Malaysia Unfolds an Luxury Integrated Lifestyle Resort Experience

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Malaysia Unfolds an Luxury Integrated Lifestyle Resort Experience
Destination Resorts Position Malaysia as The Destination of Choice
BERLIN, 6 March 2012 – As one of the top eco-luxurious destinations in the world, Malaysia is set
to up the ante to woo international travelers and visitors with its latest tourism innovation products by
master developer, Destination Resorts. Internationally well-known for its natural beauty of lush tropical
rainforests and idyllic beaches and islands, along with its rich culture and heritage, Malaysia further
enhances its tourism offerings with the development of premier integrated destinations, comprising of
world class luxury hotels and resorts complemented with theme parks and attractions.
Destination Resorts is tasked by the Malaysian government via its investment arm Khazanah Nasional
Berhad to develop Malaysia’s Leisure & Tourism (L&T) industry, and represents Malaysia at the world’s
leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin, held annually in Germany at Stand 121, Malaysian Pavilion, Hall
26, Exhibition Hall.
Destination Resorts' current portfolio in Malaysia focuses on a unique offering of integrated resorts in the
state of Johor, which is located in the southern part of Peninsula Malaysia, and Teluk Datai, Langkawi
which is internationally recognized for its eco-tourism beauty. “Destination Resorts’ strength as the
catalyst of the development of premier and integrated destinations will position Malaysia as an appealing
and complete holiday destination of choice for all travelers. We bring out the best of our country's natural
wonders and complement them with world-class leisure and tourism products,” says Nadziruddin Basri,
Managing Director of Destination Resorts.
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The 17-kilometer beachfront integrated development “Desaru Coast” is located on the east coast of the
Johor state, Peninsula Malaysia.
One of the ongoing projects is the development of a 17-kilometer beachfront on the east coast of the
Johor state into a luxury integrated destination named ‘Desaru Coast’. Spanning over 3,900 acres, Desaru
Coast promises an array of luxury resorts, hotels and golf residences, complemented with differentiated
leisure and entertainment offerings to include designer golf courses, retail mall and theme parks. The
development of Desaru Coast will be carried out in three phases, with the first phase targeted to open by
end 2014.
The key developments in Desaru Coast comprise of a 6-star luxury resort, the Aman Country Club and
Villas via a strategic partnership with Amanresorts International Pte Ltd. Situated along the pristine
beachfront, the Aman Country Club and Villas promises a high-end exquisite yet intimate experience
with a combination of 50 club rooms and 50 villas, for sale and lease back. Another luxury resort that
promises a premium experience is The Datai Desaru Resort which is inspired by the 5-star award-winning
The Datai, Langkawi. Nestled on a hilltop, its 60 suites and 40 pool villas are envisioned as a majestic
getaway for discerning guests.
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Phase 1 of the integrated destination “Desaru Coast” offers four luxury resorts and hotels, premier golf
residences, complemented with a retail village, convention centre, two designer golf courses and theme
parks
Situated on the east side of Desaru Coast, Sheraton Desaru Resort offers a breath-taking view of the South
China Sea and convenience to its guests with its direct access to the beach. This 350-room 5-star hotel
will boast signature F&B outlets overlooking cascading pools across the corniche to the splendor of the
sea. Next to Sheraton Desaru Resort is the “Plantation” Hotel which is designed in harmony with nature
to emphasize on the balance as well as development of its natural surroundings. It will consist of 400
rooms with a unique underwater dining experience as it is surrounded by the marine park.
Desaru Coast is poised to change the landscape of golf tourism in Malaysia, offering not one but two
championship courses by distinguished golfers, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. Golf enthusiasts will have the
opportunity to swing on both, a 27-hole golf course with 3 distinct tournament 9’s designed by Ernie Els
Design, as well as an 18-hole golf course by Vijay Singh with signature greens amongst beach and sea
views. There will also be developments of prime golf residences located adjacent to the golf courses that
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offer a 360° view of the golf courses.
An artist impression of the Lake View, taken from Riverwalk, the retail mall and resort village located in
the heart of Desaru Coast
Located at the heart of Desaru Coast is the Riverwalk, a landscaped retail mall and resort village that
integrates the attractions and theme parks in Desaru Coast, namely the marine park, water park and
wildlife park. Bringing to life the ambience of canal-side cities such as Venice, Italy and San Antonia,
USA, The Riverwalk plays host to signature retail and dining outlets and entertainment venues sprawling
at the sides of the river that runs through the mall.
The Riverwalk also leads to the Desaru Convention Centre, an all-purpose venue to cater for a variety
of corporate and entertainment events as well as wedding receptions. It will include two main ballrooms
with a banquet capacity of 1,000 pax, meeting and conference rooms as well as an exhibition space. The
convention centre is also purposefully built to link both the Sheraton Desaru Resort and the “Plantation”
Hotel to ease mobility and accessibility of the guests and participants.
