Set to open in 2020, the new Splash World waterpark promises multiple entertainment options on a tropical, manmade island just two hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur and another hour from Singapore.

The project is part of an ambitious US$198 million development being built by the Hatten Group off the coast of Pulau Melaka, Malaysia. The building which it will all be located – shaped like a towering, giant cruise ship – pays homage to the area’s historical port city heritage. Visitors will be able to avail themselves of an immersive marine landscape, a giant shopping mall and hotels of a three, four and five-star calibre.

Making the accompanying indoor/outdoor waterpark come alive will be the unique offerings of Polin Waterparks. Located on the 14th floor of a 30 storey development, Splash World is expected to be a top draw to for both local and international tourists. The 46,452-square-metre aquatics facility will offer a wide variety of exciting rides, slides and child-safe splash pools. In addition, there will be two levels of lazy river that connect with each other and intertwine with more than 50 other water attractions. The total length of all slides combined is more than 1km.

Splash World will feature several award-winning hybrid ride designs from Polin. A special Navigatour water coaster will transport guests to the upper level river without spending any effort. When they want to go down to lower level river, they can do so using the slides, which will have special pattern effects inside. Highlights of the slide offering include Polin’s King Cobra, Surf Safari, Looping Rocket, Windigo, Navigatour, Sphere and Kamikaze.

Melaka, also known locally as Malacca, is a UNESCO world heritage city that already draws 16.5 million tourists per year. The Hatten Group’s plans are one the most ambitious single developments ever proposed locally, however.

The wider project that Splash World will be part of will also include a 66-acre, coastal, mixed development consisting of residential, entertainment, trade and financial districts plus 38 acres of cultural district that including an amphitheatre, 5,000-seat indoor concert hall, film-production studio and more. In addition to Splash World, entertainment options will include the Sky Deck, Extreme Theme Park and Sky Beach. More details on the waterpark will follow in the September/October issue of Interpark.