Kuala Lumpur is one of the leading shopping hubs in the region. Browse through the swanky malls, high-end boutiques, duty free outlets and bustling street bazaars for a range of irresistible goods. Look out for great bargains and special promotions, expecially the Buy Malaysia Campaign which encompasses a wide range of products and services.
Classy and sophisticated, malls are on the forefront of KL’s shopping scene. Spend a whole day shopping at the boutiques, specialty outlets and anchor tenants and then grab a snack or chill out at the many F&B outlets. Most malls are also complete with spas, cineplexes, convenience stores and other necessities
Trendy and upscale, Bukit Bintang and KLCC are indisputably the city’s foremost shopping districts. These two areas are filled with huge shopping malls, major hotels and chic entertainment outlets. Shoppers can choose from a wide variety of merchandise that caters to all budgets and preferences. Bukit Bintang and KLCC are connected by a 562-metre walkway which is fully air-conditioned. Most malls are situated along the KL Monorail route and can be easily accessed on foot from the stations.
Hailed as the crème de la crème of the city’s shopping malls, Starhill Gallery is the place for brand conscious shoppers. Its luxurious range includes Chopard, Louis Vuitton, Audemars Piguet and leading names in high fashion. This exclusive mall covers an area of 280,000 sq. ft. and boasts avant-garde architecture. It has seven themed floors, each featuring a distinct experience.
Tel: 03-2782 3800
Website: www.starhillgallery.com
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / KL Monorail – Bukit Bintang Station.
Winner of numerous local and international awards, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is a favourite among the well-heeled. It has six precincts and a whole row of boutiques from around the world. Expect nothing but the finest in fashion, home furnishing and culinary delights. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is also known for its Liuli Crystal Fountain, which has been touted as the tallest in the country by Malaysia Book of Records.
Tel: 03-2118 8833
Website: www.pavilion-kl.com
Getting there: KL Monorail – Bukit Bintang Station.
Perennially popular among ardent shoppers, Sungei Wang Plaza is brimming with delights for everyone. It is filled with independent stores that bring you the newest and coolest in apparels, accessories, electronics and many more. Suitable for the trend-setter, budget-conscious shopper or souvenir-hunter.
Tel: 03-2148 6109
Website: www.sungeiwang.com
Getting there: KL Monorail – Bukit Bintang Station.
Fahrenheit88 offers an exciting shopping experience with a unique mix of funky fashion styles and youth-centric entertainment. Browse through the four hot spots; Fashion Hot Spot, Gadgets Hot Spot, F&B Hot Spot and Entertainment Hot Spot.
Tel: 03-2148 5488
Website: www.fahrenheit88.com
Getting there: KL Monorail – Bukit Bintang Station.
This huge shopping mall with its distinctive green and blue striped façade caters to upmarket shoppers. Visitors will have no problem finding their favourite branded designer items. Isetan is the anchor tenant.
Tel: 03-2141 0500
Website: www.lot10.com.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / KL Monorail – Bukit Bintang Station.
Well-known among IT enthusiasts and gadget-lovers, Plaza Low Yat offers a bewildering variety of digital and electronic goods. It was named ‘Malaysia’s Largest IT Lifestyle Mall’ in 2009.
Tel: 03-2148 3651
Website: www.plazalowyat.com
Getting there: KL Monorail – Bukit Bintang Station.
Sprawled over 3,450, 000 sq ft, this huge shopping mall is a definite choice for the young and trendy. With over 1,000 retail lots, Berjaya Times Square offers stylish and chic apparels, accessories, footwear and many more at affordable prices.
Tel: 1 300 888 988
Website: www.berjayatimesquarekl.com
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / KL Monorail – Imbi Station.
Situated within the prestigious Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), this popular mall houses six floors of retail outlets. Its impressive tenant mix includes Isetan, Parkson Grand and Marks & Spencer. Aseana and Pucuk Rebung are exclusive outlets offering a remarkable range of unique ethnic-inspired items. Sample the wide variety of cuisine at the Asian Flavours Food Court.
Tel: 03-2382 2828
Website: www.suriaklcc.com.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – KLCC Station.
Situated in the vicinity of KLCC, Avenue K is popular among the city’s young professionals. Its six floors offer themed shopping as well as a good mix of cafes and restaurants.
Tel: 03-2168 7800 / 7888
Website: www.avenuek.com.my
Getting there: RapidKL LRT – KLCC Station.
Jalan Putra is a well-known area that houses the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), which is the venue for numerous conferences and exhibitions. Amenities here include the Sunway Putra Hotel, Seri Pacific Hotel, serviced apartments and a range of F&B outlets.
