‘Live like a king’ as retirees look to South-east Asia

Picture yourself waking up to expansive views of the Johor Strait, where calm waters reflect the morning light. Breakfast is served at a breezy waterfront cafe, just steps from your door. Afterward, you head to the greens for a morning round on a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Later in the day, you might stroll along tree-lined promenades or simply unwind on your private rooftop terrace.

This is not a holiday fantasy – it could be your typical weekend reality at Forest City, a one-of-a-kind international waterfront development just across the border in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

Located 5km from the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, about a 15-minute drive, Forest City blends luxury residences with a full suite of resort-style amenities. Developed by Country Garden in partnership with the state government-backed Esplanade Danga 88, the ambitious project represents a new vision for contemporary urban living in South-east Asia.

A gateway to the region’s growth corridor

Strategically located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ), Forest City sits at the heart of an emerging cross-border economic corridor. Its proximity to Johor Bahru and Singapore positions it as a natural hub for regional growth, drawing both investors and residents. An efficient transportation network allows you to seamlessly switch between the vibrancy of Singapore and the tranquility of Forest City, effortlessly capitalising on the business opportunities and lifestyle conveniences brought by this twin-city development.

In a Facebook post, the Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar shared in Malay that during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Malaysia, he delivered remarks stating that with its strategic incentives and favourable location, the Forest City Special Financial Zone has emerged as one of the key regional investment destinations within the JSSEZ.

Today, Forest City is home to around 20,000 residents and has emerged as an international community in its own right. In 2024 alone, the development welcomed over seven million visits, with more than three million tourists drawn to its picturesque 4km coastline.

Forest City presents a compelling option for those who work in Singapore but prefer to reside in Malaysia. The nearby Second Link allows for an easy commute, enabling residents to maintain careers in the city-state while enjoying spacious homes at more affordable prices and relaxed surroundings in Johor complete with high-quality lifestyle facilities.

Through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme – specifically its Special Zone version – foreign buyers can obtain a renewable 10-year visa with a minimum property purchase of RM500,000 (approximately S$150,000) and a fixed deposit of US$65,000 (S$86,000) for applicants under 50 years old, or US$32,000 for those above. The visa permits unrestricted travel in and out of Malaysia and covers dependents, including spouses, children under 34 and parents over 60. While enjoying Malaysia’s beautiful environment and abundant resources, residents can balance life and career between Malaysia and Singapore, providing more educational options for their children, while creating a comfortable retirement environment for their parents,

Forest City is a hallmark of modern urban planning. Spanning approximately 2,000ha of reclaimed land across four man-made islands, the project also includes a 200ha industrial park and 800ha dedicated to a world-class golf resort not far from the reclaimed islands – making it one of South-east Asia’s most ambitious mixed-use developments.

With multiple federal-level incentives, including Special Financial Zone (SFZ) designation, duty-free island status, and Malaysia Digital status, Forest City is poised to become a financial and commercial hub that complements Singapore’s own financial ecosystem. The establishment of the JSSEZ further strengthens this dual-core growth model. For investors, this presents an opportunity to leverage the policy advantages of the SFZ for business opportunities, benefit from tax incentives of the duty-free status and connect with Malaysia’s digital ecosystem. As a complement to Singapore’s financial landscape, this emerging financial and commercial hub provides additional options for business growth.

In line with this vision, the International Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC) has set up operations within Forest City, alongside key government bodies such as the Malaysia Industrial Development Authority (MIDA), Immigration Department, and the MM2H Programme Office – streamlining business processes for investors and residents.

Premium golf villas and waterfront apartments

Forest City offers three distinct residential clusters, ranging from leisure-focused golf villas to high-rise waterfront apartments. Each caters to different lifestyle preferences.

At the pinnacle of this offering are the exclusive golf villas. Designed with privacy and recreation in mind, these garden-style homes range from 2,034 sq ft to 2,917 sq ft. The three-bedroom V160 layout features three spacious bedrooms, three designer bathrooms, and a rooftop terrace that seamlessly connects indoor living to the outdoors.

With a Z-shaped design, the spatial flow is maximised . Whether it is the first ray of dawn in the morning or the evening’s glow, sunlight evenly fills every room, creating a bright, warm and pleasant living environment.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of the manicured golf course, bringing nature right into the heart of the home. Additionally, the two-bedroom V120 layout is also available, with both configurations thoughtfully designed to incorporate generous garden spaces that offer a seamless blend of nature and refined living.

Buyers of these villas will also receive the Forest City Golf Resort Premier Card, granting them privileged access to elite golfing facilities and resort services.

For those who prefer vertical living, Forest City’s waterfront apartments offer a fresh take on high-rise luxury. Units range from 517 sq ft to 4,542 sq ft and are designed to maximise natural light and coastal views. Vertical greenery integrated into the building facades enhances air quality while adding a lush landscape.

Within the development, amenities include swimming pools that overlook the Johor Strait, fully equipped fitness centres, saunas and communal barbecue pavilions, creating a resort atmosphere for everyday living.

Play on a course designed by Jack Nicklaus

Forest City is already a destination of choice for golf enthusiasts across Asia. The Forest City Golf Club features two championship-level courses: The Legacy Course by Jack Nicklaus, known for its desert-inspired layout and sweeping waterfront views; and the Classic Course by Liang Guokun, which offers a more technical challenge with narrower fairways and multi-tiered greens.

Both courses recently received GEO Certification, making Forest City Golf Club the second in Malaysia to earn this prestigious environmental recognition. In 2024, more than 100,000 golfers from countries including South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia have teed off here.

Complementing the golf lifestyle are two premium hotels. The Forest City Marina Hotel features 286 rooms, a lobby bar, restaurants and wellness facilities – perfectly complementing the residential development’s lifestyle offerings.

Meanwhile, the centrally located Forest City Golf Hotel offers 298 rooms and is tailored for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, complete with spa, pool and golf clubhouse access. Both hotels offer ideal accommodations for hosting business clients or welcoming visiting family members and friends.

Shops and an international school within reach

Adding to Forest City’s appeal is a growing ecosystem of infrastructure and community services. Healthcare, retail and dining options continue to expand, with the development’s duty-free status promising to turn Forest City into a shopping and lifestyle destination in its own right.

The Forest City International School is the only K-12 boarding institution in the Johor Bahru area offering a continuous 15-year education pathway and providing students with the opportunity to apply to both British and American universities simultaneously. Students benefit from dual-track university application opportunities, with the school’s Advanced Placement programme facilitating entry to top American institutions and foundation programmes paving the way to British universities.

Children of Forest City property owners are also eligible for tuition discounts if they enrol in the Forest City International School.

With its combination of housing, schools and amenities, the development serves as a comprehensive cross-border residential hub in Malaysia’s southern region.

Backed by strong government support, integrated infrastructure, and international appeal, Forest City is a transformative vision of what living well in South-east Asia can look like.

For prospective buyers, Forest City has introduced a special gift package for site visits. You can enjoy a stay at the Forest City Golf Hotel for just S$10 when viewing the property, offering a comfortable and convenient way to experience the community firsthand. Limited slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. WhatsApp +60197144287 or visit this link to find out more.

Disclaimer:

This is an overseas investment. As overseas investments carry additional financial, regulatory and legal risks, investors are advised to do the necessary checks and research on the investment beforehand.

Join ST’s Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.