The empty dragon castle and other majestic castles Malaysians can tour

The Drachenburg Castle was built in 1882, but its original owner never lived in it. — Photos: MELODY L. GOH/The Star

Thanks to story books, comics, movies and television shows (and to some extent, the British royal family), some of us probably grew up wanting to own a castle, or live in one. Of course, as time passes the realities of life – real life – pushes many of us further away from our childhood fairytale fantasies.

Frankly, today, only some of us are lucky enough to live in a space we can claim as our own, never mind that it isn’t even nearly 10% the size of a castle. (A castle is described as a large building built in medieval times with thick walls and a few towers meant to withstand attacks from enemies. Meanwhile, a palace is the official residence of a leader or ruler, or a royal family.)