LINE ROHDE-JAKOBSEN is a Norwegian expat living in Kuala Lumpur. We find out about her neighbourhood, favourite shopping spots, places to eat and things to do in Damansara Heights, where she keeps herself busy as ‘the CEO of the Rohde-Jakobsen family’!
# An overview of your KL neighbourhood, Bukit Damansara
What’s the name of your street?
Jalan Batai Barat.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood?
That it’s old, empty area. But it’s growing all the time and becoming a great place to live.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver or rideshare driver to get home?
I say that they need to be careful about all the dogs roaming in the street I live in!
Closest MRT or LRT station, if any?
The MRT is very close – Semantan Station on the Kajang Line.
How long have you lived here? Why here?
Three years – we moved to Damansara Heights during COVID as we needed more outdoor space and also wanted to have dogs.
# Out and about in Damansara Heights
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see?
Jungle, with houses in between. I love being so close to nature, but I wish the lizards didn’t find my garden the best place to sunbathe!
What’s the closest store to your front door?
Plaza Batai. It has lots of good places to eat, shop and also work out.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be?
Strays, because we have at least 30 stray dogs roaming the streets at night.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of?
Less parking in front of our gate.
# The best things about living in Damansara Heights
What are your three favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood?
- Chica Bonita has the best food. It’s a go-to whenever I’m craving fajitas and margaritas.
- Sticky Wicket has some of the best nasi lemak I’ve eaten.
- DV, for when our cravings for Italian food are too strong!
What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood?
I love a good shopping mall, and we have plenty around here. But my preference is still Mid Valley Megamall. No matter where I live in KL, it will be my go-to mall. It has some of my favourite stores like Sans Sans, Jaya Grocers and, of course, Uniqlo.
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood?
Riding bikes and going for leisure walks. There’s always something new to find when walking around the area. Also, Plaza Damas, which is very close to us, has cosy places to eat as well as a pharmacy, dentist and vet.
What’s one thing you’d never change?
The vibe – the people of Malaysia are super friendly and welcoming. Plus, they also like to go shopping!
How about one thing you would change?
The litter that people seem to find fit to just throw out whenever it suits them. There are bins but some people still feel that it’s okay to use the streets as dumping grounds.
If the city gave you a million ringgit to soup up your street, how would you use it?
Without doubt, I would build homes for the stray dogs and make certain that we would keep the population of them to a minimum.
# Exploring other parts of Kuala Lumpur
Aside from Damansara Heights, what are your favourite KL spots for taking out-of-town guests?
- Siu Siu, a favourite spot to have Chinese food
- Chica Bonita for Mexican food
- Rakuzen for sushi
- Din Tai Fung for dumplings
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go?
I love the museums that KL offers – they’re full of rich history. The National Museum and the Islamic Art Museum are my favourites.
If you’re missing home, what do you do?
I light candles and snuggle under a blanket with a cup of tea. Especially when it rains, then Bergen, Norway, feels closer to heart.
If you’re also living in Kuala Lumpur and want to share the best of your neighbourhood with others, just email us at contribute@expatliving.sg with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.
Enjoyed reading about living in Damansara Heights in Kuala Lumpur? Now read about an expat family in Mont Kiara.
