Introduction

Kuala Lumpur, which means “muddy confluence” in Malay; is the confluence of Gombak River and Klang River. It is generally accepted that Kuala Lumpur become established as a town circa 1857,when Raja Abdullah bin Raja Jaafar, aided by his brother Raja Juma’at hire some Chinese miners led by Yap Ah Loy to open new tin mines in Ampang. Kuala Lumpur was the furthest point up the Klang River to which supplies could conveniently be brought by boat; it therefore became a collection and dispersal point serving the tin mines (Source: Wiki Kuala Lumpur).

Confluence of Sungai Gombak and Klang

Kuala Lumpur has become one of the federal territories and the capital city of Malaysia. Covering the area of approximately 243km², roughly 1/3 the size of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur is not just the capital of Malaysia but it is also the financial and economic hub of Malaysia.

Most of the Malaysia’s wealth created in Kuala Lumpur. Despite its young age relative to major cities in the world, Kuala Lumpur is rich in history and a melting pot of diversified culture due to confluence of many races, culture and foods in the capital.Over the years, Kuala Lumpur has expanded rapidly and cover area like Sentul, Batu, Wangsa Maju, Setapak and Setiawangsa as the area like Ampang, Pudu, Seputeh, and Titiwangsa are developed.

The Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is the financial and employment hubs where the suburb development progressing rapidly to accommodate the influx of population to support the growth of Kuala Lumpur. From 1995 onwards, the expansion is primarily concentrated on southern region.

 

Source: 2040 DBKL Draft Plan Development 

At Northeast and East corridors, the geography expansion stopped due to hilly region of Titiwangsa range. Since then, this area has become a tranquil, serene and mature and yet accessible suburb neighborhood.

In this review, PROPCAFE^TM would like to cover an area that is sandwiched in between Wangsa Maju and Taman Melawati, aptly named as Wangsa Melawati.

Read on for PROPCAFE^TM review.

Wangsa Melawati

To promote KL as  a world class city, project such as Petronas Twin Towers, LRTs and monorail, KL Tower are built, 4 new growth areas were developed namely Damansara, Wangsa Maju, Bukit Jalil and Bandar Tun Razak are being developed to support the rapid growth of city centre.

The northeast of Kuala Lumpur City Centre consists Wangsa Maju and Setiawangsa and Setapak are the product of rapid development of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia economy since 1990.

Geography wise, Wangsa Melawati is located approximately 9km away from KLCC and 18km away from Dutamas/ Mont Kiara. Wangsa Melawati is also located 17km away from 486acres Bandar Malaysia, the future growth of Kuala Lumpur.  

Wangsa Melawati Distance to KL Hotspots

The 20 years with RM150B GDV Bandar Malaysia is not just served as property related development but it also house the HSR KL-SG terminus, which will be fueling the human, information and capital movement between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

The important link between Bandar Malaysia and Setiawangsa, Setiawangsa Pantai Expressway (SPE) is currently under construction and expected to be completed by end of 2021. PROPCAFE^TM will cover the benefit of the SPE shortly. 

Artist impression of KL-SG HSR Terminus in Bandar Malaysia

Sandwiched in between Wangsa Maju and Taman Melawati, Wangsa Melawati is a compact neighborhood bordered by MRR2 at northeast. Spanning over 937acres, Wangsa Maju is known as one of the largest townships in Kuala Lumpur consists of Seksyen 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10.

The terraced houses which have average built-ups of 1,400 sqft, were transacted at RM700-888K and the semi-detached houses with a built-up of 2,437 sqft were sold at RM1.8 million each in 2018 and 2019 (Source: Theedgemarket). 

Formerly known as Hawthornton Estate, Sime Darby has developed the 900acres estate into what we know today as Taman Melawati, a residential estate targeting the growing middle-income group (Source: Theedgemarket).

Melawati was once dubbed as Malaysia’s Hollywood because it houses the headquarter of the FINAS. Also, many artists are calling Melawati home. This is not surprising as Melawati offers upmarket hillside homes, luxurious residences as well as gated-and-guarded residential developments.

With completion of DUKE highway, Melawati also offers easy access to KL City.

Locality of Wangsa Melawati

Developed by Negara Properties, Wangsa Melawati offers landed terraces, semi-detached and detached homes catering middle to upper income group. Wangsa Melawati is a mature neighborhood and compare to more commercially vibrant Wangsa Maju and Taman Melawati, Wangsa Melawati is more tranquil, peaceful, surrounded by greeneries like Bukit Dinding.

All these attributes are making Wangsa Melawati a serene environment compared to its neighbors.  

Bukit Dinding

The main road in Wangsa Melawati, Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1 lined with glorious mature tree, linear park and pedestrian walkway linking up the Taman to the commercial area. Looking at the lush trees, most of them can be easily 20-30 years old! 

