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Holiday goers whose destination is Kuala Lumpur are well aware of the fun times that lie ahead. Be it exploring the city, or hopping across the different swanky malls, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings on the outskirts. There are so many things to do in Kuala Lumpur, that you have to plan ahead and decide what you want to do, so you don’t miss out anything. Even then, chances are that you might still miss out on some of the things to do in Kuala Lumpur. You will need more than one trip to see Kuala Lumpur properly. Here’s a list of some of the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur so you can be prepared in advance.
Kuala Lumpur is a city that is easy to fall in love with. You will want to go back for more of everything – the sights, the sounds, the smells and the amazing experiences. A trip to Kuala Lumpur is perfect for a vacation with the family, or even an exciting honeymoon. Whatever your reason for travelling to Kuala Lumpur, you can be assured that SOTC has some excellent offers and deals on Kuala Lumpur tour packages and other Malaysia tour packages which are perfect for your trip.
Many people love to visit Kuala Lumpur, purely for the shopping scene. The variety and range of goods available here is amazing and truly, there’s something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you wear only high-end designer labels, or if you love buying cheap knickknacks to take back home. You can be sure that Kuala Lumpur shopping will let you explore both extremes and everything in between.
From its superb malls with attentive staff and the constant flow of customers, to the excited chatter on the streets where there’s entirely a different sort of energy flowing around, there’s no dearth of places to go shopping. From locally made handicrafts and beautiful cultural souvenirs, to flashy sunglasses and handbags and perfumes, and of course, a lot of competitively priced electronics, you can find all this and more in Kuala Lumpur. However, if you are not sure about where to shop in Kuala Lumpur, then here’s a list to make things easy for you.
For a glimpse into Malaysian culture combined with a lively shopping experience, head to one of the many street markets in Kuala Lumpur. While the shopping malls might be glitzy and glamourous, these are real, brighter and full of life. Most of the street markets are open throughout the day and knowing the heat in the city, it’s always best to dress appropriately and stay hydrated as you look for some fantastic deals.
Start with Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur’s most famous shopping street. Located in Chinatown, this is the spot to go to if you are looking for clothing, accessories, shoes and watches, most of which could be counterfeit. Near Central Market, there’s Kasturi Walk, which is another well known shopping street with fewer crowds and thus more breathing space. Do remember to take a look at the butterfly shaped Malay kite which is at the entrance of this shopping street.
The Chow Kit Market is where you will find hordes of locals buying produce, seafood and spices but a little further away, you will be amazed at all the street food you can enjoy here. The market also has a dry section more favoured by tourists, where they can pick up clothes, shoes, and other such items.
The Kampung Baru Market is the place to go to if you’re looking for traditional Malay outfits such as sarongs or the songkok. Another market to visit if you’re in Kuala Lumpur at the right time is the Taman Connaught Night Market, a two kilometre stretch of clothing, bags, books, handicrafts and other household items. Some of the markets open exclusively at night, such as Bangsar Sunday Market or the Jalan Masjid India Market.
One of the must do things in Kuala Lumpur is to visit the iconic landmarks like Petronas Twin Towers. Along with breath taking views of the city, you can also browse through the stupendous Suria KLCC mall inside the towers. Aquaria KLCC which is not too far from here is another excellent spot to visit especially if you have children with you. Don’t miss out on visiting Menara KL Tower or the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the National Museum which are some of the famed landmarks of Kuala Lumpur. Exploring all these will certainly take time but it’s worth it because visiting Kuala Lumpur and not seeing all these spots is simply not done.
One of the great advantages of visiting a city like Kuala Lumpur is the opportunity to visit some really lovely wildlife sanctuaries. If you are a nature lover, then don’t miss out on these. It’s indeed one of the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur. The Kuala Lumpur Zoo and Aquarium is a good place to begin. This huge sanctuary is around 13 kms from Kuala Lumpur and features a forest, a lake and several animal exhibits and is also called Zoo Negara Malaysia. For an enchanting and unforgettable trip, why not take a Firefly Watching Tour at a sanctuary in Kuala Selangor? It involves passing through a mangrove swamp on a boat where you can observe thousands of incandescent fireflies. There’s also the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary which is located two hours from Kuala Lumpur. This is a heartwarming sanctuary where visitors get the chance to feed elephants. The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is in the city and is among the popular things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
With its numerous cocktail bars, pubs, rooftop restaurants and lively nightclubs, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Kuala Lumpur, especially at night. Music flows freely amid the friendly and entertaining ambience. Some of the famous spots to visit here include Pisco Bar at Changkat Bukit Bintang or Sky Bar on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel, where you’ll be treated to amazing views of Petronas Towers, or Marini’s on 57 which is located on the 57th floor of Petronas Twin Towers. One of the popular nightspots is the rather unique Heli Lounge Bar, which is a helicopter pad converted into a lounge.
