Shopping

Kuala Lumpur has somehow maintained its old world charm alongside its skyscrapers, and is a haven for all types of souvenirs, handicrafts and local bric-a-bracs. Great places for bargain hunting are on Petaling Street while Central Market has a delightful range of local handicrafts. A large number of malls have wide range of goods to suit all tastes and budgets. Also do not miss KLCC Suria, the spacious shopping centre at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers. Other large shopping complexes that deserves a mention include One Utama Shopping Complex, Mid-Valley Megamall and Sunway Pyramid. Last but not least: Mingle with the jostling crowd at the numerous roadside stalls or share in the heady excitement of the carnival like 'pasar malam' or night markets. Shopping in KL is one of travel's greatest pleasures! And like those who have gone before you, you'll just want to come back.

But there still remains the question of what to buy? KL is known for its wonderful array of handicrafts from intricate silver, brass and pewter items to pottery, rattan, batiks and wickerwork. You will find beautiful art objects and curious items from the orient with carpets and rugs of lustrous silk and fine wool in traditional designs of intricate geometric motifs or patterned in beautiful floral designs of pastel hues. There's ready-to-wear apparel of every design and colour and trendy shoes and handbags to match.

KL is also a good place for buying designer collections, elegant footwear, exclusive watches and quality fabrics. You can find very competitive prices for electronic equipment, computers and cameras. For handicrafts, look out at the Central Market Complex in Chinatown. Jalan Petaling in the heart of Chinatown is a colourful shopping stress and has some craftwork, cheap clothes abd copy watches. The biggest and most popular shopping malls are in the Golden Triangle on Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang.