What makes a township worth watching? Across the nation, developers are dreaming bigger and building smarter, crafting communities that blend lifestyle, connectivity, and sustainability. As urbanisation accelerates and homebuyers grow more discerning, township projects have become the blueprint for modern Malaysia. Get ready, the Malaysia of tomorrow starts right here.
What Makes a Township “One to Watch”?
A truly outstanding township development is a symphony of thoughtful planning, community-centric design, and future-proof amenities. We’re looking beyond the glitzy brochures and digging into the core elements that promise a vibrant, sustainable, and genuinely desirable place to call home. Think strategic locations, innovative infrastructure, green spaces galore, and a palpable sense of community spirit. Essentially, we’re on the hunt for the crème de la crème, the places that don’t just offer houses, but cultivate lives. Let’s explore some of these game-changing developments!
1. Bandar Rimbayu, Kota Kemuning, Selangor
Developer: IJM Land
Overview: A sprawling 1,879-acre township designed around the concept of “modern living in a green environment.” Bandar Rimbayu emphasises sustainable living with vast green spaces, lakes, and eco-friendly features.
Key Features:
- Residential Offerings: A mix of link houses, semi-detached homes, and bungalows in various precincts like Perennia, Periwinkle, and Scarlet.
- Commercial Hubs: Integrated commercial areas providing convenience for residents.
- Leisure & Recreation: Extensive parks, cycling paths, and a residents’ clubhouse.
- Green Initiatives: Focus on rainwater harvesting, solar-powered streetlights, and dedicated green corridors.
Why it’s one to watch: Its commitment to green living and thoughtful master planning makes it a highly desirable address for those seeking a balanced lifestyle away from the city’s hustle, yet still well-connected.
2. Eco Grandeur, Puncak Alam, Selangor
Developer: Eco World Development Group Berhad
Overview: A 1,400-acre township inspired by English countryside living, offering a unique blend of modern homes amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and a central lake.
Key Features:
- Architecture: Victorian and Tudor-inspired designs for residential units.
- Central Park: A magnificent 62-acre central park with a majestic bridge, perfect for recreation and community gatherings.
- Accessibility: Strategic location with excellent connectivity via major highways like LATAR Expressway, Guthrie Corridor Expressway, and DASH Highway.
- Commercial & Retail: Plans for integrated commercial and retail spaces to serve the community.
Why it’s one to watch: Eco Grandeur stands out with its picturesque aesthetics and dedication to creating a holistic living experience, combining charming architecture with extensive natural landscapes.
3. Gamuda Cove, Kuala Langat, Selangor
Developer: Gamuda Land
Overview: A massive 1,530-acre township envisioned as a “nature-inspired smart city,” strategically located next to the Kuala Langat Forest Reserve and Paya Indah Wetlands.
Key Features:
- Theme Park & Water Park: Home to SplashMania Waterpark and plans for an adventure park, offering family-friendly entertainment options.
- Discovery Park: A recreational hub featuring various attractions, F&B outlets, and event spaces.
- Residential Districts: Diverse housing options, from landed properties to high-rise residences.
- Connectivity: Direct access via ELITE Highway and close proximity to KLIA.
- Sustainability: Emphasis on preserving the natural environment and integrating smart city technologies.
Why it’s one to watch: Gamuda Cove’s unique blend of nature, entertainment, and smart city planning positions it as a vibrant destination for both living and leisure.
4. Kwasa Damansara, Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Developer: Kwasa Land Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of EPF)
Overview: A monumental 2,330-acre development poised to transform the former Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) land into a dynamic mixed-use urban hub.
Key Features:
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Integrated with two MRT stations (Kwasa Damansara and Kwasa Sentral), promoting public transportation.
- Green Spaces: A Significant portion is dedicated to green lungs, parks, and open spaces.
- Mixed Development: A balance of residential, commercial, retail, and institutional components.
- Strategic Location: Excellent connectivity to major expressways and close to established neighbourhoods.
Why it’s one to watch: Kwasa Damansara is set to become a benchmark for TODs in Malaysia, offering unparalleled connectivity and a meticulously planned urban environment.
5. City of Elmina, Shah Alam, Selangor
Developer: Sime Darby Property
Overview: A vast 5,000-acre master-planned township designed with wellness and community at its core, featuring a 300-acre Central Park and an extensive cycling and jogging track network.
Key Features:
- Wellness Theme: Promotes healthy living through its design, amenities, and community activities.
- Elmina Central Park: A major highlight offering ample space for recreation, relaxation, and nature appreciation.
- Residential Precincts: Various phases offering diverse housing options, including Ilham, Denai, and Temu.
- Connectivity: Well-connected via Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE) and LATAR Expressway.
Why it’s one to watch: The City of Elmina’s commitment to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle within a beautifully designed environment makes it a highly attractive proposition for families and individuals alike.
6. Setia Alam Impian, Shah Alam, Selangor
Developer: S P Setia
Overview: Formerly known as AlamImpian, this 1,235-acre township has been revitalised with new phases and a stronger focus on arts, culture, and community living.
Key Features:
- Art & Culture Hub: Features like the “Art Park” and various art installations, aiming to cultivate a creative environment.
- Lake Park: A central lake and park area providing recreational opportunities.
- Residential Offerings: Modern homes designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind.
- Accessibility: Convenient access to KESAS Highway and LKSA.
Why it’s one to watch: Setia Alam Impian offers a refreshing take on township development by integrating arts and culture, creating a vibrant and unique living experience.
