Forest City Golf Course Resort is a world-class golf destination offering a one-of-a-kind experience through its tropical desert-style course concept. Designed by the prestigious Nicklaus Design team, the course masterfully blends aesthetic beauty, strategic challenge, and luxurious resort facilities into a seamless golf experience unlike any other in Malaysia.
Located just a short drive from Singapore, this resort has become a favorite among international golfers seeking high-quality play without the hassle of long travel. While there are occasional minor remarks regarding hotel upkeep and service consistency, the stunning course design and top-tier playing conditions firmly place Forest City among Johor Bahru’s premier golf destinations.
With premium green fee rates that align with its status as a Southeast Asian golf icon, Forest City delivers a memorable experience that blends challenge, relaxation, and tropical beauty.
Here’s the complete review from GoGolf.
Overview: Strategic Location and Distinctive Advantages
Located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Forest City Golf Course Resort stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious golf destinations. Just 25 minutes from downtown Johor Bahru and roughly one hour from Singapore, it attracts both local and international golfers seeking elite-level golfing within easy reach.
The resort’s unique geography—set across four man-made islands—adds an unmistakable exclusivity to its character. This sprawling integrated development, known simply as Forest City, was built to international standards, combining luxury residences, leisure amenities, and world-class golf courses in one destination.
The highlight of the complex is the Legacy Course, designed by the world-renowned Nicklaus Design team, founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Each hole has been carefully crafted to balance visual appeal, technical precision, and playability for golfers of all skill levels.
Adding to its uniqueness, the course features an extraordinary blend of desert elements, lush fairways, natural waterways, and surrounding mangroves—creating a rare and captivating environment. Many golfers compare the experience to playing in the American Southwest, but with the warm and vibrant tropical ambiance of Southeast Asia.
With its distinct concept, modern infrastructure, and excellent accessibility, Forest City Golf Course Resort rightfully earns its reputation as one of the most iconic golf destinations in Johor and Southeast Asia.
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Course Design: A Nicklaus Masterpiece in a Tropical Setting
The Legacy Course at Forest City Golf Course Resort is a Nicklaus Design creation—a name synonymous with excellence in global golf architecture. Jack Nicklaus and his son, Jack Nicklaus II, infused their signature design philosophy into this layout, emphasizing both natural integration and strategic complexity.
The fairways and greens are carpeted with Platinum Seashore Paspalum, a salt-tolerant turf ideal for Johor’s coastal conditions. This ensures consistent, immaculate playing surfaces year-round, regardless of tropical weather fluctuations.
Nicklaus’s trademark touches are evident throughout the layout—artistically shaped bunkers, strategically placed water hazards, and subtly contoured greens that demand both precision and creativity. Players must balance accuracy and risk management rather than relying purely on power.
Two standout holes—the 9th and 18th—are perched on elevated terrain overlooking a serene river. These signature holes combine breathtaking scenery with technical challenge, making them favorites among photographers and tournament players alike.
A distinctive design feature of the course is its extensive “waste areas”—broad sandy zones that line multiple holes. These not only enhance visual identity but also contribute to gameplay strategy. The contrast between vivid green fairways and white desert sand creates a dramatic landscape, especially at sunset.
Despite its championship pedigree, the course remains approachable. Multiple tee boxes allow beginners to play comfortably, while professionals face demanding narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and precise water carries. Nicklaus Design has successfully created a course that is challenging yet playable for all handicaps, balancing fairness and difficulty to perfection.
Playing Experience: Tropical Desert Golf with a Scenic Twist
Playing at Forest City Golf Course Resort offers a distinctly different feel compared to other golf courses in Malaysia or Singapore. The desert-style theme—rare in tropical Asia—creates a visually stunning and technically stimulating environment.
The interplay of white sand, emerald fairways, and hundreds of palm and coconut trees lining the course produces a vivid tropical contrast. For players unfamiliar with desert-style golf, this becomes an entirely new and memorable experience. The clear visual definition between playable areas and sandy waste zones not only assists with course navigation but also adds a subtle psychological challenge—a single mis-hit can easily find the sand.
