What is Bangsar South and Why Are Expats Moving Here?
Bangsar South is one of Kuala Lumpur’s newer and most rapidly developed neighborhoods — a sleek, master-planned area built with modern urban living in mind. Despite its name,Bangsar South isn’t actually part of Bangsar. It sits just to the south of it, between Kampung Kerinchi and Pantai Dalam, and offers a very different experience: high-rise condos, office towers, medical centers and malls, all ina compact, walkable district.
It’s clean, efficient, and very popular with working professionals, especially those in tech, startups and finance. The infrastructure is modern, the location is strategic, and everything from groceries to gyms to dining is just a short elevator ride away.
Why expats choose Bangsar South:
· Modern condos with great facilities
· Connected to LRT and major highways
· Close to Mid Valley, KL Sentral, and Bangsar
· Walkable area with cafes, co working spaces, and medical centers
· Fast-growing international community
If KLCC is the heart of the city and Bangsar is the soul, Bangsar South is the sharp, efficient middle ground. It’s perfect for people who want convenience, connectivity and comfort— all in one place.
1. Housing and Condos in Bangsar South
Housing in Bangsar South is mostly high-rise, with a mix of new luxury developments and more budget-friendly serviced apartments. The entire area has been designed around condo living, with green pockets, pedestrian bridges, and plenty of underground parking.
Popular condo buildings:
· The Vertical Suites & Residences – Sleek, modern units with access to cafes, offices and direct MRT connection.
· South View – A more affordable option with excellent access to the LRT and surrounding amenities.
· KL Gateway Residences – Built above a mall and directly connected to the LRT; very convenient for commuters.
· The Park Residences– High-end finishes, park views, and walking access to Nexus and The Sphere.
· Camellia Serviced Suites– Hotel-style living with great service and amenities.
Rent prices (general range):
· 1-bedroom condos: RM2,500 to RM 4,000/month
· 2-or 3-bedroom units: RM 3,500 to RM 6,000/month
· Penthouse or luxury suites:RM 7,000 and up
Condos here often include pools, gyms, playgrounds, BBQ areas and security. Many units are fully furnished and ready to move into — which is ideal for new arrivals.
2. Schools and Curriculum Options
While Bangsar South doesn’t have large international school campuses within its borders, it’s strategically located near several major education hubs. This makes it a great base for families who want modern city living but with easy access to schools.
Top schools nearby:
Cempaka International School – Located in Damansara Heights, about 20 minutes away. Offers British curriculum and IGCSEs. 🌐 cempaka.edu.my
The British International School Kuala Lumpur (BSKL) – Around 30–35 minutes’ drive in Bandar Utama.Full UK curriculum and excellent facilities. 🌐 britishschool.edu.my
Alice Smith School (Primary)– Located about 25 minutes away in Jalan Bellamy. One of the most reputableBritish schools in Malaysia. 🌐 alice-smith.edu.my
Sri KDU International School – Offers British curriculum and IB in Subang Jaya, around 30 minutes away.
Mont’Kiara International School (MKIS) – American curriculum, around 25–30 minutes depending on traffic. 🌐 mkis.edu.my
Preschools in and near Bangsar South:
· The Little Tree House @ KL Gateway Mall
· Learning Fresh Kindergarten (Pantai Hillpark)
· Taska Tulip – Local preschool with an international-friendly approach
· Julia Gabriel Centre– Expressive learning, located nearby in Bangsar
Most schools in the area offer transport services or are accessible by LRT, Grab or private driver.
3. Transport and Accessibility
Bangsar South is one of the best-connected neighborhoods in KL for public transport. It sits directly on the Kelana Jaya LRT Line and is also linked to major roads like the FederalHighway, NPE and SPRINT.
LRT Stations:
· Kerinchi Station –Right next to KL Gateway
· Universiti Station –Walking distance to Nexus and The Vertical
There are also free shuttlebuses that loop through the business and residential areas, especially during office hours.