Apart from Desaru Coast, Destination Resorts’ portfolio in Johor also includes the development of
The Traders Hotel, Puteri Harbour, in partnership with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. As part of the
luxurious waterfront development of Puteri Harbour, this 283-room 4-star business hotel is built on top
of a lifestyle and retail complex and is located adjacent to the Family Entertainment Centre that offers
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an indoor theme park featuring Hello Kitty, Thomas and Friends, Barney and Bob the Builder amongst
others.
Nadziruddin added, “Destination Resorts envisions Malaysia as a one-stop destination that will cater
to every member of the family unit. Our portfolio is diverse and will continue to grow as each project
unfolds. Innovation is key. We will continue to invest in international standard luxury resorts and
attractions to build the country’s tourism sector. ”
Another crown jewel of Destination Resorts’ integrated lifestyle resort offering is located at Teluk Datai,
on the magical island of Langkawi in the state of Kedah. Teluk Datai is an ancient rainforest where
centuries of old trees, sparkling limestone outcrops and dense vegetation offer a window into history.
Within its vast investment portfolio in Langkawi includes The Datai, a fully operational award-winning
5-star resort hotel that was also recently awarded the TripAdvisor’s 2012 Travelers’ Choice Award, and
offers world-class amenities, luxurious spas and boasts its own peaceful stretch of white sandy beaches
overlooking the stunning waters of the Andaman Sea.
The Golf Club, Datai Bay, which is also part of the master development plan at Teluk Datai, was
voted ‘The Most Scenic Golf Course’ in Malaysia, and also the ‘Best Top Ten Golf Course’ by Asian
Golf Monthly magazine in 2009. It is currently undergoing an upgrade to international standards 18hole golf course, also designed by Ernie Els. Upon its completion in 2013, it will offer the finest golfing
experience nestled amongst towering tropical trees and will be the perfect retreat for avid golfers.
Destination Resorts will elevate Teluk Datai into a premier eco-tourism destination ensuring preservation
of the surrounding enclave and its 100,000 year old rainforests. Future projects include luxury 6-star
hotels and villas, cliff-top, golf-view and sea-view bungalows as well as 5-star condominiums and homes
overlooking the Andaman Sea and Ernie Els designer golf course.
-The End-
Destination Resorts at ITB Berlin 2012
Destination Resorts’ représentatives are participating at ITB Berlin 2012 and will be pleased to attend to
you at Stand 121, Malaysian Pavilion, Hall 26, Exhibition Hall.
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Soft copies of the images attached in this release and more are available for download at
www.destinationresorts.com.my.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact:
Lau Yin May
Destination Resorts
Email: [email protected]
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Note to Editors
Further information on Destination Resorts’ developments:
Desaru and Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
The beach-front development that is Desaru Coast, covering over 3,900 acres will feature internationally
renowned hotel chains such as Aman Country Club and Villas, The Datai Desaru, Sheraton Desaru Resort
and the “Plantation” Hotel. Its retail shopping and entertainment centre will provide signature retail and
dining outlets, boat rides and other entertainment activities, creating a bustling hub of activities in Desaru.
Desaru Coast also boasts two international standard golf courses: a 27-hole golf course of international
tournament standards and facilities designed by Ernie Els, a renowned golfer who has designed worldclass golf courses around the world, and another 18-hole golf course will be designed by Vijay Singh,
yet another unrivalled big name in the professional golfing scene. There will be prime golf residences
adjacent to the golf courses with spectacular and magnificent overlooking the golf courses.
Apart from the integrated development undertaken in Desaru Coast, Destination Resorts has partnered
with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to develop the Traders Hotel, Puteri Harbour, in Nusajaya which
is part of the Puteri Harbour waterfront development. The hotel overlooks the marina and is integrated
with lifestyle and retail outlets, fine dining eateries and cafes, and an indoor theme park featuring popular
children characters such as Hello Kitty, Thomas and Friends, Barney and Bob the Builder.
Langkawi, Malaysia
In Langkawi Island, within another state, Kedah, Destination Resorts is famed for a luxury resort known
as The Datai, Langkawi along with an exclusive golf club, known as The Golf Club, Datai Bay. Situated
within a rich, natural rainforest, it is the premium international eco-tourism destination, offering high-end
beachfront resort and residencies and UNESCO certified geoparks as well as environmental heritage and
ecotourism.
About Destination Resorts
Destination Resorts was formed by the Malaysian Government’s investment arm, Khazanah Nasional
Berhad (Khazanah), to be an internationally recognized investor in premier integrated lifestyle resorts
to enhance Malaysia’s tourism portfolio. Destination Resorts serves as a catalyst for the development
of Malaysia’s leisure and tourism sector by providing relevant expertise focused on investment,
development, management and oversight of world-class premier resorts, hotels and attractions.
Its investment portfolio comprises of the development of Desaru and Teluk Datai projects, including
the internationally renowned The Datai, Langkawi which will be further complemented by development
of world-class residences nestled between the lush rainforest and stunning waters of the Andaman Sea.
Other developments include Desaru Coast, a beach-front development that spans across 17 kilometers,
located at the Southern region of Malaysia in the state of Johor, which promises an array of luxury
resorts amidst a retail shopping arcade, convention centre, attractions and two golf courses designed by
distinguished golfers, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh.
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