Shopping - Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia

SHOPPING
Kuala Lumpur has somehow maintained its old world charm alongside its skyscrapers, and is a haven for all types of souvenirs, handicrafts and local bric-a-bracs. Great places for bargain hunting are on Petaling Street while Central Market has a delightful range of local handicrafts. A large number of malls have wide range of goods to suit all tastes and budgets. Also do not miss KLCC Suria, the spacious shopping centre at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers.Last but not least: 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. Shopping in KL is one of travels greatest pleasures! And like those who have gone before you, youll just want to come back.

But there still remains the question of what to buy? KL is known for its wonderful array of handicrafts from intricate silver, brass and pewter items to pottery, rattan, batiks and wickerwork. You will find beautiful art objects and curious items from the orient with carpets and rugs of lustrous silk and fine wool in traditional designs of intricate geometric motifs or patterned in beautiful floral designs of pastel hues. Theres ready-to-wear apparel of every design and colour and trendy shoes and handbags to match.

KL is also a good place for buying designer collections, elegant footwear, exclusive watches and quality fabrics. Although KL cannot compete with Singapore you can find competitive prices for electronic equipment, computers and cameras.For handicrafts, look out at the Central Market Complex in Chinatown. Jalan Petaling in the heart of Chinatown is a colourful shopping stress and has some craftwork, cheap clothes abd copy watches.The biggest and most popular shopping malls are in the Golden Triangle on Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Petaling Street
This KLs very own Chinatown is inundated with shoppers in search of bargains ranging from dresses and shoes to fabrics, costume jewellery, dried and pickled foodstuff, fruits and herbal remedies. Traders spread out their mats along five-foot ways, offering brightly coloured trinkets, wall hangings, teapots, curios and ornaments from India and Myanmar

Central Market
Housed in a refurbished pre-war building, this cultural bazaar offers visitors traditional handicraft-making demonstrations and a wide range of handicraft items such as paint portraits, T-shirts, personalised cards and plaques

Bangsar
This affluent suburb of Bangsar has two modern shopping complexes, boutiques and attractively decorated shops selling a wide range of products such as antiques, furniture, textiles, cosmetics, household items and sports wear. Bangsars appeal also lies in its extensive range of dining outlets and entertainment spots, making it a magnet for evening social gatherings.

Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
This shopping area is well-known for its antiques from China and carpets from the Middle-East. It is also renowned for imported fabrics, batik, sarees, leather goods and mens clothing.

Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang, a prime shopping district in the city, is a haven for avid shoppers in search of branded and local goods.

Jalan Ampang
Among the popular shopping complexes along this busy thoroughfare are the Ampang Park and the newer shopping centres at the Jalan Ampang/Jalan Tun Razak junction. There are many boutiques for the fashionable as well as shops selling jewellery, footwear, electrical appliances and electronic goods.

Information from: World 66