Monte Bayu, Cheras
The first phase to this project was launched some time back (we did a preview of this here before) and the developers are gearing up for the second and last phase within the next month or so.
This project was previously owned by Talam before their spectacular fall from grace (or should we say descent into darkness…), with construction giant IJM coming in to buy out the more promising parcels of land within Talam’s vast landbank in Klang Valley, and Monte Bayu was one of the few. The latter (and their aggrieved housebuyers) would have hoped for IJM to rescue Talam and Kumpulan Europlus, thereby injecting the much needed cash to revived all or most the ailing projects, but it would seem that IJM are fast losing interest to sign the dotted line. Rumour has it that they’ve since found out about numerous technical and authority problems with most of Talam’s so-called ‘can easily launch soon‘ projects, this has probably not helped the pending deal. Besides, it looks like IJM will be channeling their financial resources to buy out their rival Road Builder.
So this plot of land is located on the slopes of a hill, affording and excellent view of the KL city skyline on one side and greenery on the other side. There are plans to develop some landed units with the remainder of the land, but that would probably be some time in the future. Right now, they are working on the foundation of the building and the condo is expected to be handed over mid 2009. While hillside developments may strike concern with buyers these days (not to mention the neighbours), the developers are quick to point out that the condo is sited on a very strong granite hill, plus being the premier building contractor in the country, they are experienced enough to handle it, unlike some two-bit penny pinching contractor.
We tend to agree with this conclusion, taking a drive up to the site, you can clearly see the existing granite rock face which was exposed many years ago when they building the apartments on the way leading up to Monte Bayu. However, we must emphasize that this does not qualify anything, the developer is still very much responsible to adhere to good engineering and building principles, and buyers are encouraged to personally check out the location and ask pertinent questions to them.
To get to this place, turn off the MRR2 at the Jalan Kuari interchange in Cheras, and after driving in for about 2km, you’ll see the sales office. On the hill behind, you can clearly see the huge Monte Bayu billboard located at the 7.85acre site (see photos below). On the road going up the hill, you’ll pass by some light industrial lots, and existing low cost apartments. Some people tend to think of Cheras in a particular way, especially this area near Kampung Baru Cheras. Although this place isn’t as notoriously jammed as the newer areas of Cheras, this isn’t a place most people perceive as a growth or investment area.
According to the salespeople, the hill is part of a government forest reserve.
Below: Some photos taken recently.
Because of the rocky sub-terrain on the hillside, the building has visible quite high stilts, giving it a ‘Genting’ look. This results in features you don’t normally see in other condos – like some floors being lower than the road level (which didn’t turn out to be very popular) and since no sub-structure floors were constructed, there is a massive 7-storey parking annexe to cater for the residents.
This condo is targeted at the entry level market, with minimalistic high density units and competitive pricing. There are only 2 unit types, Type A (830sq.ft) and B1(1,135sq.ft). The earlier launched Block B has 14 floors per unit, whereas the coming Block A 14. Units are either facing towards KL, or the other direction towards Cheras. Some are pool view, too. Due to having so many units per floor, some are intermediate units, and some are corner units with 2 sides of view. However, Block B has a special unit with 3 sides of frontage every floor.
Type A (830sq.ft) has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. No miad or store room. Both baths are equally small, and the yard is about the same size. The rooms are not as small as you’d expect from this unit size. There’s is a balcony. Type B1(1,135sq.ft) is a more spacious version of Type A.
With the unit layout, Type A is more suited for bachelors and renters, especially those looking for a cheap place to stay that is near to the city. That would make the minimalist design and finishing sensible. The view is an added bonus. Type B1, with the larger master bedroom and attaching bath, and would also be the same, but this may also attract small families.
We like the fact that the developer is offering two parking bays per unit, this will reduce (not eliminate) the number of illegal parkers along the road outside the condo so common with other places.
With the large podium above the parking structure, the developer has ample space to put lots of stuff like swimming pools, basketball courts, playground, indoor badminton hall and landscaped parks. There is also a miniscule sky terrace for each tower block. Its one of those things you’ll go and see it the first month of moving in, and not so much after that.
The finishing and specifications are entry level, mostly ceramic tiles all round. Service charge is 16sen psf.
As a whole, IJM has done a pretty good job for this project, working well to capture the target market. The site has a good view, but the surrounding areas would prove to be a hard sell. But this hasn’t really been a problem so far, with most of the units in Block B snapped up. As we mentioned earlier, it suits the young working crowd well, with its proximity to the city via MRR2 (you’ll have to endure the daily Pandan Indah jam, though). But ideally you’ll need your own transport though, the nearest LRT is quite far. You wouldn’t want to walk up the hill everyday. In terms of pricing, it isn’t extremely cheap, (but not expensive either) starting from RM150psf for Type A and RM180psf for the larger B1.
