A MIXED-use island development, with residential, commercial and tourism infrastructure between Indonesia’s Batam and Singapore, will begin construction on April 1.
Comprising six Indonesian islets, Funtasy Island Resort will be home to an eco-park with nature trails, 350 villas, three four-star hotels – two of which are modelled after mega cruise ships – and an immigration facility. A highlight is the heart-shaped islet, Love Island, which will have a 1,000-pax banquet hall, a wedding chapel and themed landscaping.
The project is being undertaken by Singapore-registered Funtasy Island Development (FID), owner and/or developer of several commercial properties in Asia, such as Malaysia’s Carlton Holiday, Jakarta’s Pluit Mega Mall and Bali’s Novus Gawana Resort.
FID director Michael Yong expects the island to draw 2,000 tourists a day, with Singapore being the main gateway. “Funtasy Island’s success is dependent on Singapore. We will not compete with Singapore, but complement it with our eco-resort focus.”
The company is in talks with international hotel management companies, as well as the Singapore Cruise Centre and a ferry operator to establish services connecting Singapore with the island in under 30 minutes.
Phase one of the resort, which includes the two cruise-ship hotels, villas and the wedding chapel, will be completed in 2013. The entire project will span 15 years.
