World's largest eco-theme park coming to Indonesia in 2015
Work is underway on what is being billed as “the world’s largest eco-theme park” – a US$240m (E202.2m, £158.5m) development – called Funtasy Island – which will be located on Indonesia’s Riau Islands, near Singapore.
Set to open in late 2015, eight key “eco-zones” are currently under construction in the 3sq km (1.2sq m) development, including a multi-sensory rainforest. There will also be land- and river-based safaris, snorkel and scuba zones, an interactive dolphin habitat and an aquarium where guests will be able to swim with whale sharks.
The attraction – designed by WOW Design Studio – will also be home to a limited number of private villas in addition to a hotel and spa. Apartments, 1,200 holiday villas, adventure and watersports, shopping, dining and live entertainment will complete the mix.
Developer, Funtasy Island Development Pte Ltd, says 70 per cent of the land will remain in its natural state. Eco-themed activities will include aquaculture tours in the surrounding waters and nature trails allowing visitors to explore the island. funtasyisland.com
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Designing an eco hotel for the Galapagos Islands that allowed the stunning natural surroundings to take centre stage while minimising its impact on the land presented its own unique set of challenges, Ecuadorian architect Humberto Plaza tells Kathryn Hudson