Fun Things to do in South East Asia

Asia is rich with natural beauty, and hiking around the wilderness is fast becoming a popular family pastime. Traveling with kids is about introducing them to the world outside their little bubble. Rather than checking the obligatory tourist traps off your list, use your next trip as an opportunity to teach compassion, empathy and true global citizenship.

Malaysia

The lush greenery just outside of George Town provides many beautiful walks and the trails of Penang Hill are the most family friendly—though only recommended for children 12 years and older. There you will ﬁnd ample easy paths that only take an hour or two to complete. Or head to Taman Negara, a 130-million-year-old rain forest and Peninsular Malaysia’s largest national park, for rare wildlife spotting, spelunking and a canopy walk over Indiana Jones-worthy rope bridges.

Taiwan

Beyond the skyscrapers, this isle oﬀers a surprising number of hikes suitable for every level of skill and sense of adventure. If you’re just looking for a quiet stroll, try Yangmingshan—kids and parents alike can regain their stamina at the many natural hot spring rest stops along the way. The Four Beasts Mountains oﬀer spectacular views of the Taipei 101 tower. Teens might enjoy the rope ladders and exposed cliﬀs of the trails around Pingxi. Taiwan Adventures oﬀers guided day hikes at Yangmingshan, Four Beasts Mountains, Pingxi and more from NT$12,000 for up to three people.

Hong Kong

Ditch the urban jungle and head to Lamma Island, popular with locals for the famous Family Trail. This winding walk is easy on little legs and oﬀers spectacular scenery for relatively minimal eﬀort. The vistas along the way vary from beaches to wind farms, traditional ﬁshing villages to hilltop outlooks. Best of all? The whole thing can easily be done in a day trip before you head back to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. If you’ve got the time, you can walk the whole island to experience more of its charms.

Cambodia

Build a house. Gather a few families together to construct a home for those who don’t have one. Tabitha, which has been organizing aid for the Khmer people for two decades, keeps its overhead costs low and makes sure most of the funds get to the folks who need them the most. It’s hard work, but you and your children will know that you’ve made a real diﬀerence. tabitha.org.au; groups pay their own travel costs and must contribute a combined A$1,700 for building materials.

Thailand

Help preserve Koh Tao Reef. Kids 14 and up can don scuba gear for a good cause. By building artiﬁcial reefs with Kaya, you and your family will bolster damaged dive sites by encouraging coral growth. You’ll also receive ISS dive certiﬁcation while tending to giant clams and monitoring seahorses.

Bruce Renner is a technology and travel buff. He always on the lookout for inspiring places and rich cultures. He is also a contributor of Vacation-now.com, a website for vacation rentals and holiday homes for rent.