Sunway Lagoon... Wannabe? My Day Trip to Dam Sen
So, a day at Dam Sen... Not too hyped, not too bummed.
Went yesterday, Saturday. Surprisingly quiet! Got a discounted ticket, chopped 50% off the price (usually RM60 per adult above 1.4m, RM44 for kids, free below 90cm). Def recommended to snag the all-access pass for free rides on the "Memory Lane Train" (like a 15-minute tour). The kids can basically re-ride their faves all day long.
Around 10am, me, my wife, and our 3.5-year-old hit up Dam Sen. Heard there were strollers for rent (like some reviews said) but didn't really need one. For us, a small bag with wipes, phone charger, water, and a fan was enough.
My kid's a bit shy, so we stuck to the gentle stuff: paddle boats, the Dragon Ride, Memory Lane Train, the Monorail, merry-go-round, the aquarium, the ice cave, and the mini zoo. Filled the whole day! The kid even begged to come back! There's also a water play area (swimsuit rentals available) in the dry park, which is pretty awesome for toddlers. Think separate entrance fee, maybe RM10-RM20.
Dam Sen's playground (those connected ball pit things) was seriously old and grimey. Zero maintenance, total no-go (that was my initial plan for the little one). The ice cave wasn't massive, but cold enough to make us bolt! The aquarium didn't have tons of fish, and wasn't exactly KLCC-class, but my kid was still spooked by the big ones.
Fueling the Fun
Fancy drinks (coffee, juices) around RM7, bottled water RM3. Lunch was at Cafe Vuon Da. Food was slightly pricier than other spots in Dam Sen (one braised fish rice, one spaghetti, one pasta: RM39), but it was cool, had phone chargers, and a fish pond. My kid even managed a nap, ready for round two! At the zoo, you can buy food for the goats, giraffes, sheep, and rabbits (RM2 per portion) for the kids to feed.
Damage Report and Final Thoughts
If it wasn't almost 5pm, the kid would've kept going! Total damage for the day: RM157 (discounted tickets: RM82, food: RM39, rest for drinks, ice cream, and animal food). Overall, a pretty decent option for families wanting to get the kids moving, and not travel too far for the day, macam me!
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