Iskandar Puteri, formerly known as Nusajaya, is a master-planned city in Johor and one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing urban centres. Located in the southern part of Johor Bahru District, Iskandar Puteri serves as a central component of the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor. Officially given city status in 2017, it is now home to key government offices, international schools, theme parks, and large-scale residential and commercial developments.
Its strategic location along the Malaysia–Singapore border, combined with modern infrastructure and attractive investment incentives, has made Iskandar Puteri a preferred destination for families, expatriates, property investors, and businesses looking for long-term growth potential.
Geographical Advantage and Accessibility
Iskandar Puteri lies on the western side of Johor Bahru, adjacent to the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link Expressway (Linkedua), offering fast access to Tuas in Singapore. The city is just a 20–30 minute drive to Johor Bahru city centre and around 40–45 minutes to Senai International Airport (JHB).
Key transport features:
- Second Link Expressway – Direct route to Singapore via Tuas Checkpoint.
- Coastal Highway – Links Iskandar Puteri to Johor Bahru city centre.
- North–South Expressway (PLUS) – Connects to other parts of Johor and Peninsular Malaysia.
Public transport options are currently limited, but planned connectivity projects, including Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and potential cross-border links, aim to improve accessibility further.
Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
Iskandar Malaysia BRT: Expected to be operational in phases by the late 2020s, the BRT system will connect major townships within Iskandar Malaysia, including Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru, and Pasir Gudang.
Medini Business District Expansion: Medini, Iskandar Puteri’s central business hub, is expanding with more office towers, residential projects, and lifestyle amenities to cater to multinational corporations, startups, and service industries.
Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link (Indirect Impact): Although the RTS terminates in Bukit Chagar (Johor Bahru city), improved cross-border traffic flow is expected to benefit Iskandar Puteri, especially for Singaporean investors and commuters.
Demographics and Urban Growth
As part of Johor Bahru’s metropolitan area, Iskandar Puteri’s population is growing rapidly, driven by migration from other parts of Johor, Peninsular Malaysia, and abroad. The city is designed as a mix of residential precincts, commercial hubs, government zones, and green spaces.
Key urban zones include:
- Medini – Central business and lifestyle district.
- Puteri Harbour – Marina-front residential and tourism area.
- Kota Iskandar – Johor state’s administrative centre.
- Educity – Education hub with universities and training centres.
The city has seen strong property development from both Malaysian and international developers, with a mix of landed housing, condominiums, serviced apartments, and commercial units.
Property Market Overview
The Iskandar Puteri property market is closely tied to cross-border demand from Singapore and long-term growth of the Iskandar Malaysia region. Prices here are generally more competitive than in Singapore, attracting investors seeking rental yield or future capital appreciation.
Popular property types:
- High-rise condominiums (Medini, Puteri Harbour)
- Landed homes in gated communities
- Waterfront properties
- Commercial shoplots in growth zones
With increasing amenities, education options, and tourism appeal, the market is expected to mature steadily over the next decade.
Economic Development and Employment
Iskandar Puteri is a key contributor to Johor’s economic growth, focusing on sectors such as:
- Government administration (Kota Iskandar)
- Education (EduCity)
- Tourism (theme parks, waterfront attractions)
- Creative industries and IT (Medini Iskandar)
- Property and construction
The city is also part of the Iskandar Malaysia Flagship Zone B, with investment incentives for local and foreign businesses, especially in education, healthcare, and green technology.
Education Hub – EduCity Iskandar
EduCity is one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent multi-campus education clusters, attracting students from Malaysia and abroad.
Notable institutions include:
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia
- University of Reading Malaysia
- University of Southampton Malaysia
- Raffles American School
- Marlborough College Malaysia
- Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology (NMIT)
- Multimedia University (MMU) Johor Campus
These institutions offer internationally recognised programmes, making Iskandar Puteri a magnet for knowledge-based industries and student housing investments.
Healthcare Services
The city is served by a growing network of healthcare providers. Residents also have quick access to hospitals in nearby Johor Bahru.
Healthcare facilities in and around Iskandar Puteri include:
- Gleneagles Medini Hospital
- Columbia Asia Hospital Iskandar Puteri
- Sultanah Aminah Hospital (Johor Bahru)
- KPJ Specialist Hospitals in Johor
Tourism and Attractions
Iskandar Puteri blends modern attractions with leisure-oriented developments. It’s particularly popular with families, tourists, and event organisers.
Top attractions include:
- LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort
- Puteri Harbour
- Hello Kitty Town & Thomas Town (family attractions)
- Kota Iskandar
- Sunway Big Box Retail Park
With its blend of lifestyle facilities, investment opportunities, and strategic positioning, Iskandar Puteri is shaping up to be a key growth city in southern Malaysia.
