The Campus in Ampang
Reading this headline you might just be scratching your head, going, “Eh, another mall in Klang Valley?” But Ampang’s latest The Campus aims to be more than just a typical air-conditioned mall. This community hub occupies the former campus of the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), bringing in cafes and local brands to complement revamped corners and intact spaces like a football field.
With over 80 shops set to operate in the repurposed space, we’re here to help you navigate this new “mall” in Ampang with this guide to food options and things to do at The Campus.
How to get to The Campus
The Campus is located along Jalan Kerja Air Lama in Ampang, just a 5-minute drive from KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital and Ampang Point Shopping Centre. The most convenient way to get here is by private vehicle, with three designated open-air parking lots within the hub’s grounds that are currently free entry.
If you want to get to the mall via public transport, the nearest train station is LRT Ampang, about a 25-minute walk away. You can opt for an e-hailing service from the train station, which shortens the journey to just 10 minutes.
What to expect at The Campus
Image credit: @kakaazharulshah via Instagram
Fun fact: Projek: Anchor SPM, the spin-off of the hit local series Project: High Council, was mostly filmed at The Campus building.
You might just remember some of the spaces used in the show when you visit it today. The Campus has preserved most of the building’s original structure from when it opened as an international school in January 1976, with added landscaping and structures to turn the space into a vibrant, nature-filled community hub.
Image credit: @oakandbindi via Instagram
The offerings at The Campus are focused on retail, F&Bs, cultural events, sports, and education.
There are different spaces to accommodate these, like The Playground, the building’s former canteen now turned into a community space for workshops, bazaars, and pop-up events. Retail shops and eateries are spread across the grounds, surrounding The Playground and also conveniently located near The Campus’ two drop-off points.
Image credit: @sachisms via Instagram
Several sports facilities can be found at the back of the building. There’s The Field for football matches, a basketball court, a swimming pool for swim classes, and also carved-out spaces for future pickleball courts.
Image adapted from: @naladesigns via Instagram
The Campus food options
The majority of The Campus’ tenants are eateries. And we’re not complaining. You’ll find a good mix of cafes, restaurants, and dessert shops to accommodate savoury- and sweet-inclined palates.
Image adapted from: @universal_bakehouse via Instagram
You can grab a bite at popular cafes and bakeries at The Campus – new F&B branches here include Petaling Jaya’s popular Universal Bakehouse which has an array of artisanal bakes tantalisingly displayed at their latest charming cornerlot shop.
Image adapted from: @egs_wokkitchen, @jibbychow via Instagram
The Muslim-owned Eg’s Wok Kitchen offers takeaway-style wok-fried dishes and UK-style sandwiches for a quick bite, while Jibby Chow brings Asian and Asian-Western fusion cuisine to the table.
Image adapted from: @taffygelato, @chunky.my, @piccolilotti.my via Instagram
For something sweet, grab an indulgently soft cookie from Chunky Cookies or satisfying scoops of gelato from gelaterias Taffy Gelato and Picolo Lotti.
There’ll be plenty more food options in the near future, with well-known names already listed in the hub’s directory and set to open soon. These include Fowlboys, Super Boring Club, Cor Blimey, Souka Bakeshop, and Tentangga Kita.
Image adapted from: @fowlboyskl, @tetanggakita via Instagram
More options for carbs are in the cards for visitors to The Campus too, with breakfast champs Bengbeng To-Go and homegrown pizzeria Pizza Duo also opening here.
Image credit: @jpeg._.jx via Instagram
If you’re planning to swing by and lepak with a drink in hand, you’ll be equally pleased to know that Niko Neko Matcha, Coffeeboy Club, Kha Coffee Roaster, PaperKite, and Chagee have stores lined up for the new Ampang mall.
Flagship Qra with a lifestyle corner & wellness drinks-on-tap stall
Image credit: @qrafoods via Instagram
Local grocer Qra has also moved into The Campus, opening their flagship store.
The premium grocery store, which prides itself on curated products and fresh produce, has well-stocked aisles of kitchen and pantry essentials, a butchery for quality meats, and a non-halal section at its latest spacious outlet.
Image credit: @kakaazharulshah via Instagram
The grocer also has corners for sustainable lifestyle and wellness goods from brands like Chuck’s, Lilin & Co., and Handmade Heroes. There’s even a section for stationery from Cziplee.
Image adapted from: @qrafoods via Instagram
More than just a grocer – think California’s Erewhon – Qra has an aptly named in-house drink stall, After School, which offers kombucha and cold brew on tap.
Local fashion brands & a kid’s indoor playland
Beyond just stuffing your face with food, you can support local clothing and home brands at The Campus. Browse for timeless and aesthetic household goods from Kantan Kollektiv, versatile staple pieces from Sueka Sueka, or modern-meets-traditional apparel from NALA.
Image adapted from: @kantankollektiv, @suekasueka, @naladesigns via Instagram
Families with kiddos can bring the little ones to Kids Nation’s new indoor playland to keep them entertained for hours with ball pits and slides. If you live in the area, you can rely on services from Amare Dance Academy, Mataku Optometry, Sugu Nails, and florists The Flower Of too.
Image credit: @kidsnation.my via Instagram
The Campus, a new community hub in Ampang
Whether you’re looking for new eateries to haunt or a new spot to lepak at, The Campus checks the boxes for both. There are already a good number of food options and retail shops to check out, with many more to come soon.
Address: Lot 7706, Jalan Kolam Air Lama, Mukim, Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: The Campus website
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Cover image adapted from: @kakaazharulshah, @oakandbindi, @piccolilotti.my, @qrafoods via Instagram