The Best Neighbourhoods For Expats In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur ranks among the top cities for expats and a growing number of digital nomads. With comfortable accommodation, decent entertainment, excellent food and strong WiFi, it’s easy to see the capital’s appeal. Discover Culture Trip’s round-up of the best neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur for singles, couples and families.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Expats working for one of the big companies in the city centre often stay in KLCC. Most accommodation includes fully-furnished condominiums and apartments with on-site fitness centres and swimming pools. The spacious apartments are often a haven for families as well as both couples and single expats. KLCC is the best neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur for anyone who wants to stay in a central location in comfort. Most of the city’s world-class shopping centres and malls are within walking distance as well as being in the centre of the entertainment district, the Golden Triangle. But, expect congestion, a fast-paced life and potential noise from the endless construction.

One of the more popular expat area in KL

Damansara Heights

Bangsar

Expats looking for peace will find Bangsar the best neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur. Bungalows, houses and condos give the district variety. Long-term expats prefer living in this part of the city because it has a community-based atmosphere with the bustle of an active neighbourhood. Expect to find plenty of local and mid-range restaurants and bars in Bangsar along with a few shopping centres. Younger expats, both single and couples, tend to choose this neighbourhood. But, the area is relatively old and lacks international schools and day care centres.

Desa Sri Hartamas

Anyone looking to escape the noise and chaos of the city centre tends to stay in Desa Sri Hartamas. After undergoing a major redevelopment in the 1990s, this neighbourhood has quickly become a hotspot for both Western and Eastern expats. Located next to the exclusive Mont Kiara and at the junction of four major expressways, the convenient location gives it both isolation and quick access to the city centre. Accommodation inside this secure district consists of low-rise condos and town houses. Expats often rate this as one of the best neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur for its green spaces in a dense city as well as having a very homey feel. Childcare facilities, as well as a country club and high-end spa facilities, are nearby.

Mont Kiara

Filled with several deluxe bungalows, small houses and high-rise apartments, Mont Kiara provides expats with a selection of high-end accommodation to suit any lifestyle. The residential district tends to appeal to long-term residents and the availability of international schools makes an ideal spot for families. Mont Kiara provides expats with a suburban environment within reach of shopping centres, supermarkets and entertainment. But Mont Kiara isn’t the best neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur for expats without a vehicle, and public transport doesn’t yet reach this part of the city.

Bukit Tunku

For a more exclusive and luxurious residential area, consider buying property or renting in Bukit Tunku. The green space in the heart of Kuala Lumpur provides high-class accommodation in an upscale neighbourhood. If money isn’t an issue or the company offers a generous housing allowance, the luxury condos in Bukit Tunku give the highest level of the lavishness in the city. The exclusivity and comfort make this neighbourhood a haven for Malaysia’s rich and famous.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.