Haunting Malaysia: The Abandoned City that Became a Reality Show Set

The ghost city in Malaysia, originally designed to house 700,000 people, has become a popular setting for 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.

In addition to Netflix, other shows such as South Korea’s “Battle Trip” and a German documentary have also featured the deserted development. 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.