Looking for a fun yet educational day trip with your little ones? Do drop by to Royal Selangor @ Setapak, KL. It is about 10 minutes away from city center (they provide free shuttle service from city center) and there are ample of parking available.
Upon entering, we were greeted by the world largest pewter tankard. It's a landmark of the center and you won't missed it.
The friendly staff welcomed us at the entrance and walked us throughout the whole visit. I would really give a thumb up for the friendly service we received here.
• The Museum
First sight was this miniature of the mining dredge, modeled after the real dredge used by the miners in Malaya decades ago. Selangor Pewter, the former name before the rebranding, was founded by Mr Yong Koon back in 1885 and it is now a well known Malaysian brand.
Swarf, the waste from the pewter production. They are all reused into making pewter products such as pots, cups. The duo tried to push this huge pile of waste (1578kg!!) and that really gave us cold sweat..
The wall of hands. Palm prints from the long serving Royal Selangor factory workers. I like a company who respects and values their employees.
The miniature KLCC twin towers made of pewter mugs was an iconic sight within the center.
• The Factory
The workers at various stations demonstrated the making from melted pewter to the finished products.
Moulding
The pewter is melted at 245°c and cold down within seconds by dipping into the water.
Polishing
Standing at the back is our friendly guide.
Soldering
The pewter cup has now taken form.
Finishing
Noticed the end product at the right?
• The Hard Knocks Workshop
At RM60/pax (before GST), the workshop includes hands on guide & materials, the participants get to take home their completed product (a bowl), a certificate and an apron. A real worthy deal if you ask me!
The bright workshop, can easily accommodate 20 pax or more.
The little participant concentrating at work.
Knock knock knock!
The end product. Engraved with their names, by themselves.
• The Cafe
Royal Selangor Visitor Center has an onsite cafe at the ground floor facing the green lush garden, we love the natural lighting and the delightful pastry. It was nice and quiet until groups of visitors flooded in - this place is very popular with the foreigners, as it is highly rated by the Trip Advisor.
The luncheon.
The sandwiches and penne pasta were decent, not super fantastic but healthy & satisfying. However, you must try their chocolate muffin and pecan pie, they were seriously delicious that we started eating without taking any pictures of them!
• The Gallery
The trip is not complete without a visit to their gallery to admire the beautiful handmades. From mugs, bowls, picture frames, to cufflins, Lord of the Rings character wine glass & chessboards, Royal Selangor has evolved into a modern art master after decades of refinements. It is not a must to buy anything from their gallery, so no worries ;)
But just so you know, the coming soon addition is the ever popular Star Wars series!! Don't miss it if you are a Star Wars fan..
Overall it was a very pleasant visit, from customer service, facilities, cleanliness to readiness to serve. The only complain we have is the danger of the uncovered drainage in the garden next to the cafe. My good friend's 4yo daughter accidentally fell into the drain and suffered some cuts on her thigh. I have lodged a complain to their facebook site and hopefully immediate action will be taken.
• Visiting Info
Do allow about 1 - 1.5 hours for the visit and a sip at the cafe. I would recommend to contact the workshop and make a reservation to avoid disappointment, as this place is really popular with the tourists - we spotted 6 tourist buses as we left the center.
More info...
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 9am-5:30pm (including public holiday)
Entrance fee: FREE
Parking: onsite, FREE
Workshop fee: RM60 for adult / child (before 6% GST)
Getting there: you can easily locate this place with your GPS, or just look for their free shuttle service (schedule and pick up location available on their website)
Have fun!
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