Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the undiscovered treasure of the East. Malaysia’s capital city, which means ‘muddy estuary’, is the fastest growing metropolis in the region. Also fondly referred to as the ‘Garden City of Lights’. Its offers travelers an interesting mixture of old-world charm and the glitz and glamour of a big, bustling city.
Along with plentiful places of interest, there’s friendly people who are ever ready to welcome locals and foreigners alike. Plus an endless range of shopping avenues, an intriguing cultural mix, fabulous local food, and even a Las Vegas-style casino and international theme park at the outskirts of this Malaysian city.
GETTING THERE
By road, KL is 365km from Johor Bahru and 382km from Butterworth. It is served by air, rail and road to all the major towns of Peninsular Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang is an hour’s drive from the city.
MAJOR LANDMARKS
Petronas Twin Towers
Among the tallest buildings in the world is the Petronas Twin Towers. Designed by the renowned Cesar Pelli and completed in 1996, it reaches 451.9 metres. Architecturally, its unique star-shaped floor plate is derived from Islamic-inspired geometry, while the interior resembles traditional motifs from Malaysian handicraft weavings. The sky bridge that connects the towers is open from 10.00am to 12.45pm and from 3.00pm to 4.45pm (except Mondays and public holidays).
KLCC Park
Sprawled over 20 ha, the KLCC Park is a veritable oasis and a favourite hangout among city dwellers. Its facilities include a wading pool, children’s playgrounds, a jogging track, shelters, benches and more than 1,700 trees. The park is part of Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), which also comprises the twin towers and upmarket shopping mall Suria KLCC.
Petrosains Interactive Science Discovery Centre
Devoted to the petroleum industry, the centre offers a learning experience for visitors through its interactive exhibits. A simulated helicopter ride, a bubble-car ride and an encounter with a roaring dinosaur are some of the highlights. The centre is on the fourth floor of Suria KLCC.
Menara Kuala Lumpur
Situated atop Bukit Nenas, Menara Kuala Lumpur is the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world at 421 metres. You can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city from the observation platform, savour a fine meal at the Seri Angkasa revolving restaurant and shop for souvenirs at the base of the tower.
Malaysian Tourism Centre
Formerly known as MATIC, MTC functions as a resource centre for tourists. You can book package tours, bus tickets, pick up free brochures and enjoy delicious local cuisine at the Saloma Theatre Restaurant. The centre is located near the junction of Jalan Ampang and Jalan Sultan Ismail.
Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex
Located at Jalan Conlay, this place is a treasure trove of exciting souvenirs and unique handcrafts. Among the colourful array are batik, songket, embroidery, beads, carvings, pottery baskets and pewter and brassware. You can even produce your own batik here or see artists create their own paintings in the Artist Colony.
Muzium Telekom ( Telekom Malaysia Museum)
Located at Jalan Raja Chulan, the museum is housed in a beautiful building of Greek architecture. It is divided into two sections: the historical and the modern galleries. The former displays olden equipment while the latter showcases current technologies and the future of telecommunications. Interactive displays with touch screen monitors promise an educational experience.
Masjid Jamek (Jamek Mosque)
Founded in 1909, Masjid Jamek is situated at the confluence of the historically significant Gombak and Klang rivers. Designed by A.B. Hubbock, the mosque typifies North Indian Islamic architecture at its finest. Its entrance is at Jalan Tun Perak and is a must-visit if you appreciate heritage buildings.
Biomedical Museum
The Institute of Medical Research (IMR) was founded in 1900 as the Pathological Institute and has a long and illustrious history of conducting innovative biomedical research. The museum houses several unique items that would satisfy even the most jaded of visitors. These include bygone laboratory equipment and various pathological specimens. It also boasts to have among the oldest and best collections of both dry specimens of small mammals and wet, preserved specimens of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The museum is located next to Hospital Kuala Lumpur at Jalan Pahang.
KUALA LUMPUR’S HISTORICAL DISTRICT
The historical district of Kuala Lumpur is the city’s last bastion of colonial buildings. Best explored on foot, the area is roughly demarcated by Jalan Raja, Jalan Tun Perak and the Klang River.
Dataran Merdeka ( Merdeka Square)
Previously a cricket pitch, the Dataran was the spot where Malaysia’s Independence was proclaimed with the raising of the national flag and the lowering of the Union Jack on August 31, 1957. The centre of attraction at the square is the world’s tallest flagpole, which reaches over 1,000 metres.
