By NUR IHSAN FADHLINA

Integrating security, amenities, connectivity, ambience and community, these townships, at least 500 acres in size, are providing wholesome living environments to their residents.

Although it takes a longer time for these townships to be fully developed, these are the ones that hold the potential to expand and improve with the passing of years.

SP Setia: Setia EcoHill, Semenyih

The Setia EcoHill master plan transform the rolling hills of Semenyih into an environmentally friendly township which reflects the developer’s commitment to creating a sustainable lifestyle at its finest.

Providing myriad opportunities for residents to lower their energy consumption, the township created a network of pedestrian and bicycle paths, ensuring that the facilities are within walking distance to building energy-saving houses with solar power.

There are also a commercial centre and a farmer’s market, giving the nearby organic farms and market gardens the opportunity to sell their produce directly to the township’s residents.

This development offers parks, gardens and pocket gardens and is built as a sustainable ecosystem, providing the community with a wholesome and serene environment.

Proving themselves environmentally friendly, SP Setia created a recycling programme that enables the residents to manage their waste responsibly while earning a little extra cash. Residents can also bring their organic waste for composting, which will be used to fertilise the plants in the township.

Putting residents’ safety as their main concern, Setia EcoHill provides vital security features for each residential village. Every house in the gated or guarded residence is fitted with an alarm system, while the township has a 24-hour guard patrol service.

IOI Properties: IOI Resort City, Klang Valley

The master plan of IOI Resort City is poised to be the pulse of the southern Klang Valley, positioning itself as a development that is much more than just an integrated township.

Anchoring IOI Resort City is the popular IOI City Mall with an average visitorship of half a million a week and the magnificent 18-hole championship golf course, which enhances the lush greenery of the resort.

Surrounding this golf course with rolling greens are resort residences like Puteri Palma Residences, the luxurious Clio Residences and the latest vibrant Conezión Retail & Residences.

There are also the five-star Putrajaya Marriott Hotel & Spa, Le Méridien and four-star Palm Garden Hotel. As for those who work in the area, IOI Resort City provides sleek grade A offices like IOI Square and IOI City Towers.

Envisioned to be and fast transforming into the lifestyle magnet for stay, work and play in one address, IOI Resort City incorporates design features that harness natural light and encourage cross and natural ventilation.

The cycling paths and pedestrian walkways that connect every component within the resort and the new IOI City Office Towers are all testimonials to IOI’s resolve in building sustainable communities.

Sunway Group: Sunway Resort City, Sunway City

Sunway City is one of the country’s unforgettable gems as well as Sunway’s flagship township. Popularly known as Bandar Sunway, Sunway Resort City (SRC) possesses seven million sq ft of nett lettable space in the Klang Valley.

From 800 acres of derelict mining land, SC has evolved into a bustling and flourishing township comprising condominiums and office towers. The Sunway’s flagship hotel, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, also operates one of the largest convention centres in Malaysia, the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre.

Also located in the renowned Bandar Sunway is the Sunway Lagoon multi-park attraction and the iconic Sunway Pyramid shopping mall.

Mah Sing Group: Meridin East, Pasir Gudang

Located in the heart of Iskandar Malaysia, Meridin East is a pioneer in establishing the sophisticated look of the southern peninsula which epitomises the ideals of an ultra modern luxury lifestyle.

This ambitious 1,313-acre freehold township is strategically situated, fronting Jalan Kong and Jalan Kota Masai and offers a connection to the Senai-Desaru Highway.

The township is only 28km away from Johor Bahru city centre and the Malaysia Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ). The proximity to Singapore will be further enhanced in the coming years by the proposed Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), which is expected to be completed in 2018, as well as the proposed Third Bridge from Desaru/Pengerang to Changi.

Meridin East neighbours several established and mature townships, which allows the residents to enjoy an abundance of amenities and facilities.

The township will offer a varied selection of homes for every budget, as well as a smart, sophisticated, and safe lifestyle for the residents.

