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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright August 2024
When we think of glamorous neighbourhoods where the rich and famous reside, Beverly Hills easily comes to mind.
But why should Malaysia miss out on the fun? In the heart of Kuala Lumpur is Bukit Damansara, a neighbourhood that could offer tourists—both local and international—a glimpse into the lifestyles of Malaysia's elite, much like the celebrity bus tours in Hollywood.
Imagine a tour package that takes you through the tree-lined streets of Bukit Damansara, where you can peek into the lives of the country's power brokers, past and present.
Start your journey at the former home of none other than Anwar Ibrahim. Back in the day, the road outside his house was a hotbed of political fervour, filled with supporters, food vendors, and a palpable tension in the air as the days ticked down to his arrest. The memory of that time adds a historical layer to the otherwise serene neighbourhood.
Just a short drive up the road, you’ll pass by the residence of Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Malaysia’s long-serving and formidable former Minister of Trade and Industry. And if you venture a bit higher, you’ll find the home of a former MCA president, strategically perched on a hillock with a commanding view of Rafidah's abode.
But Bukit Damansara isn’t just a political enclave. It’s where Malaysia’s top cops, air force brass, and health authorities call home. The former Inspector-General of Police and ministers from various cabinets have all settled in this affluent neighbourhood. And let’s not forget Khairy Jamaluddin, the former Minister of Health and now a well-known podcaster, whose house is just a stone’s throw from Anwar’s old mansion.
Continue your journey, and you’ll pass the home of the late Tan Sri Hashim Aman, a former Chief Secretary to the government and Chairman of Maybank. He was often seen on his morning walks around Plaza Damansara, a habit that speaks to the area’s quiet charm despite its high-profile residents.
The tour wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of the house that played a role in one of Malaysia's most sensational trials. The former Minister of Finance still resides just around the corner from Desa Damansara, the upscale condominium that gained notoriety during the Anwar Ibrahim sodomy trials. The bus will pause at the gated entrance, guarded 24/7 by Nepalese security personnel, giving you a sense of the tight security measures in place.
Speaking of security, one of the most recent additions to Bukit Damansara’s landscape is a house that occupies four bungalow lots, all painted a distinctive shade of blue, reminiscent of a police station. Owned by a politician, this property stands out even in an area known for its lavish homes.
And while you’re here, why not indulge in some of the finest dining Bukit Damansara has to offer? Huckleberry, which started in this very neighbourhood, has since expanded its culinary empire across Kuala Lumpur, but there’s something special about visiting its original location.
A Bukit Damansara tour package might not carry the same Hollywood glamour as Beverly Hills, but it offers something uniquely Malaysian—a blend of history, politics, and architecture wrapped in the lush greenery of one of Kuala Lumpur’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.
Whether you're a history buff, a political junkie, or just someone who enjoys a good slice of luxury, this tour might just be the next big thing in Malaysian tourism.
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