Plaza Putra
This underground complex below Merdeka Square houses a couple of cinema halls (mostly screening films in the vernacular languages of Tamil and Hindi), restaurants, shops, souvenir stalls and a tourist information centre.
Royal Selangor Club
Nicknamed ‘The Spotted Dog’ by the British, the Royal Selangor Club features mock Tudor architecture. Once the favourite watering hole of British planters, the club remains a members-only social establishment.
St. Mary’s Church
Built in 1895 and renovated in the 1950s and the 1980s, the church is the city’s biggest Anglican cathedral. Located at Jalan Raja, it is just a 10-minute walk from the Royal Selangor Club.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The photogenic Sultan Abdul Samad Building at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin was built in 1848. Its bulbous copper domes, horseshoe arches and minarets are manifestations of British architects A.C. Norman and A.B. Hubback. It was originally the offices of the Colonial Secretariat before it served as the first administrative centre of the Malayan government. The building now houses the Supreme Court. The road fronting the building is often the centre of National Day parades and other major celebrations.
Kuala Lumpur Library
Also located at Jalan Raja, the library occupies a two-storey colonial building that dates back to 1899. The ground floor houses the library proper while the first floor is taken up by a permanent exhibition of the city.
Dayabumi Complex
A marble edifice that reflects the blending of Islamic architecture with modern styling, the 35-storey Dayabumi Complex houses government offices and a shopping mall.
Masjid Negara (National Mosque)
Occupying a beautiful garden that spans some five hectares at Jalan Sultan Hishammuddin, Masjid Negara features a 74-metre high minaret. Its umbrella-shaped main dome with an 18-pointed star represents the 13 states of the country and their unification by the Five Pillars of Islam. There are 48 smaller domes within the courtyard.
Former Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Built in 1910, the former Kuala Lumpur Railway Station features turrets, arches and minarets that reflect an Arabian design. However, its glass and iron interior is based on English train coaches of old from England.
Jalan Chow Kit
Be mesmerised by everything local here. The sights and sounds are to be experienced to be believed with a wet market, food stalls and places of worship located within easy reach of each other. Jalan Raja Muda and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman roughly bound the area.
Chow Kit Market
Predominantly occupied by Malay traders, this wet market is a labyrinth of stalls that sell vegetables, meats, seafood and fruits in abundance. Malay rock music blasts from amplifiers of CD retailers; the shouts of traders fill the air; housewives bustle about with baskets on their arms, and hungry customers gobble down local delicacies like Nasi Lemak and Laksa Johor with gusto. Not to be missed!
Jalan Masjid India
This is KL’s Little India, where everything Indian such as saris, cheroots, bangles, earthenware pots and jasmine garlands can be found in abundance. This is also the place to take in blaring Indian music and songs, sidewalk fortune-tellers aided by popinjays and hawkers peddling typical North and South Indian delicacies.
Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman
Every Saturday evening, this lane is transformed into a pedestrian mall with makeshift stalls selling plastic products, leather goods, kitchenware, handicrafts and snacks. Blind buskers and medicine peddlers performing strongman stunts are also part of the attraction here.
Central Market
This former wet market is a must-visit for souvenir hunters. Countless stalls occupy this two-storey building of Art Deco architecture. They offer trinkets, glass figurines, key rings, sunglasses and local delicacies like dodol, cincalok and kuih bahulu. Central Market is indeed always full of action with artists sketching portraits, fortune-tellers shuffling tarot cards, craftsmen etching on copper and women weaving baskets from Pandanus leaves. It is located at Jalan Hang Lekir.
Petaling Street ( Chinatown)
Known as Chee Cheong Kai in Chinese, this street is the heart of KL’s Chinatown. Famous for grilled fish, roasted duck and porridge, the street bursts into life every evening when countless stalls do roaring trade in cheap clothes, sunglasses, watches, shoes and fruits. During the day, Petaling Street is more sober as apothecaries dispense dried sea horses, snake bladder and fungus as cures while other retailers offer dried salted fish, Chinese tea leaves, Taoist deities, textiles and caskets.
Culture Street
As it lives up to its sobriquet as the centre of Chinese culture, Jalan Raja Balai Polis is home to everything oriental – old and new – like music, teahouses that serve the beverage in dainty teapots and cups and Chinese bookstores.
