Property Malaysia

We viewed this place quite some time back, but due to the queue of reviews to be published, we’re only doing so now. But any time would be a good time to review One Menerung, let us just sum it up to you right here in the first paragraph – this place is freaking awesome. If you’re the type to afford these types of properties. Nonetheless, if even if you’re minimum wage low salary blokes like us, it’s still nice to come and admire the architecture and ID of the place.

We were always of the opinion that Bangsar was almost fully developed, with the only lots available for new buildings were either the remaining green areas (not likely), very steep vacant land (not advisable) or redevelopment of existing bungalow lots (not big enough, unless you’re planning to turn it into a shop). But Bandar Raya Development (BRDB) have gotten their hands on a sizable 8 acre plot in a very good location. Heck, they even have another plot adjacent to it to built an impressive multi-storey show office / / sales office. And we mean very impressive. But anyway, about the development.

It’s a 8-acre plot of land behind Bangsar Shopping Centre, and another office block, on the corner of Jalan Senduk and Jalan Menerung (hence the name, if you’re wondering). Menerung is actually part of Bukit Bandaraya, an old neighbourhood of cosy semi-D units. But BRDB have clustered together a few pieces of vacant land, including one where once a sports complex was situated.

The entire development is actually shaped like an incomplete letter ‘S’, with one part of its end missing. It is obvious that the developers have really done their research and put a lot of thought into maximizing the use of the land in a top-drawer manner, not just making the most money, but making it as luxurious as possible, too. Generally, the land is surrounded by old bungalows and other landed units built in the 70’s and 80’s. The plot also curves around a green area designated as Federal reserve land, and also the HELP Institute hostel.

The strange thing here is that One Menerung shows the government green lung and the hostel in their brochures even though they don’t own it, and in these materials they don’t make it clear anywhere that its not part of their development (except when the salespeople are pitching it to you). If in the event that the Federal Government decides to built something on the reserve, or sell it to some other party, (although the likelihood of it is quite remote, but still possible) it would definitely affect this development.

In terms of access, there are two entry points, one via the aforementioned Jalan Senduk and another one out to the old Jalan Damansara, leading out to the Sprint Highway. Beyond that, we won’t delve so much into the connectivity with the other areas and highways. Bangsar is Bangsar, if you want to live there, you won’t be too concerned with connectivity or how long it takes you to get to Sg. Buloh or anything like that. Bangsar is close enough to KL and PJ, and is self contained as you can get, so there.

Let’s talk about the development itself. One Menerung is luxury with a capital L, giving the best in condo and lowrise living. There is no other place around the Klang Valley that quite matches One Menerung, with the exception of the KLCC condos. But let’s face it, how many of those over-hyped KLCC condos can boast of 8 acres of suburban space? All the units here are big, 3,000sq.ft and above, none of that few slightly cheaper smaller units that usually come with most luxury units to entice investors, or 600sq.ft studio units at the lower floors. No siree bob, all units here a big, and expensive.

There are 6 blocks of units with different characteristics, but still all part of the overall design concept, catering to different buyer needs. Following is a brief description of the blocks with the units, but we won’t go in so much into the internal layout:

Block A is a 28-storey highrise block, with 4 units per floor. There is a smaller block set a little away, called Block A annexe. Here there are only 6 floors with 2 units on each floor, giving a more exclusive (and of course pricier) choice to consider. Both towers share the same podium with 4 floors of basement parking. Unit sizes are from 3,013 to 5,671sq.ft. and cost between RM2.0million to RM2.7million. Block is facing Jalan Damansara and is nearest to the shared sports facilities and HELP Institute hostel outside. All the units here are 3+1, with the option of converting the family area into another large room.

Block B is a series of 14 multi-storey townhouses. The lower units are duplexes, with sizes ranging from 6,843 to 7,145sq.ft. Upper units are triplexes, which are similar to the lower units except with the addition of a full floor of roof terrace, at 6,036sq.ft. The build-up is smaller because they don’t take into account the roof terrace. Generally, the units in Block B are typified by a large dining, a double volume living, built-in Jacuzzi, 4+1 bedrooms, and at almost 7000sq.ft., there isn’t much more you can ask for. This block is facing the green area. Prices average at about RM3million.

Block C are is a tower of 21 floors of condos, with only two units per floor (4,385sq.ft), there are duplex penthouses at the top (7,661sq.ft). Block D is similar, but the units are only slightly bigger (5,221 and 10,291sq.ft. respectively). Single floor units go from about RM3.1million.

Block E & F houses 12 units of 3 and a half storey linkhomes units with an addition of roof terrace, giving a total of 5 levels to your house. Block E has units from 6,650 to 6,660sq.ft, and Block F is from 6,600 to 6,865sq.ft. One of these huge homes will set you back about RM4million.

Each block has their own set of facilities, usually on the ground floor of the building. There are also some common facilities for the entire development, which by themselves are quite luxurious to say the least.

There are altogether 229 units only (incidentally, so does Troika, another development by BRDB), which is quite low density since most of the land is taken by lowrise buildings. All the units are luxuriously finished, with no expense spared. The units, as we mentioned are all large, with fewer rooms than expected, giving more space to each living area. Large balconies, terraces and roof terraces are the order of the day.

One Menerung seem to have a cross-marketing deal with BSC, as the latter is used quite a bit as part of their marketing. It really helps One Menerung, as through the years, BSC still remains the iconic landmark of Bangsar, and still is fresh and vibrant with reinvention on the part of the management. BSC is also carrying out some extension works on the plot of land right behind them.

Each units comes with a minimum of 3 parking bays, larger units come with more. Maintenance fee is around 40-45 sen psf.

BRDB have been around for decades, with past projects like Bangsar Hill, Tivoli Villas and Sri Penaga. Currently, they are also working on CapSquare and Troika.

Four words to summarize One Menerung – Luxurious, impressive, location and exclusive. Enough said.