Damansara Heights

Rent: RM 7,000 - RM 20,000

Neighborhood Overview

Damansara Heights is the most prestigious address in Kuala Lumpur, an elite neighborhood home to diplomats, CEOs and celebrities. Known as Bukit Damansara, this luxury area features large estates and tree-lined streets.

The area is ideal for those seeking peace and exclusivity while staying close to the city centre. Check our neighborhood guide to compare with other areas of KL.

Rents are among the highest in KL, from RM 8,000 to RM 20,000. Use our budget calculator to plan your expenses. Our address book lists premium services in the area.

Prestigious landed-property living with spacious bungalows, private gardens, and stunning city views in one of KL's most exclusive addresses

Exceptional peace and tranquillity — the quietest and most serene of all KL expat neighbourhoods, with clean air and tree-lined streets

The Semantan MRT station provides excellent public transport connectivity, linking the neighbourhood directly to KLCC and the wider MRT network

Curated high-quality dining and lifestyle options at Pusat Dagangan Damansara, including some of KL's best brunch spots

Unrivalled safety record with active neighbourhood watch, diplomatic security presence, and a very low crime rate

Lifestyle

Pros

+The most prestigious residential address in KL, offering landed property with space, gardens, and privacy
+Exceptional peace, quiet, and safety — ideal for families with young children and high-net-worth individuals
+Semantan MRT station provides excellent connectivity to KLCC and the city centre
+Close proximity to Bangsar, Mid Valley, and 1 Utama for dining and shopping
+Beautiful hilly terrain with panoramic views, cleaner air, and abundant greenery

Cons

−The highest property and rental costs of any KL neighbourhood, placing it beyond many expat budgets
−Limited dining and shopping options within the neighbourhood itself — a car is essential for most errands
−Winding, hilly roads make walking impractical between different parts of the neighbourhood
−Smaller expat community compared to Mont Kiara or Bangsar, which can feel isolating for some newcomers
−Limited condominium options — most properties are large landed homes, which may not suit those seeking apartment living

Transport

Accessible via SPRINT and Federal Highway. Limited public transport. A car is essential. International schools offer bus services to the area.

Schools

ISKL, Cempaka International School and Sri KDU International School are nearby. Check our international schools guide.

Dining

Upscale restaurants and cafes on Jalan Batai and Jalan Birah. Bukit Damansara offers a growing dining scene. Recommended: The Maple Room, The Bung, and The Bread Shop. Check our address book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Damansara Heights the most expensive neighbourhood in KL?

Yes, Damansara Heights is widely considered the most expensive residential area in Kuala Lumpur, with bungalow rentals starting from RM 6,000 and reaching RM 30,000+ per month.

Are there any condominiums in Damansara Heights?

There are a few exclusive low-rise condominiums such as Duta Vista and The Peak, but the neighbourhood is predominantly characterised by landed bungalows and townhouses.

How far is Damansara Heights from the city centre?

Damansara Heights is approximately 5 kilometres from KLCC and about 15 minutes by car. The Semantan MRT station connects the area directly to the city.

What international schools are near Damansara Heights?

Alice Smith School, Garden International School, and the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) are all within a 15-minute drive.

Is Damansara Heights suitable for expat families without a car?

It is challenging. While the Semantan MRT station is excellent for commuting, the neighbourhood's spread-out nature means a car is highly recommended for daily errands and school runs.

Other Neighborhoods

Mont Kiara

RM 5,000 - RM 15,000

Bangsar

RM 4,000 - RM 13,000

KLCC City Centre

RM 5,000 - RM 18,000