World Resort formally unveils Wave Jungle theme park

It’s great food, wine, and entertainment galore Sunday night at Saipan World Resort as it formally unveiled its breathtaking $10-million water theme park called Wave Jungle.

A totally whole new World Resort Saipan greeted people, numbering about 800 including government and business personalities from the CNMI and Korea, during the ceremony which was held beginning at 6pm at the sprawling 13,000-square-meter water park.

Food stations brimming with sumptuous treats—grilled lobsters, crabs, kalbi or short ribs, sushi and sashimi, oyster, and delectable desserts—were placed in strategic places all around the theme park.

“I like this setup because people don’t have to crowd in one place. You can truly enjoy. It’s fun. Everything is superb,” comments a guest.

Likewise, favorite brands of wines, champagne, beers, sodas, and fruit juices overflowed to the guests’ delight.

Hotel kitchen staff said some 400 pieces of lobsters, 600 pieces of oysters, and over 200 pounds of tuna and yellow fin were prepared for the grand party.

Hundreds of cases of wines, beers, and other drinks were also set aside for the event.

The ceremony began with a cocktail reception and brief remarks from World Resort officials led by chairman Cho Kyu Sang and vice president and general manager B.K. Park.

Short congratulatory statements were made by local government officials led by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Tim P. Villagomez.

A ceremonial toast, led by World Resort chairman Cho and a ribbon-cutting participated by all the VIPs followed.

Right after the ribbon cutting, a fly-by helicopter showered the crowd with fresh petals of flowers, further boosting the grand festive atmosphere.

A tour of Wave Jungle by the VIPs came next.

Dinner and entertainment began at 7pm.

At 9pm, the hotel lighted the sky with fireworks, lasting for about 15 minutes.

Park in an interview said he is quite pleased with the outcome.

“It’s more than what I expected. I’m very happy,” said Park.

Korean-based World Corp., the owner of the World Resort, has invested over $30 million for the overall renovation project at the hotel.

It is highlighted by the construction of the water park, two fine-dining restaurants: Myung-ga Korean Restaurant and Tapochau Restaurant, function rooms, a 500-seat banquet room, and a yet- to-be opened gym and spa center.

Other renovations were made in the buffet restaurant, lobby area, and the rooms.

The most popular of all, the water theme park, was completed and opened to the public in late January this year.

It consists of four water slides—a five-story high master blaster, space bowl, tube slide, and body slide—an 1/8 mile Amazon River, and a 45-meter wide wave pool which simulates eight different wave patterns.

The theme park also features a scuba pool, a well-equipped children’s pool, an Olympic-size pool, two Jacuzzis, poolside bar, and an outdoor barbecue area.

Park has said that the hotel’s latest investments showed its commitment to promoting Saipan in the international market.

The hotel, which has invited 300 guests from Korea, mainly tour and media agents, hopes to attract 15,000 tourists from Korea this year.

Sunday night’s event featured visiting Korean performing artists, who together with the local hotel staff, showcased Korean dances and rituals.