Opened in 1975, Mimaland—short for Malaysia In Miniature Land—was a groundbreaking theme park nestled in the lush hills of Ulu Gombak, Selangor. Spanning over 300 acres, it was envisioned as a self-contained world of entertainment, blending nature with family-friendly attractions. At its peak, Mimaland was a beloved weekend destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique mix of adventure, leisure, and nostalgia.
The park featured a prehistoric animal park with life-sized dinosaur replicas, a massive man-made lake for boating and fishing, and Southeast Asia’s largest water slide at the time. Accommodations included motels, chalets, and dormitories, allowing visitors to stay overnight and fully immerse themselves in the experience. Tickets were famously affordable—just RM2 for adults and RM1 for children.
Mimaland’s ambition extended beyond fun. In the mid-1980s, plans were announced for a RM450 million expansion, including a golf course, hotel, and direct road access from the Karak Highway. However, these dreams were never realized.
Tragedy struck in 1993, when a Singaporean tourist was fatally injured on the giant slide, prompting safety investigations and temporary closure. Although the park reopened after improvements, a landslide in May 1994 caused muddy water to flood the pool area, leading to further safety concerns. Legal action followed, and Mimaland was permanently shut down later that year.
Since its closure, the site has remained abandoned, slowly reclaimed by nature. Despite being off-limits, thrill-seekers and urban explorers continue to visit, drawn by its eerie atmosphere and lingering nostalgia. Rumors of hauntings and sightings of wildlife—including tigers—have only added to its mystique.
Today, Mimaland stands as a haunting relic of Malaysia’s early tourism ambitions—a place where joy once echoed through the jungle, now silent but not forgotten.