Generally, we liked it. Cheras isn’t for everyone, but it would interest the upgraders from the surrounding matured neighbourhoods. It’s leasehold, but this factor doesn’t weigh so much for the target market, not like say, RM500k bungalows. But it is high density, though, with 530 units in total.
IJM Properties is the property development arm of the conglomerate IJM, which has diverse interests. In the last two years, they’ve aggressively embarked on landbank building, and recently launched a few projects, besides their building projects for other developers (although that is by their construction arm).
| Project Name | Monte Bayu Condominiums |
| Location | Cheras, KL |
| Description | Residential hillside condominiums |
| Land type | Leasehold |
| Land Encumbrances | Nil |
| Development Size | 7.85acres |
| Price | RM176,160 to RM195,360 (Type A) (from about RM150psf) RM263,760 to RM293,760 (Type B1) (from about RM180psf) |
| Unit size | 8,30 to 1,135sq.ft |
| No of units | 530 |
| Launch Date | tower B now available tower A soon |
| Expected Completion | August 2009 |
| Developer | IJM Properties Sdn. Bhd. (subsidiary of the IJM group) |
| Contact | 03 – 4295 4088 |
| Website | www.ijmproperties.com |
It seems quite expensive to pay almost RM300K for a 1,135 sq. feet apartment in Cheras plus its lease hold. I can say that cos I also live in Cheras. For that price, even Bukit Segambut which borders the much sought Mont’ Kiara / Hartamas area is much cheaper plus freehold (right?). Don’t laugh, even Royal Doman is much cheaper and the proximity to KL is also about the same but its freehold.
I suppose the selling point is once you get our of Jalan Kuari to Jalan Cheras, KL is only about 8 km away and with the expansion of Jalan Loke Yew near the UE3 area, the jam in the future will be less. Also, IJM is a strong selling point.
I believe there is a cemetery nearby at Jalan Kuari. Do you think its visible from the apartment.
Comment by preacher — November 10, 2006 @ 10:32 am
hi preacher,
haven’t heard from you for a long time! i think part of the reason why ijm set the price that way was due to the settlement with talam (imo only). RD is in a totally category in terms of quality (!) and i believe ijm are serious in becoming a serious player in prop. im not sure of the cemetery, but it’s hard to imagine what you can see when the condo is up in full height.
Comment by Administrator — November 10, 2006 @ 12:56 pm
Not easy to sell..due to earlier Supreme Precious Sdn Bhd’s fiasco. A private end company belong to Chan Ah Chye..Gradien is too steep. Remember early last year the granite rock slided down in Muda Angkasa’s site & damaged a few DSH? Is at the bottom of this site. How do they managed to put up a high rise at this site???
Comment by Yee Haa — November 30, 2006 @ 3:56 pm
I have full confidence with IJM… personally think this project is good… but… of course… not really suitable for investment, maybe family stay?
Comment by rachel — June 16, 2007 @ 2:27 am
The house is quite expenses on it… but mayb it’s suitable for family stay!!
Comment by Candy — September 17, 2007 @ 12:57 pm
Calling for All Owners of MONTE BAYU!
Let’s all unite, share voices, insider info, site progress updates etc!
Comment by denise wong — November 15, 2007 @ 8:47 pm
Hi, I’ve bought the Type B of the Monte Bayu.
I heard the agent said once the project completed they will be an alternative road specially for IJM residences to avoid the traffic jam, and it sound attractive, and make me decide to buy the home there. what do you think about that?
by the way, do you have any recommended bank for the home loan bcos im looking for it.
Thanks
Comment by CK Wong — November 18, 2007 @ 12:24 am
i heard the management were run by talam.my experience at my place that i stay now.very bad
Comment by yatie — April 5, 2008 @ 1:26 am
cheras area has been all the while a very traffic congested area and location of the condo are coming quite end of the area doesn’t really worth for paying $$$$$$$
Comment by chris — June 7, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Hi..I’ve bought the type A unit.Im a bachelor, aged aged 29 this year 2008..living alone.shouldnt be a problem for me with the 830 sq.f. I hope the management can provide with a good service. Dont mind to pay more. I really focused on quality surrounding, security, hygiene and professionalism. Its a plus point when IJM provide with 2 carparks…Since the oil price rising. I’ve plan to use motorbike as a second vehicle to practice economy. I will joint any association/community in Monte Bayu. See ya in mid 2009!
Comment by hazizi — June 9, 2008 @ 2:10 am
Hello guys!
i just bought this type A unit in sudden! I fall in love at the showroom and immediately booked since there was only 1unit left! Im quite worried because I didnt do reasearch at all for this project. IJM name is the only factor I trust to buy this house. Only 1 year left to complete. Hope everything are fine…
Comment by sarah — August 26, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
hi…may i know the other side of monte bayu- vista panorama is a project by who??? i wentinto the penthouse like haven’t complete yet…..
