Shopping

National Craft Complex

The National Craft Complex is not your ordinary local shopping complex because it allows you to create your own Malaysian handicrafts. Making such items can be great for personalized gifts. The complex also hosts a craft museum which highlights the evolution of Malaysia's handicrafts up to the latest production technology. Moreover, if you are in search of an item that is not originally from Kuala Lumpur but from another part of KL, you need not worry. The National Craft Complex sells traditional items from every nook and cranny in Malaysia.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Jalan Conlay

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Suria KLCC

Plaza

Suria KLCC is an upscale shopping center located within walking distance from the Petronas Towers. Some of the eye-catching and wallet-squeezing stores include Tiffany & CO., Marks & Spencer, DKNY, Calvin Klein, and Polo among others. However, this six level shopping center offers than just high-end shopping, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra Theatre is located within its walls along with a variety of cafes and dining establishments and Cineplex theaters. For a picturesque view, simply walk outside toward the back of the mall and you will find a landscape park with fountains, jogging trails, and a mini pool. The Aquaria KLCC and LRT station are nearby.

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Starhill Gallery

Plaza

KL's most glamorous and luxurious mall, along with being the most expensive, is the Starhill Gallery. Here you will find top-end designers like Louis Vuitton and Gucci along with some haute couture pieces. If you are need of rest from a long day of shopping, you can relax and regain energy at its spa located on the 5th floor.

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Royal Selangor Pewter

Factory

The Royal Selangor Pewter Factory has been Malaysia's main pewter manufacturer since 1885. Its merchandise includes a varied mix of tableware items which are amongst the most popular in Malaysia and recognized internationally.

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Sungei Wang Plaza

Plaza

Sungei Wang Plaza and BB Plaza adjoin to form one of KL's biggest and best shopping complexes. You could lose yourself for hours exploring here. Sungei Wang is particularly good for youthful fashion and accessories, including many up-and-coming Malaysian designers.

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Central Market

Market

Known as the Art Deco Central Market, this vibrant bazaar has been around since 1936 and has grown to hold over 130 arts and crafts shops along with regular cultural performances. Before such a cultural explosion, the Central Market was popular for being KL's top destination when buying fresh produce. In 1986 the market took a turn and became what it is today: a conglomeration of diverse items sold in one place.

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KL Arts Market

Market

Because of its minimal frequency (held on the first Saturday of every month), the Kuala Lumpur Arts Market has become one of KL's most popular and attractive markets. This market brings in over 80 artists and craft makers from all over Malaysia, so it is sure to satisfy the shopping desires of a plentitude of shoppers. However, visitors flock to this market not only for its varied items, but also for its cultural performances which are based on traditional Malaysian arts. Past performances have included free movie screenings and wayang kulif (shadow puppets).

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Valentine Willie F.Art

Market

Founded in 1996, Valentine Willie is one of KL's best galleries. It has a calendar of changing exhibitions featuring the best of Malaysia's contemporary art plus works from artists based throughout the region. They also have a library of art periodicals and other resources from across the globe which is open to the public.

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Mid Valley Megamall

Plaza

Known as one of the biggest malls in Southeast Asia, the Mid Valley Megamall has about 300 stores, a large food court, a Carrefour hypermarket, an 18-screen cinema, and a bowling alley. In short, the Mid Valley Megamall is the place to go to for a one-stop shopping and entertainment experience.

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Chow Kit

Market

Head over to Chow Kit if you want to shop like a local or observe what the locals are buying. It is one of KL's most popular “wet markets'' which refers to it being an open food market where only fresh food is expected to be sold. For this reason, it is a great place to buy local produce such as fruits, vegetables, tofu, spices, and various meats. You can also find some clothing and electronic items, though it is best to visit Chow Kit for nothing other than its inexpensive and delicious local food.

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Cosmo's World

Park

This is considered to be Malaysia's largest indoor theme park. It has two sections: one for children, and the other for thrill-seekers. You need only one ticket to get into both sections. Its most popular ride is the seven-story indoor roller coaster.

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National Planetarium

Museum

Space always holds a fascination for kids and they are sure to love this Planetarium where they can peer through a 14 inch telescope which gives them a stunning view of the sky. A space-themed park has replicas of ancient observatories. An overhead pedestrian bridge connects the Planetarium with the National Museum. With an impressive blue-domed structure, the Planetarium signifies Malaysia's stride towards becoming a scientifically progressive society.

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Golden Triangle

Plaza

The Golden Triangle is known as KL's commercial, shopping, and entertainment hub. Here you'll find all the major shops and outlets, along with towering skyscrapers (such as the Petronas Towers) and top-end hotels.

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Chinatown

Market

If you are in the mood to try some dim sum or are in need for a specific pirated item, then there is no better neighborhood to be in than Chinatown. Chinatown is famous for having a large and extensive selection of Chinese food along with being the best place to go for inexpensive and knock-off goods. Be assured, though, that you will need some serious bargaining skills clothing and pirated items can go as low as 70% less than the offered price.

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Central Market

Market

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Merdeka Square

road

Translated as “Independence Square" KL's Merdeka Square is the place where at midnight on August 31, 1957 the Malayan Flag was hoisted for the first time after lowering the Union Flag.

