A new integrated development, King’s Park, valued at 10 billion ringgit (US$2.1 billion) gross development, will be constructed in Genting Highlands, featuring family oriented dining, retail, entertainment, hospitality, medical and wellness as well as residences.
It will be located in the mid hills of Genting Highlands, five kilometres below the peak of Genting Highlands and 33km away from Kuala Lumpur.
Leveraging on the already high tourist arrivals at Genting Highlands, King’s Park Genting Highlands is a mega development in partnership with Yuk Tung Group and the Association for the Promotion of Higher Education in Malaysia.
The development will comprise an integrated entertainment hub that includes a unique blend of living spaces, commercial and recreational offerings and span over 61 hectares of freehold land.
At the grand opening of King’s Park Gallery on July 22, its executive vice president, Sean Chen, said that King’s Park development is poised to become Genting Highland’s first CBD and integrated entertainment hub.
This mega project will be segmented into five phases. The first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2026 and will comprise a commercial centre featuring a two kilometre stretch of pedestrian street shops. The 12 blocks planned will house a total of 360 shops with colonial and vintage architecture. Each retail block unit is held under a freehold strata title and has its own identity and facade design.
Later phases will include hotels with service apartments, two international branded theme parks, a halal hub with halal dining and a Syariah compliant hotel as well as housing units. One international hotel brand that has confirmed its presence is Swissôtel, which will make its Malaysian debut at King’s Park, when it opens in late 2028.
The final phase will be the construction of a wellness and medical centre, expected to be completed in the next eight to 10 years.
Chen added: “We extend a warm invitation to global investors to be part of this remarkable venture. As the project progresses, we anticipate a multitude of businesses, residents and tourists to be drawn to this thriving hub, thus cementing its status as a pulsating heart of an active and exciting region.”
Norwegian Joy will enter a three-week dry dock from January 22 next year to undergo enhancements that will gift it with new product offerings.
When the ship emerges on February 13, it will present a brand-new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, expanded Vibe Beach Club, 24 new staterooms, redesigned Three-Bedroom The Haven Premier Owner’s Suites, and more.
The new Thermal Suite is said to be the largest of its kind on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway-Plus class ships, boasting a more centralised layout with an impressive arrival experience, a separate lounge area with the popular hot tile loungers, sauna, ice room and aromatic steam room, as well as innovative offerings such as the Biostation with IV Drip Therapy, an increasingly popular rejuvenating treatment delivering essential nutrients to the body.
The all-new Thermal Suite will replace the Galaxy Pavilion, the ship’s virtual-reality complex.
To offer guests more accommodation options, the enhancements will include repurposing a portion of the Observation Lounge to create 24 new balcony staterooms, as well as recategorising 40 new spa balcony staterooms, which will include direct access to the Mandara Spa and the premiering Thermal Suite.
Additionally, as a result of unprecedented demand, Norwegian Joy’s The Haven by Norwegian Premier Owner’s Suites with a Large Balcony will be expanded to three-bedroom units. The two suites will also come with three and a half bathrooms; fully renovated living rooms, master bedrooms and outdoor balcony furniture, and a new separate dining room overlooking the forward-facing The Haven Horizon Lounge.
The adults-only Vibe Beach Club will also be expanded, taking over the existing Laser Tag arena on Deck 20.
“Delivering exceptional experiences across our fleet is what we strive to do,” said David J Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“We have listened to our guests and have taken action. With this revitalisation, we are adding some of the most beloved spaces and offerings across our ships to enhance the guest experience aboard Norwegian Joy.”