12 Reasons Why Students Agree Bandar Utama Is Probably The Best Place In PJ
It's not just because of 1 Utama okaaay?
Published for First City University College, 28 Oct 2016, 12:12 PM
Just 25 years ago, Bandar Utama was a palm oil estate with less than 100 people staying there
It is now home to over 45,000 residents and considered one of the most affluent townships in PJ.
And students are reaping the benefits! Tons of fun, things to do, and hello, student prices! ;)
1. The re-branded “First City” University College Is A Translation from “Bandar Utama” #MINDBLOWN
KBU International College was founded in 1990 and was recently elevated to First City University College by the Ministry of Higher Education. Offering programmes in the field of business, engineering, computing, IT, design, hospitality, and foundation studies, First City UC is renowned for their affordable quality education.
First City UC is currently expanding its campus to provide even more awesome facilities to their ever-growing student body. The extended premises will include new state-of-the-art laboratories, studios and workshops, an IT centre, library, MBA centre and more.
Plus, students will soon be enjoying new on-campus accommodation, indoor futsal, badminton, and basketball courts, a brand new cafeteria and kick-ass student lounge.
Address: No.1, Persiaran Bukit Utama, Bandar Utama
Operating Hours: 9.00am-6.00pm
Contact Details: Call - 03 7727 3200 | Email - [email protected]
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Check out these artist impressions of the expanded campus!
2. You can watch a movie at the world's first Helipad Cinema
The HeliPad Cinema is a unique outdoor experience and the first of its kind! Found only in Bandar Utama, 10 classic films will be screened under the stars including '10 Things I Hate About You,' 'Pulp Fiction,' 'Fight Club,' and 'Mean Girls.'
Grab your friends and enjoy awesome Happy Hour deals while you sit back on beanbags and catch the flicks you grew up with.
Address: Stratosphere @The Roof, 1 First Avenue, Bandar Utama
Opening Hours: Movies start after 8.00pm on specific dates. Check showings here.
Admission: For ages 18 and over
Contact Details: Call 03-8605 3388 if you have any enquiries.
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3. There’s a Secret Sky Garden that's only open to public on weekends and public holidays
This 'Garden in the Sky' is rumoured to have been developed in secret for five years before being opened for public viewing. Located on the rooftop of 1 Utama, the Secret Garden occupies 30,000 sq ft, displays 600 species of rare and tropical plants, and is currently Southeast Asia's largest rooftop garden.
The landscape is stunning and just so unexpected. It's a great place to chill with friends, go on dates, take gorgeous photographs, and enjoy nature within the city.
Address: Rooftop @ 1 Utama, 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama City Centre
Opening Hours: 10.00am-10.00pm every Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
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4. 1 Utama is ranked the 8th largest shopping mall in the world
Previously ranked the 4th largest in the world, 1 Utama spans 5 million square feet and has over 700 outlets. Plus it's the only mall in Malaysia with four department stores and BOTH a TGV and a GSC cinema complex. Woot woot!
You can literally spend the whole day there and not get bored. From great food and shopping, to entertainment outlets like their bowling alley, arcade centre, indoor rainforest and more. Legit never a dull moment.
Address: 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama City Centre
Opening Hours: 10.00am to 10.00pm (with some outlets opening earlier and closing later)
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And don't forget to check out U-Bowl Centre:
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 10.00am - 1.00am
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5. There's a scuba diving centre where you can become a certified diver
If you're already an avid diver, Sealantis is an official distributor of Scubapro in Malaysia. And if you're looking to pick up the skill for fun, this establishment is one of the best in the country, and it's located right in 1 Utama. They also operate a diving centre in Pulau Tioman. Nice!
This PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Centre offers multiple courses in both diving and swimming :)
Address: P-289, Promenade Lakeside, 1 Utama Shopping Centre
Operating Hours: 10.00am - 8.00pm
Contact Details: 03 7726 9932
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6. You can get your adrenaline pumping at this hidden paintball park
Whether you want to have private games, celebrate a birthday, throw a party, or take part in a tournament, Canyon Paintball has you covered. These paintball specialists will take of all your needs on their 20 acres of friendly warfare terrain.
Perfect for newbies who don't have their own gear, as well as seasoned veterans, this park is guaranteed to get your heart pumping!
Address: Canyon Paintball, Changkat Bukit Utama, Bandar Utama
Operating Hours: 8.30am - 4.20pm (start of last game) on weekends and public holidays only
Contact Details: Ishaq Danial 0127182207 | Michael Chia aka ‘Poison doc’ 0122735188
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7. There are over 185 yummilicious places to eat, that’s one new place to try every 2 days for a year!
