Malaysia's Desaru Being Primed As Mega Destination Resort
Malaysia's Desaru is being hailed by some as the next great mega destination resort for the region.
With its key access to Johor Bahru and nearby Singapore the catchment of tourists remains potentially massive.
In the 1980's a large-scale tourism master plan was put together by a Malaysian business interest and Japan's Kajima Corporation. The project was hit by a financial downturn and put onto the backburner.
Now Malaysia's SWF (Sovereign Wealth Fund) Kazanah Nasional Berhad are in the process of a large-scale development on land acquired in 2010.
Two international standard theme parks – Ocean Quest Marine Park and Ocean Splash Waterpark are in the works and set to open in 2014.
The attractions only form part of a bigger plan which includes multiple hotels run by Aman, Datai, and Sheraton. Two golf development have courses designed by Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. And yes there are residences as well.
Expect to hear more of Desaru going forward as its destination development looks to be a shoe in the second time around.