Pantai Hillpark is located near the residential enclaves of Bangsar South and Bukit Pantai. This hilltop residence is considered as one of the great successes of property development in the Klang Valley.
Continue Reading ⋅ 19 February 2022
Artist impression of Eco Terraces, built against a lush green backdrop (Source: Google)
| Project Name | : Eco Terraces |
| Location | : Paya Terubong, Penang |
| Property Type | : Condominium |
| No. of Storeys | : 33 |
| Total Units | : 333 |
| Unit Types | : Type A – 1,095 sq.ft. : Type B – 1,366 sq.ft.: Type C – 1,520 sq.ft. : Type D – 2,008 sq.ft. |
| Land Title | : Residential |
| Tenure | : Freehold |
| Indicative Price | : From RM900,000 onwards |
| Average Price per Sq.Ft. | : Approx. RM850 – RM1,000 |
| Expected Completion Date | : 2019 |
| Maintenance Fee per Sq.Ft. |
: Approx. 35sen |
| Parking Bay per Unit | : 2 lots side by side |
| Developer | : Eco World Development Group Berhad |
| Website | : www.ecoworld.my |
| Sales Gallery | 1 – PT2509 Jalan Paya Terubong, 11500 Paya Terubong, Penang —(opens 10am to 6pm daily / Tel: 04-8275522) 2 – No.119 Macalister Road, 10400 George Town, Penang :-(opens 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm weekends / Tel: 04-2292255) |
| Other projects | 1 – Central region – Eco Sky, Eco Majestic, Eco Sanctuary, Saujana Glenmarie. 2 – Southern region – Eco Botanic, Eco Business Park, Eco Spring, Eco Summer, —-Eco Tropics. 3 – Northern region – Eco Meadows. 4 – United Kingdom – London City Island, Wardiian London, Embassy Gardens. 5 – Australia – West Village |
Eco World Development Group Berhad marks its eagerly-anticipated arrival in the Northern Region of Malaysia with the Eco Terraces condominium in Paya Terubong, Penang. Launched in the middle of 2015, it overall concept, design and lifestyle facilities bring a new standard of high-rise living to the vicinity.
Only a third of its overall plot is earmarked for development – the residential tower and a lifestyle centre. The rest will be allocated for amenities and green spaces so future inhabitants can live in harmony with nature. True to the brand, this is a company hallmark and also a common feature across its other projects in fast-growing locales like the Klang Valley and Iskandar Malaysia.
The group is a public-listed company on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, and according to its website, has about a dozen projects under development, covering close to 5,000 acres. The brand is helmed by some well-known industry players, and through its associates, has also extended internationally to the United Kingdom and Australia, with several offerings in London and Sydney unveiled this year.
The grand entrance of Eco Terraces makes quite a statement (left), while its wide open gardens provide wholesome recreational spaces (right) (Source: ecoworld.my)
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Project Details
Those who yearn to live amidst green and wholesome surroundings, would likely be drawn to what Eco Terraces has to offer. Being one of the few developments with more land dedicated to landscaping compared to built-up elements, it is envisaged as a serene haven away from the bustling pulse of city life.
According to the developer, only 30% of the overall 12.79 acre plot at the base of a hill along the Jalan Paya Terubong main road, will be developed. This comprises the main residential tower, lifestyle centre, access roads and other infrastructure. Eco-minded folk would be pleased to know that the remaining land would be set aside for green and natural features.
In its plans are wide open lawns with gazebos, sensory gardens, putting green and landscaped walkways set against a terraced hillside. Also mentioned are water features, like a natural waterfall that flows from a cliff behind the property during rainy seasons. These are meant to afford future inhabitants conducive spaces for leisure and recreation.
Eco Terraces’ 33-storey tower is laid out in a V shape, and contains 333 condominium units sized between 1,095 sq ft to 2,008 sq ft. Those who are mindful about density should take note that there are 14 units per floor, higher than many other upscale residential high-rises on the market.
Diagram showing the positions of the various unit types on each floor (Source: ecoworld.my)
Artist renditions show the facade to be aesthetically modern, with lots of glass and clean lines. Juxtaposed against the more utilitarian looking, low and medium cost apartment buildings in the vicinity (see ‘Location’ section below), this project stands out.
Its smallest units, Type A, measure 1,095 sq ft and come with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Couples, young executives, retirees or small families might find the compact space just nice for their needs. The Type B is slightly larger at 1,366 sq ft, and has a similar 3+2 bedroom and bathroom configuration. All Type Bs face the hill behind the development (which for the lower floors, means there is not much of a view), while the Type As have a mixture of city and hill views.
