The Campus, Ampang – A Local Guide on KL’s New Hotspot
I truly love it when something old is transformed into something new and it just goes to show that us Malaysians are never short of creative ideas.
I would love to think that The Campus, Ampang is an embodiment of this concept! In short, The Campus Ampang is the new kid on the block offering you plenty of lifestyle cafes, grocery, eateries as well as event spaces.
It is the perfect spot for locals to hangout, families to spend their weekend together doing activities hosted within The Campus Ampang and even a fitness hub for fitness junkies!
If you thought that Ampang is already filled with cafes and malls, and here’s another, well I think you really should check out The Campus Ampang yourself as it is truly much more than just a mall, rather it is a lifestyle hub that is buzzing with creativity, events, and community vibes.
Read also: The Best Cafés For Coffee in Kuala Lumpur
A Quick Look Back – The History of The Campus
For true KL folks, The Campus Ampang is going to look awfully recognizable. That’s simply because the complex was the former International School Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) which was built back in 1976.
Although the school operated for years before moving out in 2018, the original campus was left underutilized for years until developers reimagined it.
If you take a look at The Campus Ampang’s directory, you will realise that most of the school’s layout was kept intact. This former school was then beautifully reimagined to serve as a multi-purpose creative hub for retail, food, and arts.
What Makes The Campus Special
What makes The Campus Ampang truly special is the concept itself where it functions as a true lifestyle destination for all ages. The mix of community, dining and creative energy means that you get a little bit of everything in one central location.
Not to mention, the approach to keep the open and airy atmosphere is much welcomed from the typical cold malls in Malaysia. The industrial chic design with open and flexible spaces allows people to roam around eateries and events freely without feeling overwhelming.
For now, it has definitely attracted a crowd of foodies and creators thanks to its unique take on a ‘lifestyle mall’. A quick look at The Campus Ampang’s directory and you will know that many families also come here to enjoy their weekends together, eating and partaking in events hosted. Plus of course the weekend lepak crowds!
Stores & Dining at The Campus
Popular Food & Cafés
The Campus Ampang food offers a wide variety of cuisines and flavours for all. Let’s take a look at some of the popular food and cafes here:
Universal Bakehouse
Universal Bakehouse is no stranger to many. Serving up some of the best sourdoughs, they offer artisanal pastries and croissants too, with outdoor courtyard seating.
Fowlboys Diner
Craving for some American-style fried chicken and waffles? Fowlboys Diner is the spot to be in. Experience their retro diner vibes alongside some delicious milkshakes!
Tetangga Kita
Anyone craving for some local dessert can step into Tetangga Kita. Elevating the humble martabak into a sweet and savory dish is what they are known for. You will not run out of flavours to try and when we say they are creative we mean green tea red bean, or samyang, not just your average flavours!
Yaki Yaki by Super Boring Club
Why not get something delicious and fun? Yaki Yaki a, Japanese izakaya serves yakitori, creative rolls and also some creative cocktails. Their recommended dish however is the Yaki Soba plus their sake cocktails.
Niko Neko 4.0
Calling all matcha fans – The Campus Ampang houses the famous matcha makers, Niko Neko. They not only offer flavourful matchas but also a wide variety of cheesecakes and Japanese tea sets. The vibe is also equally zen with loads of wood pillars and furniture to match.
Cor Blimey! British Fish & Chips
Your local favourite Cor Blimey! From SS15 is now at The Campus Ampang serving up their classic cod or dory fish & chips. There’s limited seating so we suggest going early or avoiding peak hours.
Family Room Coffee
The Campus Ampang’s food cannot get anymore international with a cafe originating from Maldives, serving brunch bites and alfresco views of the football field. Pair your hot or cold coffees and matchas with some Maldivian tuna pancake or Maldivian dessert at Family Room Coffee.
Dancing Fish
Dancing Fish, a household name among our Bangsar friends, Ampang folks can now rejoice for this Michelin Bib Gourmand–awarded fusion of Malay-Indonesian and fine dining finally coming to The Campus Ampang.
Coffeeboy Club
The cool spot to be at for a hearty breakfast and quality coffee, Coffeeboy Club is hard to miss with its uber modern cafe design too!
Jibby Chow
For a hearty Chinese-Western fusion and family-friendly meals including dim sum and seafood, head over to Jibby Chow.
