Comparing the 3 largest Water Parks in Johor - which is best for kids?

All of us can do with a Water Park getaway, especially when the weather gets really hot! There are a number of Water Parks in Johor, which are pretty near to us and also a much cheaper option... especially for families with kids.

We have been to the three largest Water Parks in Johor - DESARU COAST ADVENTURE WATERPARK, LEGOLAND MALAYSIA WATER PARK and AUSTIN HEIGHTS WATER PARK so here's my verdict on them in case you are wondering which Water Park to bring your kids for your next holiday!


DESARU COAST ADVENTURE WATERPARK

Located in Desaru and opened in July 2018, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is billed as one of the biggest waterparks in the world and is the newest water park to open in Johor.

Set against the backdrop of a traditional Malaysian fishing village, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is home to more than 20 wet and dry rides, slides and attractions spread over 5 zones. But what sets the water park apart from the rest is THREE unqiue attractions:

1. The region's FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND water rollercoaster
Kraken’s Revenge is a combination of a roller coaster and splashing flume ride that takes thrill seekers up 30-metres above the ground in rolling “boats” before swooping and spinning through a full 360-degree horizontal loop. The ride then takes a 27-metre drop to the shipwrecking Kraken sea monster waiting in the pool of water below! Riders can reach speeds up to 70 km/h as they plummet to a splashing finish. Absolutely thrilling stuff!

2. Tidal Wave Beach
Tidal Wave Beach is one of the biggest wave pools in the world with some of the world’s biggest man-made waves! This signature water feature at Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark spreads over nearly three acres and holds more than 4 million gallons of water. And this wave pool generates tidal waves. Yes, waves that actually reach up to 3m in height!

3. Kids Ahoy (Special zone for kids!)
In addition to the standard huge water play structure, complete with water slides and giant splash bucket, the water park has a dedicated children’s zone with three separate age-appropriate play areas filled with water play equipment with a combination of 13 different water slides designed for the waterpark’s younger kids!

Of course, there are the other usual water slides including a dry Pirate Ship ride and a Surf Simulator, and the quintessential Lazy River. Without a doubt, this is THE Water Park that the monkies are dying to go back to!

PROS:
- Superb variety of water activites to keep everyone happy
- Three unique attractions not found at the other 2 Water Parks
- Best for older kids and teens
- Younger kids and toddlers can have fun too at the dedicated water zone for kids
- Tidal Wave Pool is unlike other wave pools, even in Singapore
- Newest Water Park of the three

CONS:
- Far from Singapore; about 1.5 hour-drive
- Not suitable for a day trip
- Accommodation options are pricier

Details
Address: Desaru Coast, No. 4 Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar,  Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm daily
Hotel Options:  Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast,Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort (Desaru Coast), Sand & Sandals Resort & Spa, Lotus Desaru Resort
Admssion Ticket: Adults RM128 | Child & Senior RM96
Website: https://desarucoast.com/Pages/Play/Desaru-Coast-Adventure-Waterpark


LEGOLAND MALAYSIA WATER PARK

Billed as the largest LEGOLAND Water Park in the world and opened in October 2013, the interactive and fully LEGO-themed Water Park offers 13 water attractions and unlike the usual water parks, this one is specially catered to children below the age of 12.

This is because as long as your child is above the height of 1.07m, then you will be glad to know that he/she will be eligible to tackle EVERY SINGLE attraction at LEGOLAND Malaysia Water Park. Expect twirly swirly water slides like the Brick Blaster, Red Rush, Splash 'N' Swirl and Wave Rider. OR you could go head-to-head with five other people at the LEGO Slide Racers!

For younger kids, there are four attractions to keep them busy and of the four, the DUPLO Splash Safari and Joker Soaker water playground will be a hit. The former is a large wading pool with shallow water with 3 short slides here as well as interactive and larger-than-life DUPLO creatures - perfect for toddlers.

The latter is a fun interactive play structure with different lengths, heights, types of slides and water cannons. Together with the Wave Pool and Lazy River, kids will definitely want to spend an entire day here!

