Home away from home.: The LOFT

Friday, March 7, 2008

The LOFT

Name of Property: The LOFT
Location: Bukit Bandaraya
Direction of main entrance: East 80°
Number of units:
Density: Medium
Type of building: Medium rise
No of buildings : Single block
Facilities available: Swimming Pool.
Built up:
Layouts: No of rooms
No of bathrooms
Others:
Description of the development:

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Bukit Tunku & Taman Duta

The exclusive domain of Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta in the outer fringers of KL is home to many prominent celebrities, dignitaries, royalties and VIPs. Make no mistake, the rich and famous make the luxurious neighbourhoods of Taman Duta and Bukit Tunku their domain, and one look at the sleek, fashionable bungalows sporadically spread over area - with their own security huts - should put to rest any doubt about their exclusivities. It is a sprawling tract of undulating landscape where huge numbers of local flora and mini forests occupy, where the roads are still nostalgically narrow and windy. Bukit Tunku was formerly known as Kenny Hills and is host to many luxury condominiums, bungalows and villas. Its vast size and widely spread out layout of residences provides peace and quiet to its distinguished inhabitants. Bukit Tunku is a good example of how modern development co-exists with nature, so much so that even during late evenings one might find the roads obscured by foggy mists caused by the humidity, especially after a heavy rainfall. Located between the KLCC and Bangsar, Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta are accessible via Jalan Duta from Jalan Kuching and Jalan Semantan. Due to its premium location, only a select group of investors can afford the pricetag to properties - which start from the millions - on offer in this area.

Damansara Heights

Damansara Heights is one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the Klang Valley. This exclusive area positioned high in the hills in the midst of a quiet surrounding, just minutes away from the city centre is the prefect place for those who love fresh air and natural surroundings. With everything from low density condominiums to impressive villas to semi-detached houses to spawling bungalows in this self-sustaining neighbourhood, there is a huge range of properties to choose from by the upper class Malaysians and expatriates. Widely considered one of the most affluent areas of KL, it is a much-sought after residential and commercial address for locals and expatriates alike. In popular Malaysian culture, the name "Damansara Heights" or "Bukit Damansara" has become synonymous with wealth. It was dubbed as the Beverly Hills of KL by The Star newspaper in 1995, listing it a one of the most expensive housing markets in KL. This panoramic township caters to the high-end demands of Malaysians and expatriates of all walks of life with its first class facilities, restaurants serving international cuisines and a trendy nightlife. Residents can also enjoy the entertainment, shopping, dining and various other amenities of Bangsar, only a short five minutes drive away. Damansara Heights is considered a prime location, due to its easy accessibility from the city centre and Petaling Jaya. From Bangsar, Jalan Maarof smoothly connects to Jalan Damansara, while Jalan Duta and Jalan Semantan provide excellent accessibility to Damansara Heights for those coming from the North-South Highway. However, if you are looking at the Damansara area, make sure that it is the location you want. Many new property developers in and around KL are known to attempt incorporating the word "Damansara" into their developments given its connotations. Damansara Heights is older, more established and closer to Bangsar, while areas like Damansara Mutiara and Damansara Perdana are newer, located near Tesco and Ikea and further out from town. And it's a long way from one to the other, with no option other than to drive.

