The Most Amazing Family Friendly Holiday Destinations In Asia

It’s never too early to inculcate in your children a feeling of adventure. And the Singapore passport (the most powerful in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index) allows you to travel to 192 countries without a visa.

To begin, introduce your little travelers to the delights of Asia. Whether you want to start close or far, Asia boasts a plethora of family-friendly vacation options. From beach vacations in the Maldives and Bali to adrenaline-fueled city breaks in Seoul and Tokyo, there’s something for everyone, young and old. So tighten your seatbelts, because we’re about to take a wild voyage through the most kid-friendly destinations, where pint-sized explorers reign supreme and giggles are the local currency.

1. The Maldives

For sea, sand and sun

The Maldives has long been a popular destination for couples, thanks to its sunset dinners and private pools. However, the tropical paradise is particularly popular with families, since it provides an exhilarating blend of action and leisure. Children can snorkel with colorful fish, build sandcastles on pristine beaches, and discover seashell treasures while parents relax at the spa.

DO: Enjoy water sports activities such as swimming and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters; you may even see a turtle or two. Many resorts provide family-friendly snorkeling trips.

STAY: COMO Maalifushi gives parents a break by keeping their children entertained with activities like crystal growing, palm leaf parrot folding, and Dhivehi language basics. However, if you want to involve the entire family, there are family yoga sessions and watersports. Book a beachfront villa with a garden and a plunge pool.

2. Bali, Indonesia

For a cultural escape

Bali is the ultimate family playground, boasting natural beauty, cultural richness, and family-friendly services. Dreamy beaches, such as Kuta and Nusa Dua, are ideal for sunbathing. Meanwhile, Ubud, the island’s cultural center, awaits interested minds. For those seeking excitement, there are beautiful woods, rice terraces, and a volcano to explore by hiking or biking. The kind and hospitable Balinese people contribute to the island’s appeal, making it a perfect family vacation destination.

DO: Explore Ubud’s sacred Monkey Forest with the cheeky little macaques. Then immerse yourself in a Balinese cultural experience that includes puppet-making, traditional dancing, gamelan, and feasting. Hike to Mount Batur to get a panoramic view of Bali against the sunrise; this is ideal for older children.

STAY: The Westin Resort Nusa Dua focuses on making you feel good. It includes a carefully curated family program aimed to improve the well-being of its younger guests via exploration and discovery, while parents relax in five-star tropical lushness. The Westin Family Kids Club provides supervised activities such as outdoor games, face painting, kite-making, and even a children’s spa.

3. Seoul, South Korea

For a futuristic city break

South Korea’s busy city is the perfect blend of history and modern fun, ensuring a great day for the entire family. Historic palaces such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung provide glimpses into the past. Lotte World and other technologically advanced amusement parks provide limitless entertainment and thrills. This concrete jungle also has you covered with a safe, user-friendly public transportation system that is simple to use even if your Korean is rusty.

DO: Besides Lotte World, check out the Seoul Children’s Grand Park, where there are hiking trails, a zoo, garden, and even an amusement park. Your kids will definitely be spoiled for choice here.

STAY : Your pint-sized travel buddies will love the Lego-themed lounge at Four Seasons Seoul. It’s decked with a giant Lego brick pool, a Lego brick wall, a movie screen, and the speed champions race track. For a stress-free experience, the hotel is also located in the heart of Seoul, and offers children’s menus and family-friendly amenities.

4. Tokyo, Japan

For all your favorite characters

Tokyo is a popular destination for both children and adults. It is home to the legendary Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, the SEGA-themed indoor amusement park Joypolis, the anime heaven Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, and the wonderful teamLab Borderless. The city also has cleanliness, safety, and a variety of modern comforts (robot waiters, anyone?).

DO: You’d be hard-pressed to find everything you need to keep the kids entertained in one place like this man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Odaiba has a variety of family-friendly attractions, including the teamLab Borderless digital art museum, the landmark Daikanransha Ferris Wheel, the KidZania theme park, and – get this – a beach with sand.

STAY: If Tokyo Disneyland is the main attraction, the hotel provides ideal family housing with themed rooms, character meals, unique Disney incentives, and kid-friendly services. The hotel’s lovely atmosphere, great service, and in-house entertainment make for a seamless and magical stay, allowing families to fully enjoy their Disney experience with ease and comfort.

5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

For a luxurious getaway

Dubai attracts families seeking a luxurious vacation. Its beautiful resorts, like Atlantis, The Palm, and the Burj Al Arab, offer unprecedented extravagance. Families can enjoy world-class cuisine, private beach access, and spa treatments. And there’s no disputing that its stunning beaches, sophisticated shopping, and captivating desert safaris give a beautiful setting for great memories.

DO: Let your children feel on top of the world by mounting the world’s highest building, the Burj Khalifa. Thrill seekers will enjoy dune bashing and camel rides in the desert. If you want to fight the heat, visit Wild Wadi Waterpark, where you can enjoy a variety of water slides.

STAY: Jumeirah Beach Hotel puts luxury first and foremost. It is ideal for families with young children, as it includes a lively kids club, splash park, and a private beach with gentle slopes into the sea. Interconnecting rooms, variety cuisine, and babysitting facilities make the family stay more enjoyable, while the hotel’s handy location makes visiting Dubai easier.

6. Penang, Malaysia

For fun across the Causeway

For something close to home, visit Penang. George Town, the country’s capital, was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008 for its vibrant arts sector and natural greenery. This dazzling treasure in the Andaman Sea is also not shy about beach beauty, making it ideal for some serious beachside hijinks.

DO: Art is the name of the game here in Penang. Take some family selfies as you stumble upon the many Instagrammable street art. For a bit of schooling, check out the Made In Penang Interactive Museum which is home to attention-worthy murals and displays for history buffs, young and old.

STAY: The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang offers stunning sea and mountain views. It provides a complimentary shuttle to George Town, Gurney Drive, and Batu Ferringhi Night Market. Kids can enjoy the Kids’ Club, a teddy bear-themed museum TeddyVille, and a dedicated children’s pool. There’s occasional free dining for the little ones too at Makan Kitchen, but with an accompanying adult of course.

7. Istanbul, Turkiye

For a slice of both Asia and Europe

Istanbul Airport was named the World’s Most Family Friendly Airport 2023 therefore it’s a no-brainer to include Istanbul on the list. The city is remarkable in that it straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. The city is a fun place to visit for people of all ages, thanks to its rich history, diversified culture, and countless must-see attractions.

DO: Visit Topkapi Palace and its Harem for an unique learning experience. Then visit Miniaturk, a miniature park with reproductions of legendary Turkish landmarks where children can pretend to be giants. The Istanbul Toy Museum’s large collection of toys sparks children’s imaginations, inspiring nostalgia and inventiveness. Keep a look out for the puppet shows too!

STAY: Swissôtel The Bosphorus is ideal for kids, with spacious rooms, a children’s pool, a kids’ club, family eating options, childcare facilities, and a central location among the city’s major attractions.