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Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1 is lined both sides by beautiful and lush trees

Pedestrian walkway along Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1

Wangsa Melawati being one of the first suburb developed in Kuala Lumpur, the township feels spacious. The linear park along Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1 is intersperse with benches, inviting you to relax and enjoy the green environment.

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Linear Park along Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1

As additional security measure, most of the Taman here are converted with single entry/exit and manned by guards. This seems to lend security to whole area as when you are walking along the main road Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1, there will always be people around. 

Permanent guardhouse structure with manned boom for security along Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1

The children playground for the public enjoyment are still well maintained and in good condition and surrounded by lush tree, allowing the children playing under shades. It gives a good impression that the facilities in Wangsa Melawati are well maintained. 

Children playground located along Jalan Wangsa Melawati 1

The neighborhood here are at least 30 years and this is evident from the road and house condition. Narrow roads with multiple cars parked haphazardly at both roadsides, unkempt electric poles and transmission wire and tire looking link houses that desperate for fresh coat of paint and major makeover.

Possibly, this is the only major grouch that PROPCAFE^TM has…

Typical link houses and road in Wangsa Melawati

Accessibilities 

Being a mature neighborhood and landed properties dominate Wangsa Melawati, it is imperative important that serve by local roads with myriad egress and ingress. Generally, Jalan Setiawangsa serves as main artery that will lead motorists to Jalan Ampang and subsequently to KL City Centre. 

Interestingly there are 3 interchanges within 5 km radius from Wangsa Melawati which literally will bring motorists to all nooks of Klang Valley. Just a short drive away, the nearest interchange will lead motorists to outer ring road of KL, toll free MRR2.

On the north side, MRR2 will lead you to Genting, Batu Caves, Kepong and Sungai Buloh where the southern direction will lead you to Ampang, Cheras, Sungai Besi and Sri Petaling. If you are in rush of time, DUKE and AKLEH will quickly lead you to major hotspot such as Hartamas, Mont Kiara, Desa Park City, KLCC carpark (yes, AKLEH will leads you directly to KLCC carpark) etc. 

Another exciting catalyst, the 29.8km Setiawangsa Pantai Expressway (SPE), which expected to be completed by end of 2021, will provide further connectivity to Wangsa Melawati. 

Interchange to 3 highways within 5km radius from Wangsa Melawati

Amenities

Where PROPCAFE^TM wants to start? There are myriad of amenities such as education, commercial, recreation and public sport complex, commercial centers, mosque around Wangsa Melawati. 

Founded in 1969, since the inception TAR University College has produced more 200,000 alumni who have gone on to become professionals, national leaders and successful entrepreneurs nationally and globally (Source: The Star). The 186 acres TARUC is a prominent landmark along Jalan Genting Klang and popular among parents who are looking for affordable tertiary education for their children.  

A Sekolah Kluster Kecemerlangan since 2015, SK Melawati 2 is angsts popular among the local as some parents move to the neighborhood to secure a spot in the school for the children. For affluent parents, they could choose to their children to Fairview International School which offer IB curiculum. 

To cater for growing Chinese population in this area, a SJK (C) Wangsa Maju is built in 2014 with its first intake in January 2015. Built on 0.8ha plot of land, the school had raised RM21.7mil through a series of fundraising events and education ministry contributed RM6M out of the fund. The school has three blocks where an academic block comprises 52 classrooms with maximum capacity of 1800 students (Source: The Star).

Myriad of education option from primary to tertiary and national to private schools

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. The Setiawangsa sport complex will satisfy your outdoor and indoor sport needs. The indoor complex has multiple badminton courts and the outdoor has running tracks, field and Olympic length for public sport activities. All these facilities are available for affordable cost to public. In distance of running track, it is available free of charge. 

For appreciation of wild life, Zoo Negara located in Melawati is a perfect family getaway during weekend. Bukit Tabur is just located a stone away and if you are yearning for some greeneries, hiking in Bukit Tabur is just a perfect panacea to cure stress from chaotic city lifestyle.

Recreation facilities around Wangsa Melawati

The elegant Usamah Bin Zain Mosque is widely popular among residents during the Friday prayers. The prayer hall is spacious and ample of parking space available at the compounds. 

Mosque and Surau around Wangsa Melawati

Four malls are within less than 2km radius away from Wangsa Melawati, which built over the years. 

Mall	NLA, sqft	Inception	Major Anchor
Alpha Angle	202,000	1992	Jaya Jusco
AEON BIG	N/A	N/A	AEON
Wangsa Walk	273,000	2009	Tesco, TGV, Celebrity Fitness
Melawati Mall	200 stores, 613,000	2017	Village Grocer, GSC, Padini, Kaison

Almost any international, franchise and local brands are present in these malls ranging from F&B, grocers, services, furniture, pharmacy, bookstore, cinemas etc. that cater to the whim and fancy not just within the neighborhoods, but visitors from other district as well. 

Interestingly, the combined space of these malls are equally or even larger than regional malls in Klang Valley such as MyTown and Ikea @ Cochrane.