Another convenience is the allowance of golf carts on fairways, ensuring faster play and comfort, especially for larger groups or hot weather rounds. The resort’s professional female caddies enhance the experience by providing expert advice on club selection, green reading, and shot direction.
Water hazards and bunkers feature prominently throughout the course. For example, Hole 2, guarded by a narrow stream, often proves difficult for amateurs—mistakes here can quickly lead to double bogeys. Professionals, on the other hand, relish the opportunity to test their accuracy and shot-making in such strategic scenarios.
The combination of tropical desert aesthetics, flowing river scenery, and expert caddie assistance makes playing at Forest City both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Facilities: Luxury Meets Functionality
Beyond its world-class golf course, Forest City Golf Course Resort offers a suite of luxury facilities designed to cater to golfers, families, and corporate guests alike. Every amenity has been thoughtfully designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and relaxation.
Key Facilities Include:
- Forest City Golf Hotel: A five-star property that doubles as the main clubhouse, featuring 301 rooms including three Presidential Suites and one Family Suite. Its central location makes it ideal for both accommodation and golfing activities.
- Swimming Pools: Separate pools for adults and children, perfect for post-round relaxation.
- Driving Range: A 21-bay indoor range with wide windows, allowing comfortable practice regardless of weather conditions.
- Golf Shop: Stocked with premium golf gear, apparel, and accessories at competitive prices.
- Restaurant & Lounge: Serving both local delicacies and international cuisine, ideal for unwinding after a round.
- Spa & Massage Center: Offering rejuvenating treatments and massages—perfect for recovery after a full 18-hole session.
The resort’s combination of hotel luxury and clubhouse functionality makes it an excellent choice for golf vacations, family getaways, and business retreats. Many guests combine their stay with multiple rounds of golf, making Forest City an all-in-one destination for sport and leisure.
Golfer Reviews: Real Experiences at Forest City
Guest reviews for Forest City Golf Course Resort are largely positive, highlighting both the course design and the quality of maintenance. Many golfers commend the course’s desert-style uniqueness, immaculate greens, and scenic riverside holes that stand out as visual highlights.
Positive Highlights
- Distinct desert-style design with wide fairways and dramatic bunkers
- Well-maintained greens and fairways, providing smooth roll and consistent play
- Five-star hotel with spacious rooms and panoramic views
- Professional caddies offering friendly and knowledgeable service
- Prime location, ideal for Singapore-based golf travelers
Areas for Improvement
- Occasional uncollected grass clippings on fairways after maintenance
- Hotel room upkeep can be inconsistent, with some guests noting minor cleanliness issues
- Clubhouse waiting areas could benefit from expansion during peak periods
Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus is clear—Forest City Golf Course Resort remains one of the most impressive and unique golf experiences in Malaysia.
Green Fee Rates 2025
Forest City’s pricing reflects its premium status and Nicklaus Design pedigree, positioning it as one of the most exclusive golf resorts in Johor Bahru.
| Day | Rate (RM) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (18 Holes) | RM 1,050 – RM 1,310 | Shared buggy, insurance, government tax |
| Weekend / Public Holiday | 20–50% higher than weekday rates | Reflects high weekend demand |
| Single Rider Surcharge | ~RM 95 | If buggy not shared |
| Buggy Fee (18 Holes) | RM 95 – RM 140 | Often included in green fee |
| Caddie Fee | Additional | Not included in standard package |
The resort also periodically offers promotional golf packages, bundling green fees, shared buggy, insurance, and taxes at discounted rates during specific periods.
Weekday play generally provides the best value, with weekend prices occasionally reaching RM 1,500 per player, depending on time and package type. As demand is high, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for weekends and public holidays.
In conclusion, Forest City Golf Course Resort delivers a rare fusion of architectural brilliance, natural charm, and modern hospitality. With its Nicklaus-designed desert-style layout, luxury facilities, and strategic location near Singapore, it stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive and rewarding golf experiences—a must-play destination for every serious golfer.
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