Chan See Shu Yuen Temple
At the Southern end of Petaling Street is the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple, which is adorned with paintings of dragons, deities and ceramic sculptures of mythical creatures. It was built in 1906.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
This Hindu temple ranks as one of the most ornate in the country with intricate images of Hindu deities adorning the gate tower, while Italian and Spanish tiles adorn the floor and walls. A silver chariot that is paraded during Thaipusam is kept in a building next to the temple. Inside, the status of Lord Subramaniam is embellished with precious stones.
Lake Garden
A green lung of the city, Lake Garden (a.k.a. Taman Tasik Perdana) is a popular spot for sightseeing, evening strolls and other recreational activities. Spanning over 100 ha, it was completed in 1890 and also contains several interesting sights as well as a myriad of flora.
Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens
Nestled within Lake Garden, the Kuala Lumpur Orchid Garden is ablaze with more than 800 species of orchids. On weekends, it becomes a lively orchid bazaar. Nearby is the Hibiscus Garden. More than 500 varieties of the National Flower can be found here.
Deer and Bird Parks
A favourite with children, the Deer Park is a valley-like enclosure where deer, fawns and does roam freely. The Bird Park is a massive aviary covering about three hectares and is home to more than 2,000 birds from over 200 species.
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Farm
The Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Farm is practically a miniature jungle where more than 3,000 butterflies flit about. There is also an insect museum and a souvenir shop.
The National Planetarium
Overlooking Lake Garden from a hillock, the National Planetarium houses a space science theatre, space science and astronomy exhibits, a resource centre, a viewing gallery and several other facilities related to the country’s efforts to send the first Malaysian into outer space in the near future.
Islamic Arts Museum
The Islamic Arts Museum displays an impressive collection of Islamic texts, manuscripts, porcelain, objects d’art, weapons and Chinese Muslim calligraphy. Replicas of famous mosques in the world are among its main attractions.
Parliament House
The 18-storey Parliament House – the seat of the country’s democracy – is at Jalan Parlimen. Parliamentary sessions may be viewed but only with prior arrangements with the Secretary to the Parliament. All visitors must be properly attired.
National Monument
This monument is dedicated to the heroes who lost their lives during the struggle against the communist insurgency in the 1950s. Designed by American sculptor Felix de Weldon, whose other work was the Iwo Jima Memorial, the 15.5-metre monument is surrounded by a moat filled with water lilies and fountains.
The ASEAN Sculpture Garden
Just below the National Monument is the Asean Sculpture Garden, a landscaped garden displaying a collection of prize-winning abstract sculptures by ASEAN artists.
Police Museum
This museum traces the development of law enforcement from the days of the Malaccan Sultanate in the 15th century till today. Ancient and modern weapons, uniforms and communications equipment are on display. The museum is located at Jalan Perdana.
National Museum
The National Museum is the guardian of the nation’s historical and cultural heritage. Giant murals adorn the façade of this palatial building, which is prominent for its Minangkabau roof. The ground floor is filled with dioramas depicting snippets of Malaysian life. Stuffed birds and animals occupy one section of the upper floor; in other sections, weapons and traditional musical instruments are displayed. Outside on the grounds are locomotives, vintage cars and other modes of transport from the past.
Muzium Bank Negara ( Central Bank Museum)
This museum at Jalan Sahabuddin, off Jalan Mahameru comprises the Bank Negara Money Museum, which displays Malaysian currency from coins to notes, tokens and rare local and foreign coins.
Jade Museum
This is a private museum, which boasts the largest pieces of carved jade in the world. Exhibits include jewellery items, figurines, vases and collectibles. Antique pieces from the Soong and Ming dynasties can also be purchased here. The museum is at Jalan Bukit Bintang.
Lake Titiwangsa
Boating facilities, jogging tracks, exercise stations and a traffic playground are found in this sculptured garden with beautiful lakes. A paddock has ponies for hire and also offers horse-cart rides. Lake Titiwangsa is located at Jalan Kuantan.
National Art Gallery : House of Fine Arts
Lovers of art must not miss visiting the National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Lukis Negara), which is located at Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. It is located on a 12-hectare cultural belt, which includes the Istana Budaya, and is easily accessible by public transport.
The gallery was established in August 1958 under the patronage of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. From its humble beginnings of four donated artworks, the gallery now has a permanent collection of more than 2,500 pieces of artworks, including works of historical value, indigenous art and sculpture, textile art and Malaysian contemporary art by many of the country’s most renowned artists. Since the nineties, multi-media and electronic art has been included to reflect the rapid economic development in Malaysia. The National Art Gallery serves as a custodian to the nation’s art heritage and is responsible for the promotion of Malaysian art.
