jalanjalan: Legoland, Johor

Legoland Malaysia was opened on 15th September 2012 in Nusajaya, Iskandar, Johor. A theme park with over 40 different interactive rides, shows and attractions, the Malaysian park is the first Legoland located in Asia.

Located in the southern-most state of Malaysia, Johor, the theme park is just across the Tebrau Straits from Singapore, making it easily accessible to Singaporeans and tourists visiting Singapore.

The Main Entrance to the park is located after you walk through the adjacent Mall of Medini shopping complex.

Tickets can be bought online, or at the park entrance. Adults, which are classified as those aged from 12 to 59, will have to buy tickets at RM140 per head, while children and senior citizens get a cheaper rate of RM110 per head. Adult holders of Malaysian identity cards are offered a further discount of RM110 per head, with children and seniors at RM90 per head; both inclusive of a RM10 meal voucher.

The park is open during the week from 10am to 6pm, although it is normally closed on Wednesdays outside of school holidays. On weekends, school and public holidays there are extended operating hours of 10am to 8pm.

The theme park is divided into seven themed areas of attractions, the centrepiece being Miniland; with the other areas encircling it. The other six areas are The Beginning, Lego-Technic, Lego Kingdoms, Imagination, Lego City and Land of Adventure.

You start of course, at The Beginning.

This is where you buy your tickets to enter. Upon entry, you will see the souvenir shops to the left and right called The Big Shop, The Mini Market and The Brick Shop as well as other support facilities. You can find a map of the park here, but save the souvenir shops until later, when you exit the park. There is also a cafe called what else, The Cafe, if you need a quick bite. It may be a good idea to buy bottled water here, as the theme park can get quite hot as there is very little shade, so hydration is important.

Turn left from The Beginning and pass the surau (muslim praying area), into the Lego-Technic Area. The first ride you will see on the left is the Technic Twister, which will basically spin you around while seated in moving cubicles. On your right is the Aquazone Wave Racers where spectators can trigger water bombs on those partaking of the rides. Prepare to get wet!

The Lego Octopus in front of the Aquazone Wave Racers ride.

Next is Project X, which is a wild 18 metre high ride on a steep switchback track.

The Lego-Technics area is completed with the Lego Mindstorms area, which is a creative workshop where kids can bring robots to life; and the Lego Academy, where you can build educational Lego models. There is also a restaurant called the Robot Kitchen here.

Lego Albert Einstein outside the Robot Academy.

The next area after LEGO Technic is the LEGO Kingdoms. This is a mock Fairytale land, with castles and medieval decorations.

This Lego herald greets you upon entry into LEGO Kingdoms.

The first attraction you come across is the Dragon's Apprentice. This is basically a mini roller coaster for the younger set.

Entrance to the Dragon's Apprentice

This is followed by the Forestmen's Hideout, which is basically a children's playground in the form of a mock tree-house.

Next you will come to a fairy tale castle. This comprises of a castle stage, a restaurant called the Knight's Feast and a souvenir shop called the King's Market.

The castle also serves as the entrance to one of Legoland's main attraction, the roller coaster called The Dragon.

Two other attractions in the LEGO Kingdoms is the high speed carousel called the Merlin's Challenge and the Royal Joust, where the kids can ride on a jousting Lego horse around a track.

The next area is simply called Imagination. The attractions here include Kids Power Tower, Build-and-Test, the Observation Tower, LEGO Studio 4-D, Duplo Playtown and Duplo Express.

Kids Power Tower, where you prove your strength.

Build-and-Test, a creativity corner for kids.

The Observation Tower allows you to go up and view the entire Legoland theme park from up high.

View of LEGO Kingdoms from the Observation Tower.

The next area in the circuit is The Land of Adventure. The attractions here are the Beetle Bounce, the Lost Kingdom, Pharaoh's Revenge and Dino Island.

Prepare to get wet on Dino Island!

Next is Lego City where you have city based attractions like Lego City Airport, Rescue Academy, Lego City Stage, Boating School, Driving School, Junior Driving School, the Shipyard and Legoland Express.

The Legoland City Stage has interactive shows.

Rescue Academy where you can race to put out fires or catch thieves.

Legoland Express is the train station where you catch the train for a ride around Lego City and Miniland.

Legoland train.

Driving School, where kids can learn to drive.

Radio-controlled boats at one corner of the Boating School.

Finally the last area located right in the centre of the park is Miniland, which is the main attraction of Legoland. This is where there are mini reproductions of buildings from all over the region, all painstakingly built in lego.