Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and the country’s economic, cultural and tourism center. It is a large and very modern city with a population of 1.6 million people and when the surrounding urban areas are considered there are close to 7 million people. The city has all of the amenities, a highly evolved transportation system, large international hotel chains, great shopping and some of the world’s largest skyscrapers. For all of the above reasons, it is one of the most interesting places to visit in Malaysia.
One of the most intriguing features of Kuala Lumpur is its shopping centers and shopping malls. The city has dozens of them, and it seems that its citizens really enjoy the overall shopping experience. In addition to the shopping malls, the city has designated numerous areas to be shopping zones. When in these areas it is common to see merchants selling goods such as handicrafts, fabrics and textiles. There are also large outdoor wet markets that sell all kinds of foods and perishable items. One of the most popular shopping zones is the Chinatown district. The Chinatown district is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia. It is a shopper’s paradise known for its great bargains and merchants who are ready to haggle. It is open for business every day and at night it transforms into a vibrant night market.
Just steps away from Chinatown, is another must see place to visit when in Kuala Lumpur, the Central Market. The Central Market is located in a large two-story building with an Art Deco exterior. It is a modern up to date building that was saved from demolition and then renovated in 1985. In addition to the original building, an annex was added along with an outdoor market area called the Kasturi.
The Central Market was designed to resemble the historic outdoor markets. The central walkway is rather narrow, and there are lots of closely packed stalls. The market is loud and, there is always a lot going on. It is more than just a shopping mall it features dancers, arts and craft exhibits and live entertainment. It is a place where people like to spend time, and where they can browse and mingle with others.
When it comes to shopping the mall has a multitude of shops that sell all manners of wares. You can buy clothing, art, crafts, jewelry, souvenirs, books, textiles and much much more. On the first floor there are a large number of shops and a couple of restaurants. On the second floor, there is a large food court and many more shops. The Annex is home to theatres, art galleries, arts and craft shops and even performance areas where concerts and plays can be viewed. Just outside of the market is the Kasturi walk. The Kasturi walk runs along the side of the Central Market. This is a place where you can buy fresh fruits, cakes and other delicious cuisines. You can also purchase goods like souvenirs and clothes.
When you go to the Central Market, be prepared to haggle. Even though most of the sale items have price tags on them, many of the prices can be negotiated if you are willing to ask. Prices at the market are somewhat high when compared to Chinatown, but it is possible to get some very nice bargains. While prices are cheaper in Chinatown many people prefer to shop at the Central Market. They appreciate that it is air conditioned, which on hot days in Kuala Lumpur is a strong motivation. People also like the atmosphere which is more controlled and more refined than the outdoor stalls in many of the city’s other shopping zones and malls.
A trip to the market can be a memorable experience. The atmosphere at the market is sure to be fun, lively and if you are a good haggler, it can be exhilarating, and exciting. I must mention that while shopping is fun there are lot of other things to do in Kuala Lumpur like sightseeing. The city is home to world famous tourist attractions such as the Petronas Towers which has the world’s highest double decked sky bridge.
Many people earn their livings and spend a good amount of their time at the Central Market. It is a fun place to visit in Kuala Lampur, so when you go to make sure not to have fun at someone else’s expenses. The culture and history of the markets is old and time honored, and it is important that they continue. Therefore, it is important to respect other people and their culture when in the Central Market.
Filed under: Kuala Lumpur Tagged: Central Market Kuala Lumpur, interesting places in Malaysia, places to visit in Malaysia, things to do in Kuala Lumpur, things to do in Malaysia, tourist attractions in Malaysia, what to do in Kuala Lumpur, what to do in Malaysia, where to go in kuala lumpur, where to go in Malaysia
