Desaru Coast Go-Kart Circuit: Opening Date and Pickleball Facilities

Desaru Coast is set to welcome a new go-karting attraction at Riverside, with a competitive karting circuit and an indoor track for children forming part of The Sports Arina, a new sports and leisure development. The project is targeted to open by the end of 2026, although an exact opening date has yet to be announced as of November 2026.

Alongside the upcoming karting facilities, visitors can already enjoy three outdoor pickleball courts at Riverside, which opened in July 2026. Three additional courts are also planned, with padel facilities expected in a later development phase.

Here's what to know about the new Desaru Coast go-kart circuit, its expected opening, and the pickleball facilities at The Sports Arina.

When will the new Desaru Coast go-kart circuit open?

Artist’s impressions of the new karting circuit at Desaru Coast, Johor

The new Desaru Coast go-kart circuit is targeted to open by the end of 2026. It is being developed by Singapore-based Arina International Holding Pte Ltd through a RM10 million investment and will be located at Riverside, Desaru Coast, Johor.

Construction had already begun when the project was announced in September 2026. However, the developer has not announced a confirmed public opening date. Visitors should check for official updates before making plans specifically to visit the circuit.

The project is part of The Sports Arina, an integrated sports and leisure development designed to bring activities for adults and children to Desaru Coast.

What to expect at The Sports Arina

The Sports Arina will feature a competitive karting circuit and an indoor karting track for younger visitors. The wider development is also expected to include spectator seating, dining areas and merchandise outlets.

Competitive go-kart circuit

The main attraction will be a competitive karting circuit equipped with professional-grade karts and an electronic timing system. It is intended to cater to recreational drivers, motorsport enthusiasts and corporate groups.

Planned experiences include race packages and organised events, making the facility suitable for more than casual karting sessions. However, details such as track specifications, session prices, booking arrangements and operating hours have yet to be confirmed publicly.

Indoor KF Kiddy Circuit for children

Families visiting Desaru Coast can also look forward to the indoor KF Kiddy Circuit, designed for children aged four to 12.

The air-conditioned facility is intended to give younger visitors a more accessible introduction to karting in a dedicated environment. Individual driving sessions and birthday packages are among the planned offerings.

The children's circuit is part of the upcoming development, so parents should wait for official announcements before assuming that sessions or packages are available for booking.

Are the pickleball courts at Desaru Coast already open?

Yes. Three outdoor pickleball courts at Riverside opened in July 2026, ahead of the planned go-kart circuit.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a net, solid paddles and a lightweight perforated ball, making it an activity that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced players alike.

Arina International plans to add three more outdoor courts, bringing the planned total to six. This expansion will give visitors more opportunities to enjoy racquet sports while staying at Desaru Coast.

The wider development also includes plans for padel facilities in a later phase. These should not be confused with the existing pickleball courts, as padel is a separate racquet sport with different equipment and court design.

Visitors interested in playing should check directly with the operator for current court availability, rates, equipment rental and booking arrangements.

What else can you do at Desaru Coast?

Image credit: adventurewaterpark via IG

Travellers planning a visit can already find several established attractions around Desaru Coast.

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast offers water rides and family-friendly attractions, while The Els Club Desaru Coast has two golf courses: the Ocean Course, designed by Ernie Els, and the Valley Course, designed by Vijay Singh.

The destination also has a beachfront stretching approximately 17 kilometres, along with international resorts and accommodation options. These existing attractions provide other activities to consider while waiting for the new karting circuit to open.

Is the new Desaru Coast go-kart circuit open for bookings?

Not yet, based on the latest publicly available project announcements as of November 2026. The main circuit is targeted to open by the end of 2026, but an exact date, ticket prices and booking details have not been confirmed.

The three outdoor pickleball courts at Riverside are already open, while three additional courts and padel facilities remain part of the development plans.

For the latest announcements, check the official Desaru Coast website and updates from the facility operator before visiting.

With its upcoming karting facilities and existing pickleball courts, The Sports Arina is set to add another reason for sports enthusiasts and families to consider Desaru Coast for their next Johor getaway.