Recently refurbished, this mall offers a complete range of products and services in a trendy, urban setting. This mall is strategically located in the city’s central business district and in the proximity of major hotels such as Sunway Putra Hotel and Seri Pacific Hotel and overlooking the Putra World Trade Centre.
Tel: 03-4040 0755
Website: www.sunwayputramall.com
Getting there: LRT (Ampang Line) – PWTC Station / KTM Komuter – Putra Station
This popular store is a big draw among city dwellers for its diverse merchandise, from fashionwear, household items, electrical and electronics, to sports equipment. The store also offers a large selection of Japanese foodstuff.
Tel: 03-2202 8312
Website: www.sogo.com.my
Getting there: RapidKL LRT – Bandaraya Station.
Hailed as the ‘creative mall’, Publika is the new playground for culture, arts and innovative ideas. With its fresh concept, creative mix of events and colourful flea markets, Publika beckons urbanites as the city’s newest lifestyle mall.
Tel: 03-6211 7877
Getting there: Taxis are the best mode of transport to get here.
Situated along Jalan Sultan Ismail, this mall offers eight floors with over 320 trendy lifestyle stores. One of the newest in KL’s lineup of shopping mall, Quill City Mall is the first to have a floating media pod that projects live broadcast of events and advertisement. Enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment within its spacious ambience.
Tel: 03-2603 1111
Website: www.quillcitymall.com.my
Getting there: KL Monorail – Medan Tuanku Station
Featuring an exciting and vibrant mix of retailers, Mid Valley Megamall is a major attraction among urbanites and tourists. Anchor tenants include Metrojaya, Jusco and Carrefour. Add that with a ciniplex, gym and a mega bookstore, Mid Valley Megamall offers a shopping experience that is impossible to resist.
Tel: 03-2938 3333
Website: www.midvalley.com.my
Boasting a sophisticated and exclusive collection, The Gardens is the home of luxury labels and an enviable designer collection. Anchor tenants such as Marks & Spencer, the Origins, Robinsons, Isetan as well as brand names such as Selberan, Hush Puppies and Coach make this mall the right choice for an elite clientele.
Tel: 03-2297 0288
Website: www.thegardensmall.com.my
Getting there: KTM Komuter – Mid Valley Station / RapidKL LRT – Bangsar Station. Feeder buses are available from this station to the mall.
The affluent neighbourhood of Bangsar is a popular venue for social gatherings and hip parties. This self-contained suburb has numerous shopping malls and a wide choice of dining outlets and entertainment spots. Most malls here cater to the largely expatriate community.
Housing an impressive range of international gourmet restaurants, stylish bistros and alfresco dining outlets, Bangsar Shopping Centre is a chic mall that attracts both expatriates and locals.
Tel: 03-2094 7700
Website: www.bsc.com.my
Getting there: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to this shopping centre.
Nearby, Bangsar Village I & II offer a wide range of imported foodstuff and other merchandise.
Located adjacent to KL Sentral station, Nu Sentral is the newest shopping mall in town. It is Malaysia’s first integrated green lifestyle and transit mall. It is situated in the vicinity of hotels such as Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Ascott Kuala Lumpur, Hilton and Le Meridien as well as corporate offices. Shoppers will be delighted to find favourite brands such as Monki, Victoria’s Secret, Charles & Keith, Cotton On, Converse, Harvey Norman and many more.
Tel: 03-2859 7177
Website: www.nusentral.com
Getting there: KTM Komuter / KL Monorail / RapidKL LRT / KLIA Ekspres / KLIA Transit – KL Sentral Station.
Tel: 03-9244 1998
Website: www.kenangacity.com.my
Getting there: KL Monorail / RapidKL LRT – Hang Tuah Station. The shopping mall is within walking distance to the station.
Tel: 03-7452 8118
Website: klgatewaymall.com
Getting there: RapidKL LRT – University Station.
Tel: 03 2786 3970
Website: www.sunwayvelocitymall.com
Getting there: RapidKL LRT – Taman Maluri Station /
MRT – Cochrane and Maluri Stations
Tel: 03-2710 0057
Website: www.ikea.com/my
Getting there: MRT – Cochrane Station
Ranging from woodcarvings, pewterware to songket and batik, Malaysian crafts are exquisitely beautiful and intricate. Visitors can also watch how the crafts are made or try their hand at making them.
Pasar Seni or Central Market is an award-winning bazaar which offers a wide variety of products created by local artists and craftsmen. Hunt for Malay, Chinese or Indian-inspired souvenirs or find great buys that reflect the customs and traditions of the various ethnic groups in Malaysian Borneo. Visitors can have their portraits sketched or request for custom-made souvenirs. Just outside, the Kasturi Walk offers street-shopping in a safe and covered environment.