Comment by James Tan — October 2, 2008 @ 12:07 am
I bought a typbe B1 unit, Block B last year. I truly trust the IJM’s reputation & good track record in building high rise condos. They managed Riana Green very well too. They did some landscaping at the roundabout leading to the condo entrance-beautiful! I hope we will have resident’s assoc / blog / website - will definately support it
Comment by rebecca wong — October 14, 2008 @ 9:00 pm
I’ve bought the type A unit last year..can’t wait to move in…
:)
Comment by yusma — October 15, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
Hi Sarah. I loved the showunit too. I did some research on the project before buying a unit. Basically it is due to the IJM name. Moreover it is located in a quiet area, quite low density neighbourhood. The market is only about 3km away, together with night markets, petrol stations, shops, makan places, school all nearby. My colleague too bought a unit in a different block.
Comment by Stephen Leung — October 18, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
i’ve bought the 830sf wan…for me, if u think this way, you’ve bought a home,but not a house… those problem like congested traffic, lrt far away or bla bla isnota problem… and im happy ive bought a home there… and fully trust and support IJM…
Comment by david ting — October 29, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
Hello.. I own the 1135sf unit. I hope we will have our own website/community blog for Monte Bayu soon! I’m a fitness freak, I really cant wait to work out in the gym, swim in the pool and play badminton there. My wife is a housewife, and knowing that IJM provide 3tier security & cctv monitoring really give her peace of mind.
Comment by kah wai — November 19, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
Hi Kah wai, which blk did u buy? I bought tybe B, Blk B. Anyone bought a unit in Blk B too? My agent told me the price had increased to minimum RM243k now for the 1135sf unit.
Comment by chin — November 19, 2008 @ 7:29 pm
Hi Chin,
Me & my husband bought blk B too but is Type A. Seems like many of us buying is due to the great showroom & its belongs to IJM.
Hi Kah Wai,
Please invite us to your Monte Bayu website. My husband is fitness freak too. I just impress with the pool design, can wait to swim there.
Comment by Celyn Chin — December 8, 2008 @ 3:46 pm
i’ve bought a unit in Block B…and due to recent landslide @ Bukit Antarabangsa made my mom feeling a little bit worried..today i went to their showroom and currently, there is no instruction from gov to stop this project..
i hope there should be no problem because the area is actually a “KUARI” area…if you guys noted that the hill is actually rocky hill..hopefully there is no problem because i can’t wait to move in with my family..
Comment by Khalidia — December 9, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
Dear all Monte Bayu Buyer,
I’ve bought a unit in Block B… further to Khalida comment.. wut do u all think? is it still safe?
Comment by Add — December 9, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
I have a unit in Block B too - the so called ‘Bungalow in the Air’. Now with the recent landslides, I am pretty worried. I want to know that I have bought a home in a safe surrounding for my family. I dont want to ’shiver’ in fright in the month of Nov and Dec when the monsoon hits us. Someone care to enlighten me on this please?
Comment by Rathi — December 10, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
According to a architect friend of mine, as long as the drainage underneath the building is properly done, we should be OK.
Comment by David — December 10, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
Hi Celyn.. Actually I am hoping that someone with the relevant skills can start a community blog/Monte Bayu owners website. My internet skills are just basic lah.. I guess for the time being, this blog is a GOOD starting for us all. May I know is there any owner who can start a website for Monte Bayu owners???
Monte Bayu is located on a very strong granite hill, unlike BUkit Antarabangsa. One can see the rocky terrain when driving up to Monte Bayu. Besides, IJM is a premier & reputable contractor in Msia, also internationally.They have great expertise in high rise buildings/condos…I put my trust in IJM.
My hope is that the condo will be well managed and completed hopefully ahead of schedule. The construction progress is pretty good. Blk A is almost completed, they’re now builing the sky tower. As for Blk B, completing very soon..Hmm just cant wait.
Comment by kah wai — December 11, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
I drove up Bukit Bayu last Sat, saw the landscaping at the small roundabout leading into Monte Bayu. Very beautiful trees and the ’stone design’ looks very unique and well-made. Take a drive up and see the view for yourself from there.
Anyone knows how big is the swimming pool/how deep? I am an owner too.
Comment by Winson LW — December 15, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
Hi, I am wslai, I also bought a unit in block. I am so agree that we must have our own space to unite us and to express our feeling, views and ideas regarding the unit we buy. I am creating a website for this hopefully it will done in end of December 2009. So, hope all of you will come and visit this site. You can visit this site(still under development…) with link: http://sites.google.com/site/onlymonte
Comment by wslai — December 16, 2008 @ 10:28 am
Hi, I am wslai, I also bought a unit in block. I am so agree that we must have our own space to unite us and to express our feeling, views and ideas regarding the unit we buy. I am creating a website for this hopefully it will done in end of December 2009. So, hope all of you will come and visit this site. You can visit this site(still under development…) with link: http://sites.google.com/site/onlymonte
Comment by wslai — December 16, 2008 @ 10:30 am
Hello Lai..Great to hear from you!! I visited the website. Well hope it will be completed soon ya..Congrats!
