The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog

TRAVELING WITH KIDS: 10 Asian Destinations for the Whole Family



With affordable airfare popping up left and right, travel has become a more realistic goal for many. Some have the privilege to travel for work, others relish traveling with friends, and a good number of adventure junkies crave solo backpacking. But being raised in a family-oriented culture, I often think about returning to certain places with my family whenever I travel without them. Everywhere I go, I feel it. It’s always there.

Many of us wish to go on a family vacation, whether in the Philippines or abroad. For parents, especially young parents, it warms their hearts seeing their children having the time of their lives. Traveling with kids seems daunting at first. But many destinations are becoming more family-friendly, opening and building attractions that even kids will enjoy.

Note: Filipino children traveling alone or with someone other than their parents or legal guardian must have a DSWD Clearance to be allowed to exit the country. To get one, read: DSWD Clearance

1. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo may be expensive, but the city offers an experience that is worth every cent you spend. From theme parks to educational museums and modern to traditional places, Tokyo sure has a rich buffet of attractions that will make every kid jump for joy.

It is home to the first Disneyland in Asia and the only DisneySea in the world. Anime fans will have a field day at Studio Ghibli, Doraemon Museum, and the entire Akihabara area. And we’re barely scratching the surface here.

Top Tokyo Attractions for Kids

Tokyo Disneyland/Disneysea
Location: Urayasu, Chiba (near Tokyo)
Operation Hours: 8am – 10pm

DISNEY 1-DAY PASS

Sanrio Puroland
Location: Tama New Town, Tokyo
Operation Hours: 9am – 8pm

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

J-World Tokyo
Location: Ikebukuro District, Tokyo
Operation Hours: 10am – 10pm

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Tokyo Joypolis
Location: DECKS Tokyo Beach, Tokyo
Operation Hours: 10am – 10pm

JOYPOLIS 1-DAY PASS

Other Attractions: Tokyo One Pice Tower, Tokyo Tower, National Museum of Nature and Science, Fire Museum, Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Legoland Discovery Center, Museum of Maritime Science, Imperial Palace and Gardens, The Railway Museum, Ghibli Museum, Ueno Park, Tokyo Edo Museum, and many more!

More detailed guide here: Tokyo Budget Travel Guide


2. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a very dynamic place; there is so much going on – busy streets, building constructions here and there, crowded stairways, and so on. The beautiful thing about this seemingly ceaseless movement is that it’s never aimless. Sure it’s brimming with commuters, locals and foreigners alike, but the efficiency and affordability of the public transport make up for the challenges parents with toddlers face.

Finally, there are numerous fun things to do and places to visit with the kids in Hong Kong. Disneyland Hong Kong is just one!

Top Hong Kong Attractions for Kids

Hong Kong Disneyland
Location: Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island
Operation Hours: 10:30am – 8pm

GET 1-DAY TICKETS HERE

Magical World Disney-Themed 4D Museum
Location: Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
Operation Hours: 10am – 8pm

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Noah’s Ark Resort
Location: 33 Pak Yan Road, Hong Kong
Operation Hours: 10am – 6pm

RESERVE A SLOT HERE

Madame Tussauds
Location: Peak Tower, Hong Kong Island
Operation Hours: 10am – 10:30pm

GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE

Other Attractions: Trick Eye Museum, Core Aqua Park, Hello Kitty Restaurant, Central Street Artworks, Ngong Ping 360, Victoria Peak, F-1 Racing Game Driving Simulation, Kung Fu Corner (Kowloon Park), Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Science Explorer, HK International Hobby and Toy Museum, Heritage Museum’s Children’s Discovery Gallery, Mai Po Wetlands, and a lot more!

More detailed guide here: Hong Kong Budget Travel Guide


3. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul has plenty of parks, museums, theme parks, themed cafes and restaurants, and even historical sites where you can have a grand time with kids. Seoul might overwhelm you at first, but the city is well-planned and organized. The public facilities are well-thought of too! The restrooms are clean and have changing boards or seats made for children.

Lotte World will surely be a hit for the little ones. But the teamLab World and Trick Eye Museum can also pique their curiosity and inspire some creativity. Everland is also a great option. It’s outside Seoul, but easily accessible from there.