PROS:
- Ample water activities to keep kids entertained
- Water slides are thrilling, but not that thrilling to put off kids
- Best for kids aged 10 and below
- Toddlers can have water fun at the water play areas too
- LEGO-themed
- Near to Singapore

CONS:
- Ticket price is the most expensive of the three
- Oldest Water Park of the three

Details
Address: 7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm daily
Hotel Options: LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel, Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri, Hotel Ramada Meridin Johor Bahru, Meridin@medini Hotel
Admssion Ticket: Adults RM149 | Child & Senior RM121
Website: www.legoland.com.my


AUSTIN HEIGHTS WATER PARK

Opened in December 2015, the themepark consists of three sections: water park, adventure park and sports & leisure park. The water park is home to a variety of water slides while the adventure park  features the longest indoor suspension adventure rope course in Malaysia. The sports & leisure park consists of go-karting,, Indoor Trampoline Centre and Ice Skating Rink.

Essentially, there are only 6 water slides for older kids and above, with the most thrilling coming in the form of the Yellow Wall where riders will slide down from a steep end and find themselves hurtling straight up again on a wide yellow slide!

For younger kids, there are the standard faves - a Lazy River, Wave Pool, and Water Playground. The Wave Pool is pretty boring with extremely gentle waves - although it will be good for families with toddlers. As for the Lazy River, the water appears to be of a greenish yellow colour so that could be a turn-off for some.

Overall, a decent and inexpensive water park to head to if you are planning on a last minute trip to Johor.

PROS:
- Extremely near to Singapore
- Cheapest admission price of the three
- Waves at Wave Pool are great for toddlers
- Availability of other activities like the Adventure Park and go-karting (extra charges apply).

CONS:
- Smallest Water Park of the three
- Least number of water slides
- Colour of the water at Lazy River may be a turn-off for some

Details
Address: No. 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am - 7pm daily
Hotel Options: Midori Concept Hotel, Prince 33 Hotel, Austin Park Hotel, Cube 8Teen Boutique Suite
Admssion Ticket: Above 120cm RM80 | 120cm & below RM70 | Senior citizens (Aged 60 & above) RM70 | Below 3 years old RM12
Website: www.funtime.my/index

6 Ways to Remember the Fall of Singapore's 77th Anniversary with the Kids

8 February 1942 nightfall marked the moment when Japanese forces began the invasion of Singapore. By 15 February, it was all over when the British officially surrendered Singapore to the Japanese.

This year marks the 77th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, which is considered one of the darkest moments in Singapore's short history because for the 3 years and 7 months, life in Singapore was a period of constant fear and hardship. Which is why come every 15 February (also known as Total Defence Day), we remember the sufferings of our forefathers during the Japanese Occupation, and remind ourselves that NEVER AGAIN shall Singapore fall. We can only trust ourselves to defend Singapore and protect all that we hold dear.

The current world we live presents different forms of threats -  terrorism, cyber-attacks, and regional tensions - so they serve important reminders that we should never our peace for granted.

But it is tough to expect the kids of today to fully understand the tough living conditions back in the days of the Japanese Occupation. Even for me, who have only heard horror stories about World War II from my grandparents.

But that does not mean we do not try to expose the kids to a grimmer aspect of our nation's history.

I do know that some schools have commemorated Total Defence Day by having the school canteens sell only white porridge or sweet potatoes on that day. My kids' school had switched off the fans for a few school periods as well, just to let the kids experience what it felt like to have minimal comforts.

On this 77th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, it makes for a good teaching moment to educate our kids on the history and the importance of defending what is important to us. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Re-live the hardships

Try water rationing at home, or try to cook a meal without the usual gas cooker. The latter was something that the monkies attempted over the weekend. I only provided them with a limited amount of water and other resources and they had to cook their own instant noodles for lunch.

Other than the fact that they actually do love instant noodles, a huge takeaway for them was how troublesome it was to share the water among themselves.

Maybe I will try something different next year and cut off the WiFi at home.

