Our own ‘UK’ can throw up a surprise or two.
We’ve probably either made or heard the joke about there being the UK in Malaysia. Except it isn’t the United Kingdom of course, but Ulu Kelang. Unless you’re living there or its surrounding neighbourhoods, there is a good chance that you may not know much about it (besides that lame joke).
Ulu Kelang is a sprawling suburb consisting of many smaller housing estates, such as Taman Melawati, Bukit Antarabangsa, Taman Hillview and more. It also happens to be a place where people go to get away from the city, without actually leaving the city, given that it has a few quick nature-centric retreats and activities to offer within its borders.
With many households situated within the area, we thought that it would be useful to list our 5 family-friendly activities in Ulu Kelang.
1. Visit Zoo Negara
When was the last time you visited our national zoo? Zoo Negara, like most zoos, offers an eye-opening, wholesome experience for kids and adults alike. Whether it’s watching wilder species like tigers and giraffes moving in front of you, or watching sea lions perform tricks in front of an appreciative audience, Zoo Negara promises an educational and entertaining day for the whole family.
Distance: It takes a 30-minute drive from KL City Centre.
Public transport:
- By LRT – Alight at Wangsa Maju Station, Kelana Jaya Line and board a taxi to Zoo Negara.
- By Bus – Take a Rapid KL bus number 253 from Putra LRT Station, or a Rapid KL bus number 220 from Titiwangsa Station.
Fees:
- Adult – RM45
- Child – RM18,
- Senior citizen – RM23
- School concession – RM13 (with school uniform and an official letter from the school)
- 2 teachers – RM 17/ head with 10 students
- Persons with disabilities (OKU) – Free admission (with a valid OKU card)
- Group discount – RM 2 off normal ticket price for a minimum of 20 pax per group
If you are planning for a visit, do bring along your ID card or passport for verification.
2. Dive into the deep end at Kidz Zone Playland
This dedicated indoor playland caters to children aged up to 15-years and features a wide range of games from trampolines, web climbing, wave slides, rope bridge, crawling tunnel and much more.
There is even a futsal and basketball area for kids. Parents may snack and have a cup of coffee while watching their kids go wild. Given that it’s situated in a mall, there are plenty of options for follow-up activities as well.
Distance: It takes a 30-minute drive from KL City Centre.
Public transport: Hop on the LRT to the Gombak station, alight and take a bus to the TNB at Taman Melawati. The playland is about a 15-minute walk from there.
Fees:
- Weekdays:
- Toddler (below 2 years old) – RM25
- Kids (above 2 years to 15 years old) – RM48
- Weekends/Public Holidays/School Holidays:
- Toddler (below 2 years old) – RM35
- Kids (above 2 years to 15 years old) – RM 58
- Purchase 1 Child Pass and get an Adult Pass for free. Additional adult will be charged RM 5
- Guardian – RM 5
- Kidz Zone Playland also offers a special rate for corporate and schools.
Parents must be aware of Playland rules. Children are cute but make sure they are well behaved too. Nobody wants a Denice the Menace to mess around and tease people.
3. Cruise the dirt roads at ATV Adventure Park
If you and your family are a little thrill-seeking, then hopping onto an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) may just be the thing you need to get your blood pumping. On top of that, you get to experience what it feels like to be off the beaten path, trudging down dirt roads with your set of wheels. Also, it was recognised by the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board and Selangor Tourism Action Council as prospect icon in Eco- Tourism Malaysia. If this sounds absolutely delightful, then ATV Adventure Park would certainly be able to sort you out!
Distance: It takes a 45-minute drive from KL City Centre.
Public transport: It is not accessible via public transportation like the bus. You need to drive to get there or you can opt for a taxi or Grab.
Fees: ATV Adventure Park offers 5 packages. The prices start at RM 100.
On a side note, do check the rules and regulations, booking and reservation, what to wear and what to bring before you purchase the package. This is to avoid accidents or any unfortunate occurrence at the park.
4. Take in a waterfall at Sungai Ampang Falls
Tired of the hectic city life? How about taking a dip under a gushing waterfall with a wading pool at its base? Sungai Ampang Falls is so lovely that it’s hard to imagine that it’s just a short drive from the KL City Centre. Besides taking a cool dip, you can also appreciate the wonderful scenic track heading to the waterfall.
Distance: It takes a 30-minute drive from KL City Centre.
Public transport: It is not accessible via public transportation like the bus. You need to drive to get there or you can opt for a taxi or Grab.
Fees: Free
5. Hike up Bukit Tabur
This would require some fitness and resilience, but a good morning hike never hurt a family. The hike would take about 3-4 hours and may require getting your hands a little dirty. However, the payoff at the top will definitely be worth it. Enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur from all sides.
Distance: It takes a 30-minute drive from KL City Centre.
Public transport: It is not accessible via public transportation like the bus. You need to drive to get there or you can opt for a taxi or Grab.
Fees: Free
As you can see there are great options on family-style activities that you can do around the Ulu Kelang area. If you are already living there and have not realised these options, then go out and explore your neighbourhood. You don’t have to catch a plane to have a good time over the school holidays. If you don’t live there, then do drop by this neighbourhood and take in the many fun activities that you can do as a family. Whether it’s a fun and educational trip to the zoo or exciting ATV ride down challenging terrains, Ulu Kelang may just have the thing for your family.
Edited by Rebecca Hani Romeli