Desaru Coast is set to accelerate its reputation as an active leisure and sports tourism hub with the arrival of a new RM10 million integrated karting circuit and racquet sports facility.
Spearheaded by Singapore-based Arina International Holding Pte Ltd—the specialist behind Singapore’s renowned 960-metre KF1 Kranji circuit and a trusted infrastructure partner of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix since 2008—the development will anchor the Riverside precinct under the banner of The Sports Arina.
Scheduled to open by late 2026, the facility introduces high-speed motorsport, junior racing, and fast-growing lifestyle racquet sports to Johor’s southeastern coastline.
High-Octane Karting Meets Family Fun: What’s Coming to The Sports Arina
Designed to cater to corporate retreats, seasoned motorsport enthusiasts, and families alike, the multi-tier attraction features:
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Professional-Grade Competitive Circuit: Equipped with professional-spec karts and advanced timing systems, the main track will host recreational racers, competitive events, and corporate team-building challenges.
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Indoor KF KIDDY CIRCUIT: Designed specifically for children aged four to 12, this air-conditioned indoor circuit provides a safe, weather-proof introduction to motorsport alongside dedicated birthday and junior driving packages.
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Racquet Sports Hub: Expanding on the three outdoor pickleball courts opened at Riverside in July 2026, the development will add three more pickleball courts along with dedicated padel facilities in its upcoming phase.
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Lifestyle & Spectator Amenities: Purpose-built spectator grandstands, dining concepts, and retail outlets will offer a complete social hub for visitors between sessions.
Photo: KF1 Karting Circuit
Expanding Desaru Coast’s Active Tourism Portfolio
The investment marks a significant milestone in Desaru Coast’s evolution from a luxury beach getaway into an integrated active leisure hub.
"Desaru Coast is emerging as an active leisure destination where visitors can combine a resort stay with sport, recreation and family experiences," said Izrin Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd. "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."
For Arina International—which operates the KF1 Karting brand, five kiddy circuits across Johor and Kuala Lumpur, and sports hubs in Singapore including The Sports Arina at Jalan Kayu—Desaru Coast offered the ideal ecosystem.
"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," noted Richard Tan, Chairman of Arina International. "Our existing circuit in Johor Bahru is popular among Singaporeans, and we want to elevate that experience at Desaru Coast by combining it with a wider ecosystem of hospitality, attractions, sports and leisure facilities."
The Complete Getaway: Sports, Golf, and Coastal Living
Spanning 4,000 acres along 17 kilometres of beachfront, Desaru Coast has quickly established itself as a premier destination for regional travellers. The addition of The Sports Arina joins an already robust lifestyle and sporting lineup:
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World-Class Golf: 45 championship holes at The Els Club Desaru Coast, featuring the Ocean Course (designed by Ernie Els) and the Valley Course (designed in collaboration with Vijay Singh).
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Family Entertainment: Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, one of the region’s largest water theme parks.
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Luxury Hospitality: Direct access to five-star accommodation at Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast; Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas; The Westin Desaru Coast Resort; and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast.
Getting to Desaru Coast
Located in southeastern Johor, Desaru Coast is accessible:
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From Singapore: Via a direct 90-minute ferry service arriving at the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, or approximately 90 minutes to two hours by road via the Causeway or Tuas Second Link.
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From Kuala Lumpur: Via a scenic road drive along the North-South Expressway, or a domestic flight into Senai International Airport followed by an hour’s drive to the coast.
Construction on the karting circuit is officially underway, with full operations targeted before the close of 2026.