Malaysia built a manufactured island, “Forest City,” which cost over ten billion dollars and the city remains overwhelmingly underappreciated today. Some claim that Forest City, Malaysia, is a time bomb, ecologically, while it continues to win awards for its work on creating a better city for the world globally. It is still one I would love to venture off to see. A manufactured island that began with 163 million cubic meters of sand dumped into the ocean to create the island space. The created island is approximately 3,385 acres.
Presently, there are two hotels on Malaysia’s island, Forest City Marina (locked and empty presently) and Forest City Golf Hotel. Golf enthusiasts frequent the later hotel. The island features a practically abandoned mall but if you are looking to escape and find picturesque beauty, and nature-inspired architecture with a spin on a greener world, then look no further! In addition to forests and wading pools, there is a stairway to the heaven monument that presents a unique photographic backdrop for anyone inspired by magical moments!
It is my opinion there are an overwhelming number of reasons for more appreciation for nature-inspired creations. While developers still hope for a reboot to the interest in the island forest city, one of the alarming reasons for the lack of interest may be the cost of the estates. An apartment estate ranges from $140,000.00 -170,000.00. The average salary for the region may be a significant drawback, while the country might be able to offer creative enticement packages to attract residential interest. The annual average wage is 24,744 Malaysian Ringgit equating to approximately USD 5,651.00.
As a history explorer, writer, traveler, and avid nature enthusiast, Malaysia certainly did not operate anywhere on my radar. Still, with the idea of such a luxurious estate that beckons with aspirations for a better world Forest City has inspired possibilities for future travel! For the curious, you can see other manufactured island creations, such as the ones created impressively and widely appreciated by tourists in Dubai, UAE. As Always, there is so much more to every story! Find it! Be sure to stop by and share with me what you uncover! #historymysteries
Forest of Words 