Infrastructure Upgrades Elevate Regional Value: Forest City Golf Villas in High Demand

In recent years, Johor has accelerated its cross-border connectivity and western development strategy, with a wave of major infrastructure projects injecting new momentum into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) . Situated on Johor’s southwestern coast, adjacent to the Second Link, Forest City Golf Resort—particularly its premium golf villas—is now experiencing a significant rise in regional value.

Policy Alignment and Comprehensive Transport Upgrades

Most recently, Johor’s Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz met with senior Singaporean officials to propose the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System 2 (RTS2). This new line, connecting Iskandar Puteri with Singapore’s Tuas, is expected to greatly improve cross-border commuting efficiency and strengthen integration within the Johor-Singapore lifestyle circle.

The two governments are also exploring a new ferry link from Tuas Terminal, aimed at easing congestion at land checkpoints and offering multiple cross-border travel options. Meanwhile, Johor continues to push forward feasibility studies for the 230-kilometer West Coast Expressway (WCE), stretching from Banting in Selangor to Pengerang in Johor. Once completed, WCE will substantially improve Johor’s western transport network and enhance connectivity to Greater Kuala Lumpur.

Forest City: A Strategic Transportation Hub with Sea, Land, and Air Advantage

Forest City Golf Resort occupies a strategic location in southwest Johor, leveraging a comprehensive sea-land-air transportation network that links Malaysia and Singapore. The resort is just a 65-minute drive from Singapore’s Changi Airport and 30 minutes from Johor Bahru city center. Located beside the Second Link, it enjoys direct expressway access to central Johor Bahru and Singapore’s Tuas within about 30 minutes.

With RTS2, cross-border ferries, and the WCE all in the pipeline, the region is developing a multi-modal transportation system that includes light rail, ferry services, expressways, and public buses, creating seamless connectivity between Johor and Singapore.

This robust transport ecosystem does more than just shorten commuting time—it is actively reshaping the region’s value proposition. The Johor-Singapore dual-city lifestyle is merging rapidly, with work, living, and leisure seamlessly intertwined. Smooth flows of people and goods are driving new commercial and real estate opportunities, while enhanced international access amplifies the region’s appeal to discerning buyers. For golf villa residents in particular, it offers the perfect balance of convenience and prestige.

Golf Villas: A Lifestyle Beyond Property

Forest City Golf Resort currently operates two international-standard 18-hole courses—the Legacy Course and the Classic Course—alongside a five-star golf hotel and three completed villa communities. These villas emphasize spacious layouts, natural light, and sweeping fairway views, meeting the expectations of global buyers seeking premium residences.

The deeper appeal, however, lies in Forest City’s policy and economic environment. As a priority zone within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the resort also benefits from Special Financial Zone (SFZ) incentives, duty-free island status, and Malaysia’s recently awarded digital hub designation. The establishment of the Iskandar Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC) has further streamlined enterprise approvals, accelerating investment inflows.

For international buyers, the bespoke Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program provides residency and tax benefits, cementing Forest City as both a lifestyle destination and an attractive long-term investment option.

Infrastructure investment often foreshadows a surge in regional value. With its mature amenities, scarce coastal resources, and layered policy incentives, Forest City is positioned to capitalize on this momentum.

For those considering overseas asset allocation, a holiday residence, or long-term investment, the present moment may well represent the ideal entry point into Johor’s rapidly rising property landscape.