Replica of Istana Bukit Serene unveiled at Legoland Malaysia

The replica of the Istana Bukit Serene, unveiled as the 20th cluster at the Miniland, Legoland Malaysia here today, is set to become the latest attraction for park visitors.

Stefan Bentivoglio, who is the master model builder at Legoland Malaysia said Istana Bukit Serene, which is the royal palace and the official residence of the Sultan of Johor, was constructed using over 278,023 Lego bricks in four months.

"We believe the addition of the palace adds a special touch to Miniland and are confident it will be a strong attraction for park visitors with its majestic architectural design," he told reporters after the launch of the new attraction at Legoland Malaysia here Saturday.

Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar attended the launching ceremony of the new attraction.

Also present were tourism, domestic trade and consumerism state executive councillor Datuk Tee Siew Kiong.

Bentivoglio said the entire Lego model display sat on an area of 155.824 square metres, nearly the same size as the Sultan Abdul Samad Lego building in the Kuala Lumpur cluster.

Six model builders and a model designer were involved in the project, he added.

Another interesting feature of the new attraction includes 'a black cat' on the roof top of the replica of the palace, which was believed to be a 'regular visitor' to the real palace.

Bentivoglio said Sultan Ibrahim "often spotted the black cat" on his palace roof but it was invisible to the royal palace court guards.

Apart from this, the Lego builders also recreated scenes that celebrated the heritage and history of Johor, with Minilanders dancing the traditional Johor dance of Zapin.