The layout of the Type A (left) and Type B (right) units (Source: ecoworld.my)
Type C corner units at 1,520 sq ft are dual-key, with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. One of the bedrooms, with an attached bathroom, can be separated and turned into a standalone studio unit. This could be a useful arrangement for different generations of the same family to live near each other, yet have privacy and spaces of their own. Some buyers might also consider making it a rental option.
![007 Eco Terraces Type C]()
The distinctive dual keys Type C unit (Source: ecoworld.my). Interior of the Type C, with bedroom 2 shown here converted into a study (source: Eco Terraces brochure.
The two-level Type D duplexes are most spacious at 2,008 sq ft. These have 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 1 powder room. The living area has a double volume ceiling with a vast windows that give a sense of airyness. And with entrances on both levels, there is the convenience of entering bedrooms on the upper floor directly. All the Type C and D units have city views.
The upper and lower level layouts of the Type D duplex (Source: ecoworld.my)
There is a purpose behind the tower’s V-shaped layout. Recognising that the existing apartments opposite the development are not exactly captivating sights, the builders have angled it in such a way so that part of the tower looks towards the nearby Air Itam and Bandar Baru Air Itam (Farlim) skylines instead.
The modern and stylish interior design of Eco Terraces’ show unit (Source: Eco Terraces brochure)
On the inside, the Eco Terraces’ condominiums utilise practical, rectangular layouts. This maximizes space and make it easy for homeowners to match furniture. For convenience, the developer gives buyers the option of having units fully fitted, or fully fitted and furnished upon delivery. While this comes at a price, it negates the hassle of major renovations prior to moving in.
These provisions include air conditioners for all living areas and bedrooms, wardrobes for the bedroom, and water heater, mirror and vanity top for the bathrooms. For the kitchen, there are cabinets, hood, hob, oven, sink and refrigerator. Digital locksets for the main doors, laminated timber flooring in bedrooms, porcelain tiles in common areas, and fibre optic high speed broadband, are also included in the package.
The array of lifestyle amenities here, spread across several zones, is comprehensive and what one would expect of a project of this standard nowadays. Directly in front of the tower would be a multi-tiered swimming pool with Jacuzzi, floating beds, aqua gym and kid’s wading pool. Due to the nature of the land, this area is elevated from the public street level, whilst being slightly lower than the tower’s main lobby and driveway. Thus, one can enjoy a dip away from prying eyes.
The multi-tiered swimming pool just in front of the main lobby, and the gymnasium above it (Source: ecoworld.my)
Besides a gymnasium above the lobby, there is also a separate lifestyle centre located a short distance away. Thus, any noise from these facilities, should not affect residents in the tower too much. Currently serving as a sales gallery, it would be converted upon the project’s completion to have facilities like a multi-purpose hall, karaoke lounge, golf simulation room, theatre, playground, barbeque deck and more.
Adjacent to this would be an acre of elevated gardens (as mentioned near the top of this section). Meanwhile, surrounding the development would be a boardwalk trail that leads to more gardens and a meditation deck. Fancy a jog or yoga session?
Safe to say that one would be able to enjoy many of the perks of living in a landed property, in the elevated luxury of a high-rise here. And from the grand entrance to individual units, there are multiple layers of security features for peace of mind. Construction for Eco Terraces have already begun, with completion scheduled for 2019. As of Q4 of 2015, the take up rate has been reported at around 70%.
The Eco Terraces site – showing the current sales gallery which would later be converted into the lifestyle centre (left) and the elevated land backed by a cliffside upon which the main tower would be constructed (right)
Location
Paya Terubong, also known as ‘Long Boey’ in the local Hokkien dialect, is located in the heart of Penang Island amidst rolling hills. Like many other places throughout Malaysia, its Malay name is derived from geographical and natural features early settlers observed in the area – in this case a prevalent type of grass.
To the north of it, is the established and vast township known as Air Itam, itself named after a stream with relatively darker waters. To its south, over a hilly ridge, is the fast-growing Relau, which is believed to take its name from charcoal furnaces that used to operate there. Both are connected via the aforementioned Jalan Paya Terubong.
Aerial view showing the location of Eco Terraces and Paya Terubong, in relation to other parts of Penang Island (Source: Google Earth)
While Paya Terubong today is a densely populated neighbourhood, that was not always the case. In the 1950s, 60s and early 70s, it comprised mostly of farmland and plantations. By the 1980s, the growing need for land saw its hill slopes gradually being cleared for development, and one by one, the rustic settlements made way for landed houses, apartments, and small business premises.
Most of them can still be seen in the area today. The high-rise blocks, the majority being low and medium cost dwellings, have steadily increased in numbers. Many are rundown, and in dire need of new coats of paint or sprucing up. While in decades past the inhabitants here were mostly working-class locals, in recent times (due to cheaper rents compared to other prime locations), more and more foreign workers have called it home. This could be a concern for potential buyers, whether it is for own stay or as an investment.