Whether you're craving fresh sushi, legit Italian pasta, spicy Korean BBQ, a juicy steak, or local noms, Bandar Utama has all the top food. With hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and dessert parlours to choose from, you'll be torn between 1 Utama and Centrepoint. From super tasty cheap eats to fine dining, and everything in between, there's something to eat for every occasion.
And if you know where to look, you'll discover more intriguing gems that only the locals know about ;) Such as The Port, Zam Zam Cafe & Satay Club, and for a really special night out, check out the five distinct outlets at The Roof.
8. It’s been home to multinationals like IBM, KPMG, Schlumberger, Toyota, Quintiq, PayPal, and more
All of which provide opportunities for student internships and graduate employment ;)
And of course, BU has been the HQ of Malaysia’s media power house since 1995 - Media Prima. It is the leading fully-integrated media company in Malaysia and home to TV3, ntv7, 8tv, TV9, as well as radio stations FlyFM, OneFM, HotFM, KoolFM and much more. Get a guided tour or sign up to be part of a live studio audience at their next TV recording!
Apply for an internship or visit the FlyFM studio, by submitting your details here!
Address: Media Prima Berhad, Sri Pentas, No. 3. Persiaran Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama
Contact Details: 03 7726 6333
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9. Release tension with a baseball bat at the batting cages
Experience Southeast Asia's first automated baseball centre at It's A Hit! Batting Cages on the rooftop of 1 Utama. It's a great way to de-stress and have fun with friends. By adjusting the speed and height at which the ball is pitched, you can really enjoy swinging your bat and smacking that baseball as far as possible.
For special occasions, they will organize rooftop parties that include team competitions, carnival games, prize giving, plus food and drinks!
Address: UR601, 1Utama Shopping Center, Bandar Utama
Operating Hours: Monday - Thursday 12.00pm - 10.30pm | Friday & Saturday 10.00am - 12.00pm | Sunday 10.00am - 10.30pm
Contact Details: 03 7727 2576
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10. Gain membership to The Club to enjoy the pool and tons of sports facilities
The Club @ Bukit Utama also has an awesome swimming pool, indoor tennis, badminton, and squash courts, indoor golfing facilities, a 9-hole golf course, and fully equipped gyms. Find out more about how to be a member here!
Address: The Club, 1 Club Drive, Bukit Utama, Bandar Utama
Operating Hours: Monday - Sunday 7.00am - 12.00pm daily.
Contact Details: 03 7725 5199
Website
11. Scale the walls at Asia's largest climbing gym
Camp5 offers over 400 boulder, toprope and lead routes from beginner level to pro. Located in 1 Utama, this is Asia's largest climbing gym and it's absolutely breathtaking inside. Routes are changed every 3 to 6 months so there's always something new to challenge you. If you're worried about being a newbie, don't be. They offer lessons with trained professionals and allow you to rent equipment at very cheap rates.
Address:Camp5 Climbing Gym, EZ501, 5th floor, 1 Utama Shopping Center
Operating Hours: Monday - Friday 2pm - 11pm | Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 10am - 8pm
Contact Details: 03 7726 0410 | 03 7726 0420
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12. Get around with ease using the new MRT
The Sungai Buloh - Kajang Line will have 31 stations, one of which will be at Bandar Utama. With the elevated station just a stone's throw away from 1 Utama, you'll be able to head to the mall without stressing over traffic and parking. And obviously the other stops on its route will only make traveling all the more easy for you!
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Yup, there's a lot more to Bandar Utama than meets the eye!
Not only is it an awesome place to check out on weekends, it's even better if you're living the student life.
And that's why First City University College is such an awesome place to be. Just a short walk to Centrepoint and super close-by to 1 Utama, First City UC gives you all the perks of being in Bandar Utama while receiving an amazing education. With a wide range of courses in the fields of Business Studies, Design & Built Environment, Engineering, Computing, IT, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Mass Communication, Pre-University and Languages, it's a great kick-start to your dream career. Yaaaaaas!
And with the new expansion, it's only gonna get even more impressive.
Plus if you need transport to get around, First City University College offers a free shuttle bus service for students as just one of their many facilities. Owh yeah!
Check out the courses available and kick-start your future at First City University College.
First City UC holds regular Open Days in March, June and December every year. Intakes are in January, April, May, July, September and October.
Various scholarships are available, while tuition fees are fixed for duration of programme.