JOHOR is set to become a yachting destination of the south with three establishments that offer international class marina facilities for global sailors.
The Marina @ Danga Bay, Puteri Harbour in Nusajaya and Sebana Cove in Kota Tinggi will offer a total of 665 berths once they are fully operational.
Of the three, the Marina @ Danga Bay along Lido Beach has an edge as it is located only 6km from the city centre.
Danga Bay Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Lim Kang Hoo said the project, to be developed at RM65 million, will have a total of 250 berths once it is completed in July.
At present, about 50 berths are in operation and the first boat berthed at the waterfront early this month.
"Our selling point is our proximity to the city. Sailors who berth in our water could visit the city and various places of interest besides getting their supply of water and other goods," he said.
The Marina @ Danga Bay will feature 30 rooms for lodging, food and beverage outlets, a gymnasium and a spa and an office suite.
Over at Puteri Harbour, the development will split into three phases. The first, which was developed at RM10 million, comprises 76 berths and they are already in operation.
The occupancy rate is about 20 per cent, mainly made up of foreigners.
UEM Land Bhd resident and marina manager Mohd Shah Mohd Shahil said another two phases to be developed at RM32 million in the next four years will consist of 232 berths, including 12 for mega yachts.
"With Iskandar Malaysia being put in place, we see a vast growth potential in the marina industry," he said.
Sebana Cove & Marina Resort's marina executive Hamidon Abd Rahman said the marina, which consists of 107 berths, is the first in Johor and was built 15 years ago with a 70 per cent occupancy rate at present.
"Our customers are long-term guests who are mainly foreigners. Our marina is supported by our resort facilities, making it a wholesome retreat by sailors," he said.
Marina @ Danga Bay and Puteri Harbour, which are located at the west of the Causeway, are near to each other.
However, sailors from the two marinas will have to make a huge turn and bypass Singapore in the south before getting to Sebana Cove, which is located at the other side of the Causeway. The journey takes about three hours during fine weather and up to 48 hours if it is against the wind.
Johor Tourism and Domestic Trade Committee chairman Ho Seong Chang said the three yachting destinations will be a favourite among foreigners once they are fully developed.
"We plan to enhance connectivity from one marina to another. Water taxis are being planned at the Johor Straits to provide the connection for sailors," he said.
By Business Times (by Sim Bak Heng)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment