What is Damansara and Why Do Expats Like It?
Damansara isn’t a single neighborhood — it’s more of a collection of affluent suburbs and residential areas spread across the western side of Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Within “Damansara,” you’ve got multiple sub-areas like Damansara Heights, Kota Damansara, Mutiara Damansara, and Bandar Utama. While each has its own character, they all share some common traits: greenery, space, upscale living and family-friendly vibes.
Expats are especially drawn to Damansara Heights (Bukit Damansara), often called the “Beverly Hills of KL.”It’s low-density, peaceful, and filled with embassies, landed homes, and classy restaurants. Other areas like Mutiara and Kota Damansara offer more modern condos and retail hubs.
Why expats choose Damansara:
· Lush, hilly surroundings with a suburban feel
· Large houses and low-rise condos
· Close to top international schools and business districts
· Great food scene, from cafés to fine dining
· Easy access to highways, shopping malls, and nature parks
If you want a slightly quieter life without sacrificing connectivity or comfort, Damansara is definitely worth a look.
1. Housing and Condos in Damansara
Damansara is one of the few areas in KL where you can still get a spacious home, a private garden, and some real peace and quiet — all while being just 15 to 20 minutes from the city.
Common housing types:
· Landed homes(bungalows, semi-detached, link houses) in Damansara Heights and TTDI
· Modern condos inBandar Utama and Mutiara Damansara
· Town houses and serviced apartments around Kota Damansara and Tropicana
Popular residential developments:
· Damansara Heights Bungalows – Large standalone homes, many newly renovated or architect-designed
· Twins @ Damansara Heights – Luxury high-rise with excellent views and security
· Gaya Bangsar –Mid-rise with solid layouts, popular with smaller families
· Sunway Damansara –Newer developments with clubhouse access and community parks
· Tropicana Gardens –Modern, connected to a mall and MRT, great for professionals
Price ranges:
· Landed homes: RM8,000 – RM 25,000/month depending on size and location
· Condos (2–3 bedrooms): RM 3,000 – RM 7,000/month
· High-end penthouses or luxury condos: RM 10,000 and up
Damansara offers a good mix or families, long-term expats, and professionals who want more living space without going too far from the city.
2. Schools and Curriculum Options
Education is a major draw for families moving to Damansara. Some of the city’s most prestigious international schools are located nearby, covering British, American, and IB curriculums.
Top international schools near Damansara:
The British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL)
Located in Bandar Utama. Offers a full British curriculum from early years toA-Level, and is known for strong academics and a supportive school culture.
🌐 britishschool.edu.my
Mont’ Kiara International School (MKIS)
About 20–25 minutes away. American curriculum with IB Diploma. Excellent facilities and extracurriculars.
🌐 mkis.edu.my
Garden International School (GIS)
One of the oldest and most respected British schools in KL. Located in MontKiara.
🌐 gardenschool.edu.my
Sri KDU International School
Offers British curriculum and IB, located in Kota Damansara. Affordable and growing in popularity.
HELP International School
A solid option offering British curriculum and a strong local and international mix. Located in Subang Bestari.
Pre schools in Damansara:
· White Lodge –International preschool chain with British-based curriculum
· Choo Choo Train –Play-based early childhood centre with strong reviews
· TheChildren’s House– Montessori approach, various branches nearby
· Peter & Jane –Structured learning with a good reputation among expat families
Most schools and preschools offer bus routes that cover all the Damansara areas, or are easily accessibleby car.
3. Transport and Commuting
Damansara isn’t a place where you’d rely only on public transport — most residents drive or use Grab.That said, parts of the area are now well-served by the MRT and LRT networks.
Key MRT stations:
· Pusat Bandar Damansara– connects directly to Semantan, Muzium Negara and KL Sentral
· Bandar Utama MRT –links to Tropicana Gardens, Kota Damansara and beyond
· TTDI MRT – close to many condos and family-friendly areas
Major highways:
· Sprint Express way
· LDP (Lebuhraya Damansara–Puchong)
· Penchala Link
· Federal Highway
Driving into the citytakes:
· 10–15 minutes to KL Sentral
· 15–20 minutes to KLCC (non-peak)
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially along the Sprint or near Mid Valley. But most people adjust their schedules or work remotely part of the week.
