AusLeisure

Asia's first Legoland theme park opened to packed crowds on Saturday (15th September) with a crowd of 10,000 people visiting the 30-acre theme park.

The attraction, in the southern Malaysian state of Johor state is thirst first part of a series of developments that are expected to transform the region into a thriving tourism hub.

Visitors were greeted by costumed characters as confetti and balloons were launched into the air amid a special performance by a marching brass band from Denmark the home of Lego.

Malaysia launched the economic hub as part of a five-year, RM 200 billion ($65 billion) spending plan to transform the economy in Johor which lies across a narrow waterway from Singapore.

For operator Merlin Entertainments, the theme park is its sixth Legoland after those in Denmark, Britain, California, Florida and Germany.

Built from 50 million Lego bricks, Legoland Malaysia is divided into seven sections based on popular Lego themes and features more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions orientated towards families with children under the age of 12.

Legoland Malaysia General Manager Siegfried Boerst who oversaw the contruction of the park, was delighted with the opening, stating "it is a very emotional moment for me and to everybody in Legoland. I am very fortunate to be part of the moment for Legoland Malaysia and everybody here.

"To see the happy faces and smiles of children enjoying the rides and the park, that is why we build Legoland to see that. It is an exciting moment for us. "

Final preparations prior to the opening of the park included the provision of more shade cover to protect visitors from the scorching Malaysian sun.

Here Boerst explained "we are confident that the 3,500 trees planted around the park will also provide shade for visitors in future."

Boerst said the extra shade was based on feedback received during soft openings in the past month.

A Legoland waterpark and hotel, located adjacent to the theme park, are scheduled to open in the next two years.

Johor Tourism and Trade Committee Chairman Datuk Hoo Seong Chang said the opening of Legoland and several other attractions would continue to boost tourism into the state.

Hoo explained "for the first six months of this year, there is already a 7% to 10% increase in tourist arrivals."

21st August 2012 - JOHOR SET TO BE MALAYSIA’S THEME PARK CAPITAL

2nd May 2012 - LEGOLAND MALAYSIA ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER OPENING DATE

12th December 2011 - LEGOLAND MALAYSIA COMES TOGETHER BLOCK BY BLOCK

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