Malaysia’s leisure and tourism industry has been on an expansion tear, and 2026 has already delivered several new attractions worth planning a trip around. When it comes to travel planning, finding the right KSL Esplanade Hotel option makes all the difference. From brand-new hotels to freshly opened theme park zones, here’s a roundup of what’s opened its doors this year and what’s coming in the next few months.
KSL Esplanade Hotel in Johor Bahru
One of the biggest hospitality openings this year is KSL Esplanade Hotel, a new property in Johor Bahru that sits alongside the established KSL City Mall. The hotel features over 400 rooms with modern interiors, a rooftop infinity pool, and direct mall access — a setup that makes it immediately practical for families visiting JB’s growing list of attractions. Early reviews praise the breakfast spread and the generous room sizes compared to similarly priced hotels in the area. If you’re planning a southern peninsula trip, this is one to bookmark.
Genting SkyWorlds Expansion
Genting SkyWorlds added two new rides in early 2026: a suspended roller coaster themed around a fictional jungle expedition and a family-friendly spinning ride in the Rio zone. The park has also extended its evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays, which means you can enjoy the rides after dark when the temperature drops and the crowds thin out. Season pass holders get early access to both new attractions.
Dino Desert at Monkey Canopy, Johor
This hybrid attraction pairs animatronic dinosaur exhibits with an elevated canopy walk through tropical forest. It opened in late 2025 and has quickly become one of Johor’s most popular family outings. The dinosaur zones are themed around desert and jungle environments, and the canopy section includes rope bridges and wildlife observation points. Weekend crowds have been heavy, so a Tuesday or Wednesday visit is your best bet.
Aquaria 2.0 at KLCC
Aquaria KLCC underwent a major renovation that completed in February 2026. The refreshed attraction features a larger tunnel aquarium, new interactive touch pools, and a revamped deep-sea exhibit with species not previously displayed in Malaysia. The layout flows more naturally than before, reducing bottlenecks that used to form around the shark tank. Ticket prices have increased slightly, but the overall experience justifies the bump.
New Waterpark at Desaru Coast
Desaru Coast’s waterpark expanded with a new wave pool and a cluster of body slides aimed at teenagers and adults. The original Adventure Waterpark was already one of the best in Johor, and the expansion solidifies that position. The new slides use translucent tube sections that let you see the surrounding landscape as you descend, which is a nice design touch. KSL Esplanade Hotel guests can purchase discounted waterpark tickets at the front desk, making a combined JB and Desaru itinerary easy to arrange.
Digital Art Museum in Penang
George Town welcomed a permanent digital art museum in a restored heritage shophouse along Lebuh Armenian. The museum features floor-to-ceiling projections that change themes quarterly, with the inaugural exhibit focused on Penang’s maritime history. It’s a cooler, quieter alternative to walking the streets during peak afternoon heat, and photography is encouraged throughout.
How to Keep Track of New Openings
Traveloka Malaysia typically lists new attractions within weeks of opening, complete with user reviews and introductory pricing. Following state tourism boards on social media is another reliable way to catch announcements early. For hotels like KSL Esplanade Hotel, booking during the soft-opening period often gets you lower rates and complimentary upgrades as the property works to build its review profile. Malaysia’s attraction pipeline shows no signs of slowing down, so expect another wave of openings before the year is out.