It’s Chunky
After a hearty meal, if sugar is what you’re craving then It’s Chunky is the perfect spot. Large indulgent cookies are available in unique flavours.
Piccoli Lotti
If cookies aren’t your jam then how about something cold? Piccoli Lotti serves smooth gelatos and crispy waffles with creative flavours like yuzu and maple apple crumble.
Lifestyle, Retail & Other Services
Qra
You can also do your grocery runs at The Campus Ampang, thanks to Qra, a curated grocer offering fresh produce and other necessities. This Qra comes equipped with a kombucha bar cutely called After School, and pick-and-grill meals.
Fashion & Home Boutiques
There are also plenty of choices when it comes to fashion and home decor boutiques. Find some interesting and new names like Kantan Kollektiv, Sueka Sueka, NALA offering fashion and home goods.
Kids Nation
For parents wanting to tire their kids out, Kids Nation is also available at The Campus Ampang. This indoor playland with ball pits and slides is sure to keep your kids sleeping soundly at night!
Suga Nails
Those looking for some me time can pop into Suga nails and get their express and premium manicure/pedicure services. Be sure to contact them to make appointments just in case!
This list is not complete as there are many more amenities within The Campus Ampang that provides fitness and wellness services and many more. We suggest that you check The Campus Ampang’s directory for the full list of stores available.
Plus other amenities like Mani‑Pedi, dance studios, wellness and barber services referenced in the Campus directory.
Unique Spots to Explore
Probably the coolest aspect of The Campus Ampang is how it can host multiple events. Below are some of the spaces you should check out:
- Event Hall: Usually filled with different pop up markets, art showcases and community events. Keep an eye on their social media profiles to see what is coming up as they usually change every other week.
- Outdoor Courtyard: The breezy and leafy courtyard is transformed as a social hub for live performances and bazaars.
- Art Corners: The outdoor spaces within The Campus, Ampang are also scattered with murals and Instagram-worthy backdrops, making them a unique spot to click some pictures for everlasting memories.
Pop-Ups & Community Events
The Campus Ampang is also known to regularly host multiple community events and pop-ups. You can find artisanal markets, craft workshops like painting or pottery and even coffee brewing being held.
Artisanal Markets & Craft Workshops (Painting, Pottery, Coffee Brewing)
Depending on the occasion, there are also events like music nights and night markets that are hosted.
Music Nights
Night Markets
Getting There – Public Transport & Parking Info
If you’re wondering how to get to The Campus, Ampang, fret not, it is actually quite accessible:
- By Public Transport:
- The closest LRT station to The Campus Ampang is the Ampang Station. So take the LRT and get down there. From the station, take a short 10 minute Grab ride to The Campus Ampang directly.
- Alternatively, you can also take the MRT Putrajaya Line to Pandan Indah Station and do the same; take a short 8 minute Grab ride to reach The Campus Ampang.
- By Car:
- You can also easily access The Campus Ampang via MRR2 or Jalan Ampang if you are driving.
- The Campus Ampang’s parking fee is around RM2 per hour, capped at RM10 per day (rates are subject to change).
Opening Hours & Visitor Info
The Campus Ampang is open daily from 10AM to 10PM. The best time to visit is certainly in the evening where you can enjoy the chill vibes of the place.
However, if you are looking for something more, then definitely go on the weekends for the pop-up markets that are hosted there.
The crowd is much more family friendly during the day, so best time to go with your kids. But, at night, it does attract a livelier crowd too, perfect for hanging out with your besties!
Why The Campus is Worth a Visit
The Campus Ampang might not be just another mall as it really does bring a unique experience of shopping, dining and culture when compared to other malls within Kuala Lumpur.
It stands as a symbol of urban revival, where an old space has been turned into a creative hub, bringing the community around together in a pretty calm and serene environment. This alone makes the visit to The Campus Ampang a worthy one.
It also serves as a wonderful place for you to spend with your loved ones whether it’s catching up with family, going on a date or just for the usual weekend lepak session.
Conclusion
What’s undeniably lovely about The Campus Ampang is the fact that it has been revived from its old self to continue serving the growing community around it.
It is a great reminder as how the saying goes; old is gold. It also truly shows that we can always reimagine older places without having to etch new buildings by simply using our creativity.
The Campus, Ampang is truly a hidden gem and may not stay hidden for a long time, folks! So, plan your outing soon!