|
Kuala Lumpur, the commercial hub of the country, has its fair share of famous landmarks, historical relics and heritage buildings plus a pulsating night life to keep the visitor occupied day and night. None of these,
however, would be complete without the sheer fun and excitement of bargain hunting within the cool comforts of ultra-modem, one-stop shopping complexes or the thrill of browsing among antiques and curio items in the older establishments in the older parts of the city. Kuala Lumpur is a shopping paradise with an eclectic spectrum of opportunities, from air-conditioned mega malls right through to the frenetic street markets. Mingle with the jostling crowd at the numerous roadside stalls or share in the heady excitement of the carnival like 'pasar malam' or night markets.
Prices are excellent in both and haggling is the norm at the street markets and even in some of the malls, where bulk discounts are also on offer. The city overflows with malls, the scale of which is impressive - bowling alleys, discos, cinemas and even, in one, a canal, add a surreal element to the shopping experience. Many of the malls are located on Jalan Bukit Bintang. Here visitors can pick up electrical goods in Bukit Bintang Plaza, a
 wide range of clothing and footwear in Lot 10, designer bargains at Star Hill Shopping Center or explore the boutiques in Kuala Lumpur Plaza. Elsewhere, high fashion blends with one of the world's highest buildings at the Suria KLCC Shopping Center, tucked in the basement of the Petronas Twin Towers.
A galaxy away from the malls are the night markets. Vision KL Magazine publishes a regular update on where and when the best markets are, with the only constant remaining the nightly Jalan Petaling. This Chinatown bulwark peddles CDs, electrical equipment,
 perfume, watches and clothing, as well as some of the city's best hawker fare. The best souvenirs are traditional handicrafts like
pewter ware. The factory outlet of KL's own distinctive Royal Selangor Pewter is open to the public from 0800-1700 daily, 4 Jalan Ushawan Enam. Batik may have its roots across the Malacca Straits in Indonesia, but KL today offers some excellent quality batik. A range of batik is found at Central Market or in Kompleks Budaya Kraf, Jalan Conlay.
Most shops are open 0900-1700 daily, with the malls open later 1000-2200. Some shops close on Sundays, but all of the malls are open. Tax-free shopping is available; if notified before payment, the shop will give the visitor a form, which can be presented at the airport for refund upon departure.
To the avid shopper KL, is paradise. From world-renowned designer labels and brands to exquisite made-in-Malaysia items, the highly competitive environment that exists among traders is a blessing in disguise to shoppers. While department retail establishments or at any one of KL's famous night markets. KL will enthrall you. It will capture your heart and mind in a way no other city will.
|