Tel: 03-2031 0399
Website: www.centralmarket.com.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – Pasar Seni Station.
Styled like a Malay village, this complex is an artists’ colony housing handicraft shops, an art workshop, craft museum and food court. Interesting activities here range from batik-painting to weaving, jewellery-making and pottery. Watch the artisans as they skilfully create exquisite items from silver and brass or try your hand at the art of batik-painting. Visitors can buy export quality Malaysian handicrafts such as kaftans, bathrobes, silverware, pewterware, glassware, pottery, silk batik paintings and songket, the Malaysian brocade.
Opening hours:
Information Counter / Craft Village & Artists’ Colony:
9.00am – 7.00pm
Museum: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Handicraft Shop: 9.00am – 8.00pm on weekdays.
(Closed at 7.00pm on weekends).
Tel: 03-2162 7459
Website: www.kraftangan.gov.my
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus
The Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation has many outlets that feature the intricate Malaysian arts and crafts. Crafts can also be purchased through its online store at www.karyaneka-onlinestore.com.my.
Watch how pewter and filigree silver products are made at the Royal Selangor showroom in Setapak Jaya.
Tel: 03-4145 6000
Website: www.royalselangor.com
Street Markets and bazaars offer a uniquely Malaysian shopping experience. Visitors can find an unbelievable range of novelty items, souvenirs, crafts and other great buys. Bargaining may be done sometimes, although not always, to get the best prices. However, only serious buyers are advised to bargain.
Petaling Street or Chinatown is a place for the adventurous shopper who enjoys the excitement of looking for novelty items or bargaining for the best prices. Find everything from textiles to herbal products, fresh flowers, fruits, ornaments, figurines and and timepieces. There is no end to the range of goods found here!
Getting there: Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – Pasar Seni Station. Chinatown is a short distance from the station.
One of the oldest shopping zones in the city, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (or Jalan TAR) is still a favourite among shoppers for its value-for-money buys and wide choice of outlets. The area is flanked by pre-war buildings and shophouses that have been preserved and re-adapted for modern business, mostly retailing. Make your way through the labyrinth of alleys to hunt for unique buys and extraordinary souvenirs. Popular items include fabrics and textiles, luggage, carpets and sports equipment.
Getting there: KL Hop On Hop Off tour bus / RapidKL LRT – Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya Station.
Other bazaars and street markets include Souk Al-Tar at Maju Junction Mall, Rasta TTDI, Plaza Mont Kiara and Bukit Bintang Centre.
What is a holiday without souvenirs? Bring back memories of your holiday with these beautiful Malaysian souvenirs that will be an instant hit with friends and family. Get the cutest t-shirts, or make a statement with the pewter mugs, batik pareos or delicately woven ethnic-style baskets.
A versatile fabric with hand-drawn or printed motifs, available in traditional and contemporary styles. Choose from the wide range of batik items, from pareos, sarongs, shirts and dresses. Also available are purses and household items such as cushion covers, place mats and tablecloths that will instantly give a touch of class to your home.
Malaysian songket is a stunning fabric laced with golden or silver threadwork. This decorative cloth, exclusively used by royalty, is painstakingly handwoven to perfection by skilled artisans. It is available as traditional costumes as well as splendid evening gowns. Take home a piece that is rich with legacy passed through the generations.
These beautifully crafted pieces come mainly from the states of Sarawak and Perak. Sarawak pottery is easily distinguished by their unmistakable ethnic markings and are larger in size. The distinctly shaped Labu Sayong from Perak were traditionally used as water receptacles.
Exquisitely crafted pewterware is available as beer tankards, goblets, tea and coffee sets, picture frames, clocks, vases and other decorative items. Popular pewter brands include Royal Selangor, Tumasek and Mariwasa.
A range of fascinating woodcarvings can be found in the city. These include the aboriginal woodcarvings of the Orang Asli or indigenous people. Also in abundance are woodcarvings from Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo.
Products made from pandanus or woven screwpine leaves make beautiful gifts and souvenirs. They include practical and elegant bags which come in a variety of designs and colours. There are also floor mats, table mats, trinket boxes and gift boxes in attractive contemporary designs.
There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.
Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.
Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.
The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.
A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.
Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.
Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.
The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.
Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.
Selangor is home to the country’s main airport KLIA, and the main gateway by sea, Port Klang. It is also the country’s most developed state with a long list of shopping malls and themed attractions.
Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.
Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.
Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.
Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!
From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.
Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.
Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.
The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.
Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.
Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.