The Forgotten Dream of Forest City: Netflix, Documentaries, and the Eerie Beauty of an Abandoned Urban Area

The ghost city of Forest City in Malaysia, initially designed to be a home for 700,000 residents, has become a backdrop for reality shows and documentaries showcasing its empty grandeur. These shows have attracted attention to this abandoned urban area, which was initially announced in 2006 as a $100 billion development that would include high-end apartments, a waterpark, and hotels.

One such show is Netflix’s “The Mole,” which filmed its second season entirely in Malaysia and featured locations like Forest City, Kuala Lumpur, and Tioman Island. Contestants engaged in activities such as treasure hunts, free diving, and even abseiling down a 38-story building in Forest City. The host introduced the city as a luxurious vacation spot that remains empty for most of the year.

Other shows like South Korea’s “Battle Trip” and Germany’s ProSieben TV have also featured the city in their programming, drawing attention to this abandoned urban area. Despite years of construction, only a fraction of the project has been completed, leaving most of the finished apartments unoccupied. The developer, Country Garden, faces financial challenges due to the failed project as it remains largely deserted and unprofitable.

Forest City’s saga continues to captivate audiences and serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with grand real estate ventures. Shows and documentaries filmed in the ghost city shed light on its eerie abandoned state while drawing viewers into a world of opulence gone awry.