The building of the National Art Gallery is itself a work of art, specially designed to blend traditional Malay architecture with contemporary lines. With a built-up area of 13,500 square metres housing five spacious galleries, the National Art Gallery is one of the most established national art museums in South East Asia. Gallery 1, which is the biggest at 1,650 sq. metres, is devoted to exhibitions from the gallery’s permanent collection while the other four galleries, ranging from 208 to 1,300 sq. metres, play host to exhibitions by local and foreign artists.
The gallery has a Resource Centre with an information archive of its permanent collection and also data of Malaysian artists and their works. The centre is equipped with Internet facilities and offers for sale a numerous publications in Bahasa Malaysia and English. Another interesting feature is the Artscafe, which serves Malaysian snacks and light meals throughout the day.
Admission to the National Art Gallery is free. So come and admire the best of Malaysian art. Public programmes such as film shows, lectures, workshops and special art related activities for children are organised by the gallery from time to time.
Tel: 603-4025 4990 Fax: 603-4025 4987
Website: http://www.artgallery.org.my
Istana Budaya: The Palace of Culture
The venue for both national and international dance and cultural performances, Istana Budaya is at par with the Royal Albert Hall in London and is a sight to behold. Cats, Fame and The Merchant of Venice are just a sample of the great plays that have been performed at the Istana Budaya, the centre of the Malaysian Performing Arts scene.
Malaysia ’s National Theatre has spiritually been in existence for a thousand years as its origin stretches back to the storytellers of old. Istana Budaya takes pride as being the first theatre in Asia, and only ten in the world with sophisticated state-of-the-art stage mechanism.
Opened on 15 September 1999 by then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Istana Budaya was built at a cost of RM210 million and covers an area of 5.44 ha, with a floor area of 21,000 sq metres. The Istana Budaya auditorium, called the Panggung Sari, can seat 1,412 people – 797 in the Balai Hadapan on the first floor, 312 in the Balai Utama or Grand Circle on the second floor and 303 people in the Balai Peninjau or Upper Circle. The orchestra pit can accommodate 98 people when not in use.
The Istana Budaya is more than a grand edifice. Its magnificence and relevance to the times is centred on the high-tech nature of the performing stage. The stage comprises of four proscenium stages measuring 28m by 25m that can be modified and adjusted to suit any performance in only a few minutes. In front of the stage and concealed underneath is the orchestra pit that separates the main stage and the audience.
Besides being a great venue for spectacular, cultural performances, the Istana Budaya is an attraction in its own right. It was designed by local architect Muhammad Kamar Ya’akub, a graduate of the University of Newcastle in Australia. Muhammad incorporated many Malay cultural symbols into the design of the building, one of which is the base of the Panggung Sari, which is shaped like the traditional Malay kite, the ‘Wau Bulan’ or moon kite.
Be it from any direction, the patron is welcomed by the magnificent roofs of Istana Budaya that rises majestically above the treetops, portraying the ‘sirih junjung’, a multi-tier floral arrangement of betel leaves used for Malaysia weddings and welcoming ceremonies.
Meanwhile, quaint steps leading into many kampung homes inspired the staircase that takes you to the main entrance of the Istana Budaya, while the entrance itself was designed after a royal Malay court. The building’s ‘Anjung Kenamaan’ or VIP lobby on both sides of the auditorium was made to look like the wide-open spaces typically found in rural Malay houses, while the main lobby on the third floor was designed to resemble a ‘rebana ubi’, the traditional Malay drum.
In addition, a total of six paintings by Malaysia’s famous artist and Seniman Negara (National Arts Laureate), Dato’ Syed Ahmad Jamal adorn the walls of the lobby, from the first floor right up to the third floor. The paintings, although displayed separately, are actually one piece of work that depicts the legend of the Princess of Gunung Ledang.
Istana Budaya is committed to the staging of world-class performances, constantly pushing the artform for the most innovative and creative performances that appeal to both the emotions and the intellect. Performances that not only entertain but also provide a window through which we can view our world, the ancient and the modern, the physical and the spiritual, the melancholia and the joyous, in an attempt to better understand our individual selves.
The Istana Budaya is easily accessible through many of the main roads in Kuala Lumpur. If you come from either Jalan Ipoh or Jalan Pahang, turn into Jalan Tun Razak to head to the eastern part of town. Go along this road until you reach a turning on the left to Jalan Kuantan, which will lead you to the car park of the Istana Budaya. If you are coming from the eastern part of the city or if you are on Jalan Tun Razak headed out of town, then you must take a 360-degree turn at the Jalan Pahang roundabout and return to the direction you came from and then take the left turn to Jalan Kuantan.
