The clue is in the name Kuala Lumpur City Centre, or KLCC, as it is better known.
While other areas of the Malaysian capital such as Bangsar, Bukit Bintang and Chinatown offer energy and cultural ballast in equal supply, it is hard to overlook KLCC’s potent mix of attractions and amenities.
An entertainment, commercial and business focal point, it is home to some of the most distinctive landmarks in Malaysia (such as Petronas Twin Towers and Menara KL Tower), boasts extensive dining and accommodation options and is coveted by developers and investors alike.
It doesn’t get much more luxe than this 41-storey high-rise, which consists of 1,040 residential units ranging from studio apartments to sprawling three-bedroom condos.
With both indoor and sky gymnasiums for fitness buffs, as well as an infinity pool, swimming pool and wading pool for the little ones, this centrally-located complex is designed to please even the most discerning tenants.
The aforementioned amenities would already be more than sufficient for a somewhat more modest development, but The Elements takes it a step further with perks including a spa, sauna, wine cellar, formal dining hall, and an open bar for larger private parties and events.
As one might expect of such an opulent abode, the security systems here are top-tier.
“Take your place among society’s most prestigious,” boasts the website for this unabashedly posh integrated mixed-use development smack in the centre of the metropolis.
Designed by NRY Architects, these six skyscrapers loom large over Kuala Lumpur’s already vertiginous skyline. Upon completion, the complex will feature a luxury hotel – complete with spa and fine dining restaurant – a green space said to be loosely modelled after both London’s Hyde Park and New York City’s Central Park, and NAZA Tower, a 50-storey office building designed to lure elite companies.
The Residences, two towers with a combined 912 units, offer sweeping views plus extras such as an Olympic-size swimming pool, a miniature cinema, a kids’ play room, a sauna, and a sky gym and deck.
It is set to open fully in 2018, but given the level of buzz, interested parties should enquire early to snag a unit.
3. Mama San
Will Meyrick, the award-winning Scottish chef and cookbook author caused quite a stir when he and his chef partner Palm Amatawet opened this branch of his culinary empire near KLCC Park.
While his earlier ventures focused solely on Indonesian cuisine, this outpost offers a broader range of Asian styles in a slick, retro space inspired by 1920s Shanghai. Options include Balinese-style barramundi, which comes smothered with sambal and wood-roasted to crisp-skinned glory, southern Thai-style beef in a fiery yellow curry, or a contemporary spin on Indonesian dedang belado made with tender, slow-braised short ribs.
While the food is exceptional, the city’s beautiful people come strictly to soak in the vibe and sip on Asian-inflected craft cocktails.
Although Kuala Lumpur’s cultural scene has expanded immeasurably since grown by bounds since this iconic gallery opened the doors to its current location in 1995, it remains one of the city’s finest.
Given that it’s backed by an oil cooperation and situated in the Petronas Towers, one could be forgiven for assuming that Galeri Petronas leaned towards the mainstream. Yet despite its glossy facade, this is a serious art showcase dedicated to shedding light on both established and lesser-known local talent.
In addition to a peerless collection of works by Malaysian artists, the place hosts classes for different age groups and workshops to help educate the public about contemporary art. Since 2014, the gallery has sponsored a prestigious contest that gives rising Malaysian stars the chance to win substantial prizes.
Despite all the high-so trappings, KLCC still harbours its share of quirky, offbeat gems. Basheer Graphic Books, a specialist in rare and tricky-to-find volumes, is one such find.
The brightly illuminated shop is a treasure trove of graphic design, architecture, fashion, art and interior design tomes. Hundreds upon hundreds of books make this ill suited for a quick shopping trip, but ideal for a long, leisurely browsing session.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff who are just as passionate about the subject matter as most of the customers make it that much easier to while away the hours here.
6. The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel
Opened in 2015, this clever industrial-chic boutique is a haven for creative types and visionaries.
Accommodations are decked out in suitably mod furniture and range from small, but stylish rooms up to the eight spacious Journal suites. Both dining venues are as popular with local residents as they are with hotel guests.
As its name implies, Bounty serves up a wide variety of continental cuisine – think lamb moussaka with creamy béchamel or Angus beef cheek braised in Guinness until near collapse – while The Shack, a casual, open-air beer garden, offers less refined fare designed to soak up libations from the ample drinks menu.
This story was originally published on www.property-report.com on 17 July 2016