But still, with its central location and good connectivity to various parts of the island, some might want to take the plunge anyway. It is approximately 12km away from the George Town city center, or approximately 25 minutes’ drive on a good day.
Some of the existing low and medium cost high-rise apartments in Paya Terubong, which could definitely use a facelift
Commute times vary according to when you travel, as traffic on roads leading out of the area, via Air Itam and Relau, is notoriously congested during peak hours like the morning rush, lunchtime and evenings. With the sheer number of population in these parts of Penang, and many roads not built to sustain current peak traffic volumes, it invariably leads to many frustrating gridlocks. It is not uncommon to take upwards of an hour, sometimes even two, to reach destinations like George Town or Bayan Lepas when the jams are at their worst.
Aerial view of the Eco Terraces site, adjacent to the Jalan Paya Terubong main road, and other low and medium cost apartments in the vicinity (Source: Google Earth)
On their part, Eco World has upgraded a stretch of Jalan Paya Terubong directly in front of the development to a 100ft wide dual carriageway. However, some other sections of the main artery still remain only one lane wide each way, invariably slowing down movement. This could be alleviated in the coming years, as the State Government is set to build a new paired road between Farlim and Bukit Jambul. In the meantime, public transport is available via RapidPenang routes 201, 202, 203, 301 and 306.
Amenities wise, there are old-fashioned coffee shops, hawker stalls, food courts, convenience shops, medicine halls and a makeshift roadside market in the immediate vicinity. Econsave Supermarket on the fringes of nearby Farlim is the closest shopping option. Just a little deeper in that township’s commercial hub is Sunshine Farlim, various eateries like Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s Drive-Thru and Pizza Hut, small cafes, standalone shops, clinics and the All Seasons Place strip mall.
Nearby Econsave is the closest shopping option (left), while there are also various eateries, shops, banks and other amenities in the Farlim commercial hub (right)
For now, the full retail and lifestyle experience can only be had in places like Queensbay Mall, Kompleks Bukit Jambul, Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon Mall, 1st Avenue or Straits Quay, all a considerable drive away.
But with Sunway Property about to construct an integrated development on 24-acre plot just down the road from Eco Terraces in the coming years, one will have an alternative closer to home. Set to kick off sometime in 2016, the RM1.5billion project would have commercial lots, Small-office Home-office units, high-rise residences and a 1.4 million sq ft shopping mall.
The McDonald’s Drive-Thru and Caltex station in Farlim (left), and the upcoming integrated development by Sunway Property just down the road from Eco Terraces in Paya Terubong (right)
Among other conveniences, there is a Petronas petrol station right next to the project. There is another Caltex station near the junction with Lebuhraya Thean Teik opposite Econsave, though it should also be noted that there is a large Chinese cemetery managed by the United Hokkien Association on the other side of said intersection. Also close by are attractions like the famous Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill, and several public schools.
Analysis
On first impressions, the average price of around RM850 psf for Eco Terraces may seem steep for the area. But then again, there aren’t any developments offering such a lifestyle and standard in Paya Terubong – which for various reasons like those stated above – is not considered one of Penang’s prime residential addresses.
Look further at more preferred locales like Gurney Drive, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, George Town, Bayan Baru, Bayan Indah or even Relau, then one finds parity. The range between RM800 to RM1,100 psf is the prevailing trend for upscale residential high-rises – whose nice concepts, excellent amenities and luxurious touches elevate them above the typical condominium, yet are not bluechip properties which would command prices in the millions of Ringgit.
| Name | Location | Tenure / Land Title | Average Price PSF | Maintenance Fee PSF | Approx. Price for Typical Unit |
| Eco Terraces | Paya Terubong | Freehold | RM 850 | RM 0.35 | RM 900,000 |
| The Tamarind (E&O) | Seri Tanjung Pinang | Freehold | RM 800 | RM 0.25 | RM 800,000 |
| Setia Sky Vista (SP Setia) |
Relau | Freehold | RM 780 | RM 0.35 | RM 800,000 |
Summary
All things considered, the Eco Terraces makes a compelling case. Though luxury and comfort comes at a price, many have been willing to take the plunge. Partly due to the allure of having a vast expanse of greens surrounding living spaces equipped with all modern comforts, and partly due to the Eco World brand, whose excellent track record speaks for itself.
On the flipside, Paya Terubong is not a prestigious nor affluent area, with surroundings that are rather more working-class. And investors might feel that rental demand may not be as high as those in more prime localities. Commuting could also be an issue, as traffic jams are a common occurence.
But if one is willing to look past these drawbacks, and be content with losing themselves in a lush haven of comforts, then Eco Terraces is just as good, if not better, than other developments of a similar class on the market.
Location of Eco Terraces in the heart of Penang Island (Source: ecoworld.my)
