Forest City: Malaysia’s $100 Billion Ghost Town Becomes Reality Show Backdrop
Malaysia’s ambitious $100 billion mega-development, Forest City, was once envisioned as a luxurious haven for 700,000 residents. Today, it stands as a modern ghost town, with developers shifting their focus from creating a bustling community to turning it into a set for reality shows and documentaries.
The Vision and the Reality
Announced in 2006, Forest City was designed to be a futuristic city featuring high-end apartments, a waterpark, and luxury hotels. Despite the grand vision, only a few thousand people moved in, leaving the city largely empty. Eight years after construction began, merely 15% of the planned properties have been completed, and most finished apartments remain unoccupied.
Reality Shows and Documentaries
With its vacant streets and modern infrastructure, Forest City has become an intriguing location for reality shows and documentaries. The city recently served as a set for the second season of Netflix’s reality show “The Mole.” The competition-style series, which premiered last week, follows 12 contestants as they complete challenges while one secretly sabotages the others. Forest City provided a dramatic backdrop for the show’s treasure hunts, free diving, and abseiling scenes.
International Spotlight
Forest City’s unique situation has also drawn the attention of international media. South Korea’s KBS filmed an episode of the travel reality series “Battle Trip” in the city, while Germany’s ProSieben TV produced a short documentary about it. Additionally, an Austrian documentary titled “Hungry: Tipping the Scales” included footage of the ghost city.
Financial Troubles for Developers
The transformation of Forest City from a luxury housing project to a ghost town has become a significant liability for its developer, Country Garden. The company, which is facing substantial financial difficulties elsewhere, has seen its grand vision for Forest City falter. The lack of residents has led to questions about the project’s viability and future.
Forest City in Popular Culture
The cityโs modern yet deserted ambiance has made it a perfect location for filmmakers and reality show producers. In the third episode of “The Mole” season two, host Ari Shapiro introduced Forest City as “a perfect spot for a glamorous holiday home, for those who can afford it. And most of the year, they lie empty.”
Conclusion
Forest City’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges and risks involved in mega-developments. While it may not have become the thriving urban paradise its developers envisioned, it has found a new role as a fascinating and somewhat eerie backdrop for entertainment and media. As the city continues to attract international attention, its future remains uncertain, serving as a poignant symbol of ambition, overreach, and the unpredictable nature of real estate development.