4. Healthcare in Damansara
You won’t need to go far for medical care. Damansara is full of modern clinics, dental centers, and some of the most trusted private hospitals in the Klang Valley.
Hospitals and medical centers:
Thomson HospitalKota Damansara
Full-service private hospital with maternity, paediatrics, surgery and wellness screening. Very popular with families.
📍 Kota Damansara
📞 +603-6287 1111 🌐 thomsonhospitals.com
KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital
Located in Damansara Utama. Well-established with a broad range of specialists.Known for its paediatric care and gynaecology departments.
📞 +603-7718 1000 🌐 kpjdamansara.com
Clinics and dental care:
· Bangsar Dental Specialist Centre – Cosmetic and family dentistry
· Klinik Mediviron (multiple branches) – Affordable and good for general consultations
· Qualitas Health – GP services, blood tests, and vaccinations
Pharmacies like Guardian, Watsons and CaringPharmacy are found in every major commercial area and mall.
5. Grocery Stores and Shopping
One of Damansara’s biggest perks is its shopping scene — you’ll find everything from luxury malls to wet markets and neighborhood minimarts.
Main supermarkets:
Village Grocer – Found in multiple malls (BSC, 1Utama, Atria). Great for imported products.
Jaya Grocer – Reliable and easy to navigate. Located in Starling Mall and Centrepoint.
Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.)– Premium groceries, wine, deli and bakery sections. Located in Publika and DC Mall.
Hero Market – Budget-friendly with a decent selection of local brands.
TMC Bangsar – Slightly outside Damansara but popular with expat families.
Local markets:
· TTDI Wet Market –Legendary among KL locals for fresh produce, meat, seafood and herbs.
· Kota Damansara Market– Good for fruits, snacks, and local ingredients.
Online delivery via Happy Fresh, Grab Mart, Potboy and Redtick is reliable and fast in this area.
6. Restaurants and Cafés in Damansara
If you love to eat, you’re in luck. Damansara is a food paradise with everything from hole-in-the-wallhawker stalls to sleek fine dining.
Local gems:
· Capital Nasi Dagang –Authentic East Coast Malaysian food in TTDI
· Village Park Nasi Lemak– Iconic, often-crowded, but worth the hype
· Acha Curry House –Indian banana leaf meals with plenty of kick
· Ribs King – Local favourite for grilled meats and casual bites
Cafés and brunch spots:
· Kenny Hills Bakers –Known for its pastries, bread and coffee
· Lisette’s Café & Bakery @ Damansara – Bright, fresh, and friendly
· Common Man Coffee Roasters – Strong brunch game and great espresso
· Flakes Café –Stylish, Australian-inspired café in The Hub
Dinner and date nights:
· Uovo – Italian with serious wine and ambience
· Ploy – Asian fusion with cool interiors and consistently good food
· Sitka – Modern European with seasonal local ingredients
· Cava – Spanish tapas and wine bar tucke dinto quiet Damansara Heights
7. Fitness and Sports in Damansara
Damansara is a dream if you like to stay active. Whether you’re into pilates, hiking or lifting heavy, there’s something nearby.
Gyms and studios:
· Anytime Fitness –24-hour access and multiple branches in the area
· Chi Fitness –Group classes, yoga, spin and personal training
· Babel Fit – Luxe fitness club with spa-like interiors (TTDI)
· F45 Training –High-intensity group training with expat following
Boutique fitness:
· The Flow Studio –Reformer pilates and yoga in Bukit Damansara
· Tribe Boxing Studio– Boxing + HIIT classes in a nightclub-style space
· KXPilates –Australia-based studio that just opened in Kota Damansara
Outdoor options:
· Bukit Kiara Park –Great for walking, trail running and weekend hikes
· Taman Rimba Kiara –Shaded and family-friendly with plenty of space
· Tropicana Golf & Country Resort – Upscale club with tennis, golf, gym and a pool
8. Why Damansara Might Be the Right Fit
Damansara is all about balance. You’re close to the city, but you don’t feel like you’re living in it. You’ve got space, nature, and a proper home — but still have easy access to KL’s best international schools, hospitals, malls and restaurants.
It’s the kind of place that works for:
· Families who want to settle down long-term
· Expats who value peace and privacy
· Professionals who need quick access to work hubs without compromising lifestyle
You’ll meet other expat families, diplomats, business owners and long-time locals. It’s residential without being dull — and stylish without trying too hard.
