If you’ve visited Legoland Windsor in the UK, you’ll know what to expect with Legoland Malaysia as most of the attractions are either similar or identical.
Malaysia’s is cheaper and less crowded than Legoland Windsor, and it’s Dragon roller-coaster is apparently better than the UK version (or so say some kids).
The rides and activities at Legoland Malaysia are spread over seven themed zones.
1. Lego Technic
Here you can find Lego Academy and Lego Mindstorms. These are rooms with plenty of Lego bricks and Technic pieces for kids to get their hands on and build stuff.
Project X is an 18-metre high roller coaster with steep inclines and sharp bends.
Aquazone Wave Racers is a fast spin round in a skimming above water. Moderate splashing expected. There’s a lot of fun to be had here.
Technic Twister is a fairly standard spinning fairground attraction.
2. Lego Kingdom
The highlights in this zone are two roller coasters – The Dragon and a milder version called Dragon’s Apprentice.
Other attractions include Merlin’s Challenge, an up-and-down carousel, Royal Joust (a tame simulated horse ride for younger kids), and Forestman’s Hideout (a kid’s playground with slides, bridges and so on).
3. Imagination
Here you can watch a 4D Movie called Spell Breaker, one of three films shown in rotation. It is enjoyable and offers a chance to rest in air-conditioned comfort for a while.
Also in this zone is the Observatory Tower which provides a revolving 360 degree view of the entire theme park from a height of 50 metres.
Other attractions are Kids’ Power Tower, Duplo Playtown and Duplo Express (a mini train ride) for toddlers and younger kids.
4. Land of Adventures
Fun activities include the Lost Kingdom, an indoor ride on which you get to test your shooting skills using laser blasters, and Dino Island, a log flume ride which you should only go on if you don’t mind getting soaked.
5. Miniland
This is probably a favourite among adults. It is a number of beautifully made scale models of famous Asian landmarks, all built from Lego bricks.
The buildings replicated in Lego include the Petronas Towers and KL Tower, Sultan Ibrahim Building (Johor Bahru), Fullerton Hotel and Clarke Quay (Singapore), Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, Angkor Wat and many more.
6. Lego City
This popular zone includes Rescue Academy where families race each other to put out “fires” in a burning building.
There is also Boating School (battery-powered boats), Legoland Express (train ride around the park) and Driving School where children can acquire road safety skills while driving battery-powered cars around a road layout complete with traffic lights, road markings and traffic signs.
On completion of the driving lesson children can obtain a driving license with their photo for RM25.
7. Legoland Water Park
This section can be enjoyed separately or together in a combo ticket with the main park. It has more than 20 waterslides and attractions including the Joker Soaker, Build-A-Raft and the Lego Wave Pool.
Shops
There are plenty of shops scattered around the park selling Lego sets, gift items, snacks and drinks.
Places to eat
Dining outlets include Pizza Mania, Market Restaurant and Jungle Café.
Opening hours
Legoland Malaysia is open every day. Usual operating hours are from 10am to 6pm with extended closing time at weekends and public and school holidays.
From time to time rides are closed for routine maintenance. To avoid disappointment, check Legoland’s official website to ensure all rides are working on your proposed date.
It is a good idea to book your tickets in advance. Not only are the tickets cheaper but at peak times they might close the ticket sales counters to walk-in customers without advance bookings.
Legoland Malaysia is located in Nusajaya, part of the fast developing Iskandar region of Johor, just across the Straits from Singapore.
The area is well served by expressways, being close to the Second Link crossing to Singapore and connected, via the E3 Expressway to the North South Expressway.
This article first appeared in malaysia-traveller.com