Comment by chewkh — December 16, 2008 @ 7:17 pm
Hello, I too bought a unit at Blk B type A. Am glad i found this forum. Agreed with wslai to start a site for all the owners of Monte Bayu. At least we can update each others on the progress. Will visit the site later. Thanks
Comment by Dinah L — December 22, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
i’m single and plan to buy a condo and been looking and so found this monte bayu cheras project from the great IJM land constructer.Paid the book and refund it a week later coz after a long personal consideration and and peoples around its really not suit for me…plus this kuari area i known as a cemetery area…starting from the cheras kajang highway into kuari…we all can see the christian cemetary to indian crematory place and monte bayu is really facing the moslem cemetary infact its really close till you can see the steel stand seems like going to it…but the design is beutifull and also run by a good brand of constructor…but buying a house is abig investment and so good luck guys!!!!
Comment by mitch lim — December 26, 2008 @ 9:41 pm
My friend is working at the Monte Bayu site. He told me the view is beautiful and the area very quiet. When looking out from the balcony, one can see the beautiful KL skyline, deifinately KLCC is very visible. IJM is such a reputable developer and quality one too, they are doing at great job.
Im very happy with my purchase of the unit as the price now has increased by RM20K++!
Comment by stephen leung — December 28, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
My hubby and I were looking for a condo in Cheras area, we were plesanatly surprised to hear of Monte Bayu project by IJM . In this current economic downturn, it makes very good sense to buy only from reputable developer. We like the location as it is close to MRRII, and not in a traffic congested area. It takes about 20mins to reach KLCC / Bukit Bintang area.
Comment by susannah — December 28, 2008 @ 8:46 pm
hi…for all monte bayu owner..hope for your support to our own create website. just register & we can share all about monte bayu & you will be updated with monte bayu latest work progress photo & news. let’s us unite & move together waiting for the day of monte bayu completion.
just click: http://sites.google.com/site/onlymonte
Comment by CSLim — December 29, 2008 @ 10:54 am
I beg your pardon Susannah ?? I bet u never see how bad the traffic is
Comment by terrance — January 14, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
Dear Admin,
From your price table:
“RM176,160 to RM195,360 (Type A)
(from about RM150psf)”
How did you calculate RM150psf? If I use RM176160 for 830sf (Type A), I am getting minimum of RM212psf, which is substantially higher!
Comment by Reader — January 29, 2009 @ 8:12 am
hi all monte bayu owners..well,all of us since like can’t wait for the condos to be ready yah??and i think some of us may have the feeling of good and bad after the inccident of Bukit Antarabangsa? Juz forget wat’s going on, if we are worries, we wont live happly..right?why not all of usguys plan for your house design??furniture??? i think we should bz for planing of our own house design??buying wat type of furniture??modern or country feel kitchen’s design n so on….;)
Comment by glbc — February 9, 2009 @ 11:02 pm
I agree with you glbc. Btw may i know what type of unit did you buy? 835sf or 1135sf, or the corner-unit? I like Ikea furniture,the prices are affordable too.
Comment by moon — February 10, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
Hopefully after the Bukit Antarabangsa incident, developer will be more careful about hillslope development especially implementing and design good water drainage system. I’ve visited the Monte Bayu recently, i m not an expert but i think IJM did very good job on it. Well, you can all go and visit site yourself, u can now drive right in the road leading to sh’ng villa. Well, no use
worrying now. Let wait for day when Monte Bayu present itself to us.
In the meantime - Cheer up folks!
Comment by sunney — February 12, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
Never trust Talam and Supreme Precious ..Betul penipu developer..pencuri dan lanun.
Comment by Kena Tipu — May 9, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
Hi all..I’ve bought the type A unit. Currently I stay at Bukit Antarabangsa n a little bit worried about the landslide too….
Comment by Rachel — May 27, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
To all owners..Kindly visit http://sites.google.com/site/onlymonte..and join as members!
Comment by David Tham — June 1, 2009 @ 7:38 pm
To all owners, do join as members
Comment by David Tham — June 1, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
http://sites.google.com/site/onlymonte
Comment by David Tham — June 1, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
i paid deposit d……
Comment by sushinono — July 30, 2009 @ 9:30 am
i bought a unit type A. I took a drive up and the scenery was beautifull. One of security guard told me that it very cool at nite. Hopefull the surounding area with it green will not be develope.
Comment by CS LIM — November 28, 2009 @ 4:34 pm