You can also reach the Istana Budaya by taxi, bus or Light Rail Transit (LRT). Take the Intrakota bus (No. 10, 49 or 49A) or Len Seng bus (No. 165, 170 or 195) and get down at the bus station in front of the Tawakal Medical Centre on Jalan Pahang. From there, it is only a 15-minute walk. The closest LRT stations to Istana Budaya are the Kampung Baru station (PUTRA Line) and the Titiwangsa station (STAR Line), both of which are just a short taxi ride away from Istana Budaya.
AUDIENCE GUIDELINES
Tickets sold are not refundable and exchangeable.
Audience must be seated 15 minutes before the show begins.
Audience who are late will be ushered to the waiting room before being permitted to enter the auditorium at an appropriate time.
Children below the age of 7 are not allowed to enter the auditorium.
Only for children’s performances, children from the age of 4 accompanied by adults are allowed with paid admission.
Cameras and recorders are not allowed in the auditorium without authorisation from the management of Istana Budaya.
Hand phones and pagers are to be switched off inside the auditorium.
Smoking, drinking or eating inside the auditorium is strictly prohibited.
Audience are advised to care for their personal things. Istana Budaya will not be responsible for any loss or damage of their personal belongings.
Dress Code
Orchestra / Choir: Lounge suit, batik or long sleeve shirt.
Theatre / Dance: Neat, proper and suitable.
Faded/torn jeans, round neck t-shirts, shorts, revealing dresses, sports attire, sports shoes, slippers are inappropriate.
Important Reminder
We reserve the right to deny entrance to audience who do not abide to the above established guidelines and dress code.
Programmes are subject to change without prior notice.
Box Office Numbers: 603-4025 5932 / 4026 5558 Fax: 603- 4026 5552 / 4025 5975
Website: www.istanabudaya.gov.my
Royal Malaysian Armed Forces Museum
The Royal Malaysian Armed Forces Museum at Padang Tembak has pictures, paintings and exhibits of weapons, military vehicles, uniforms and decorations of the country’s military.
Istana Negara
At Jalan Istana stands the majestic Istana Negara, the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (His Majesty the King of Malaysia). Colourful flowers and verdant lawns heighten the beauty of the place. However, the palace itself is not open to the public. Visitors are only allowed to call on the unflinching, handsomely dressed guards who watch the palace’s main gate.
Thean Hou Temple
Nestled on a hill off Jalan Syed Putra, the Thean Hou Temple is a picturesque Chinese temple with impressive architecture. It is a popular venue for wedding photography and film shootings. Souvenir stalls and a vegetarian restaurant are housed in the complex. An excellent view of the city can be enjoyed from the pagoda.
National Zoo
Situated 12km from the city along Jalan Ulu Kelang, the National Zoo covers more than 60 ha and houses more than 4,000 animals. The aquarium has an interesting collection of freshwater and saltwater fish, including exotic marine life.
National Science Centre
Featuring a geodesic dome as a roof, the National Science Centre features nine galleries that house exhibits on different scientific themes. Its upper floor is devoted to automobile engineering pieces. The Centre is located at Jalan Bukit Kiara.
Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum
The Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum in Sungei Besi features photographs and texts on the RMAF, including exhibits on aircraft, uniforms, engines and communications equipment.
Museum of Asian Arts
Set up in 1973, the museum is situated in the campus grounds of Universiti Malaya, one of the most illustrious institutions of higher learning. Exhibits displayed here are local and Asian art objects comprising sculptures, textiles, woodcarvings and ceramics of Islamic and Malay origins.
Desa Waterpark
This is the only water-themed park within the city. It has Asia’s longest uphill water coaster, called ‘Thunderbolt’ and is great for families. Only 15 minutes from the city centre, it is located near the residential area of Taman Desa, off the Sungei Besi highway tollbooth.
SHOPPING
The Golden Triangle, an area bounded by Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi, has the best shopping complexes in the city and they are all well within walking distance of each other.
Sungei Wang Plaza
Sungei Wang is in a league of its own. Every shopper can feel a change in the air upon entering Sungei Wang, for within its walls is a bustling hive of activities that awe many foreign tourists and locals alike. They turn up to experience Sungei Wang Plaza’s assurance of ‘For All Kinds of Everything’. With over 500 tenants offering about 30 trade category classifications of products and services, the place remains one of Malaysia’s most popular shopping centres.
