Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Asian Landmarks at LEGOland Malaysia Miniland

What really sets LEGOland Malaysia apart from other LEGOlands around the world is its version of Miniland. Stroll among 1:20 scale replicas of architectural landmarks from all over Asia. Much of Miniland is dedicated to the host country, Malaysia, and its most famous city, Kuala Lumpur, as well as Johor Bahru where LEGOland is located. Also enjoy scenes from Singapore just across the border along with the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, China, India, Brunei and Laos.




Which one is the real Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world?
Which one is the LEGO model?




The top one is made out of LEGOs, and the bottom one is the real version in Kuala Lumpur. Impressive, isn't it? The angular lines of this building make it particularly well suited to being rendered in LEGOs. This toy structure is 9 meters tall. It wouldn't come close to fitting in my kids' playroom. Interested in finding out how LEGOland put it together? Check out this great behind-the-scenes video of the installation of the LEGO Petronas Towers.

More than 30 million LEGO bricks were carefully assembled as part of a 3 year project to create these masterpieces. How my younger son would have loved to be part of this! The first step involved taking numerous photographs of the actual landmarks and their surroundings. After that, 3D design and production took place before assembling could begin. Most of the structures were built nearby in Johor Bahru. Others were constructed in the USA, Denmark, England, Germany and the Czech Republic then shipped to Malaysia before being installed on site.


Miniland is the centerpiece of LEGOland Malaysia


The following pictures are just a small selection of the wondrous sites you'll see when you visit. Don't just look at the buildings. Be sure to pay attention to the whimsical scenes they've created with the people, trains and airplanes. A push of the button will start a figure spinning or dancing. Warning: If there's a puddle near a button, you can be sure that a spray of water will shoot out from somewhere to surprise you or a bystander.


Singapore cityscape of The Fullerton Hotel, Merloin statue by the bay, and The Singapore Flyer observation wheel

China's Forbidden City with a dragon dance in front and The Great Wall behind it


Vietnam's Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was
an important Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries.


India's famous Taj Mahal

Thailand's Wat Arun in Bangkok


I think my boy is seriously considering recreating this elaborate pirate ship at home.


Miniland isn't just famous landmarks. It's everyday life as well.

Related Posts:
Building a Day of Fun at LEGOland Malaysia
Taking a Taxi from Singapore to LEGOland Malaysia
Flashback to LEGOland California



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Labels: , , ,
Location: LEGOLAND Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

26 comments:

  1. LisaNovember 7, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    Great photos! Miniland was my favourite part of Legoland when we visited the one in California - it amazes me what someone can build out of Lego!

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    1. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}November 7, 2012 at 9:40 PM

      I wished I had more time to study the details here. I remember that the one in California has lots of unexpected bits if you looked carefully.

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  2. LeighNovember 7, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    It's amazing what they can do with Lego. It would be interesting to know about the background of these Lego builders. Did they start as two year olds and decide to turn Lego building into a career? I love the variety of buildings you've shown us.

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    1. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}November 7, 2012 at 9:42 PM

      I think they recruit people with architecture backgrounds (who probably loved LEGOs as a kid). It would be interesting to learn about the process of building these. Is there a substructure or is it 100% LEGO bricks? Do they glue them together?

      Delete
  3. Jackie and Joel SmithNovember 7, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    I'd never given a though to visiting LEGOland until I saw your post. What an adventure, it would be. You've captured how encompassing it is.

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    1. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}November 7, 2012 at 9:45 PM

      The miniland here is Asian but the one in California has American scenes in it. My husband found the LEGO recreation of the Las Vegas Strip interesting in California. He pointed out that there was a LEGO replica of the Las Vegas Eiffel Tower which is itself a smaller-scale replica of the original on Paris.

      Delete
  4. Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.comNovember 7, 2012 at 9:44 PM

    Love those photos! I have been reading a lot of Legoland posts lately and it's really making me envious. Wish I could go visit!

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  5. jenny@atasteoftravelNovember 8, 2012 at 12:37 AM

    Amazing. It's hard to believe that it is all made from Lego. And this is work for some people..!

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    1. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}November 8, 2012 at 6:53 PM

      I joked they could have brought in teams of kids who would have done it for free.

      Delete
  6. The Yum ListNovember 8, 2012 at 1:56 AM

    I know a lot of kids who are itching to get down there.

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  7. Mary {The World Is A Book}November 8, 2012 at 2:44 AM

    I love this version of Miniland. The structures seem more grand than the ones here in CA. They're way more colorful too. I didn't know this was in Johor Bahru. We actually crossed over from Singapore many years ago and didn't have pleasant memories. Now, this gives me another great reason to return to Singapore with the kids. Wow on the Taj Mahal and the Forbidden City.

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    1. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}November 8, 2012 at 6:56 PM

      This is just some of the highlights, too. There was an airport and a container shipping yard, too. I only wish my Angkor Wat picture had come out better.

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  8. Cathy SweeneyNovember 8, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    Well, I'm very impressed! I'd love to visit this Legoland, more than any I've seen pics of. Great photos -- you've sold me on Legoland Malaysia.

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    1. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}November 8, 2012 at 6:52 PM

      It's only 1 hour from Singapore, another great place to visit.

      Delete
  9. Debbie @ European TravelistaNovember 8, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    Amazing! I think Legos are the best "toy" ever made and are worth every penny. My son loved them and learned so much without ever knowing it.

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  10. UnknownNovember 9, 2012 at 6:53 AM

    The LEGOland in DFW isn't nearly as impressive as this - the miniland is all DFW landmarks and very fun to see, but they are certainly NOT the Taj Majhal!!! What is so impressive to me is the minds behind building these true to scale buildings - amazing!

    Thanks for linking up this week!

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    1. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}November 9, 2012 at 10:18 AM

      We still have yet to visit the DFW LEGOland. I'm sure we'll make it there someday. I would really love to see a behind-the-scenes documentary of what goes into designing and building the scale models.

      Delete
  11. NancieNovember 9, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    OKAY! I am impressed. I have to say, until now I never thought I would want to set a foot in a Legoland. After seeing these great photos I definitely will if I am close to one. It probably won't be the Korean location, opening in 2015, but I will get to one.

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  12. SonjaNovember 11, 2012 at 7:46 PM

    I've seen the Miniland recreations at Legoland California and was very impressed. I like the idea that the Malaysia Legoland features Asian highlights!

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  13. NikiNovember 14, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    Wow! I've never considered heading across the boarder to go to Legoland thinking the boys were too old now. I'm not so sure anymore. Those are really impressive! I especially enjoyed the Singapore scene! ;)

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  14. MattJune 4, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    Very nice to see those landmarks made of Lego. Surely, my son will enjoy his visit to this place on his 7th birthday this June 2013. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. eileen gunnOctober 23, 2016 at 5:43 AM

    I love this. Mini land is the best part of Legoland. And these recreations look really cool. Amazing how They did the round part of the Taj Mahal with square tiles.

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  16. contented travellerOctober 23, 2016 at 11:48 PM

    Lego and Legoland are huge deals. I think it transcends all ages.

    ReplyDelete

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