LEGOLAND Malaysia holds official opening ceremony
Johor, 22 September 2012– Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, The Sultan of Johor today declared LEGOLAND® Malaysia officially open in a grand ceremony at the Park. The catalyst development is the first international theme park in Malaysia and the very first LEGOLAND in Asia. He was joined by The Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honourable Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak and hundreds of invited guests who witnessed spectacular fireworks. Prior, His Royal Highness The Sultan of Johor presented entrance tickets to the Park worth up to RM500,000 to 17 underprivileged schools and orphanages in Johor.
LEGOLAND Malaysia is operated by Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest theme park operator in the world. “Today is an important occasion for LEGOLAND Malaysia, as we are officially opened by His Royal Highness The Sultan of Johor. It’s amazing to think we broke ground for this magnificent family theme park just three years ago,” said Mr Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments Group.
“LEGOLAND Malaysia is a key step in Merlin’s continued development as an international, highgrowth, family entertainment business with strong brands. This is the largest family theme park destination in Southeast Asia and its strategic location in the Iskandar region makes it accessible to local and Singapore residents, as well as international visitors. I truly believe that together with our partners we can bring new investment, prosperity and growth to this region making it the Orlando of Southeast Asia.”
LEGOLAND Malaysia is the first LEGOLAND Park in Asia and the sixth in the world. The Park has more than 40 rides, shows and attractions spread over an impressive 76 acres. It offers an interactive and educational adventure for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. LEGOLAND Malaysia is also the ultimate experience for LEGO® fans and is full of models made from more than 50 million LEGO bricks. Future plans are in place for LEGOLAND Malaysia to be the largest family destination resort in Southeast Asia. A Water Park and Hotel are already under construction for opening in 2013 and 2014.
LEGOLAND Malaysia is owned by Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn. Bhd. (TAR), Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Merlin Entertainments Group. LEGO®, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group ©2012 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND® Malaysia is a part of the Merlin Entertainments Group. At the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor was presented a portrait created entirely out of LEGO bricks. Created from 12,600 LEGO bricks, it was built by Master Model Builders at LEGOLAND Malaysia. Similar LEGO portraits were also presented to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister respectively.
“LEGOLAND Malaysia will catapult Nusajaya as a leisure and tourism hub, and help improve the area’s socio-economic environment, by providing business opportunities and human capital development for local talents. TAR is well positioned to be a catalyst for growth in Nusajaya. We are committed to elevating Nusajaya’s regional appeal and convincing international tourists that Nusajaya is the best place to bring their families for wholesome fun and playtime,” said Tunku Dato Ahmad Burhanuddin, Managing Director and CEO, Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn. Bhd. He added, “Our partnership with IIB and Merlin Entertainments Group stands us in good stead to transform Nusajaya and Iskandar Malaysia into a global attraction that appeals to an international community.”
TAR is also preparing to launch Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, which will feature the first Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, The Little Big Club and Lat’s Place. TAR is confident that together LEGOLAND® Malaysia and Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park will provide internationally recognised entertainment for the whole family. TAR is also looking to develop two new attractions, Ocean Quest and Ocean Splash Water Park, located at Desaru Coast. Slated to open in 2015, both theme parks
will provide a new dimension in TAR’s offerings, complementing its existing attractions. 🙂 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo blog.
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Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
