Batu

Batu encompasses a large area, situated right at the southern outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Among the areas within Batu constituency are Sentul, Selayang, Batu and Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC). Many of Batu residents are within working-class and middle class community, and the area has the most Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) public housing apartments. Due to the sprawling land size, properties in Batu are of mixed developments from high rise condominiums, double storey link homes as well as old wooden village houses. Luxury residences are sparse, although upscale neighbourhoods such as Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara and Publika are only 10 kilometres away. However, due to the rapid modernization and its proximity to the city, there is a clear rise in the number of population in the area.

Amenities and Facilities

As Batu covers a number of small towns and neighbourhoods, there are numerous amenities and facilities available. Over 30 schools of different type and medium exists within the vicinity. Residents in the area are spoilt for choice when it comes to malls and hypermarkets. Among the well-known attraction is the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) located in Kepong. It is an ideal place for city folks to enjoy the lush greenery and fresh air within the tropical forest reserve. Pasar Besar Selayang is another big and popular wet market where locals are able to get fresh meat, seafood, vegetables and spices. Selayang Hot Springs is the only hot spring destination within a short drive from the city center and it is a popular spot for locals to take bath especially during the weekends.

Accessibility and Transportation

There is excellent accessibility to Batu due to its nearness to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The major route for road access is via the Jalan Kuching/Jalan Ipoh. However, this road can be quite congested especially during peak hours. There are also links to the Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) which offers connectivity to other outskirts of KL such as Gombak, Ampang and Sungai Buloh.

Rapid KL provides several bus routes to the various townships and neighbourhood across Batu. On non-peak hours it would take as little as 20 minutes to reach Batu area from the Kuala Lumpur city. KTM Komuter train services is also available covering five stations namely Sentul, Batu Kentonmen, Kampung Batu, Taman Wahyu and the route ends at the Batu Caves station.