New marina in Malaysia - Desaru Coast partners with ONE°15 in new venture

Desaru Ferry Termainal. Development of the adjacent interior has begun already © Desaru Coast

Desaru Coast, just around the corner from Singapore, has announced a partnership with ONE degrees15 Marina, a subsidiary of Singapore-based SUTL Enterprise, to develop and operate new marina facilities at the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal. The project aims to strengthen Desaru Coast's position as a key lifestyle destination on the southeastern coast of Johor, Malaysia.

Under the new arrangement, ONE degrees15 Marina Desaru Coast will manage both wet and dry berths, and introduce a programme of sailing events and luxury yacht charters designed to attract both regional and international yacht owners and guests.

Karina Ridzuan, Director of Business Services at Destination Resorts and Hotels Sdn. Bhd, the parent company of Desaru Ferry Sdn. Bhd., says that "the partnership is a joint venture between Singapore and Johor in the forthcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, and demonstrates investor confidence in Desaru Coast." Already known for its beachfront resorts, world-class golf courses and wellness retreats, Desaru Coast is now positioning itself to play a more prominent role in the regional yachting circuit.

The newly launched marina will offer visiting yachts improved access to the Malaysian coastline, while also providing enhanced infrastructure for private yacht charters, regattas, and marine leisure activities.

Arthur Tay, Executive Director and CEO of SUTL Enterprise, commented: "With Desaru Coast we welcome a new marina personality into the growing ONE degrees15 network of marinas across Asia. We aim to deliver marine and boating experiences that enrich our community of members, boaters, and yachting enthusiasts across the region."

Singapore's perennial problem is that it is so small, and there's almost nowhere to go without leaving the country - literally. If your idea of a boating adventure is yet another sub-2nm trip from Sentosa to Lazarus Island, all well and good. If you have a hankering to "go a little further", then Desaru Coast can be the gateway to the whole of the Malaysian east coast from Sibu Tengah to Terengganu via Tioman, with a side excursion to Indonesia's Anambas Islands, and that sounds interesting.

And there's a festival: the Ombak Festival 2025, scheduled for September. Festival guests will be among the first to experience the new marina and its offerings, combining maritime exploration with music, arts and cultural programming. "Each year, Desaru Coast proudly hosts Ombak Festival, our signature international celebration of music, arts and culture," Ridzuan added. "We look forward to welcoming the yachting community to experience the Ombak Festival with us this year."

Beyond bolstering tourism and connectivity between Johor and Singapore, the collaboration is also geared towards long-term community investment, with plans for maritime education initiatives and talent development in the pipeline.