The glow from the 'Golden Triangle' is fast becoming passé; enter the new realm of the 'Silver Stretch' that holds a handful of well-kept places yet to be explored.

BY CAITLYN NG LI YUIN
liyuin@ocision.com
and NURUL ASMUI MD AZMI
asmui@ocision.com

The Commonwealth Hill Memorial Park provides one of the best places for recreational activities in Bukit Jalil.

HAVING to brave traffic jams is not something people would willingly do. Yet, for residents of areas such as Puchong, Old Klang Road and Bukit Jalil – infamous for long stretches of congestion – it is where they call home and for home, they would brave the challenges..

It is clear to see that those three areas are becoming new hotspots with growing interest from people from all walks of life to live and work there. When we took a drive to check out the 'Silver Stretch' (as we call it), we discovered that a fascinating new world lay in wait for us to unearth and explore.

Brimming over with a myriad of food and beverage options, retail outlets and recreational facilities at the 'Silver Stretch', it's not hard to see why so many people are attracted to this area. Over in Puchong, when we first stepped foot in the vicinity (our self-assigned starting point was the town centre), there was a slight confusion caused by the layout of the place. Wherever we turned, there were eateries upon eateries, and we were spoiled for choice.

F&B options at the shop lots ranged from quaint cafes such as the Boardroom Cafe, Juice D'fruitz and Wings Musicafe, to restaurants such as Bibi Wok, Rather Curry House and V1 Concept Restaurant and Bar.

Even at SetiaWalk, residents and visitors would be able to take their pick from the many options available, where cuisine from across the world could be found. Hankering for dishes from Vietnam to Korea, or some Western food to satisfy your palate? No problem, SetiaWalk has them all.

Happily for us, over at Old Klang Road, we found the same scenario: plenty of food options that would satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. For something heartwarming and traditional, there were plenty of delicious Chinese fare that can be found in the area, such as Ah Wang Steamed Fish Head, Big Tree Fried Pan Mee and Coco Steamboat.

Head on down to Scott Garden, a happening lifestyle retail circle that is packed with enough facets that would cater to just about anybody.

For a wonderful pastry and coffee tea break, head on down to Doiffee or even Ficelle Boulangerie and Patisserie, where we gorged on tasty morsels.

If that wasn't enough, when we swung by Bukit Jalil, we were further treated to more scrumptious food than our bellies could hold. The usual could be found, which was a harmonious blend of hearty Asian and Western fare. Some of the notable eateries to head to would be The Owls Cafe, Tee Box Cafe and Restaurant and the perennial favourite, Murni Restaurant.

The Owls Cafe in Bukit Jalil is decorated with an eye-catching array of owls decorations.

After all that eating, what we needed was a good workout, and what better way for us ladies to do than with some shopping? In Puchong and Old Klang Road, there is no shortage of retail outlets. Finding ourselves facing the "daunting" task of choosing between IOI Mall and SetiaWalk (both located in Puchong), or Scott Garden, Pearl Point and OUG Plaza (sited in Old Klang Road), we decided that the best thing to do would be to visit all of them.

It was the perfect exercise we needed, to be checking out each and every store. With big names that are instantly recognisable, such as Brands Outlet, Adidas, Jaya Jusco, Tesco and Sen Q, it would be easy to spend an entire day immersed in this form of retail therapy. If people were to still find that inadequate, there were also the rows upon rows of shop lots that housed boutiques, grocery stores and various bric-a bracs to check out.

On the other hand, we found that Bukit Jalil did not have as many amenities. There were shop lots and small grocery stores, sufficient for the residents' basic needs and wants. However, since its location is so close to Sri Petaling, that won't prove to be too much of a problem for its residents since Sri Petaling is a much more happening place, acting as the optimal complement to the Bukit Jalil area.

As we hit the last mall in Old Klang Road, we could not wait to sit back and unwind at some of the peaceful parks and recreational areas within the ‘Silver Stretch’.

Searching for a peaceful ambiance  in Puchong, we ended up at the Taman Wawasan Recreational Park, which is an ideal spot for the public to enjoy a scenic view while having a picnic or jogging.

Fishing enthusiasts will be thrilled to go fishing at the Prima Lake (Tasik Prima) in Puchong as many have voted it as one of the best lakes to go fishing. Fishing can be done from either the water’s edge for the beginners or in deeper water by using a rented boat.

After being first-hand witnesses to such tranquil surroundings from the two parks in Puchong, we headed on to Old Klang Road and found a well known park in Taman Desa. The immense park was allocated ample space for a basketball court, tennis courts, a large football field, a playground and is also a favoured spot for morning taichi and yoga.

Another great attraction in Old Klang Road for the whole family's entertainment is Desa Water Park. Visitors will get to experience fun, yet thrilling water rides and slides. One ride that no one should miss out on when visiting the water theme park is the "Thunderbolt", the first and longest gravity-defying water coaster in Asia.

Driving out of Old Klang Road into Bukit Jalil, we discovered the Commonwealth Hill Memorial Park, a park that was built in conjunction with the Commonwealth Games in 1998.

The well equipped playground in Taman Desa, Old Klang Road that serves as a nucleus for people from all walks of life.

The memorial park features a special zone called Central Plaza that is situated at the highest peak for visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil. From there, we went on to visit the enormous recreational park in Bukit Jalil called the Bukit Jalil Recreation Park.

