A long-awaited luxury mega-destination, Desaru Coast, is scheduled to open in Malaysia in 2018, boasting one of the world’s biggest waterparks.

Work is nearing completion on Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, which will have the region’s largest wave pool and 17 different slides and water rides, including a water coaster by Mack Rides.

With themes inspired by Malaysian fishing villages, the water theme park will also have its own 170m (560ft) sandy 'beach' and strip of cabanas for guests to relax in.

The 3,900-acre (1,578-hectare) coastal resort destination, located in Johor, aims to attract tourists and business travellers with a range of hotels – including a five-star Westin Desaru Coast Resort, a luxury Anantara hotel and villas, a six-star Amanresorts consisting of suites and residences overlooking the South China Sea, and Malaysia’s first Hard Rock Hotel.

Two golf courses designed by Ernie Els and Vijay Singh will also feature at the resort, as well as retail and other leisure activities.

Desaru Coast’s development is being led by Desaru Development Holdings One, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Desaru Development Corporation Sdn Bhd.