Work is progressing on what is being billed as “the world’s largest eco-theme park” – a US$240m (€202.2m, £158.5m) development in Indonesia’s Riau Islands.

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.

Envisioned to be the world’s largest eco theme park, the WOW Design Studio-planned Funtasy Island will also be home to a limited number of private villas in addition to a hotel and spa, 1,200 holiday villas and apartments, adventure and watersports, shopping, dining and live entertainment.

According to developer Seven Seas Funtasy Development, roughly 70 per cent of the islands will remain in their natural state. Eco-themed activities will include aquaculture tours in the surrounding waters, as well as nature trails allowing visitors to explore the island’s unspoiled environment.