Bangsar

Bangsar is probably KL's most famous and talked-about suburb. It is the unofficial 'border' that demarcates Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, making it a strategic locality. Only 20 minutes from the city and easily accessible via several major roads, Bangsar has long been viewed as a hub that connects Kuala Lumpur's major roads with easy accessibility from Jalan Bangsar on one side - which links to the Federal Highway and city centre - and the other end from Jalan Damansara - connecting to Jalan Duta and the North-South Highway. The New Pantai Expressway (NPE) enjoins Subang Jaya to Bangsar, while the Putra Light Rail Transit (LRT) along Jalan Bangsar and taxis make commuting fast and easy. Just minutes' drive away is Brickfields, where the integrated, central hub of transportation at KL Sentral enables commuters to switch modes of transportation between the City Air Terminal, KLIA Express, Monorail, Putra LRT or KTM's Komuter - depending on their destinations. It is both a popular place to live, and a great place for dining, nightlife and shopping. Renowned for its nightlife, Bangsar has over 50 pubs, cafe and restaurants in the Telawi area alone. Perhaps one the most cosmopolitan areas in KL, the neighbourhood also brims with art galleries, decoration shops, bookstores, medical centres, banks and hair salons. With three major malls, Bangsar Shopping Centre (known generally in the expatriate community as BSC), Bangsar Village I and the newly opened Bangsar Village II in extremely close proximity, and to add to it is one of Kuala Lumpur's and Malaysia's largest shopping haunts, the well-known Midvalley Megamall which is only a short drive away, there are no shortage of amenities here. With lush hills and beautiful residential areas, it is easy to see why expatriates, CEOs, high-ranking goverment officials and many of the local elite have made this area their home. It has the following neighbourhoods: Bangsar Utama, Bukit Bangsar, Bangsar Park, Bukit Bandaraya, Taman SA, Bangsar Baru, Lucky Garden, Pantai Hills and the areas off Jalan Bangsar. If you are looking to stay in Bangsar, there are many luxury apartments that are popular amongst foreigners and local investors alike, with the most recent being 'The Loft'. Indeed, the area offers a wide variety of residences, ranging from semi-detached to sprawling hillside bungalow houses to choose from. However, there are also plenty of excellent high-rise condominiums, both in terms of price and facilities.

KL City Centre/Golden Triangle

The Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), as its name implies, refers to the prime plots of land and properties right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur city. Many expatriates find city living an exciting and cosmopolitan way of life which is seen as the creme de la creme of living. Close to KLCC and the world-class Twin Towers Medical Centre, fantastic shopping at KLCC, a nearby Cold Storage to meet all your grocery-related needs, and lots of nearby restaurants if you don't feel like cooking, living in the heart of the city is immensely practical. One can easily get to KLCC via Jalan Kuching, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Ipoh. In addition, public transportation such asthe Putra LRT, Star LRT and KL Monorail make commuting to and from the KLCC convenient and fast. The KLCC and Golden Triangle areas are immensely popular, due to their large selection of serviced apartments, luxury condominiums, residential houses and limited bungalows. Its towering luxury condominiums and apartments have always been a top choice among expatriates and the glitterati of society. Some of the most highly sought after luxury condominiums in the KLCC area include Stonor Park, Dua Residency, Marc Serviced Residence, Park Seven, Cendana, The Avare, Idaman Residence, Troika, One KL, The Binjai, Four Season Residence, 163 Residence, K Residence, The Capsquare Residences, Binjai Residency, 2 Hampshire, The Meritz, Hampshire Place and Crest, Sultan Ismail. Bukit Ceylon/Changkat Bukit Bintang is also popular for its large selection of condominiums and serviced apartments. Their close proximity to various amenities, shopping centres, cool bars and delightful restaurants only serve to further contribute to their popularity. The nightlife beats until the wee hours of the morning, with party-goers spoilt for choice of venues to unwind and relax - including clubs such as Atmosphere, The Beach Club, Nouvo, The Thai Bar and Modesto's. Another advantage is that even if you don't stay in close proximity to an international school (Fairview International School and Alice Smith International School are probably the closest), Ampang is only a short drive away. As with any city, rental tends to be comparitatively high but it is great value for money compared to city living in most Western countries.

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.

Sri Hartamas

One of the Klang Valley's newest developments, Sri Hartamas is one of the most accessible neighbourhoods here. The calm environment of this area is a definite plus point for those who value serene, placid surroundings. Meaning "Glowing Estates" in English, Sri Hartamas boasts excellent infrastructure and easy access to the recreational facilities of nearby Bukit Kiara and with its own popular shopping centre and nightlife, Sri Hartamas has long been popular with affluent expatriates. Sri Hartamas used to be slightly isolated when it was developed in the mid 1980's. The Sri Hartamas region, where Mont Kiara is situated, has gradually evolved over the past 15 years to being home to many high-rise luxury condominiums that bedeck it today. Today it is a highly prized location due to its country feel, coupled with the easy transportation access via car, this has made it a magnet for the up and coming, young professional, Malaysian upper middle classes. The neighbourhood has a manicured aesthetic, with a park like feel, a feature that the area residents guard almost zealously. It is the abode of many double storey terraces houses, semi-d's and bungalows. The quiet and peaceful residents of Sri Hartamas is high on the list of parents with young families looking for a safe and homely envionment to rasie their offsprings. Expectedly, Sri Hartamas is now a premier and highly sought out address, especially by the expatriate community in Kuala Lumpur. Travel time to just about anywhere in KL from Sri Hartamas is surprisingly short, even during rush hour, due to the proximity to two of the Klang Valley's major expressways. Accessibility to Sri Hartamas from Petaling Jaya and Bangsar is convenient through Jalan Bukit Kiara, from the city centre or the North-South Expressway, Jalan Duta exit leads direct to Jalan Sri Hartamas. The area has a pleasant isolated country feel despite being only a fifteen minute drive from the city centre. It is also located in close proximity to Mont' Kiara and the nearby international schools. With the inclusion of various watering holes like Souled Out, Finnegans, generic commercial shops, convenience stores and even a multi storey international gym all located in Sri Hartamas, it is no wonder that it is well liked among many.

