Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, the final catalytic component of the phase one development of Desaru Coast Destination Resorts (Desaru Coast), Malaysia’s largest fully integrated destination, was officially opened by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan of Johor, on Marh 31, 2022. Also present at the event was Tunku Temenggong of Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.
Held at the recently completed Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, the ceremony was witnessed by Menteri Besar of Johor, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong and Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin, Chairman of Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd, the master developer of Desaru Coast.
With tourism being a key economic sector for Johor, and some large industries operating in the eastern region of Johor, an international ferry terminal that eases cross-border travel will significantly enhance access. The growth in international arrivals is expected to have a positive economic multiplier impact on the businesses of tourism players, entrepreneurs and other industries that will potentially drive job creation.
“As a long-term developer, entrusted to play a central role in the tourism landscape of Johor, it has been our commitment and responsibility to bring value to the community and state. While we developed the ferry terminal as a connectivity and catalytic component for Desaru Coast to realise its full potential as an international destination, it is our hope that it will foster wider benefits for the state of Johor. In establishing this international gateway as the 16th entry point into Malaysia, we hope to spur and multiply the socio-economic development for the state and subsequently the country,” said Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin, Chairman of Desaru Development Holdings.
The completion of the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal marks the conclusion of the development work in the first phase of Desaru Coast by the master developer. With this, the destination is poised to execute its strategic and commercial plans in its next phase of business growth.
Roslina Arbak, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Desaru Development Holdings One, said: “For Desaru Coast, as an international destination, Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal is a game-changer, enabling us to unlock new market and business opportunities. Ferry services will soon provide a fast and reliable way for tourists to arrive at the doorstep of the destination. We are looking forward to welcoming international tourists to join our domestic visitors in enjoying our destination and the state of Johor.
“The new connectivity infrastructure will allow an increase in the volume of visitors putting us in a better position to capture the wider regional MICE market where we can offer bespoke, experiential and authentic events under our signature MICE Reinvented programme. This convenient cross border ferry connectivity further allows us to offer international luxury hotel-branded residences and private homes for those looking for a beach resort lifestyle with an easy commute. From a longer-term strategic perspective, we are ready to welcome like-minded investors who wish to leverage the infrastructure and facilities we have put in place to further enhance destination offerings and ensure the success of all players at Desaru Coast.”
Fully equipped with a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex and maritime facilities, Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal features the latest bidirectional immigration automated e-gate. The new generation e-gate offers a double swing door and enhanced security features, making immigration screening more efficient and effective at peak travel times. The ferry terminal is able to process 300 passengers at any given time. The Ferry Terminal hopes to serve two round trips from Singapore on Thursdays to Sundays and one round trip on Monday to Wednesday based on market demand.
Recently, Desaru Coast announced a partnership to enhance its international connectivity by appointing Desaru Link Ferry Services, a subsidiary of Batam Fast Ferry (Batam Fast), to offer passenger ferry services connecting Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.
Chua Choon Leng, General Manager of Operations for Batam Fast Ferry, said: “Having established Batam Fast as a leading passenger ferry operator in the region, we are pleased to continue our connectivity expansion having earmarked South Eastern Johor as the desired expansion plan. We believe in the potential and growth of Desaru Coast where it is poised to become a leading regional tourism draw in years to come. Desaru Coast is a popular destination among international travellers and the destination would gain quick popularity.”
Desaru Coast, listed as one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2021 by TIME Magazine is home to a portfolio of globally renowned hotels and resorts, namely One&Only Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast. The destination is home to 45 holes of scenic golf at The Els Club Malaysia Desaru Coast, one of the region’s largest waterparks, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast and Desaru Coast Conference Centre. In December 2021, Desaru Coast launched its MICE signature programme, MICE Reinvented, leveraging on its wide-open spaces to offer bespoke, experiential and authentic events that will inspire, rejuvenate and reconnect people.
For more information, visit www.desarucoast.com
