While hiking may be the only thing comes to mind when you think of Taman Melawati, the town that holds two addresses really has more to offer than the locals let on.
Mostly known as a matured neighbourhood that consists of big houses surrounded by hilly areas and lush greeneries, Taman Melawati may not be the first address that comes to mind when you’re planning for a weekend romp with your friends or family. Unlike the usual suspects such as Bangsar, TTDI and the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Taman Melawati is more subdued and isn’t as bustling as these popular areas, but that does not make it any less interesting. The neighbourhood has many best kept secrets that the locals have been enjoying for decades without our knowledge.
Here are some few things many of us non-Melawatians should know about Taman Melawati:
1. It is situated within two states
No, really. Although it is technically registered under the Federal Territory’s postal address, Taman Melawati actually sits in the Gombak constituency of Selangor, administered by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ). Its dual location allows it to be easily accessible via Jalan Ampang, Ampang Hulu Klang Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Genting Klang-Pahang Highway, Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE), and Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) from the city centre.
Taman Melawati pretty much reaps the ease of connectivity of these two states such as The Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal (GITT), the upcoming East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) and the upcoming Setiawangsa Pantai Expressway (SPE) – that will link the area directly to major developments in Kuala Lumpur such as the Tun Razak Exchange, Bukit Bintang City Centre and Bandar Malaysia.
2. It is dubbed as the Hollywood of Malaysia
We will not divulge any names here, but Taman Melawati has been known to be a popular choice among the local celebrities and politicians. Imagine standing in line behind Dato Siti Nurhaliza as you’re buying nasi lemak for breakfast or sharing a table with a famous actor at a Hokkien Mee restaurant – if that does not make you feel exclusive and fabulous, nothing else will.
3. Holds many attractions for nature buffs
Many of us avid hikers are no stranger to the infamous Bukit Tabur; but not all of us know that it is part of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, the largest and oldest pure quartz dyke in the world. According to The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the part of this Ridge that surrounds the dam and forest reserve is home to 265 plant species and is home to a rare endangered animal called the serow – although it is not known how many of them are still in existence today. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, Zoo Negara, which is home to 5137 animals of 459 different species sits just 5-10 minutes away in the Gombak District.
4. Malls, malls, and more malls
Just like the rest of Klang Valley, it is a must to have more than one mall in a neighbourhood. Taman Melawati is home to Melawati Mall, M3 Mall and Kuala Lumpur Festival City Mall that provide the locals the ease of amenities and conveniences without the need to travel out of the vicinity. To top it all, it is located only 15km away from KLCC.
This year, the fabulous Taman Melawati will be welcoming a new addition to their existing list of malls to quench the thirst of shopaholics from all over Klang Valley with the opening of Quarza Mall.
5. Food Galore
It is no secret that Malaysians are obsessed with food and Taman Melawati keeps some of the most mouth-watering selections around stowed away in its belly. Among the precious finds are Kung Fu Ramen, Jibby East Restaurant, Restaurant Vanggey, Restaurant New Heong Kee (Beggars Chicken), Warisanku by Manor KL, Chi Fan KL, Mei Keng Fatt Seafood Restaurant, Kari Kepala Ikan Rampai and the list goes on.
You can either hop on Rapid KL buses U20 and U23 direct from Kuala Lumpur, Rapid KL bus T304 from Wangsa Maju LRT station, Len Seng bus 191 from Masjid Jamek, and voila!
6. Potential education hub
There is no denying that the availability of education institutions/centres stays on the top of the priority list for those with families looking for a new area to relocate to. Taman Melawati has some of the best options within its proximity such as IIUM Academy of Graduate and Professional studies, International Islamic School Malaysia Islamic International University Malaysia, UniKL British Malaysia Institute, TAR University College, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia International Islamic School Malaysia, International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), Malaysia Institute of Art (MIA), Saudi Schools in Kuala Lumpur and KYS International School. You can practically smell the potential growth just looking at the list of education institutions/centres available.
7. Offers luxury living in a homely environment
Taman Melawati is perfect for those looking for a place located within a few minutes drive to Kuala Lumpur while at the same time removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. With Klang Gates Quartz Ridge as its backdrop, it offers tranquility and a sense of exclusivity that most areas with green lungs usually exudes.
While most of the developments here are of the landed variety, there has been an increase supply of high-rise developments recently that offers similar exclusivity and a sense of luxury such as Sime Darby’s KL East.
KL East Quarza Residence
The Quarza is phase two of a 62-hectare integrated development project by Sime Darby Property Bhd that comprises serviced apartment and a boutique retail mall. It consisted of two 37-storey residential towers with a total of 508 units, surrounded by green open spaces and overlooking the stunningly lush tropical foliage.
Its latest residential tower, Quarza sits on the foothills of the Klang Gates quartz Ridge, which means more than half the development is enveloped in natural rainforests, parks and gardens that include the 53-acre Forest Park. The project is connected to the upcoming East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) via an 800-meter covered pedestrian walkway, while the upcoming SPE’s starting point will begin right in front of Quarza, both are catalysts that pose great potentials for investors.
To find out more about the project, its facility offerings and prices, check out Sime Darby’s page dedicated to KL East Guarza Residence.