A bustling stroll through Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur captivated me with its blend of cultures, reflected in the lifestyles of its people, its delicious food, and its picturesque riverside streets. However, it's difficult to simply stroll the streets and enjoy the food while ignoring the shopping malls; visiting Kuala Lumpur without exploring its malls means missing out on a "corner of the city's soul."

With the help of my Malaysian friend, I had a fun-filled day of shopping from morning until late afternoon in the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur. The exploration spanned three of Kuala Lumpur's most famous shopping streets: Bukit Bintang, Jalan Ampang, and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. It was tiring but full of exciting experiences. Starting at Suria KLCC, a shopping mall located inside the famous Petronas Twin Towers, this is the only place where tourists can find some of the most prestigious brands such as Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Dior Homme. Right at the foot of the mall is the LRT station, from which you can continue your journey to Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur's incredibly vibrant shopping mecca.

Bukit Bintang boasts a number of bustling shopping malls, including the expansive Pavilion with its eight separate shopping zones, Fahrenheit 88 with Bookxcess, Malaysia's cheapest bookstore, Low Yat Plaza – a tech haven with rare and hard-to-find products, and Berjaya Times Square, a luxurious red-carpeted space with opulent and extravagant shops…

Leaving the bustling shopping malls, take the monorail to your next destination: Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman – a 1.7km shopping street lined with numerous vibrant retail shops. This street is a riot of colors, from the blue and yellow-painted houses to the shops overflowing with fabrics and dazzling traditional clothing. You'll encounter a glimpse of Malaysia's traditional commercial culture if you visit long-established fashion boutiques like Harison and Gulati's Silk House. Modern retailers are also concentrated in the 10-story space of Sogo – Malaysia's largest department store.

A must-visit destination if you want to truly experience Kuala Lumpur's traditional culture and long-standing trading activities is Central Market. This beautiful market features stalls selling souvenirs, food, and handicrafts, showcasing a blend of Indian, Malaysian, and Chinese cultures. I perfectly concluded my shopping hunt with a delicious meal at Precious Old China restaurant, which boasts a sophisticated fusion of traditional Chinese and Malaysian cuisine. The cozy atmosphere, exquisite furnishings, and superb food make for the perfect way to satisfy your appetite after a long and enjoyable day of shopping.

I concluded my exploration of "a corner of Kuala Lumpur's soul" with sore feet, a flushed face from the sun, and a feeling of exhilaration at having successfully discovered one of Kuala Lumpur's most modern and charming sides.

It can be difficult to plan a shopping hunt for first-time visitors to Kuala Lumpur, so here are some must-see highlights if you want to experience shopping in Malaysia's capital.

For book lovers

KinokuniyaKinokuniya Suria KLCC, a Japanese bookstore chain established in 1982, is currently one of the largest branches in Southeast Asia. It houses over 300,000 books in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Malay. For those who love Japanese culture, Kinokuniya is a haven with its English-language manga, artbooks of popular anime series, and more.

Kinokuniya, 4th floor, Suria KLCC

Junk Book StoreJunk Bookstore is the largest and oldest used bookstore in Kuala Lumpur. Located near the famous Central Market, its narrow aisles are lined with shelves overflowing with books of all genres, from novels and magazines to detective stories, picture books, and comics – a true paradise for book lovers. Although not new, Junk Bookstore's books are of good quality and, of course, sold at very reasonable prices.

Junk Book Store, 78 Jalan Tun HS Lee, Kuala Lumpur

Textiles and handicrafts

Central MarketThis is where you'll find very traditional Malaysian items, from food to handicrafts. The market is divided into three sections: Indian, Chinese, and Malay. Each section sells its own unique goods and is decorated in a different style. Remember to prepare a generous budget because you'll find it hard to resist some pretty little handicrafts like wood carvings, bracelets, and colorful Batik fabrics…

Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

Jakel MallThis is a large shopping mall with five floors selling premium fabrics and silks from the Jakel Trading textile group. Here, you can buy high-quality Jakel fabrics, from silk and lace, to materials from famous Italian brands such as Gucci, Valentino, Prada, and Versace. Besides clothing, you can also find furniture and bed linens with exquisite and unique patterns.

Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Kuala Lumpur, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Peter Hoe BeyondPeter Hoe Beyond is a unique store in Kuala Lumpur that houses a souvenir shop, a clothing store, and a cafe all in one. Here you'll find unique products from across Asia, designed or curated by Peter Hoe. There are countless things you'll want to take home from Peter Hoe Beyond, such as hand-dyed tablecloths, exquisitely embroidered pillows, finely crafted silverware, and a plethora of rare and hard-to-find souvenirs.

No. 145, Jalan Tun HS Lee, Kuala Lumpur

Jewelry

Habib JewelsFamous in Malaysia for its exquisite diamond jewelry, Habib Jewels' sparkling diamond rings, necklaces, and bracelets, with their classic designs and meticulous craftsmanship, are definitely a must-have if you want to take home something dazzling.

Lot C49, Concourse Level, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50088 Kuala Lumpur

Meanwhile,Shinju PearlsShinju Pearls excels in exquisite pearl jewelry. Additionally, at their stores, you can find unique jewelry made from other precious stones. Shinju Pearls' designs range from simple, elegant necklaces to luxurious and opulent pieces.

F084 First Floor, Midvalley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur

Experience Hi Tea

Hi Tea is a popular afternoon tea tradition in Malaysia, and a cherished part of the country's cultural heritage. In Kuala Lumpur, the Majesty Hotel is the ideal place to experience this unique culture. Sipping fragrant tea amidst an orchid garden or in a classic, elegant setting is a truly worthwhile experience. Prices per person range from RM 48++ to RM 88++ depending on the chosen setting.

5 Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, KL City Center Malaysia

"Hunting" for bargains in Kuala Lumpur

Each year, Malaysia typically holds three major sales events: the 1Malaysia Super Sale, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnaval, and the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale. In 2016, these three large sales events will take place from March 1st to March 31st, June 15th to August 31st, and November 1st to December 31st, during which numerous shopping malls simultaneously offer significant discounts on a wide range of goods.

Additionally, you can access Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with Miss Shopphia – the icon representing shopping experiences in Malaysia – to get information about shopping destinations, discounts, and ongoing Mega Sales.

Text: Thuy An. Photos: Various sources.

The Thanh