Mont' Kiara

The high-rise dotted enclave of Mont Kiara is becoming more popular among the affluent middle class folks a well as expatriate community due to its proximity to international schools such as Garden International School, Mont' Kiara International School and the Lycee Francais de Kuala Lumpur (also known as the French International School). It is a rapidly developing township close to major highways that link it to the city centre as well as supermarkets and a golf course. In addition to its ease of access to and from the city centre as well as connectivity between major suburban areas through the Sprint Highway, Penchala Link and Jalan Duta/Jalan Kuching highway exchange makes it a top habitat choice. The presence of numerous eminent residential developments by equally renowned property developers can only add to the allure of Mont Kiara as the perfect example of city living. Most home owners are drawn to the unforgettable touch of suburbia serenity amongst the mix of local and expatriate communities living together in harmony. In addition, home seekers are spoilt for choice due to the main reason that any developer worth their salt, aiming to make their mark in this established enclave will have to be innovative and almost prescience, with their choice of development and consumers' lifestyle expectations, so much so that each Mont Kiara residential development has its own distinctive theme and ambience that differentiates itself from their next door neighbours. Indeed some locals are even beginning to refer to Mont Kiara as 'Little Hong Kong' due to the seemingly unending construction of high-rise residential dwellings. It is very much self-contained, with its own business centre, restaurants, cafes and nightlife, as well as being associated with high-end accommodation, whether it be houses, condominiums or a serviced apartments.

Bukit Kiara

The Malaysian Government is keen to etch Kuala Lumpur's place on the world map, as an international property destination. As such, it has earmarked 467 acres of land neighbouring Damansara Heights, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and Bukit Kiara as the country's largest public park - slated to be in the same league as London's Hyde Park and New York's Cetral Park. Known as KL's own 'green lung', Bukit Kiara is another affluent suburb close to Bukit Damansara (Damansara Heights), Sri Hartamas, Mont' Kiara and Bangsar. Bukit Kiara is popular amongst nature-lovers for its thick jungle trails, pleasant undulating hills and lush greenery. Expatriates aappreciate it for its air of exclusivity it is an area much in demand. Home to a number of fantastic recreational facilities such as the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Resort, the Selangor Club, the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club and the Bukit Kiara Sports Complex, which collectively comprises of a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a bowling alley, golf course and horse riding facilities to name but a few. Some of the newly-completed, posh condominiums in the vicinity of Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara and Bukit Kiara include Mont' Kiara Aman, i-zen @ Kiara 11, Flora Murni and Kiara Designer Suites. International schools such as Garden International School, Mont Kiara International School and Lycee Francais de Kuala Lumpur (French International School). We are talking about a self-contained neighbourhood, duly supplemented by nearby business centres, restaurants and cafes.

Petaling Jaya

Suburbia haven of the Klang Valley, this is also home to a lot of heartlanders and their hearths. However, places like Tropicana, Bandar Utama, SS2, SS3, Sections 16 and 17 are increasingly gaining popularity among the expatriate community due to their accessibility, developed townships, major arterial roads and highways. In addition, PJ's enhanced status as a city is also dotted with notable landmarks such as 1 Utama and The Curve/Mutiara Damansara mega complexes that cater to the needs of its burgeoning populace.

Home away from home.

Friday, March 7, 2008

The LOFT

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