Visitors make beeline to theme parks

Happy to be out: Parents watching their children enjoying themselves at Legoland Malaysia in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: Popular holiday destinations here, especially waterparks, have seen a flood of visitors since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

The current heatwave is attracting many families to places such as Legoland Malaysia and Desaru Coast Adventure Water Park.

Many were taking advantage of the huge discounts on hotel stays and entrance fees that these places were offering to woo visitors from around the country.

These holidaymakers have generally been cautious enough to stick to the standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure their families’ safety.

For trader Kameral Putra Arnedi, 35, who travelled to Legoland with his wife and children from Selangor, the holiday was a good respite as they have not gone anywhere for more than two years.

“It has been hard on my children who have been asking us to take them on a holiday,” he said, adding that they also got a huge discount.

“We decided to come on a weekday as I am sure these places will be crowded on weekends.”

Civil servant Azri Matsaad, 32, who came with his wife and three nephews to the theme park, said that it was a smooth drive from Perak.

“At least we are able to travel now, and I hope everyone adheres to the SOP so that we do not have to ever face another lockdown again.

“Besides Johor, we may also visit other states,” he said.

A visitor to Desaru Coast, Denis Tan, 45, from Kuala Lumpur, said that travelling with his wife and three kids was a good family vacation after almost two years of not going anywhere.

“Usually, I take my children out on road trips every school holiday.

“Anyway, we decided to come to Desaru not just to enjoy the water park but also the beach,” he said, adding that he also got a good discount for the water park and hotel stay.

Tan added that he hoped to visit relatives and friends in Melaka on the way back.