2. Our Next Battlefront下一道战线 - Total Defence Special Exhibition

In commemoration of Total Defence Day 2019, S’pore Discovery Centre (SDC) has curated a special exhibition titled ‘Our Next Battlefront’. Key incidents over the past 200 years have reminded us that our nation’s peace is fragile and must always be protected. Fake news and cyber threats continue to be a key concern and are insidious threats to our sovereignty and survival. Be aware of our next battlefront as we play our part and become the first frontier to protect the peace in Singapore.

This special exhibition aims to heighten public awareness on how cyber threats and fake news can impact us and our survival as a nation. Lessons from the featured historical incidents of Singapore will also accentuate the efforts needed to combat the onslaught of modern day rumours, lies and propaganda initiatives in fake news.

Address: Singapore Discovery Centre
Dates: Now until 24 Mar 2019
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm (Closed on Mondays except Public & School Term Holidays)
Free Admission for all Singaporeans and PRs

3. Kranji War Memorial

The Kranji War Memorial in Singapore honours the men and women from the Commonwealth who died in the line of duty during World War II. More than 4,400 white gravestones are erected in rows on the cemetery’s gentle slope. The Chinese Memorial, in plot 44, marks a mass grave for 69 Chinese servicemen who were killed by the Japanese when Singapore fell in February 1942. Next to the Kranji War Memorial is the Kranji Military Cemetery, with more than 1,400 burials of soldiers who died after World War II.

The Singapore State Cemetery, where the country’s first and second presidents, Encik Yusof Ishak and Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares, are buried is situated nearby as well.

Address: 9 Woodlands Road, Singapore 738656
Opening Hours: 8am - 6.30pm daily

4. Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies

Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies, which was formerly known as Memories at Old Ford Factory, is the site of the surrender of Singapore by British forces to the Japanese Imperial Army. Re-opening on 16 Feb 2017 and a national monument, its contents have been revamped and now features refreshed content and a new focus. The gallery subtitle highlights a new area of focus for the exhibition by looking at the impact of the war and the Occupation years, including the immediate and longer-term legacies of this period on Singapore and the region.

The exhibition space proper is broadly divided into three zones:

- Fall of Singapore: Outlines the events leading up to that fateful moment where British forces surrendered unconditionally to the Imperial Japanese Army in the Ford Factory boardroom.
- Becoming Syonan: Captures the diverse experiences of people during the Japanese Occupation.
- Legacies: Highlights the various legacies of war and Occupation in Singapore, from the political and social changes that arose and the ways we remember the war in Singapore today.

Address: 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 9am – 5.30pm | Sundays, 12 noon – 5.30pm
FREE Admission

5. Battlebox Tours

The Battlebox is a former WWII British underground command centre inside Fort Canning Hill in the heart of Singapore City. It was part of the headquarters of Malaya Command, the army which defended Malaya and Singapore in WWII. It was inside the Battlebox that the British decided to surrender Singapore to the invading Japanese on 15 February 1942.

Today, the Battlebox is a museum that unveils the true causes behind “the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history”. The Battlebox Tour, A Story of Strategy & Surrender, tells two stories - the fall of Malaya and Singapore in WWII, and how an underground command centre functioned during the war.

Address: 2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622 (Fort Canning Park)
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Admission: From $18 (adult) and $9 (child, 7-12 yrs old)
Website: www.battlebox.com.sg

6. Go on a World War II Heritage Trail

Launched in 2013. the World War II Trail consists of 13 spots that mark great historical events that occurred during World War II. It identifies war sites all over the island with each site marking either a battle area, such as the invasion sites at Sarimbun beach, or commemorates a significant event during the Occupation, such as the Sook Ching massacre sites.

The trail is free to explore at your own time so do download the guides before you set off to explore with the family:

Download World War 2 Trail Booklet
Download World War 2 App for iOS device
Download World War 2 App for Android device




At the end of the day, exposing our kids to Singapore's history can only do so much. Because beyond that, we can pledge to be more security conscious, to pick up lifesaving skills, or to strengthen community bonds in our personal capacity.

#NeverAgainSG will we let Singapore fall. Together, we can keep our country strong.




*This article first appeared in Feb 2015, and has been updated to include new exhibitions.