Last updated: August 4, 2026
Forest City Golf Course Resort is one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious golf destinations, spreading across Forest City (toward Gelang Patah) in Johor, Malaysia. With the Legacy Course designed by Nicklaus Design, led by Jack Nicklaus, as its centerpiece, it puts forward a unique “desert style” concept that makes the most of white sand despite the tropical setting, and the dramatic contrast between green fairways and white sand creates an unforgettable experience.
It is located in a modern complex built on four artificial islands, with good access from Singapore. It is an integrated resort centered on a five-star hotel. Below is a detailed review by GoGolf.
Basic Information
| Location | Forest City (toward Gelang Patah), Johor / Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Design | Nicklaus Design (Jack Nicklaus / Jack Nicklaus II) · Legacy Course |
| Grass | Seashore Paspalum Platinum (grass strong in high-salinity, coastal climates) |
| Concept | Tropical desert style |
| Features | White-sand waste areas, river-view signature holes, an integrated resort with a five-star hotel |
Three Reasons Forest City Is Chosen
The one-of-a-kind desert style of a Nicklaus design, the good access from Singapore, and the integrated resort centered on a five-star hotel — these three things make Forest City a Southeast Asian icon.
- Nicklaus Design × desert style — The Legacy Course, crafted by Jack Nicklaus’s design firm, is a desert-like layout that boldly places white sand despite its tropical setting. The contrast of green and white is a visually dramatic experience rarely found elsewhere.
- Good access from Singapore — About 25 minutes from central Johor Bahru and about 1 hour from Singapore. With a location along the strait, it is popular with international golfers who want to enjoy world-class golf without traveling far.
- An integrated five-star-hotel resort — Centered on the Forest City Golf Hotel (301 rooms), it has a pool, a spa, a 21-bay indoor driving range and more, so you can enjoy golf and a staycation together.
Location and Access
Forest City Golf Course Resort is located in Forest City (toward Gelang Patah) in Johor, within a modern complex made up of four artificial islands. Its geographical uniqueness, along the strait between Malaysia and Singapore, creates an exclusive atmosphere. It can be reached by car from inland, and no ferry is needed.
For access, in addition to a company car or your own car, ride-hailing services such as Grab are convenient. It is about 25 minutes from central Johor Bahru and about 1 hour by car from Singapore (toward Tuas) (varies with border and road conditions). Considering border immigration procedures and weekend congestion, it is best to allow plenty of time. It is a location highly popular with golf travelers from neighboring countries.
Course Design (Nicklaus Design) and Characteristics
The Legacy Course is a design by Nicklaus Design, led by Jack Nicklaus and his son Jack Nicklaus II. The fairways and greens use Seashore Paspalum Platinum, which is strong against high salinity and suited to Johor’s coastal soil and climate, maintaining the best condition throughout the year. Artistic bunkers, strategic water hazards, and gently undulating greens are placed throughout, demanding a balance of accuracy and strategy, not just distance.
Its greatest character is the white-sand “waste areas” that spread along many holes. The strong contrast with the green fairways creates a dramatic landscape, especially at sunset. The 9th and 18th, played from a hilltop against beautiful river scenery, are signature holes that combine technical toughness with panoramic beauty. While numerous tee boxes are provided for amateurs, the narrow fairways and strategic hazards test the very best of pros — a “tough but playable” course.
Clubhouse and Facilities
Forest City excels not only on the course side but also in its international-standard ancillary facilities. The central Forest City Golf Hotel is a five-star hotel that also serves as the main clubhouse, with 301 rooms (including 3 Presidential Suites and Family Suites). Located at the center of the complex, it is ideal both for accommodation and as an activity base.
In addition, there are pools for adults and children, a comfortable 21-bay indoor driving range with windows, a golf shop handling international-standard equipment, restaurants and lounges serving local and international cuisine, and a spa and massage. Golf carts are permitted onto the fairways, and professional female caddies support green reading and club selection. You can enjoy a complete package of recreation and sport that combines golf with a staycation.
An Impressive Golf Experience
A round at Forest City is an “out of the ordinary” experience that sets it apart from other courses in Malaysia and Singapore. The contrast of white sand and green, the signature holes set against river scenery, and the psychological pressure created by the slightest miss rolling into the sand — the tension and beauty unique to the desert style coexist. With the support of skilled caddies and carts allowed onto the fairways, you can play comfortably, and after the round you relax at a five-star hotel. It is a Southeast Asian icon destination where you can combine serious golf with a high-quality resort stay.
The Surroundings and How to Enjoy Johor
The Forest City area is a modern development that blends upscale residences, recreation facilities, and shopping and dining. In addition to a staycation enjoying accommodation, spa and pool within the resort, you can also head to malls and restaurants toward Gelang Patah and Iskandar Puteri. With good access from Singapore, it is easy to build into a day-trip or one-night golf trip. It is also well suited as a base for a golf trip combined with other courses in western Johor nearby.
Things to Know Before You Play
- Access: A company car or your own car, or a ride-hailing service such as Grab, is convenient. About 25 minutes from Johor Bahru, about 1 hour from Singapore. Allow plenty of time in anticipation of border congestion.
- Course character: The white-sand waste areas, strategic bunkers and water hazards come into play. Take special care on the 2nd, which has a stream. Accuracy and strategy, rather than distance, are the keys.
- Style of play: Carts are allowed onto the fairways. You can receive the support of professional female caddies.
- Caddies & carts: Please check the availability and details of caddies, carts and rental equipment before your visit.
- Dress: A collared shirt, golf trousers and shoes are standard. As it is an open desert style with strong sunshine, be fully prepared for sun and hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
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