7. Tropicana Metropark, Subang Jaya, Selangor
Developer: Tropicana Corporation Berhad
Overview: An 88-acre freehold mixed development, unique for its 9.2-acre Central Park with a man-made lake and a direct flyover from the Federal Highway.
Key Features:
- Central Park: A beautifully landscaped park that serves as the green heart of the development.
- Residential Towers: High-rise residential offerings with modern facilities and views of the park.
- Commercial & Retail: Integrated commercial and retail spaces for convenience.
- Education: Home to the GEMS International School.
Why it’s one to watch: Its strategic location, direct access from the Federal Highway, and the prominent Central Park make it a highly desirable urban oasis within Subang Jaya.
8. IOI Rio City, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Selangor
Developer: IOI Properties Group
Overview: Spanning 100 acres, IOI Rio City is the final undeveloped parcel within Bandar Puteri Puchong, envisioned as a vibrant, sustainable, and fully integrated township that follows the 15-minute city concept. Designed in collaboration with global consultancy Arcadis, the development brings together residences, offices, retail, and a world-class mega mall into one connected ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Sustainability & Design: Emphasises liveable, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, solar-powered lighting, rainwater harvesting, and electric vehicle (EV) charging. Green car-park designs, cycling lanes, and shaded walkways create a cooling, walkable environment.
- Residential & Commercial Offerings: Around 1,600 residential units — both high-rise and landed — will be rolled out over five years, complemented by offices and retail spaces.
- Retail Magnet: The centrepiece is IOI Mall Rio, a signature 1,000,000 sq ft retail hub featuring over 300 outlets, a cinema, convention facilities, and sports amenities.
- Connectivity: Strategically located beside SKVE and KL-Seremban highways, with easy access to Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, and Putrajaya. The nearby Taman Perindustrian Puchong LRT station enhances public transit convenience.
- Community Amenities: Landscaped parks, communal areas, and a 10.93-acre town park encourage outdoor recreation and neighbourhood interaction. Schools and healthcare facilities are also planned within the broader precinct.
Why it’s one to watch: As IOI Properties’ next iconic development after IOI City Mall, Rio City promises to be a model of sustainable urban living. Its focus on walkability, mixed-use vibrancy, and green innovation positions it as one of Puchong’s most transformative new landmarks.
9. KL Wellness City, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Developer: KL Wellness City Sdn Bhd
Overview: An ambitious 26.49-acre integrated health and wellness township, aiming to be a premier medical and wellness destination in Southeast Asia.
Key Features:
- International Tertiary Hospital: A state-of-the-art hospital offering comprehensive medical services.
- Medical Suites & Clinics: Dedicated spaces for specialist clinics and medical professionals.
- Wellness-Themed Residences: Serviced apartments and retirement living options designed for health and well-being.
- Commercial & Retail: Retail outlets catering to health-conscious consumers.
- Research & Development: Plans for a medical research and education hub.
Why it’s one to watch: KL Wellness City represents a pioneering concept in Malaysia, creating a specialised ecosystem dedicated entirely to health, wellness, and medical tourism.
10. ParkCity Botanika, Cyberjaya, Selangor
Developer: ParkCity Group
Overview: A 259-acre mixed township by the award-winning developer of Desa ParkCity, ParkCity Botanika is set to bring the same community-driven charm and premium lifestyle to Cyberjaya. With a gross development value (GDV) of RM7.3 billion and about 7,400 residential units planned across a 15-year masterplan, it’s designed to embody the group’s hallmark of low-density living and lush greenery.
Key Features:
- Sustainability & Green Spaces: Approximately 35% of the township is dedicated to parks, lakes, and landscaped areas. Inspired by Desa ParkCity’s walkable design, Botanika integrates tree-lined cycling paths, shaded walkways, and community gardens. Its first precinct, Adiva, devotes about 20% of its 12.28-acre site to communal green space.
- Signature Amenities: The development will include “The Waterfront” town centre — featuring shops, cafés, restaurants, and retail — alongside a clubhouse, a central park, an international school (INTI), and a Sime Darby medical centre.
- Phase 1A (Adiva): Offers gated parkhomes with private gardens and shared recreational facilities, including pools, playgrounds, and multipurpose halls.
- Connectivity: Strategically positioned in Cyberjaya with direct access to MEX and Elite highways, just 25 minutes from Kuala Lumpur City Centre via a new bypass road, and close to Putrajaya and KLIA.
Why it’s one to watch: With ParkCity Group’s proven excellence in crafting award-winning communities, Botanika brings the same DNA of quality, greenery, and lifestyle that made Desa ParkCity one of Malaysia’s most coveted addresses. Its prime location, integrated planning, and early strong sales signal a township destined for enduring value and appeal.
Conclusion: Shaping Tomorrow’s Malaysia
The race to redefine Malaysia’s living landscape is well underway, and these upcoming township developments are leading the charge. More than just physical spaces, they’re emotional anchors, places designed to inspire connection, growth, and possibility. As these projects rise from blueprints to bustling neighbourhoods, they symbolise Malaysia’s journey toward a smarter, greener, and more connected future. The foundations being laid today will shape how Malaysians live tomorrow, and that future looks brighter, bolder, and more beautifully designed than ever before.
Across Malaysia, a new generation of townships is rising smart, sustainable, and community-driven. If you know a township that’s shaping tomorrow’s Malaysia, honour the builders today. Submit your APDA nomination and showcase the next big name in township development.
