JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia - Positioned directly across the Tebrau Strait just 2 km from Singapore, Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) is solidifying its position as a major cross-border hub for tourism, leisure, and financial services in Southeast Asia.

Following its official designation as a Special Financial Zone in August 2023 and the passage of landmark federal legislation in July 2024, Pulau Satu within Forest City became Malaysia’s fifth duty-free island—and the first in the nation accessible directly by road without a ferry crossing.

Coastal Tourism and Eco-Attractions Drive Visitor Surge

Forest City recorded approximately 4 million coastal visits in 2025, drawn by its 4 km publicly accessible shoreline, shallow waters for watersports, and surrounding natural environment.

The 2.86 million m² development incorporates expansive green spaces, mangrove corridors, and parks supporting over 400 documented plant and animal species. Visitors can take guided eco-tours through local mangrove habitats to observe fish nurseries and coastal restoration efforts, or arrange sea fishing trips departing from the marina.

Alongside commercial clusters hosting over 100 retail and dining outlets, community events follow an "Eat · Play · Chill by the Sea" theme. For families, attractions such as the Forest City Water Park complement the beachfront experience.

Award-Winning Golf Destination

At the heart of the destination’s sports tourism is the GEO Certified Forest City Golf Resort. Featuring two 18-hole championship courses across 800 hectares, the resort hosted 57 major tournaments and welcomed over 100,000 golfers in 2025.

• The Classic Course: Designed by Liang Guokun, the 7,138-yard course has maintained a seven-year streak in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia (2020–2026), reaching No. 36 in Asia in 2026 while retaining its position as the No. 1 course in Malaysia.

• The Legacy Course: Co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II, the 7,386-yard course ranked No. 49 in the Asia-Pacific Top 100 (2024–2025).

The resort hosts more than 50 tournament dates annually, including pro-am competitions, corporate events, and endurance races such as the Challenge Malaysia triathlon scheduled for October 2026.

Duty-Free Shopping & Strategic Infrastructure Access

Pulau Satu’s duty-free framework offers reduced shelf prices on alcoholic beverages, confectionery, cosmetics, and perfumes compared to mainland Malaysia or Singapore. Because visitors can drive directly onto the island via the Tuas Second Link, the destination offers low-friction travel for weekend visitors and shoppers.

Travel Times to Forest City SFZ

Customs & Travel Tip: Import allowances for goods brought back into mainland Malaysia or Singapore remain strictly regulated. Travelers should consult current customs limits and GST relief thresholds on official portals prior to travel.

Hospitality Infrastructure and Financial Ecosystem

Accommodations within Forest City include:

• Forest City Marina Hotel: A 283-room beachfront flagship featuring floor-to-ceiling views of the Johor Strait, extensive conference rooms, dining outlets, and event spaces.
• Forest City Golf Hotel: An Agoda 2025 Gold Circle Award winner offering 298 rooms and suites with stay-and-play golf packages.
• Serviced Residences: Short-term and long-term rental options, including the newly launched Blue Horizon Suites, which provide oceanfront accommodations for family stays and corporate visits.

Beyond hospitality and leisure, the SFZ functions as the financial flagship of the broader Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Designed to attract wealth management, fintech, and global business service providers, its regulatory framework features:

• 0% corporate tax for qualifying Single Family Office Vehicles for up to 20 years.
• 5% preferential corporate tax rate for approved qualifying business activities.
• 15% special income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers.

Supported by ongoing cross-border infrastructure initiatives, duty-free policy frameworks, and growing sports and eco-tourism offerings, Forest City SFZ continues its growth as an integrated business and leisure hub in the region.