For drivers, Bangsar South is about:
· 10minutes to Bangsar
· 15minutes to KL Sentral
· 20minutes to KLCC (depending on traffic)
Grab is reliable, and most condo buildings have dedicated pick-up and drop-off points.
4. Healthcare
This area is also a mini medical hub, with several top-notch healthcare providers within walking distance or a very short drive.
Nearby hospitals and clinics:
Life Care Diagnostic Medical Centre – A comprehensive specialist and diagnostics centre in The Horizon.Known for health screenings, dental, cardiology, and general practice. 📍 The Horizon, Bangsar South 📞+603-2241 3610 🌐 lifecare.com.my
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur –Just a 5-minute drive away. Full-service hospital with specialists, emergency care, and a maternity ward. 📍 Jalan Bukit Pantai 📞 +603-2296 0888
Klinik Mediviron Bangsar South– Affordable and fast for minor ailments and prescriptions. 📍 Nexus, Bangsar South 📞 +603-2242 1182
Gleneagles KualaLumpur – About20 minutes away in Ampang. More premium, international-feeling hospital.
Insurance advisory:
Melbourne Capital Group provides insurance guidance and expat-specific healthcare plans. 📞 +60 3-2935 9500 🌐 melbournecapitalgroup.com
5. Grocery and Shopping
Living in Bangsar South means most of your shopping needs are just downstairs.
Supermarkets:
Village Grocer @ KL Gateway Mall– A full-service grocery store with plenty of imported and local items. Great produce, meat, and dairy selection.
Jaya Grocer @ TheSphere –Another solid option. Reliable, well-stocked, and within walking distance of most condos.
Hero Market (Pantai Hillpark) – More affordable with everyday staples.
Convenience:
You’ll also find FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, myNEWS, Watsons, Guardian, and various local pharmacies all within short walking distance.
Delivery via GrabMart, HappyFresh, and Redtick is fast and reliable in this area.
6. Restaurants and Cafés
Bangsar South is underrated when it comes to food. You’ll find everything from modern Asian fusion toJapanese, Korean, Middle Eastern and great coffee.
Restaurants worth checking out:
· Botanica+ Co – A beautiful greenhouse-style café with modern comfort food.
· Bakar by Big Group –Trendy grill spot with bold Malaysian flavours.
· Cocott’ – French comfort food with a casual twist.
· SimpleLife –Healthy, vegetarian-friendly local dishes.
Cafés and coffee:
· UnionArtisan Coffee– Strong coffee, industrial vibe, good for remote work
· SunbatherCoffee –Japanese-style café with matcha drinks and creative bites
· Ziffy Café – Bright and modern, great brunch menu
You’ll also find KoreanBBQ, ramen shops, Indian fusion, bubble tea cafés and more throughout TheSphere, Nexus and KL Gateway Mall.
7. Fitness and Sports
Most condo buildings in Bangsar South have their own gyms and pools. But if you want to branch out, there are plenty of commercial options too.
· Anytime Fitness –24-hour gym with cardio and weights
· Club360 – Group training, boxing, and physiotherapy
· Fitology – Functional fitness, HIIT, and wellness-focused programs
· ChiFitness @ Nexus– Full-service gym with classes and personal training
If you prefer outdoor workouts, the pedestrian-friendly layout and nearby parks make for decent jogging routes. There are also fitness bootcamps and yoga meetups in the evenings.
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8. Lifestyle Perks of Living in Bangsar South
Living in Bangsar South is about balance. You get the efficiency of a business district with the live ability of a residential area. It’s polished but not stiff, modern but not soulless.
What stands out:
· You can walk to work, your gym, your café and your clinic.
· It’s one of the few places in KL where a car is optional.
· The area is clean, green and well-managed.
· You’re minutes from Bangsar, Mid Valley and KL Sentral.
It’s not a neighborhood for everyone. If you’re looking for a charming street market or a decades-old café, you might find it a little too new. But if convenience, design and connectivity are high on your list, Bangsar South delivers.
It’s especially well-suited for young professionals, digital nomads, couples without kids, or families who prioritise modern comfort and easy access to the rest of the city.
