Kuala Lumpur/West
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Damansara runs right up to the border between the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state and virtually merges with the city of Petaling Jaya. And just to create some confusion, many areas in the northern part of Petaling Jaya also deemed to be part of Damansara.
Sri Hartamas and Desa Sri Hartamas
Whilst there is nothing typically touristy to see or do in Sri Hartamas this is a fantastic place to really get a feel for Kuala Lumpur. Desa Sri Hartamas in particular has developed into a fantastic little eating area where you can experiment with a wide variety of international food relatively cheaply. The most appealing aspect of this is that most of the food retains its national identity. Of particular interest is sitting down to a Korean BBQ — order bulgogi or sam giup sul — going for steamboat, or joining in the food court when it starts to become busy after eight in the evening.
There is also a reputable dive shop in Desa Sri Hartamas that has a thriving little dive community behind it and runs regular trips out of Kuala Lumpur to a variety of diving spots.
Take a taxi, about RM 10 from the center of KL and about 10 minutes. Ask to be put down at Desa Sri Hartamas. Taxis are easily available to return to the city. Within walking distance is Mont Kiara, an area of towering condominiums, that has a few nice bars, reasonable restaurants (that are more expensive than Sri Hartamas) and a growing expat community.
Get in
By car
This is probably the easiest way to get into the Damansara or Hartamas region.From the city centre, head on to Jalan Kuching going northward and then connect to Jalan Duta, then get into Lebuhraya Sprint and follow the Sri Hartamas sign. Alternatively, one might also use Jalan Parlimen and it will eventually lead to Jalan Duta and Lebuhraya Sprint.
By train
For Sri Hartamas/Mont Kiara (Kuala Lumpur side), the nearest rapid rail station is the Segambut KTM Komuter station. From here, one can take the RapidKL bus route 190 (formerly U7) to reach Mont Kiara and Sri Hartamas. The ride between Mont Kiara/Sri Hartamas and Segambut Komuter station could last between 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the traffic condition.Meanwhile, the closest rapid rail station serving Damansara (Kuala Lumpur side) is the TTDI MRT station at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail.
By bus
Alternatively, one can take the RapidKL Route 190 (formerly U7) bus straightaway from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in downtown Kuala Lumpur and reach Mont Kiara/Sri Hartamas.See
National PalaceApparently, the previous kings (Yang Di-Pertuan Agong) have complained that the present palace at Jalan Istana is small. Needless to say that a larger palace has been built for the ruler. One can get a glance at this gigantic building by going to the main entrance (see geo marker). If the flag is raised up on top of the largest dome of the palace, then the king is inside. Else the king has left the complex. At 11AM each day there is a changing of the guard.
KL Court ComplexIt is said that this Court Complex is the second largest in the world behind the one in India. Although not overly touristy, the arial view of the court resembles a Y-Wing Plane from Star Wars. To get there, Head on to Jalan Khidmat Usaha from Jalan Duta and the court can be seen at your right.
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phone: +60 3-6201 8791address: Jalan DutaThis large mosque, which was opened in 2000, was partly inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The mosque's website is in Malay only. Statistics on the number of tourist visits are given, so it is clearly possible to visit the mosque outside of prayer times, but the website doesn't seem to make clear what arrangements would be needed, so it might be a good idea to call, especially if you're a non-Muslim interested in seeing the interior outside of prayer times. If you are a Muslim and would like to pray at the mosque, prayer times are prominently displayed on the website.
Do
Hiking or mountainbiking in Bukit KiaraThe most popular spot in the whole city to go mountainbiking or hiking. Unfortunately the forest is constantly reduced in size by greedy building developers.
ReflexologyDesa Sri Hartamas probably has the largest number of reflexology centres per unit area in KL.
Buy
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phone: +60 3-6201 7988address: No. 2, Jalan KiaraA bazaar every Thursday, selling food, clothing, toys, household appliances, etc.
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phone: +60 3-62037688address: No. 1, Jalan Kiara
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phone: +60 3-62018353address: No. 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas
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phone: +60 3-62591122address: No. 1, Jalan Metro Prima, Taman Kepong
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Publika
phone: +60 3-62052768address: Jalan Dutamas 1, Hartamas HeightsGreat place with plenty of hip stores. Plenty of food choices and a great supermarket in the basement. -
phone: +60 3-6272 8507address: No.3 Jalan 7A/62A, Bandar Manjalara, Kepong
Eat
Budget
- Safiz Corner. Most probably the cheapest dining outlet in Desa Sri Hartamas. Safiz Corner serves a variety of mamak dishes with good taste and quality. Satay is also available here.
Mid-range
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address: Atria, Damansara JayaJust for meat lovers. The name of this game is meat! Lots of it! Amazing Brazilian meat serviced until you are too full to walk.
Drink
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Bricks & Barrels
phone: +60 12-662 5129address: 76, Jalan 27/70a, Desa Sri HartamasLarge semi-opened air bar and restaurant with good happy hour promotions. Mix of local office workers along with expat who stay in the area. Be prepared to make reservations during large sporting events. Food specialties include wood fire pizzas and plenty of pork dishes. -
phone: +60 3-2300 1955address: 20, Jalan 30/70 A, Sri HartamasOne of the original large restaurants/bars in Sri Hartamas. Always a good time here, drinks and food are of pretty high standards. Note that they do not serve pork here. Large TV and projectors constantly show live sporting events. Be prepared to make reservations for evenings.
Sleep
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The Royal Bintang Damansara
address: 6 Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara DamansaraBeautiful high-end hotel 30 min from the airport, with 6 restaurants and a spa. -
Peninsula Residence All Suite Hotel
phone: +60 3 2084 1515address: 10, Jalan Semantan, 50490Studio and peninsula suites, all equipped with air-conditioner, Internet access, cable TV, and mini-bar. Facilities and services are fitness room/gym, sauna and spa, outdoor swimming pool, and car rental. -
phone: +60 3-6205 6789address: Plaza Damas 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Taman Sri Hartamas