CALEB LOW is a Singaporean living in Kuala Lumpur, where he works as a personal branding consultant. Here, he talks about his condo in Jalan Ampang, in the “Embassy Row” area, just east of the city centre. We also find out what he likes about his neighbourhood and his favourite Kuala Lumpur food spots!
# An overview of your neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur
What’s the name of your street?
It’s Jalan Taman U-thant. Interesting fact: it appears this street in the Jalan Ampang area was named after a Burmese diplomat who served as United Nations Secretary-General in the 1960s.
What’s a common myth or misconception about Embassy Row?
The number one complaint I hear from my Malaysian friends is that the traffic jams here are horrendous. They’re not! Apart from peak hour, the traffic runs pretty smoothly.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home?
“Go to the area between the US Embassy and the China Embassy.”
Closest subway, MRT or LRT station, if any?
Ampang Park and Persiaran KLCC stations. They’re not that close though.
How long have you lived in Jalan Ampang? Why here?
Over a year. My wife’s requirement was to be near her KLCC office. Mine was not to be in a densely built-up area. This place is perfect. It’s across the road from KLCC, yet I have clear unblocked views in a calm and quiet neighbourhood.
# Out and about in Jalan Ampang
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see?
It’s a giant bungalow (most likely owned by a Tan Sri) that has such a special character. It looks like the Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters building from the X-Men films.
What’s the closest store to your front door?
Hock Choon Supermarket.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be?
Crazy Rich Asians 2 – mainly because of the giant bungalow mentioned above.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of?
We are mostly private, shy and reserved. Apart from a cordial hi and bye in passing, we keep to ourselves.
What’s the unofficial uniform of the Embassy Row area?
It’ll be the diplomatic car number plates. There are countless diplomatic cars from all types of countries that drive through this street.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street?
A mass blackout! Every building on this street was affected.
# The best things about living in the Jalan Ampang area
What are your three favourite food spots in the neighbourhood?
- Souled Out. This is the must-visit pub! Great city edge vibes, al fresco yet sheltered, and exhaustive, high-quality food items and beers. And they show football on a giant screen on weekends too.
- Om Burger. One of the best Ramly burgers in KL! Savoury, drippy, messy and so affordable. But you cannot mind the amount of margarine they use.
- Foong Foong Yong Tau Foo. Ampang is known for its Yong Tau Foo, a local cuisine where a fish and pork paste is smeared into vegetables and tofu, then fried/boiled. This place here is legendary and has been operating since 1974.
What are the best places to shop at near Jalan Ampang?
- TRX & Pavilion – the two best malls for your high- and mid-range fashion needs.
- Intermark – there’s a great Jaya Grocer for groceries here, as well as a Sports Direct outlet for fitness gear.
- MyTown Shopping Centre – has one of the two IKEAs in KL, enough said!
Tell us some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood.
Embassy spotting! There’s literally one at every corner of the street. And they vary in design, land/building size, maintenance and facilities. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has a basketball court and even a swimming pool.
Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir lake is a nice spot for walking or jogging.
What’s one thing you’d never change?
The peace and serenity of where we stay while still being in close proximity to KLCC.
How about one thing you would change?
The jams can get pretty bad during peak hour on the major artery roads on Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak that surround the area.
If the city gave you a million ringgit to soup up your street, how would you use it?
Fix the potholes, create more seamless sidewalks, and install more street lamps.
# Exploring Kuala Lumpur beyond the neighbourhood
What are your favourite Kuala Lumpur food spots for taking out-of-town guests?
Personally, I think KL is a great destination for food. And the magic is found in the lesser known places. Here are some of my favourites:
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go?
I believe the real cultural experience comes from going where the locals go. Try eating mamak on a random street in any neighbourhood, visit a night-time pasar malam or drive out to find natural rivers. My favourite places to go to are Kepong, Puchong and Petaling Jaya. They aren’t the Malaysia you see on social media.
If you’re missing home, what do you do?
I’m from Singapore, which is a one-hour flight from KL. I go back every month, so I rarely get to miss home.
# About your condo in Jalan Ampang
- Name of condo: Gallery @ U-thant
- Facilities: 50m lap pool, small but decently equipped gym, squash court, rooftop garden barbecue pits with beautiful views
- Size: The unit sizes here are more than comfortable. Definitely luxurious relative to the tiny shoeboxes Singaporeans are used to.
- New or old: It’s an 11-year-old development
- Walking distance to supermarket: 10 minutes
- Community vibe: We seem to have a good mix of expats from the US, Singapore, China, Denmark, Papua New Guinea and a couple of African nations. The community is mostly private and dignified.
Liked this? Now read about some of the best outdoor activities in Kuala Lumpur and the region!
