To get the most in one location, head to Sunway Lagoon in Petaling Jaya, off Kuala Lumpur.

Stroll on the 428m-long suspension bridge

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is divided into various sectors, including a waterpark, amusement park, Extreme Park and Wildlife Park.

My all-time favourite is the waterpark, which features African-styled rides in the Waters of Africa section. The Congo Challenge, for example, is a six-lane racer water ride, where you can pit your skill and speed against others.

If you are game for more, go for the Cameroon Climb, which is the world's first inverted double tube water ride. Here, two riders get steeply dropped at the same time from a height of 15m, before getting shot back up again to a height of 8m.

If your legs tremble at the sound of that, seek out the gigantic African Pythons - a long and winding water slide that will spin you around in loops before ejecting you into the pool.

For a "lazy" but still fun ride, take your buoy to Jeffrey's Bay, which is the world's largest man-made surf pool (the waves rise up to 2.4m). As the waves take you to new heights, marvel at the backdrop featuring Asia's first manmade erupting volcano.

The ticket that admits you into Sunway Lagoon's waterpark also admits you into its amusement park, which features "dry" but equally exciting rides to pack your day.

At the World of Adventure, for instance, beside the roller coaster rides, you can take a stroll on the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Not for those suffering from vertigo, the draw of the bridge is the magnificent view of the whole lagoon, promising lots of thrills for shutterbugs.

There is also Wild Wild West, which provides more fun based on an American cowboy theme - with rides that have names like Buffalo Bill Coaster, Butch Cassidy's Trail and Grand Canyon River Rapids.

Soar on the Flying Coaster

The Extreme Park in Sunway offers a more "adult" form of thrill - where you can engage in combat manoeuvres in a game of Paintball, hop on an All- Terrain Vehicle (ATV) for a bumpy and speedy ride, or bounce off the waters on a high-speed jet boat ride.

The Wildlife Park, on the other hand, provides an interactive zoo experience for the kids to cuddle furry little bunnies or pose with albino snakes.

Sunway Lagoon is close enough to Kuala Lumpur to fit as a day trip in your shopping itinerary. There are various admission ticket options ranging from single-park entries to a "combo" of various parks. You can purchase your tickets online to beat the queue.

Genting Highlands

Another favourite destination among Singaporean families in Malaysia is Genting Highlands.

Although it is well-known for its casinos, Genting also offers indoor and outdoor parks to keep the kids in the family entertained.

Chill out in Snow World at Genting Highlands.

From water slides and a climbing wall to Snow World and a fierce wind tunnel, there are various attractions and rides that promise hours of fun.

Not to be missed is the Flying Coaster, which is Asia's first hanggliding roller coaster.

For the best deal for the theme parks in Genting, buy a day pass from Genting's ticket office on the second floor of the KL Sentral train station, as it includes admission into the parks as well as transport. You can also book accommodation through the same office.

Happenings

MAY 25 TO 27
Johor International Orchid Show (Johor Bahru):
Various species of orchids from all parts of the world are on display at the show.
Email: mtpnjohor@motour.gov.my

MAY 26
Colours of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur):
This event showcases the best of Malaysian culture, craft and cuisine. Get a fascinating glimpse of the Malaysian culture. Highlights include parades, cultural performances, exhibitions and festivals.
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/

MAY 26 TO JUNE 2
World Harvest Festival 2007 and Gawai Dayak (Sarawak):
The Dayak communities in Sarawak celebrate Hari Gawai to mark the end of a successful harvest season. This unique festival is shared with riceproducing counterparts in Malaysia and around the region.
Website: www.sarawaktourism.com/

MAY 30 TO 31
Tadau Kaamatan (Sabah):
Join this celebration by the largest ethnic group in Sabah, comprising the KadazanDusun and Murut communities. It is an annual thanksgiving celebration for the bountiful rice harvest. The event culminates in the district of Penampang.
Website: www.sabahtourism.com/