WALKING AROUND AND TRYING
THE FOOD IS NOT ENOUGH, AS
NEGLECTING TO PERUSE THE
SHOPPING MALLS IN KUALA
LUMPUR IS TO IGNORE THE SOUL
OF THE CITY.
entices me with everything ranging
from the locals’ lifestyle and cuisine
to its picturesque riverside roads.
However, walking around and trying
the food is not enough, as neglecting
to peruse the shopping malls in
Kuala Lumpur is to ignore the soul
of the city.
Guided by a Malaysian friend, I have
an exciting shopping hunt in the
bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur. We
began in the early morning covering
the three most famous shopping
streets Bukit Bintang, Jalan
Ampang, and Jalan Tuanku Abdul
Rahman, before finishing in the late
afternoon. My hunt was quite tiring
but full of excitement. We start at
Suria KLCC within the Petronas
Towers. This is a place where
visitors can find premium name
brands such as Chanel, Alexander
McQueen, Dior Homme, and more.
LRT station is at the foot of the mall
so you can take the monorail to
Bukit Bintang - the shopping Mecca
of Kuala Lumpur.
Bukit Bintang is home to a
multitude of shopping malls such as
Pavilion with 8 separate shopping
areas, Fahrenheit 88 with Bookxcess
which sells books at the lowest
prices in Malaysia, Low Yat Plaza - a
134
TRAVELLIVE
paradise of technological devices or
rare products, and Berjaya Times
Squares with luxurious red carpets
and high-end boutiques.
Leaving the complex of shopping
malls, we take the monorail to Jalan
Tuanku Abdul Rahman - an 1.7km
shopping road with many retail
shops. The road teams with colors
from the blue and yellow houses to
the textile shops draped in radiant
cloths and gorgeous traditional
costumes. You can learn about
traditional Malaysian commercial
culture by visiting old fashion
shops such as Harison or Gulati’s
Silk House. They are located just
outside of SOGO, Malaysia's largest
department store. However, the 10floor giant is a host to a multitude of
other shops.
The central market is a must see for
those who want to understand more
about Kuala Lumpur’s traditional
culture and trading practices. This
beautiful market showcases its
influences from Indian, Malaysian,
and Chinese culture with their
souvenir, food, and handicraft stalls.
I concluded my fantastic hunt with
a delicious meal at Precious Old
China. The dishes at this restaurant
are great examples of how Chinese
cuisine and Malaysia can blend
harmoniously. An intimate space
with fine däcor and food is all you
need to relax after a long day of
hunting.
With tired feet and my skin turning
pink on account of the hot weather,
I brought my amazing day to a
close. I’ve explored the soul of Kuala
Lumpur - a favorite modern corner
in this city.
It’s not easy for first time travelers
here to embark on a shopping hunt
like me. Therefore, I would like to
suggest some must-see places for
your shopping experience in the
capital of Malaysia.
FOR BOOK-LOVERS
Kinokuniya Suria KLCC is
one of the largest businesses in
Southe