Bukit Bintang Plaza (BB Plaza)
Adjacent to Sungei Wang Plaza, BB Plaza is anchored by retail giant Metrojaya. Numerous other stores sell electrical products, clothes, books and cameras. If you want to satisfy your hunger pangs, try out the many local and continental restaurants.
Low Yat Plaza
Just beside Sungei Wang Plaza and at the rear of Federal Hotel, a number of retail shops sell multimedia products, clothes, shoes and beauty products. You can also unwind at one of many al fresco cafés or restaurants at BB Park, located across the plaza’s main entrance. Check out the flea market here every Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Low Yat Plaza is very popular as a one-stop computer and accessory centre that offers the biggest variety and best prices.
Starhill
Adjacent to the five-star JW Marriott Hotel, Starhill houses outlets which sell designer goods such as Louis Vuitton, Guess, Kenzo, to name just a few.
KL Plaza
Next to Starhill is KL Plaza, which houses numerous high-end watch shops selling exclusive timepieces like Rolex, Baume & Mercier, Ebel, Cartier and Phillipe Charriol. Tower Records and the famous Planet Hollywood are also located here. Check out the many eateries and al fresco cafés in front of its main entrance, which is part of Bintang Walk.
Lot 10
A few steps from Kuala Lumpur Plaza is Lot 10, and the anchor tenant here is Isetan. On the Prestige Floor, boutiques retail the latest haute couture from the fashion capitals of the world. Lot 10 is also linked to Sungei Wang Plaza by an overhead bridge.
Maju Junction Mall
This is the perfect place to experience the pleasures of life under one roof. The five-level shopping mall is situated at the crossroads of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Targeting office workers and younger customers as well as families, Maju Junction was conceptualised for affordable, modern and stylish shopping. There are over 70 lifestyle, convenience and specialty outlets at the mall, among them WH by British India, Esprit and Levi’s for fashion apparel, Little Egypt and Lovely Lace for gifts, Guess Kids and Poney for kids’ fashion, and Hush Puppies and W-Design for leather and footwear. Maju Junction is also the first mall in the country to provide a full-fledged concierge service similar to that of a five-star hotel. Services include airline ticketing, mailing, faxing, photocopying, restaurant reservations and more.
Souk-at-TAR
If you want an exciting shopping experience then try out Souk-at-TAR, which is a bazaar that combines the best of old and the new by offering hard-to-resist bargains. The bazaar occupies a spacious built-up are of over 30,000 square feet.
The Mall
The Mall is a six-floor shopping centre located at Jalan Putra across the Putra World Trade Centre and Pan Pacific Hotel. It is also easy to reach as a Star LRT (Light Rail Transit) system station is here.
Mid Valley Megamall
Mid Valley is the largest retail, food and entertainment centre in Asia. Located between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya at Jalan Syed Putera, this eight kilometre-long shopping arcade is part of a massive integrated development that includes a 680-room hotel, an impressive office tower block and 30 signature offices. Mid Valley houses three anchor tenants – Carrefour, Jusco and Metrojaya. There is also a gigantic 18-screen Cineplex, Malaysia’s biggest computer centre and the flagship MPH bookstore.
Suria KLCC
Located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers, this classy shopping venue is the place for those who crave everything designer. You can find all the international brands here, like Gucci, Versace, Prada, Chanel, Salvatore Ferragamo and Hugo Boss. There are also more than 250 other outlets.Berjaya Times Square
This is a new addition to the host of shopping malls in KL. With the largest indoor amusement park, the largest shopping areas in Asia and an extremely wide selection of cuisine, Berjaya Times Square offers thrilling rides such as the 800-metre long roller coaster in Asia’s largest indoor theme park and Malaysia first ever IMAX 3D and 2D theatres. With 900 retail outlets, 65 cafés, bistros, restaurants and fast food stations, Berjaya Times Square has something for everyone.
Avenue K
The spanking new Avenue K, located right opposite Suria KLCC, is set to revolutionise the KL shopping culture by converging lifestyle, aesthetic and social elements. This magnificent retail hub boasts of the hottest names in fashion and coolest dining spots. Its exquisite structure is a masterpiece of renowned French interior designer Christian Liagre. Aimed at providing a third place to be for people, between work and home, Avenue K is also the premier address to host hip and happening events, including MIFA (Malaysian International Fashion Awards) 2004.
