Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Menara Bukit Ceylon

Menara Bukit Ceylon is located strategically at the junction of Changkat Bukit Bintang and Jalan Ceylon. This is a choice location for expatriates as Bukit Ceylon is close to their work places, shopping, food and the fast expanding playground called Changkat Bukit Bintang.

Menara Bukit Ceylon is one of the oldest condominiums here. Apparently it was developed by Tan&Tan some 15 years back. Units here are extremely popular for those going for a RM3500 to RM5000/month budget. As these units are old, expect the furnishings to be out-of-date and hence the low rental. However, some owners have taken to refurbishing their entire unit to collect higher rental. Nevertheless, the lower end of this budget is obviously the most popular choice for these 2 bedroom and approximately 1500sf units. Every unit has a small study, hence the oft-advertised reference to 2+1 room. The kitchen is also separated into the wet and dry parts.

Whether it is my (extremely bad) luck or otherwise, I bumped into many French tenants in this building. No offence to French people but I do find those I bump into extremely rude people.

Basically, Menara Bukit Ceylon is perched on a high point (not the highest) of Bukit Ceylon. Hence, even the lowest floor has a commanding view of Kuala Lumpur. Each floor has 6 units served by 3 very slow lifts. There are 3 variants, for argument sake, I will call them Type 1 for the biggest unit and Type 3, the smallest unit. Type 2, overlooking Jalan Alor and Times Square, does not have my favourite view. So, let's just focus on Type 1 and 3 for now.


Type 3 occupies the 2 "wings" of the building. I am extremely fond of the East wing as it has 3 views - of KLCC, KL Tower and Times Square depending on which part of the unit you are looking out from. The balcony faces KL Tower and KLCC, however in the near future it will also be facing the Vida Soho construction site which is likely to block this nice view. The West wing is worse off as it will be facing the Bolton construction site in the future. Type 3 is the smallest unit. This will not work to any advantage as the management charges a flat rate of RM350 for the monthly maintenance. While this may seem unfair to Type 3, this is nevertheless one of the cheapest rate in KL @ 23 sen psf.


Type 1 is nice and bright. It has a nice almost perfect square shape to it hence it looks significantly larger than the others. The dry kitchen is also large compared to the almost claustrophobic Type 3's kitchen. Both unit's balcony offers a nice view of KL Tower although the lower units may suffer being blocked by Vida Soho. The West unit will also have a double whammy in Bolton's site.


I think Menara is very nicely located. It does not have the ugly frontage that Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon is suffering from. Menara Bukit Ceylon is directly opposite some of the most exclusive eateries in KL, Bijan and the ever popular Nero Viva. It also boast the only squash court in Bukit Ceylon and the largest swimming pool. The gym however is spartan and falling apart. The lawn is nicely tendered at the entrance of the building and security is tight. This is not a bad investment as some units been advertised at around RM550k. I have also seen some ambitious owners asking for RM660k and RM750k respectively but I am not certain if they have been sold at this high price. But for sure, sub-sale units are quite hard to come by.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

apparently there is a auction unit starting at RM480k in march 09

gary said...

Management Committee is up and running now. Several units will be up for sale soon due to foreclosure for failing to pay service charges. BTW, service fees now on psf basis. Less for type 1 owners, more for type 2 owners.

sinleong said...

Anonymous said...
Just came across your website.
Neat information.
Thanks for sharing your ideas and info on investments.

All the best to you, hope you get rich on this :)

(Drop us a line, if you require any asssistance)
Interior architecture & Design

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Anonymous said...

How many storey is Menara Bkt Ceylon?

sinleong said...

about 25 or 26...

Anonymous said...

Thanks Sinleong :D

michelle said...

Is Menara bukit Ceylon still a good investment

sinleong said...

depends how much u buying it for

sinleong said...

depends how much u buying it for

michelle said...

I see. .can you advise what would be a
Good price to go in

michelle said...

Thanks

sinleong said...

u r asking a very open question.
depends on the condition of the unit, which side its facing, what layout, which floor...

michelle said...

I am looking at a unit mid floor
Type 1 . Facing kl tower
Price by agent 795k (negotiable)
Condition of unit is ok.
But some furniture require replacement
Thanks

sinleong said...

oh..about RM850k to get it to market. with the current rent there, about 5% returns. i'd knock it down to below 750k if i can

michelle said...

I see.. You allowing a budget of
50k for upgrading. I read about your
Experience with airbnb. Do you
Menara bukit Ceylon will be ideal for this?
Thanks sin leong

michelle said...

Ok just read your second posting on airbnb . Looks like not so viable and a lot hassle. Is there a glut in bukit Ceylon area presently?

sinleong said...

over 200 units of small studio apartments just VP-ed at oneceylon. before this, there was high demand for 1br units and a glut in 2/3br units. now, i think the situation will become the same for the smaller units. but i think as long as your unit is well maintained and furnished, you can get a tenant in this competition

michelle said...

Oops I made a mistake. It is actually type 3 the smallest
Unit. East wing . Your recommendation of 750k still ok?
Thanks sin leong

sinleong said...

is it facing klcc or laman ceylon?
RM750k seems ok. do you realize the maintenance fee is flat rate no matter what size the apartment?

michelle said...

I have checked with maintenance
It is now 30 cent per sq feet inclusive
3 cent sinking fund.
Facing klcc but cannot see much just the top of one of the towers

michelle said...

I have further read your articles on city garden
And sbc. Comparing this two and Menara bukit Ceylon
Which will be best for investment
Thanks again

sinleong said...

of course menara. but having said that, this is hardly the best time for investments

michelle said...

I see .. .So your advice is to hold
till further price correction