Singapore actor Fir Rahman content with simple Kuala Lumpur trips with wife and four kids

We usually fly out on a Friday night to maximise our time. When picking a hotel, my wife and I have one non-negotiable requirement: a great swimming pool. It keeps the kids occupied and is essential for a successful trip. We typically stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.

Because there are seven of us, we book two connecting rooms. It makes life much easier, especially since the children love running back and forth between the two spaces.

Our mornings are strictly planned to keep everyone happy. My wife and I take turns working out at the gym, which means one of us is in the pool with the kids while the other hits the treadmill. It is a bit of a juggle, but it allows us to fit in a workout while the children burn off their energy.

Hotel breakfasts are a definite highlight. There is no stress about food options. The kids love the variety – from cereals to waffles to pancakes. For me, I always look out for nasi lemak or roti canai. I find the nasi lemak in Malaysia to be more authentic than what we often get at home and the sambal is definitely a step up.

Come Saturday, we head straight for an indoor playground. KL East Mall’s is a frequent favourite. We park the kids and our helper there for a couple of hours, which gives my wife and me a chance to walk around and shop. We usually look for general items or clothes for the kids., especially since they are growing quickly and need new outfits regularly. My wife also uses the time to pick up supplements or enjoy the occasional facial massage.

We might also take them to Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, a science museum in shopping mall Suria KLCC.

We are pretty simple when it comes to dining. Japanese cuisine is a huge hit and we often head to (conveyor-belt sushi restaurant) Sushi Zanmai. The kids are perfectly happy with udon and ramen, and the whole family enjoys it. For dinner, we are flexible; it is often Korean or Thai. Again, we choose places that cater to everyone’s needs. If the children aren’t happy, we aren’t happy.

We also enjoy catching a movie. In KL, we specifically seek out the kid-friendly cinemas that have slides and ball pits inside the hall. It is noisy because the kids are playing while watching, but it keeps them entertained. While the older ones might sit down and watch the film, the younger ones are usually too engrossed in the playground.

On Sunday, after breakfast and another swim, we check out of the hotel, but we leave our luggage at the concierge. We spend the remaining hours exploring other malls or finding another indoor playground to repeat the cycle.

I am a simple person, and so is my wife. We don’t need fancy itineraries or high-stress planning. As long as the kids are entertained, well-fed and happy, it is a perfect weekend for us.”