Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur
Bukit Tunku, formerly known as Kenny Hill, is one of the most exclusive and historically significant hills in Kuala Lumpur. Perched northwest of the city centre, it is renowned for its sprawling luxury bungalows, embassies, and lush greenery overlooking the heart of Malaysia’s capital1.
Quick Facts
- Malay name: Bukit Tunku
- Former name: Kenny Hill
- Location: Northwest of Kuala Lumpur city centre
- Distance from city centre: About 3 km
- Notable feature: Prestigious residential hill with panoramic city views
- Nearest transit: Bank Negara KTM Station and Titiwangsa MRT/LRT Stations
History of Bukit Tunku
Bukit Tunku traces its origins to the early 20th century, when the area was developed by the British colonial administration as a residential zone for high-ranking officers and expatriates. It was originally called Kenny Hill, after a British civil servant. Following Malaysia’s independence, the hill was renamed in honour of the country’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj2.
Character and Landscape
This elevated enclave remains one of Kuala Lumpur’s greenest and most serene corners. Mature trees line its quiet, winding roads, and many homes are built on generous plots overlooking the city skyline. Because of its limited commercial presence, Bukit Tunku maintains an aura of exclusivity and privacy, standing in contrast to the dense urban environment just minutes away3.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
Properties in Bukit Tunku are among the most coveted in Kuala Lumpur. The neighbourhood is dominated by large, detached villas and heritage mansions, many of which feature colonial or tropical modernist architecture. As of September 2025, bungalow prices range from approximately RM5 million to over RM25 million depending on land size and view, while monthly rentals typically start from RM12,0004. Residents here include diplomats, corporate figures, and long-established families.
Accessibility and Connectivity
Bukit Tunku is strategically located near the city’s main arterial roads. The area can be accessed via Jalan Duta and Jalan Mahameru (now Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim), connecting it directly to the Duta–Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE, E33) and the Mahameru Highway. Public transport is available through the Bank Negara KTM Station, while the Titiwangsa MRT and LRT Stations are just a short drive away5.
Landmarks and Surroundings
Although primarily residential, Bukit Tunku is close to important civic and cultural landmarks. Nearby are the Istana Negara (National Palace), Lake Gardens (Perdana Botanical Garden), and Publika Shopping Gallery in Solaris Dutamas. The neighbourhood is also within easy reach of the Parliament House of Malaysia and National Monument, further underlining its prominence in the city’s geography6.
Fun Fact
Despite its quiet atmosphere today, Bukit Tunku was once home to several colonial-era mansions that have since been repurposed for embassies and private clubs. One of its most famous addresses, the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)7.
Bukit Tunku is 
on the Map of Hills of Kuala Lumpur
References
- Time Out Kuala Lumpur – Bukit Tunku
- New Straits Times – The Memory of Kenny Hill
- The EdgeProp – Bukit Tunku Property Overview
- iProperty Malaysia – Bukit Tunku Real Estate 2025
- MRT Corp Malaysia – MRT Network Overview
- Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur – City Planning Information
- Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development
Page Details
This page was created on 8 October 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Back to Hills of Kuala Lumpur main page
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