The Lost World of Tambun in Ipoh, Malaysia is a fabulous theme park adventure for the whole family. Sunway Themeparks are like a step back in time to really honest family fun, cheesy 80’s style rides, water slides, wave pools and a good time vibe, and the Lost World of Tambun is a really fun day out.
We’d visited Sunway Lagoon in Kuala Lumpur and had a great day, and were traveling through Ipoh to the Cameron Highlands when we discovered there was another theme park there. So we decided to stop in Ipoh for two days to explore the cave temples and let Emmie have a day of fun at the Lost World Of Tambun.
There are many other reasons to spend a few days in Ipoh including visiting the gorgeous cave temples, checking out the night markets and eating Ipoh’s delicious signature dish of chicken and bean sprouts – so I recommend spending a few days there to take a look around. We stayed at the Ritz Garden Hotel which was about AUD $35 per night, had a huge swimming pool, its own cinema, a massage place – super cheap – and small yet reasonable rooms. Oh and Dave the super concierge…you can read all about the Ritz Garden in our review.
But, the Lost World of Tambun. We loved it. We went on a weekday and it was virtually deserted. Most rides we walked straight onto but some we had a wait a few minutes in a queue. And it was hot so it helped that we didn’t have to stand in line…but if you get too hot just jump into the river or go down one of the four waterslides, or swim in the wave pool. There’s a water play area for toddlers and chairs and tables in the water so you can dangle your feet while you eat lunch or have a drink – it really does cool you down!
We started with the rides – first ones into the park of course! – the flying chairs, pirate ships, flying boats and the carousel. We then went on the rollercoaster…lots of coasting here, I’m not sure if it ever gets rolling but it’s a fun ride for everyone and we stayed on for a few rides.
The staff are just so super lovely. It must be hard for them since it’s so hot and they’re often not in the shade, but they’re just super friendly and really invested in making sure you have a good time. One of them asked for my camera and took pics of Emmie and me on the swinging chairs which was really lovely – especially as we don’t get to have too many pics together being that it’s just the two of us.
We grabbed a tyre – you have to hire them – and set off down the long river that winds throughout the park, floating, swimming and weaving along through the animals and rides. Then it was time for the slides. Four big slides that shoot your down from a tower into the water below. We went on all of them at least once then grabbed a meal and a drink and sat oat one of those water seats and relaxed.
The park office will call you a taxi and you can wait in their air conditioned office.
Since there is basically no crowd at all you can see and do mostly everything in five hours. We didn’t visit the hot springs, but it is apparently great at night time should you be staying in the Sunway Hotel or wish to travel out for a night time spa!
I really recommend the Lost World of Tambun for a fun family activity. It’s sincere, honest family fun. Its staff are all lovely and really seem invested in guests having a great day. It’s an excellent stop when you’re traveling Malaysia with kids – or without. Enjoy!