Top Seoul Attractions for Kids

Everland Ticket

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Everland Ticket + Transpo & Tour Guide

BOOK THIS TOUR

Lotte World
Location: Songpa-gu, Seoul
Operation Hours: 9:30am–10pm (M–Th); 9:30am–11pm (F–Su)

GET YOUR 1-DAY PASS HERE

Other Attractions: Everland, Alive Museum, Children’s Grand Park, Seoul’s Children’s Museum, Seoul Forest, Dream Forest, Olympic Park, Namsangol Hanok Village, Korean Folk Village, Hello Kitty Cafe, Little Prince Cafe, Norang Cafe, Dongdaemun Market’s toy alley, N Seoul Tower, Poopoo Land, Figure Museum, Seoul Land Theme Park, and so much more!

More detailed guide here: Seoul Budget Travel Guide


4. Singapore

Singapore has always been known for its modernity. To soften the vibe, it is now gearing toward arts, fashion, and sculpting its own identity as a nation. Just like its East Asian counterparts, Singapore has mastered the art of public convenience, evident in the efficient transport system, clean roads and public facilities, and spacious stroller-friendly pavements, among others.

As for the children-friendly attractions, you’ll find a universe of it in Sentosa, and that includes Universal Studios Singapore!

Top Singapore Attractions for Kids

Universal Studio Singapore
Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore
Operation Hours: 10am – 8pm

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Sentosa 4D Adventureland
Location: 51B Imbiah Road, Sentosa, Singapore
Operation Hours: 10am – 9pm

RESERVE A SLOT HERE

iFly Singapore
Location: Siloso Beachfront, Sentosa, Singapore
Opening Hours: 9am – 9:30pm (except Wed); 11am – 9:30pm (Wed)

BOOK A SLOT HERE

Snow City Singapore
Location: Science Center, Singapore
Operation Hours: 10am – 6pm

BOOK A SLOT HERE

Other Attractions: Gardens by the Bay, Kidzania Singapore, MOSH!, Singapore Cable Car, Madame Tussauds, National Museum Singapore, Trick Eye Museum, Sentosa Merlion Tower, Tiger Sky Tower, National Gallery Singapore, Wings of Time, Kampong Glam, Little India, River Cruise, MegaZip, Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, Singapore Flyer Flight, Skyline Luge, Adventure Cove Water Park, Jurong Bird Park, Science Center Singapore, Trapped 5D Puzzle, AMPED Trampoline Park, and many more!

More detailed guide here: Singapore Budget Travel Guide


5. Bohol, Philippines

Bohol is easily accessible via quick ferry ride from Cebu or plane ride from Manila. It offers a wide array of attractions for those traveling with their families — beaches, adventure activities, nature tours, historical sites, and wildlife. You just need to choose from this tropical paradise the attractions that appeal to your family.

What’s great about Bohol if you’re based in the Philippines is that it is home to some of the wonders that are featured on their history textbooks! They will recognize the Chocolate Hills and the Sandugo monument in an instant!

Top Bohol Attractions for Kids

Chocolate Hills
Loboc River Cruise
Bilar Manmade Forest
Balicasag Island

If you are coming from Cebu and you want to do a day tour in Bohol, you can find packages offering a tour inclusive of transportation, entrance fees, tour guide, hotel pick up and drop off. The places covered are Chocolate Hills, Loboc River cruise, butterfly sanctuary, tarsier sanctuary, Bilar manmade forest, Baclayon Church, and Sandugo monument.

BOOK THIS TOUR

Other Attractions: Bohol Bee Farm, Butterfly Sanctuary, Loboc Eco Adventure Park, Sagbayan Peak, Firefly Watching, Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridges, Alona Beach, Baclayon Church and Museum, Sandugo Monument, and more.

More detailed guide here: Bohol Budget Travel Guide


6. Boracay, Philippines

Boracay, being one of the most sought-after vacation destinations, has learned to adjust to the needs of its diverse patrons. Tourists from different parts of the Philippines and abroad flock this piece of island paradise all year round. Whatever your family’s preference is, Boracay has it — from budget to luxury, chill to extreme activities, local cuisine to the popular food establishments, water to land attractions.

Top Boracay Attractions for Kids

White Beach, Bulabog Beach, Ariel’s Point Cliff Diving, Mainland Adventure Tour, Flyfish Ride, Scuba Diving, Mermaid Swimming, D’Mall, Kite Surfing, other water activities, and a lot more!

More detailed guide here: Boracay Budget Travel Guide


7. Kyoto and Osaka, Japan

At first glance, Kyoto has this old and mature vibe brought about by the presence of several temples, shrines, and other traditional attractions. However, Kyoto also has green spaces, playgrounds, game centers, and museums that can elicit excitement from children. Most train stations and other big establishments have elevators, changing facilities for nappies, and breastfeeding stations.

