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PICS: Kuala Lumpur, the shopper's paradise
Hit Malaysia's capital with a few extra bags
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia is not only a business hub but a great place for tourists to shop. But if one doesn't know any locals in the city, the number of malls in the spread out city can be quite confusing. Here is an extensive guide for shopping in the great city of KL, whatever your shopping avatar may be.
Branded for life
If brands are your thing, you are at the right place. KLCC mall under the Petronas Towers is the first place to head to. Not only do you get a bottoms-up view of the great twin towers, you also can find all your luxury brands in this exclusive mall.
Everyone who has ever been to KL will suggest you go shop in Bukit Bintang, a street lined with malls of all shapes and sizes. But for the luxury brands, your best bet there is the Pavilion Mall. Whether it is clothes, bags, shoes or jewellery, there is something for every stiletto tapping lady here.
PICS: Kuala Lumpur, the shopper's paradise
Shop till you drop
If you have all day to spend (or even a couple of them) and don't want to roam around town too much, stick to Bukit Bintang area. There are so many malls catering to all kinds of shoppers that you can never get bored. Whether it is H&M or local brands, you'll find something that you're looking for.
When you're tired of walking around, just head off to Jalan Alor, the hawker food street off Bukit Bintang. Try local street food, be it Malay, Chinese or Thai.
Hidden Treasures
What the tourists and even some locals don't know, is that the Bangsar area (now a sophisticated expat district) is great to shop for high street fashion. The maze of streets outside Bangsar Village Mall are lined chocoblock with small boutique shops that sell clothes and accessories for less than half of what you'll find in malls.
If you are travelling with children, you can drop them off to the Play Gym on the 3rd level of Bangsar Village. They offer services including supervised play time for children while you shop.
A great place to eat while shopping here is the Restoran Nirava. Local food served on banana leaves leaves one licking your fingers. Don't forget to try the Mutton Mie Goreng here.
PICS: Kuala Lumpur, the shopper's paradise
Affordable fashion
If the high end brands look good to you only behind their show windows, head to the Mid Valley Mall in Bangsar area. The mall is a great place to pick up clothes for yourself and even gifts for people back home.
Don't forget to try the famous Sushi King for a quick and economical bite while you're busy shopping here.
Quick tips for tourists:
- The airport is located an hour and a half out of the city. Plan your days of arrival and departure accordingly.
- It usually rains in KL around 4pm. Mornings can be hot and nights are usually clear and breezy.
- Whenever you need to take a cab, ask for a budget taxi. They are painted red and white and the meter starts at 3RM. All malls and public areas have a designated taxi stand where the first cab in the queue is the one you can take. Depending on your luck, you can get an old beaten up sedan or a shining new SUV.
- Whatever you do, avoid the blue coloured taxis. They are almost 3 times as expensive as the other cabs.
- If the brands in a mall seem daunting, just go to the levels below ground floor and you're in for a surprise. The levels B1 and B2 usually have stores that are easy on the pocket, a line of restaurants and small stalls selling accessories.
- If you're missing home and home food a bit much, the little India area can make you feel like you stepped into a street of Tamil Nadu. Loud blaring Hindi music, flashy gold jewellery shops and restaurants with Indian fare, it's all here.