Johor Bahru’s skyline is undergoing a transformation, and all eyes are on the southernmost reaches of Peninsular Malaysia as a quiet, but decisive, transformation is underway. Long considered a convenient gateway to Singapore, Johor Bahru is fast soaking up global know-hows to position itself for the future. And looking to ride this evolution is the Lido Waterfront Boulevard (LIDO), an ambitious masterplan aiming to redefine waterfront urban living with its flagship residential gem: Skypark Kepler.
Developed by Tropicana Corporation Berhad in partnership with Banyan Group, Skypark Kepler is Tropicana’s first branded residential project. As part of the masterplan’s first phase, the development is not only about luxury living but also a statement of intent for Johor’s future.
The masterplan: a vision for the future
At the heart of this transformation is an aspiring masterplan, a meticulously designed 163ac township that promises to redefine urban living in Malaysia’s south. Partnering with global design studio Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the LIDO masterplan is a bold promise of a seven-component township, undertaking to blend residential, commercial, wellness, education, hospitality, recreational, and cultural offerings into a connected urban tapestry.
What sets this apart from other large Johor projects is its strategic location to the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is set to welcome its first passengers in 2026. The RTS will connect the township to Woodlands in Singapore, slashing commute times and bolstering Johor’s appeal as a cross-border investment and living hub. And the RTS is more than a transit line—it is the backbone of Johor’s economic reinvention.
Announced in 2024, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is a bilateral initiative designed to enhance economic collaboration between the two nations, offering economic integration and a framework for cross-border investment, technology transfer, and business mobility. This is key to appeal to tech and finance firms seeking alternatives to Singapore’s soaring costs. Above all, it is designed to create jobs by attracting high-net-worth individuals and multinational corporations to Johor. Tropicana’s managing director of marketing & sales and business development, Ixora Ang, frames LIDO as Johor’s “future metropolis”. What makes this development particularly compelling is its strategic positioning just seven to 10 minutes from the Bukit Chagar RTS station, which is set to open in 2026.
The Banyan touch: global luxury and local flair for the eco-conscious
Comprising two sleek 54-storey towers, Skypark Kepler offers 1,596 partially and fully furnished designer units, each ranging from 463 to 807 sq ft in size. Priced from RM580,000, the units are outfitted with appliances and fittings from brands such as Samsung and Kohler. The interiors lean into a coastal chic aesthetic—clean lines, neutral tones, and soft textures evoking modern seaside luxury.
Banyan Group’s involvement brings its Banyan Living rental programme and Sanctuary Club perks to owners, offering residents access to a global network of luxury properties and exclusive amenities. For investors, the Banyan Living programme is a white-glove rental management service that allows owners to generate income when not in residence. Their Lifestyle Concierge also promises services ranging from securing reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants to arranging private yacht charters.
Stepping into the show units on Danga Bay reveals a masterclass in contemporary tropical design. The inclusion of smart-home automation and 5G connectivity ensures that the project is future-proof. Residents will enjoy a direct view of the Straits of Johor, with a 2.5km coastal boardwalk lined with alfresco dining options and access to a 32ac green park. And, in an era where sustainability is a key consideration for the environmentally conscious, the project delivers with green-certified buildings, EV charging stations, and rainwater harvesting systems.
The Johor proposition
As with any transformative development, Skypark Kepler’s success will depend not only on the execution of its design and delivery, but also on the seamless integration of the region’s full ecosystem. In July 2025, Singapore announced fresh property cooling measures for its nation-state, which may divert property investment interest to Johor. Furthermore, the JS-SEZ and RTS Link promise to transform Johor into a dynamic economic corridor, closing the gap between Malaysia and Singapore.
For investors banking on connectivity as a core value driver, timelines must be watched closely. Similarly, the long-term viability of the JS-SEZ depends on continued political will and cross-border cooperation—no small feat in an era of shifting regional dynamics. But, for now, Johor seems to have a clear plan to avoid becoming another half-empty monument to over-optimism. And Skypark Kepler represents an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of what could be the region’s next lifestyle destination.
With a location poised to benefit from Johor’s macroeconomic boom, this development could very well redefine luxury living in Malaysia. For now, Skypark Kepler stands as a microcosm of Johor’s ambitions: bold, beautifully designed, brimming with potential, and offering a relatively low-entry trophy asset with Banyan’s unparalleled polish.
