The art of making miniatures is truly an underappreciated one in Malaysia. There’s just so much detail that matters when you shrink anything down into a miniature. Details are certainly abundant in Kuala Lumpur’s own miniature museum in MinNature.
Previously in Subang
Once housed in The Summit USJ, MinNature Malaysia is currently located in Sungei Wang Plaza, close to the city centre. This is recommended for tourists, local and foreign alike. The ticket price of RM40 for ordinary visitors is often considered worth the time and experience here.
Goal of MinNature
Image Credit: Azwar Majid on Google Review (Left), Cheng Huat Wan on Google Review (Right)
But what exactly can you see here? MinNature’s goal is to showcase Malaysian cultural heritage in the form of miniaturised scenes of everyday life. Interestingly enough, MinNature founder Alvin Wan Cheng Huat previously worked in the construction and demolition industry. Through his experience, he learnt to appreciate Malaysia’s cultural heritage and the need to preserve it.
Tiny food stalls
Image Credit: Joe Knight on Google Review (Left), W YanFen on Google Review (Right)
He and his team have thus worked very hard to recreate aspects of Malaysian culture on a miniaturised scale. This can be seen in the food stall section, where tiny replicas of iconic Malaysian food stalls are on display. Think of roadside food stalls and satay stands, with little sticks of meat skewers left to grill on a sooty fire.
The details that go into each miniature can clearly be seen by any observant visitor. Just look at the wads of tissue paper in between the dim sum baskets in one display exhibit. Or the old newspapers used to wrap fruit in another one. These small details are so easy to miss but so fun to spot!
In the same exhibit area, there’s a wall which visitors use to show where they come from. Most of the pins are on Malaysia, but there are so many pins placed on many, many foreign countries. Just goes to show how popular this place is with visitors to Kuala Lumpur!
Small slices of life
Image Credit: Helene on Google Review (Left), JCVN on Google Review (Right)
In addition to the food stall section, there are nine other sections which you can visit. One such section highlights slices of Malaysian life. Here, you can see anything from townsfolk watching a Chinese opera to farmers working on the fields in rural Malaysia. While you are admiring these set pieces, keep an eye out for certain characters that don’t belong. There are Easter Eggs hidden in plain sight!
Landmarks & light shows
Image Credit: Alberto Gambini on Google Review (Left), Joanne Foo on Google Review (Right)
There’s also a section dedicated to Malaysian landmarks, like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Merdeka Square and Cameron Highlands. And as if you need extra reason to hang around admiring the exhibits, the Merdeka Square and Kek Lok Si exhibits have light shows every now and then. So, sit back and just enjoy the show!
Worth your time?
Image Credit: Chua Boon Aik on Google Review
With so many different exhibits and things to admire, a trip to MinNature is worth anyone’s time. It is an especially good place if you have children whom you’d like to educate on Malaysian heritage. And given that it’s smack in the middle of the city, there’s really no reason why you can’t visit on the next weekend.
MinNature Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm Saturday – Tuesday | 10am – 6pm Wednesday – Friday
Contact: 0111-0099374
You should also check out: Love dragon fruit? Check out Asia’s 3rd largest farm in Sepang with dragon fruit nasi lemak
Feature Image Credit: MinNature Malaysia (Left), VKi1012 on Google Review (Right)
