Netflix Films in Malaysia’s Abandoned $100 Billion Development

The $100 billion ghost city in Malaysia was originally intended to house 700,000 people. However, after only a few individuals moved in, efforts to turn it into a tourist hub failed. Now, the deserted development is being used as a setting for various reality shows and documentaries.

Netflix’s reality show “The Mole” recently filmed an episode on location in the city, as part of its second season. The show follows contestants as they compete in challenges while one of them secretly sabotages the others. The city was also featured in other shows such as South Korea’s “Battle Trip” and a German documentary.

Filming for the show’s second season took place entirely in Malaysia, including Forest City, Kuala Lumpur, and Tioman Island. Contestants from different professional backgrounds participated in various challenges such as treasure hunts and abseiling down buildings.

Despite being marketed as a luxury housing project with apartments, a waterpark, and hotels, the development has largely remained uninhabited. Construction began in 2006, with developers investing billions of dollars into the project. However, years later, only a fraction of the planned property has been completed and most finished apartments have never been lived in.

The city serves as a haunting reminder of failed ambitions and unrealized potential. It stands as a testament to grandiose visions that never came to fruition, leaving developers facing financial challenges and the community wondering what could have been.