste of what Bali is all about!

As this hotel did not have a Kids Club, we decided to stay only one night. However, thanks to the late check out, we enjoyed it.

The next day, we discovered the Westin Resort Nusa Dua which is located only 100 meters away, and what a magnificent hall! This time, it is wide with high ceilings, made of tropical wood. The design and the service is again neat, the hotel is of a superior size too. Big enough to get lost!

Once we visited the room, we went to the Kids Club. A very pleasant outdoor area for children and 2 rooms, one for 0 to 4 years old and the other from 4 years old.

The children were so delighted that we left them until 9pm, a special evening for the parents to relax.

Arthur was still small, we called on a hotel babysitter to watch him. She did a great job and we asked her to come back the following days to help us (cost of 5 $/h)!

On the agenda, 3 days at this hotel so that the children could enjoy the activities while daddy and mommy work or relax a little at the hotel’s Spa, since we got a gift certificate upon our arrival.

Don’t miss the rest of our trip to the heart of Bali and much more!