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Muzium Negara

Museum

If you want to know more about Malaysian history, then this is the place for you. The Muzium Negara (National Museum) was opened in 1963 to introduce visitors to Malaysian's rich history. Various exhibitions, the building's architectural style, and a number of craftworks are some of the things to expect when in the museum.

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Bangsar

Town

If you want to escape city life but still want to feel the movement of people, then head over to Bangsar, a much sought after residential and entertainment suburb in the Klang Valley.

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KLCC Aquaria

Aquarium

Located beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, this aquarium features aquatic life and animals from Malaysia and around the world. Exhibits include depictions of the Malaysian jungle, from the highlands down to the ocean. There is also a plentiful collection of reptiles, insects, amphibians, and small mammals (otters, large rodents, etc.). More than 20,000 animals from 250 different species call this aquarium home. The highlight is a 90m long underwater tunnel, which gives a great view of the fish.

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Kuala Lumpur Tower

Tower

At 421m, the Kuala Lumpur Tower is the sixth largest telecommunications tower in the world. It was constructed between 1991 and 1995 for Telekom Malaysia. Because it is built on a hill (Bukit Nanas, or Pineapple Hill), the KL Tower actually appears taller than the Petronas Towers. Malaysia’s Islamic tradition is reflected here. The interior features Arabic script, and other Islamic motifs. The tower also acts as an Islamic falak observatory.

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Mahsuri

Tagged as one of the best restaurants in the country, the Mahsuri is sure to satisfy your appetite and palate with its Asian and continental cuisine. The scenery further stimulates your senses through its view of the city skyline that is yours to feast on as you dine on the veranda.

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Seri Angkasa

There is no better atmosphere in which to dine than at the revolving restaurant located at the 'Tower Head' of the Menara Kuala Lumpur. The Seri Angkasa sits 282 meters above ground level (925 feet) and offers a continental cuisine and an affordable Malaysian buffet.

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Seri Melayu

If you are looking for the local dining flavor, search no further than Seri Melayu. This restaurant is unbeatable in Malaysian cuisine. In addition, foreigners flock to this 500-seat restaurant because not only are the diners treated to authentic Malaysian cuisine, but they are also introduced to cultural shows which are performed every night. Traditional Chinese and Thai dishes are also on the menu.

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Hakka Republic

If you’re hankering for a burger in KL, look no further than Hakka Republic. Don’t be fooled by the Chinese characters and decoration – this restaurant specializes in steakhouse fare and other western dishes. In addition to the burgers, which have been rated as the city’s best, the steamed wagyu beef also comes highly recommended. No pork is served here. The attached bar is one of KL’s trendiest, and the wine list is excellent. Though it’s relatively expensive compared to food in Malaysia, Hakka Republic is nevertheless cheaper than comparable restaurants elsewhere. It’s also conveniently located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s CBD, close to public transportation.

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Shook!

Prepare your palate for it will be shaken when you dine at Shook! Its fusion cuisine of Italian, Chinese, and Japanese will enamor and stimulate your taste buds that you will desire more. Yet, the food is not the only attractive feature at this restaurant, its trendy decor and soothing jazz music add a further element of enticement that you will be savoring every moment and bite.

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Top Hat

Located in one of the only remaining grand mansions in the city, the Top Hat restaurant was once a school and now has grown to become an opulent locale brightly colored and furnished with various antiques. As for the menu, it offers spectacular traditional Malay, Thai, Western, and vegetarian dishes. However, in case you become enamored with a dish, be aware that three months down the line, this dish will most likely not be available. Top Hat likes to mix things up by changing its menu every three months.

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Eden Village

The intimacy and coziness found in Eden Village, perhaps because it is meant to resemble a Malay house. Here you will be able to try some popular Malay dishes such as the braised Shark's fin in a clay pot. The cuisine is traditional Malay food, and authenticity is attained through its mixture of Malay residents and foreigners.

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Scalini's La Piccola

You will not get better Italian food in Malaysia then at Scalini's La Piccola Italia. A testament to its high quality dishes is that Scalini's is always so booked that making a reservation is essential. As for its aesthetic appeal, the restaurant is situated in a colonial style bungalow that overlooks the popular Golden Triangle area.

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Albion

British cuisine is not the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about Kuala Lumpur, despite the British colonial presence, but lo and behold Albion is one of the city’s finest restaurants. Opened by expats, this restaurant features modern British food. The interior décor is stylish, and would not be out of place back in London. The a la care menu features a number of British specialties, including fish and chips and Lancashire hot pot. A fixed menu lunch is served during the week from noon until 2:30, changing daily. There’s also a trendy bar, with all sorts of exotic cocktails to sample from. The service is excellent as well. This is a great place to go for a break from traditional Asian fare.

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Bijan

Since opening in 2003, the Bijan Restaurant has consistently been rated as one of KL’s best Malay restaurants. The decoration is warm and inviting, and the staff is attentive. The food served here is made from the finest and freshest ingredients, and is also halal. The restaurant’s signature dish is rusuk panggang, chargrilled marinated short ribs. For something a little off beat, try the Pucuk Paku Goreng Tahi Minyak, wild fern stir fried with chilies. Bijan is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for upscale Malay food.