 

Shopping Malls and myriad of brands around Wangsa Melawati

There are not just one but at least three commercial districts within short drive away from Wangsa Melawati. These bread and butter commercial districts not just offer affordable F&B, but amenities such as petrol stations, healthcare, convenience stores, banks, government services, tuition centers, offices, textiles etc. 

Some of the most mouth-watering selections around stowed away. 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 (Source: iProperty).

Over in Wangsa Maju, the 30-year-old Wahab’s Cendol comes as a highly recommended dessert place and if you are looking for high-quality meat dishes at an affordable price, you should not miss out Stiq steakhouse in Section 2, Wangsa Maju which utilizing sous-vide technique.

Also recommended is Hayaki Kopitiam, a casual café that serves Kelantanese dishes. For casual dining, you can try Kaw Kaw Burger Wangsa Maju. For the location, just key in the Google Maps or Waze and they shall bring you to the location.

For efficient human movement, it is imperative to have efficient public transport. Public bus service line T221 route will cover Wangsa Melawati and Wangsa Maju with final destination Sri Rampai LRT Station. From Sri Rampai LRT station, major KL landmark and hotspot such as KLCC, KL Sentral, Bangsar, Midvalley, Bangsar South are just 30 minutes away. Also via Pasar Seni, a smooth transfer to MRT1 will bring you to Bukit Bintang, Damansara, One Utama, TRX and IKEA. 

Bus service line T221 serving Wangsa Melawati with Sri Rampai LRT Station as last stop

Catalyst

SPE (DUKE3) is currently constructed by Ekovest and expected to be operational by end of 2021 is not only expected to resolve major traffic congestion in this area but it will improve the connectivity significantly. Via Genting Klang or Setiawangsa interchange, motorists will enjoy traffic free trip to future of Kuala Lumpur: – TRX the financial hub and Bandar Malaysia the home of future KL-SG HSR Terminus. SPE will link Bangsar South and Federal Highway to Wangsa area. 

Setiawangsa Pantai Expressway Alignment

Enjoy the SPE short youtube by clicking the link SPE Youtube

PROPCAFE^TM is equally excited about the upcoming urban public transport, the long overdue 39km long MRT3 Circle Line. Similar road planning concept where Kuala Lumpur has inner and outer circle roads, MRT3 is the missing circle link of urban public transport where the stations are linkage to all the public transport i.e. LRT, Commuter, HSR, MRT and ERL. 19 out of the proposed 26 stations are expected to be interchange stations with the public transports. 

One of the proposed stations is located in Setiawangsa, which is just one station away from Sri Rampai LRT Station. From the proposed Setiawangsa MRT3 Station, you can go to area such as Bandar Malaysia, MidValley, Kerinchi (Bangsar South), Damansara, Mont Kiara and Hartamas. 

The proposed MRT3 corridor in Draft 2040 Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan

Anyway, readers should not get too excited so soon and do please hold your horses. Despite its long-term benefit, currently there is no news or update whether government is pushing with the MRT3 where the astronomical cost is a main concern at current economic climate post MCO.

2040 Kuala Lumpur structure plan yet to be gazette and the proposed alignment and stations can be changed anytime. This project will have long gestation period and will take between 7 to 10 years for the line to be operational from the nod of government. 

Summary

In many aspects, Wangsa Melawati reminds PROPCAFE^TM of SS2 in Petaling Jaya. Mature suburb surrounded by myriad of amenities and easy access to plenty of highways within distance away. The community seems to secure with self-built fenced and guarded community. The neighborhood is pretty serene and popular among home hunters.

Then again dealing with old and aging property with creaky timber floor, tire façade and leaky ceiling, the cash outlay that required for renovation, stamp duty, legal fee and the down payment are massive and can amounted to 30-40% of the property purchase price. Assuming the link house is on sale for RM800K, a homebuyer needs to fork out at least RM300-350K before can move in! That is a lot of money for most of us!

Despite the excellent location and neighborhood of Wangsa Melawati, many prospect homebuyers especially younger generation is deterred from purchasing a property here. Wangsa Melawati is pretty much fully developed and for past few years, there are new high rises launches however, these are located in commercial district of Taman Melawati and Wangsa Maju. The traffic is chaotic with visitors especially weekend and rush hour. Occasionally you need to queue on road patiently to go back to your own abode. Until now.

PROPCAFE^TM is excited with the impending new launches right in the heart of Wangsa Melawati. Just like SS2, PROPCAFE^TM believe that there is no more available land for development in Wangsa Melawati and perhaps this could be one of the very rare developments coming at this area. For those who are yearning to get a piece of action, this is probably the best time for it.

UPDATE [15.JULY.2020]

PROPCAFE^TM just released review for newly launched development in Wangsa Melawati, M Adora by Mah Sing. To read on PROPCAFE^TM review, click the link M Adora by Man Sing and M Adora the journey continues .

Happy Hunting!

From PROPCAFE^TM intern