Neighbourhoods and Townships in Selangor
Neighbourhoods and Townships of Selangor form the sprawling suburban and urban landscape that surrounds Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s bustling capital, its neighbouring state, Selangor, provides much of the living space, commercial hubs, and new developments that support the wider Klang Valley region. Many of Selangor’s neighbourhoods are seamlessly connected to Kuala Lumpur, making the two effectively part of a single metropolitan area.
Quick Facts
- Selangor surrounds Kuala Lumpur on all sides and serves as the main residential and industrial state of the Klang Valley.
- The state comprises both long-established towns such as Klang, Kajang and Rawang, and newer planned townships like Kota Damansara and Bandar Sunway.
- Selangor is Malaysia’s most populous and developed state, with extensive highway, rail, and MRT connectivity.
- Many Kuala Lumpur workers and expatriates choose to live in Selangor for its newer housing estates and greener suburban setting.
Understanding Neighbourhoods, Towns and Townships
In Malaysia, the terms town and township are sometimes used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings. A town usually refers to an older, organically developed settlement that often pre-dates Malaysia’s independence. Towns such as Kajang and Klang began as trading posts or administrative centres before evolving into bustling modern cities. A township, by contrast, is typically a modern, planned development established by a developer or government agency, designed as part of an expanding urban corridor — examples include Kota Damansara, Mutiara Damansara, and Bandar Utama.
For this reason, this page focuses on Selangor’s neighbourhoods and townships — those modern residential and mixed-use developments that form part of Greater Kuala Lumpur’s continuous metropolitan sprawl. Traditional towns, on the other hand, are described separately on the Towns in Selangor pillar page.
Key Neighbourhoods and Townships in Selangor
Among the most prominent modern communities in Selangor are those situated immediately adjacent to Kuala Lumpur’s western and southern borders. These areas combine residential comfort with excellent transport access via major highways and public rail systems.
Map of Neighbourhoods and Townships of Selangor
- Bandar Sri Damansara:
A self-contained residential neighbourhood in northern Petaling Jaya, known for its green parks, Ativo Plaza retail hub, and excellent connectivity via the LDP, DUKE and Sri Damansara Timur MRT. - Bandar Sunway:
A self-contained township renowned for Sunway Pyramid Mall, Sunway University, and Sunway Lagoon theme park. - Bandar Utama:
A mature residential township featuring the expansive 1 Utama Shopping Centre and numerous international schools. - Damansara Perdana:
A modern high-density township adjacent to Mutiara Damansara, known for its condominiums and proximity to the LDP Expressway (E11). - Damansara Utama:
A vibrant township in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, known for Uptown's business hub, dining scene, and convenient urban lifestyle. - Kota Damansara:
A large planned township offering a blend of residential, commercial, and educational facilities, including SEGi University and Thomson Hospital. - Mutiara Damansara:
A mixed-use township within Petaling Jaya, home to The Curve, IKEA, and numerous corporate offices. - Subang Jaya:
Once a township under Petaling Jaya, it has grown into a city in its own right, featuring a thriving commercial and residential mix.
Connectivity and Access
Selangor’s neighbourhoods and townships are well connected through an extensive network of highways and rail lines. Major routes such as the Lebuhraya Damansara–Puchong (LDP, E11), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE, E1), and SPRINT Expressway (E23) link these suburban areas with central Kuala Lumpur. Public transport is served by Rapid KL MRT and LRT lines, as well as the KTM Komuter network, providing convenient access for daily commuters.
Quality of Life
Living in Selangor offers a balance between urban convenience and suburban comfort. Many residents enjoy larger homes, more green spaces, and quieter surroundings compared to the denser areas within Kuala Lumpur. At the same time, the proximity to shopping malls, business parks, schools, and hospitals makes Selangor’s townships ideal for families and professionals alike.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the name Damansara is believed to originate from the old Sungei Damansara (Damansara River)? The name has since become synonymous with affluence and modern urban living across Selangor’s many “Damansara” communities.
References
- Malay Mail – “How Many Damansaras Are There?”
- EdgeProp Malaysia – Property Market Insights
- Malay Mail – “Selangor’s Urban Development Trends”
- Ministry of Transport Malaysia – Official Highway Information Portal
- The Star – “Public Transport in the Klang Valley”