If you love shopping malls for the variety they offer and their refined sense of elegance, then you will be spoilt for choice in Kuala Lumpur. From the centrally located malls to others which are a little far flung, you will see that Kuala Lumpur shopping is taken seriously, by both locals and tourists. Most of the popular malls in Kuala Lumpur are stocked with the biggest names in retail brands such as Jimmy Choo or Coach and other such names. What’s great about these malls is that they also perfectly combine other forms of entertainment in their premises, like movies, or bowling or game arcades.
Pavilion in Bukit Bintang is an upscale sprawling retail mall designed like a Grecian temple. At its entrance is the gorgeously lit up Liuli Crystal Fountain, which is a great draw. Another favourite Kuala Lumpur shopping spot is the Suria KLCC which is located at the base of the Petronas Towers. The Mid Valley Megamall is reputed to be one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia and has more than 400 stores spread across five floors. For luxury items, head to The Garden which is linked to Mid Valley through a pedestrian bridge.
At the JW Marriot, Starhill Gallery brings a luxury retail experience with the best high end brands as well as some excellent dining options. Another mall connected with a hotel is the Berjaya Times Square which has a number of food courts, a spa, an Imax Theatre and many other attractions. The Sunway Pyramid is an Egyptian themed mall near Sunway Lagoon and apart from its retail attractions, it also has the country’s only indoor ice skating rink.
Lastly, one cannot talk about Kuala Lumpur shopping malls without talking about 1 Utama, also known as 1U. This is a sprawling shopping mall spread over five million square feet in the suburbs of Petaling Jaya. Brands like Nike, Puma, Guess and Fossil share space with local brands such as Sasa and Tomei.
For some unconventional shopping, don’t miss out on the local boutiques here in Kuala Lumpur. Some of these are really impressive and might even convince you to give local artisans a chance, and take you away from renowned brands. In Bangsar, you should take a look at Shoes, Shoes, Shoes - a boutique which is famed for women’s footwear. The designs are inventive and refreshing.
For some unusual fashion choices, try the Quirky Brown Cow. With its low prices and a collection of dresses, skirts, pants and various other accessories, this shop is known for its vintage and retro vibe. Another good spot is F Block in Dynasty Sentral. Here, you can find a comprehensive collection of shoes, jewellery and trendy clothes which will not burn a hole in your pocket.
Kuala Lumpur shopping can be fun and exciting, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can discover in just a day. Be ready to lug back a whole lot of shopping bags when you’re done. Chances are, you’ll want to come back for more. If you’re keen on checking out the Kuala Lumpur shopping scene, then don’t forget to check the SOTC website for some great offers and deals on Kuala Lumpur tour packages and other Malaysia tour packages.
One of the fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur is shopping in the many bustling streets. Walk down Petaling Street in Chinatown where you can get cheap clothing and accessories as well as handicrafts. This is one of the most popular street markets in Kuala Lumpur, covered by a large green awning, where hundreds of stalls and shops sell all these items at very low prices. Central Market is another popular shopping stop with its art galleries and boutiques where you can buy local artwork among other things. Some of the other popular street markets are Kasturi Walk where you can buy watches, t-shirts and a whole lot of other stuff. Sip on a cool juice from one of the stalls selling food and drinks to quench your thirst as you shop. If you’re looking for typically Malay clothing such as the sarong or the kurung, then the place to go to is Kampung Baru Sunday Market which is open only from Saturday evening until Sunday morning. Another weekly market that is popular with tourists and locals alike is the Taman Connaught Night Market which is held every Wednesday.
Kuala Lumpur has some really sleek and swanky shopping malls like the Pavillion Kuala Lumpur Shopping Mall in Bukit Bintang or Mid Valley Megamall which is near Bangsar. But don’t miss out on visiting Suria KLCC which is at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers as this is one of the really cool things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Suria has everything that you can possibly need, be it department stores or big-name brands. Other famous malls are Starhill Gallery and Sunway Pyramid, which offer a number of shopping options to the retail enthusiast.
