Malaysia’s Desaru Coast Unveils New Karting Adventure As RM10 Million Sports Attraction Set To Transform Family Tourism

Desaru Coast is set to introduce a new karting circuit by the end of 2026 after Singapore-based Arina International Holding Pte Ltd committed to a RM10 million lease and development investment. The company, which has been involved in supporting the Singapore F1 circuit since 2008 and operates the renowned 960-metre KF1 Kranji circuit in Singapore, will develop the new attraction at Desaru Coast. The upcoming facility is expected to strengthen the destination’s sports and leisure offering while creating a new venue for visitors, competitions and major events.

Development work has already started at Riverside, where the karting circuit will become the main feature of The Sports Arina, a mixed-use sports and recreation destination designed for visitors of all ages. The project will include a professional-standard karting track with high-performance karts and an advanced timing system for competitive racing experiences.

Alongside the main circuit, the development will introduce the popular air-conditioned KF KIDDY CIRCUIT, providing a safe and engaging karting experience for children between four and 12 years old. The facility aims to bring motorsport activities to younger visitors while expanding family-friendly entertainment options at Desaru Coast.

The Sports Arina development will also include spectator areas, food and beverage outlets, and retail spaces offering merchandise. The new karting attraction will build on Arina International’s existing sports facilities at Riverside, following the launch of three outdoor pickleball courts in July 2026. Future expansion plans include three more pickleball courts and dedicated padel facilities, further increasing the variety of active lifestyle experiences available at the destination.

The investment highlights growing private-sector confidence in Desaru Coast’s long-term development as a multi-experience destination. According to Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Izrin Hashim, the partnership reflects the destination’s transformation beyond traditional hospitality, focusing on creating diverse attractions and memorable experiences for travellers.

“Desaru Coast is emerging as an active leisure destination where visitors can combine a resort stay with sport, recreation and family experiences. With our expanding portfolio as an international venue for large-scale sporting events and activities, The Sports Arina builds on this momentum by introducing new activities that complement our existing resorts, golf courses, waterpark and beachfront attractions. The investment also reflects the opportunities for regional businesses to participate in Desaru Coast’s continued development,” he said.

The karting track is being developed to welcome a wide range of visitors, including casual racers, corporate groups and dedicated motorsport fans. Planned attractions include competitive race packages, organised racing events and tailored experiences designed for different skill levels. A dedicated kiddy circuit will provide younger participants with a safe and enjoyable way to experience karting for the first time, featuring supervised sessions and specially designed birthday celebration packages.

Arina International Chairman Richard Tan explained that Desaru Coast was chosen as the location for the new facility due to its excellent connectivity, well-developed tourism ecosystem, and strong international infrastructure, which together create an ideal environment for the project’s growth.

“We see strong potential for karting at Desaru Coast and are confident that the destination can attract recreational drivers and experienced enthusiasts from Malaysia and Singapore. Our existing circuit in Johor Bahru is popular among Singaporeans, and we want to elevate that experience at Desaru Coast by combining it with wider ecosystem of hospitality, attractions, sports and leisure facilities. Drawing on our experience in karting and sports facilities, we intend to create a professionally operated circuit with the equipment and timing capabilities to serve both groups,” he said.

Arina International, the company behind the KF1 Karting brand, currently operates five children’s karting centres across Johor and Kuala Lumpur. The group has also expanded its sports portfolio in Singapore, where facilities such as The Sports Arina at Jalan Kayu have gained significant popularity. A new sports facility at Piccadilly is expected to open in early 2027, further strengthening its presence in the region. These urban sports hubs highlight the growing demand for destinations that combine multiple sporting experiences under one roof. Arina International plans to bring this successful concept to Desaru Coast by adding the appeal of a complete resort getaway alongside recreational activities. The company also contributes to the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix by providing temporary event infrastructure, including hospitality structures, track lighting solutions and support facilities.

The upcoming The Sports Arina facility will further enhance Desaru Coast’s growing portfolio of family-friendly attractions and active lifestyle experiences. The development is designed to create a destination where visitors of all ages can enjoy different activities together in one location. Families can combine pickleball sessions and children’s karting experiences at Riverside with a visit to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, creating a diverse holiday itinerary. Beyond family entertainment, Desaru Coast also offers premium sporting facilities through The Els Club Desaru Coast, featuring 45 holes of championship golf across two courses — the Ocean Course designed by Ernie Els and the Valley Course created by Vijay Singh.

Located along 17 kilometres of coastline in southeastern Johor, Desaru Coast covers around 4,000 acres and has developed into a major integrated resort destination. The area features four internationally recognised hotel brands: Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast; Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas; The Westin Desaru Coast Resort; and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast. The destination offers convenient connectivity for travellers, with access from Singapore through road and ferry links, while visitors from Kuala Lumpur can reach it by road or via flights through Senai International Airport.