IJM Land: Seremban 2 Township, Negeri Sembilan

Seremban 2, IJM Land's flagship development in Negeri Sembilan, is a 2,300-acre self-contained township offering modern amenities and convenience of a city while maintaining the grace and serenity of a country atmosphere.

Strategically located 1km from the Seremban toll plaza and 4km from Seremban town, this development offers great accessibility to the North-South Highway, Elite and Lekas highways, which have brought it closer to key locations such as Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.

Besides offering a wide selection of homes ranging from affordable apartments to well-planned terrace houses, this development also presents super linked, semi-detached houses and exclusive gated bungalows.

To date, Seremban 2 comprises nine residential communities, five schools, a 15-acre city lake park, a sports complex, a modern shopping centre and commercial business parks.

IJM Land’s commitment to promote social and community development can be seen by the numerous activities organised for its residents, including annual carnivals, health talks, Chap Goh Mei celebration and lantern festivals.

Matrix Concepts Holdings: Bandar Sri Sendayan, Seremban

Bandar Sri Sendayan is a modern and stylish mixed development with a low density and quality environment located within a comprehensive township. It provides a good environment for the family to grow with its lush greenery and peaceful surrounding.

As a self-sufficient township, Bandar Sri Sendayan has been structured to welcome more financial institution, educational centres, showrooms, speciality stores, retail outlets and F&B outlets.

It is also equipped with its own 100-acre integrated central business hub for its community. Metropark, one of the main commercial area, has already seen the set-up of five-storey Syariah Court Complex, Sendayan Galleria and KIP Mart hypermarket.

Moreover, the green zones in the development take up to 21% of the township.

With only 35 minutes’ drive from KLIA and LCCT, the township is expected to be able to draw in new families and young professionals.

Tropicana Corporation Bhd: Tropicana Aman, Kota Kemuning

Stroll alongside glittering pools, cycle to the booming central park or visit the neighbours. Living in Tropicana Aman will reacquaint one with all the alluring attributes of nature.

Located near the affluent neighbourhood of Kota Kemuning, this accessible and convenient township is connected to roads and highways like the Lebuhraya Shah Alam (KESAS), Lebuhraya Kemuning Shah Alam (LKSA), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Expressway Lingkaran Tengah (ELITE) and the proposed West Coast Expressway (WCE).

It is also surrounded by a variety of facilities and public service amenities like schools, neighbourhood malls, international schools, business hubs, as well as banks and medical facilities.

Sunway Group: Sunway Iskandar, Iskandar Malaysia, Medini

Sunway Iskandar, a capital city with 1,800 acres world-class architecture and nature's design, will always make one feel connected to nature via its eco parks, green pockets, water bodies and green corridors.

Sunway Iskandar is strategically located in the heart of Iskandar Malaysia and offers seamless connections to major highways. The township is also close to major attractions in Iskandar and Singapore.

Beyond the excitement of a vibrant city, Sunway offers a quiet home residing within nature.

Gamuda Land: Gamuda Gardens, North Sungai Buloh

Strategically located at the northern end of Kuala Lumpur, Gamuda Gardens is a mere five-minute drive away from the confluence of the Guthrie, LATAR and North-South expressways.

Designed with the theme of classic English country parks, it is built around the natural topography of the land and features five cascading lakes integrated into a 50 acre central park with a majestic waterfall, a mixed terrain cycling trail and lush green parks, providing many opportunities for residents to relax and enjoy the rejuvenating beauty of nature.

Offering cafes, restaurants, retail boutiques, a marketplace and a whole host of other modern amenities, it is designed to be a lifestyle destination for its communities.

Sime Darby Property: City of Elmina, Shah Alam

Located in a rapidly developing area of Shah Alam, this township comprises a mix of commercial, retail, residential, and industrial developments, with a vast forest reserve lands charmed and characterized by lush and natural surroundings.

Besides providing its own auxiliary police, the houses are also guarded with full perimeter fencing, CCTV surveillance, while the concept of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is incorporated in its landscape.

Built strategically near the Guthrie Corridor Expressway, this township also offers easy access to a network of highways including Federal Highway, Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR) and North Klang Expressway (NKVE).