As a popular recreational park in Kuala Lumpur, the facilities at the site range from large picnic areas, a children’s playground, exercise stations, jogging and walking tracks, a reflexology park, lakes and also an international garden featuring show gardens representing 10 different countries.

Residents living in the "Silver Stretch" are pampered with numerous verdant parks to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. They are also able to relax and enjoy a sense of tranquillity without having to leave their neighbourhood, making the "Silver Stretch" an ideal locale to consider living in.

With rapid development and commercialisation, there will always be pros and cons. Small unknown towns, there are now plenty of amenities and recreational aspects that complete the "Silver Stretch", allowing its residents to experience the best of life in one address.

Nevertheless, there are massive traffic jams to contend in addition to the noise pollution that comes from the many construction works.

Real Answers From Real People

We decided to give some people from the 'Silver Stretch' a chance to tell us about their living and working experience.

1 Julia Chow, Kasawari Heights, Bandar Puchong Jaya

“My family and I have been living in Puchong for about 25 years but it was only in recent years that we moved to Kasawari Heights, which is a newer development. So far, we are quite content living here, seeing how Puchong has developed by leaps and bounds. It is located in close proximity to areas such as the KL city center, Subang Jaya and Sunway. The security here is satisfactory since the Residents' Association brought in security guards and recently implemented fences and a single entry/exit point. It's a pleasant neighbourhood with friendly and helpful neighbours, so it's a joy to be living here."

2 Datuk Lee Leck Cheng, Chairman of Persatuan Penduduk Perumahan (PPP), Kasawari Heights

“We had this idea to build a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone else and looks out for each other, thus encouraging a secure and peaceful atmosphere. One of the first moves was to erect high fences all around the perimeter, in addition to a guard post, creating a cul-de-sac so that the children are able to go out and play safely. We would really like to upgrade the fences to a brick wall in the near future since our housing estate is a mature green residential area.

We do have quite a lot of people who appreciate how serene our neighbourhood is, and we intend to keep it that way. It is our duty as the leaders of the Kasawari Heights' Residents Association to serve without condition and set a good example. All we ask for in return is a united community that takes care of its neighbours."

The Scott Garden in Old Klang Road offers a tranquil environment complete with greenery.

3 Jayapackiam a/p Rathakrishan, Taman Puchong Indah

“I moved to Puchong when I got married to my husband and decided to follow him. This was back in 1995, some 20 years ago. From here, my husband decided to open an automotive workshop, KSM Krish Auto Workshop near to our home. We repair vehicles that range from cars to one tonne lorries. This location is strategic, with ample parking space and spare parts shops located within the vicinity.

We get a lot of repeat customers especially during the festive seasons and our business grew thanks to word-of-mouth, which is why we don't have any plans to move to another location."

4 Eugene M. Ha, Vista Komanwel

"When I was studying at International Medical University (IMU), I found this condominium and decided to live here due to its close proximity to the campus. I find this a safe and comfortable place to come home to, due to the presence of several safety features such as close circuit television (CCTVs), gated and guarded with regular patrols and card access to the main lobby. Residents here coexist peacefully so there are no inter-racial conflicts. Public transportation is also within walking distance to the condo. I hope that the management office would be open on weekends as well though, since some of us work till late on weekdays or else we will not be able to voice our concerns or issues we face."

5 Abdullah Mat Isa, Chairman of Persatuan Penduduk Rumah Pangsa Blok 7&8, Kampung Lindungan

“After living in Lindungan (Block 7 and 8) for about 23 years now, I can say that this is one of the best neighbourhoods that I have ever lived in. For the past 18 years, I was chosen as the community leader for the two blocks at Lindungan. As a responsible community leader, I am obliged to not only solve the problems that arise within our community, but to also bridge the gap between the different races that are living here.

We organise several annual events for the community to get together and enjoy each other’s presence. The events include community activities, where we will go around and clean the surroundings of Block 7 and 8, hold sports carnivals, festive celebrations, and religious ceremonies."

6 QQ Khor, Jalan Klang Lama

“I have been living in Old Klang Road ever since the day I was born. The neighbourhood that I live in is peaceful most of the time, and I am very satisfied with the security features made available to the residents. There are police units patrolling the area and each house is fenced up. Being here for almost 25 years, I can say that it has one of the best connectivity to different highways for easy access to many prominent townships. Shopping and leisure are within convenient distance as many stores can be found in and surrounding Old Klang Road."

7 Anand Nganasekaran, Lindungan

“My parents moved to Lindungan in 1983, and we have been living here ever since. Residents in my block are a tight-knit community where we look out for each other and enjoy living here, but I do have plans to upgrade to a bigger abode in a new area. The environment today is somewhat different as compared to the 80s. Although it is great to see many developments coming to this area, I really hope that some greenery is preserved. Nevertheless, I can’t deny that Old Klang Road is an important centre for excellent amenities.”

8 Jeswin Kaur Bhatt (in blue) and Hassaira a/p Kailasam, Taman Desa

“We have been living with our parents in Taman Desa for more than 10 years now, and we go to the same school at SMK Taman Desa. The security at this residential area is great because we have a guarded entrance, as well as a police station nearby. We usually just hang out at the park where there are tennis courts, a playground, a basketball court and a big field. Although the park is very convenient for the residents here, we would really like to see it cleaned on a regular basis, and also will be thrilled if more sports equipments are provided.”