By Viktor Chong viktorchong@thestar.com.my

With Singapore’s burgeoning wealth, job opportunities and higher exchange rate, it is normal for the Lion City to eclipse the state of Johor Darul Ta’zim (in the minds of most Malaysians). However, Johor’s rising status as a developed state is pushing back this stereotype.

Already, massive development projects are underway to answer the housing demands of the growing population, both local and international.

On a softer note, the worth of a land is not just measured in terms of materials. Sometimes, the beauty and majesty of a place are more subtle, and often it eludes the eyes of commoners. Here are some fun facts for readers to rediscover Johor:

1/ Jewel of the south

Johor was named after the Arabic word “Jauhar” which means jewels. It was a name bestowed by the Arab traders who came to peninsular Malaya a long time ago. Visitors and traders from Siam called it “Gangganu,” which means gems.

2/ Gunung Ledang

Standing at 1,276 metres tall, Gunung Ledang (also known as Mount Ophir) is the highest mountain in Johor and the 64th highest mountain in Malaysia. Its peak is shrouded by legends and folklore. According to the Torah, Ophir was a land rich with gold deposits. This story lured traders from as far as China and Greece.

Another speaks of a princess with magical powers who resided at the top of the mountain. The then Sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah attempted to seduce her to be his wife. However, she set seven conditions that made it impossible for the sultan to receive her hands in marriage.

There are many interesting variations to the ending of the story.

3/ Forest City

Johor is grabbing attention from all over Asia with its new and ambitious project, Forest City. Envisioned as a car-free city within a pristine setting, vehicles will not be seen traversing the surface of this development.

To achieve this bold concept, Forest City is designed with two layers, one on the surface and another below it. Green facades, sky gardens and rooftop gardens decorate the surface of the city, providing ample green space for residents to enjoy a walk.

The underground layer is composed of intricate networks of roads and railway transit systems, providing ample connectivity to over 100,000 residents. Forest City’s proximity to Singapore also gives residents better access to working opportunities in Singapore while experiencing a cheaper lifestyle in Malaysia.

Besides its futuristic and ambitious design concept, Forest City claims that the price of houses offered will only be a quarter of the house price in Singapore.

Comprising four reclaimed islands with 3,425 acres near Tanjung Kupang, Forest City has received over RM170bil worth of commitment investment, with an initial gross development of RM450bil. It is expected to generate an additional 220,000 jobs opportunities upon completion in 2035.

4/ Fun and games

There are various theme parks and amusement parks to be explored by the curious visitors. Among them are the Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park, Danga Bay, Legoland Malaysia Resort, Mount Lambak Water Park, Tropical Village and Wet World Batu Pahat Water Park.

5/ A tale of might and magic

Malaysians grew up with the story of Badang, a slave who gained superhuman strength by eating the vomit of a river spirit. Contrary to popular belief, Badang was born in Sayong Pinang, Johor. It is a tale of chivalry, valour and bravery that many - young and old alike, could learn and reflect upon.

Johor is a land rife with culture, gastronomic surprises and tourist attractions. Prime developers are also afoot in the land of the south, bringing in vast changes that will improve the livelihood of the local population.

The StarProperty.my Awards: Jewels of Johor is back for the second year to honour these industry players. Noteworthy developers such as Ecoworld Development Sdn Bhd, Gamuda Land, Country Garden Danga Bay Sdn Bhd and i-Park Development Bhd won the Excellence Award for their outstanding projects, last year.

Registration for this year’s Jewels of Johor award is open until today. For details, visit http://bit.ly/JohorJewels2018.