An Introduction to Ampang

If you are looking to live close to, but preferably just outside the main city, then Ampang may well be the place for you. Spreading further out from the city centre and just as popular expat choices are areas like U-Thant, Ampang Hilir and selected spots within the Jalan Ampang surroundings where slightly older but cheaper residences can be found. Exclusive condominiums with lavish settings and landscaping that encircle this area include Tiara Condo, East Side One Ampang Avenue, Condo Villa Aman and Villa Ampang. The rest of the area is predominantly occupied by quaint, fashionable bungalows with expansive compounds. Perhaps, one of this area's most conspicious features is the stretch of embassies and high commissions that line both sides of the main road. Indeed, the roads lead from the KLCC right into the Ampang area itself, with many foreign diplomats choosing to live here close to their embassies. It is also home to professional executives, dignitaries and even royalties. Unsurprisingly, Jalan Ampang is also popularly known as 'Embassy Row'. Situated towards the east of the KLCC, Jalan Ampang - Ampang's main road - is easily accessible from Jalan Tun Razak or Jalan Ulu Kelang if you are heading from Hulu Kelang or Setapak. The Ampang area is surrounded by the townships of Mangsa Maju, Setapak, KL and Salak Selatan. Divided into the various subsections of Ampang Indah, Ampang Mewah, Ampang Permai and Ampang Jaya. This neighbourhood comprises housing estates such as Taman Dagang, Taman Cahaya, Taman Cempaka, Pandan Jaya and Pandan Indah. Popular with both foreign expatriates and local affluent Chinese, it boasts proximity not to only the city, but shopping malls, a golf course, a number of leading international schools, restaurants and markets. It is also home to some of Malaysia's best healthcare facilities, including Ampang Puteri Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre, Pantai Indah Hospital and Hospital Ampang, furthering its appeal to expatriates and locals alike. Most embassies are also located within the Ampang area, or along Jalan Ampang, the road that leads from the city centre to the Ampang area itself. Also close by is the National Zoo (Zoo Negara), the National Art Gallery and the Istana Budaya - Malaysia's very own cultural centre for theatre and various performances. International Schools in the vicinity include the International School of Kuala Lumpur, Fairview International School, Sayfol International School, KL International School and Mutiara International School. Nightlife can also be found along and near Jalan Ampang, with Zouk, one of KL's most popular clubs occupying a prime spot. It is therefore not surprising that the Golden Triangle and Ampang are still the most coveted areas of Kuala Lumpur, commanding premium prices, spearheaded by ever-popular demand from both domestic and foreign investors.