Kyoto also has the Manga Museum and the Toei Movie Studio Park, which houses an anime museum, a trickeye museum, a super sentai museum, and a ninja house!

Not to be outdone, Osaka has its share of kiddie attractions starting with Universal Studios Japan, which harbors the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Minion Mayhem Area!

Top Osaka and Kyoto Attractions for Kids

Universal Studios Japan
1 Day Pass

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE   &nbsp

Universal Studios Japan
Express Pass

GET YOUR EXPRESS PASS HERE

Kyoto Tower
Location: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Stroll Around Kyoto Wearing Kimono
Location: Shimogyō-ku, Kyōto

RESERVE A SLOT

Other Attractions: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Heian Jingu Shrine, Sagano Romantic Train, Sanjusangen-do Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Kitano-tenmangu Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Shirakawa River, Nishiki Market, Teramachi Street, and many others.

More detailed guide here: Kyoto and Osaka Budget Travel Guide


8. Dubai, UAE

As a global city and a major transport hub, Dubai’s economy shifted from trade to aviation and tourism. As Middle East’s business hub, Dubai also gets its revenue from real estates and financial services. It has adjusted well to the fast-paced development and the influx of workers and tourists. Aside from shopping, people visiting Dubai are also drawn to its old and numerous modern attractions that cater to both adults and children. Here are some of them.

Top Dubai Attractions for Kids

IMG Worlds of Adventure
Location: E311, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Operation Hours: 11am-9pm (W-Su); 11am-10pm (Th-Sa)

BOOK A TICKET HERE

Ski Dubai
Location: Mall of Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd
Operation Hours: Starts 9am-10am; Ends 11pm-12mn

RESERVE A SLOT HERE

Dubai Parks and Resorts
Location: Sheik Zayed Rd, Opp Palm Jebel Ali
Operation Hours: 4 parks have varying hours

RESERVE A SLOT HERE

Wild Wadi Water Park
Location: Jumeira Road, Umm Suqeim 3
Operation Hours: 10am – 7pm

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Other Attractions: Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park, Burj Khalifa Observation Deck, Hot Air Balloon Flight, Dubai Miracle Garden, Adventure HQ, Ras Al Khor flamingo roost, Kite Beach, Dubai Mall, Desert Palm, Bounce, Jump Boxx, Marina Walk, RIPE Market, The Beach, Safa Park, Dubai Creek Park, Global Village, and many more.


9. Bali, Indonesia

Locals in Bali consider children part of the community; they find pleasure in taking care of them. Bali is another tropical paradise that kids and adult alike will take delight in. Aside from the child-friendly hotel facilities, there are several activities and attractions that will keep family members entertained — from outdoor adventures (including beaches of course!) to cultural trips.

Top Bali Attractions for Kids

Waterbom Bali

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Dolphin Watching

RESERVE A SLOT HERE

Devdan Show

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Carang Sari Village Cycling

RESERVE A SLOT HERE

Other Attractions: Ayung White Water Rafting, Gunung Kawi Temple, Mt. Batur, Petulu Village, Lembongan Island Beach, Uluwatu Temple, Wreck Diving, other water activities, Sekumpul Waterfall, Secret Garden, Kembar Waterfall, Tirtagangga Palace, Bali Bird Park, Cycling, Banjar Hot Springs, and many others.


10. Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Johor Bahru is the capital of Johor, the southernmost state in Malaysia. It is easily overlooked as one of the best family destinations in Asia because of its more popular neighbors like Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. However, its proximity to these cities, especially Singapore, makes it a compelling choice when traveling with family. Johor houses most of Malaysia’s theme parks. The booming economy is made obvious by the establishment of quite a number of restaurants and cafes and the presence of shopping districts, notably Johor Premium Outlets.

Top Johor Bahru Attractions for Kids

Legoland Malaysia
Location: 7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, Johor
Operation Hours: 10am – 7pm

GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE

Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town
Location: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Nusajaya, Johor
Operation Hours: 10am – 6pm

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Other Attractions: Angry Bird Theme Park, Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, Big Boss N Land, Johor Premium Outlet, Pasar Karat, Pasir Gudang Kite Festival (February), Cycling Tour, Firefly Watching, Zenxin Organic Park, and a lot more.

How many of these have you visited? Do you have anything to add to this list? Let us know in the comments section below!

*Most of the images above were provided by Klook.
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