The name "Damansara' is said to have originated from a place previously known as “Damar Sara”. Damansara came about because of a spelling mistake made in the 1890s. Damar Sara became “Damansara” when a land registrar mistook the letter “r” as “n” and wrongly merged the original two-word name. The spelling error probably occurred when Sir William Maxwell (then British Resident of Selangor) implemented the Torrens system of land registration pursuant to the Selangor Registration of Titles Regulations of 1891, hence the name “Damar Sara” in the maps of the state prior to 1891.
When you hear the name ‘Damansara Heights’ (or ‘Bukit Damansara’ in Malay), perhaps it’s images of large, lavish homes – many with their own guard post in front – that come to mind. Or maybe it’s the long row of eateries and night-time hangout spots in Plaza Damansara.
Cosily tucked in the west side of Kuala Lumpur, this upscale suburb continues to slowly expand today, but remains rich in history, if only a recent history. Just a stone’s throw away from Bangsar and convenient to both Petaling Jaya and KL’s city centre itself, the strategically placed residential and commercial lots here have long been considered desireable to affluent locals and expats in Malaysia. A leisurely drive (or even a stroll) along the leafy neighbourhood’s quiet streets, most fronted by impressive bungalows, certainly shows the enclave’s appeal.
Receiving international recognition alongside its local acclaim, Damansara Heights was even named in a list of 10 of the World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods to Visit Right Now by Lonely Planet last year, joining neighbourhoods in better-known world cities such as New York City, Seoul, Dubai, Copenhagen, and Lisbon. Indeed, Kuala Lumpur was the only Southeast Asian city to feature on the list.
