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GET SET. Strap on your jet packs. Go! No, this is not a space jaunt at the speed of light but an exhilarating – and potentially exhausting – shopping marathon at whatever speed your wallet can muster. From haute couture and high-gloss brands to flea markets and home grown fashion, Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, has it all.
If you’re truly serious, invest in a large suitcase, leave plenty of room, ensure your credit is humming and block out your calendar from 4 July till 31 August. This is the official Mega Sale Carnival period when shoppers get high on lower than low prices – almost 70 percent off in some cases. More information at the Tourism Malaysia official site. Throughout the year, carnivals and sales are slotted in to keep shoppers busy. There are sales to coincide with sports events (Kuala Lumpur F1 Grand Prix), sales for summer, sales for winter and sales for, well, Malaysia. Yes, the Malaysia Savings Sale – Mega Sale biggie – runs 21 November to 3 January 2010.
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Central Market collectables
One of the first things you might do is to pop into Central Market, on Jalan Hang Kasturi (tel: [60-3] 2274-6542), to pick up a host of local handicraft and other quirky souvenirs. It’s little wonder that this art deco market is top on every traveller’s list. It offers a genuinely local feel and, most importantly, friendly prices. Once inside, you’ll excuse the pink and blue exterior, and enjoy ambling past painters, sculptors, fortune-tellers and traders who have made their home in this former wet market – the interior now renovated into spanking new modernity. My pick is the Collectables Centre (G43, tel: 2273-3182), cluttered with every imaginable collectable from old Craven cigarette tin boxes, charcoal irons and oil lamps to century-old Nyonya tea sets and hairpins. If you’re persuasive enough, the owner might just part with original prints of Sun Yat Sen and old family portraits, for the right price of course. Next stop, Songket & Sutera Asli (M53, tel: 2274-2645), for beautiful songket (richly woven silk) fabric from the East Coast. Prices begin at RM75 (US$23) and then climb indefinitely depending on workmanship. The exchange rate is roughly US$1 = 3.48 Malaysian ringgit (RM).
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| Suria KLCC shopping mall |
Be sure to also visit the House of Silver (G15, tel: 2274-4457) to take home, a Kelantanese tea set, antique silverware, jewellery or the Malay keris. For kites of every shape and size (the wau bulan being most popular) stop by Wau Tradisi (M51, tel: 2274-1906). Prices here range from RM198 (US$62) to RM500 (US$156). Batik is wall-to-wall throughout the market. Before heading off, rummage through the pottery, pewter, wayang kulit (shadow puppets), traditional costumes and local snacks or have your portrait painted. Master Chin (1/F, 3rd bridge), the resident fortuneteller might offer some tips on paying for all that stuff clattering about in your suitcase-on-wheels. Stop to refuel at Precious Old China (M2, tel: 2273-7372), an antique and art gallery doubling as a restaurant and bar serving authentic Nyonya cuisine.
Much loved Annexe Gallery (tel: 2070-1137), right behind the Central Market, is the hippest space for the arts with exciting exhibitions, performances and workshops featuring young, local and regional artists. The gallery plays host to Art For Grabs, an event jam-packed with workshops and talks. The real attraction is the arts and craft bazaar, billed as the city's best venue to purchase original art at wholesale prices (pieces go for RM100 or less).
Almost hidden, upstairs at 145 Jalan Tun HS Lee, in over 8,000sq ft of casually strewn home furnishings, art, fabric, batik clothes and curios, is the Peter Hoe (tel: 2026-9788) craft shop. Expect linen outfits, silver jewellery, lampshades, silk cushions, pillows and a café. Peter has been operating for over 18 years, and this store in Lee Rubber Building was reputedly the headquarters of the Japanese secret police during the second world war. It's enough to make a shopper cry out and confess, "Yes! I want more..."
Chinatown and a splash of India
A short walk from Central Market is Chinatown. Signature lantern-lined streets and pre-war shop houses are now oddly complemented by palm trees and modern roofing, aimed at sheltering shoppers from Kuala Lumpur’s heavy rains. Nevertheless, Chinatown retains its old world charm when it transforms, come rain or shine, into a bustling night market. Thread your way through the maze of street-vendors on Petaling Street and haggle vigorously. Not for the faint hearted.
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| Fashion show at Pavilion |
Petaling Street is a vibrant mix of Chinese, Nepalese and Burmese traders who all vie for attention, selling jewellery, herbal medicines, dried food, designer t-shirts, handbags and wallets. Knock-offs and fakes abound. Striking a bargain is not always easy. The trick is to throw in a few local terms like “Murah sikit?” (A little cheaper?) or “Mahal sangat!” (Too expensive!) and pretend to leave in a huff. Sure enough, a voice will call out behind you. “Okay lah, Okay lah! Ow-mach-you-wan?” By the way, Chinatown’s Hokkien-style thick noodles are purported to be the best in KL. Kim Lian Kee (49-51, Jalan Petaling, tel: 2032-4984) has been dishing out delicious Hokkien fried noodles since the 1920s – a definite must.
Then on to the heart of Little India at Jalan Masjid India. A similar makeover has taken shape here as part of the country’s beautification and upgrading project. Don’t fret; all is not lost despite the covered walkways and paved paths. Little India’s vibrant character is very much alive. Vendors lug bales of sarees through the traffic and past shops heaped with gold, traditional medicines and gaudy glass bangles. Brightly hued sarees and Bollywood-inspired Indian dresses (salwar kameez and lengas) are some of the greatest temptations here. Salwars are loose fitting tunics with a long knee-length shirt/blouse while lengas are long skirts. My favourite is the one-stop complex, The Madras Store (100, Jalan Masjid India, tel: 2693-0072) for fabulous sarees, brassware, oil lamps and home accessories. Another highly recommended stop is Saree Centre (98, Jalan Masjid India, tel: 2691-0276). For fancy jewellery, Little India (50, Jalan Masjid India, tel: 2693-3443) is sought after, mainly by young brides-to-be. Be sure to whip out your reliable Casio calculator (don’t leave home without it). Prices correspond to the weight of the jewellery. Remember, the price of gold is fixed. What you’re negotiating down then is the premium on the workmanship.
At the other end of this street, there’s a different sort of street theatre with huge crowds congregated around peddlers vociferously declaring the merits of their cure-alls – for impotency, feminine facial hair – through loudspeakers. If all this is too much, have your feet massaged the traditional Malay way, for just RM30 (US$8.59). On Lebuh Ampang street (a short walk from Masjid India), shuffle between spice and sundry shops, Indian restaurants and saree shops. Pop into Nalli’s (49A, Lebuh Ampang, tel: 2070-5809), a hot favourite among locals for the latest saree trends, be it in chiffon, Mysore silk, Kanchipuram or cotton. Stop to savour every type of Indian sweet imaginable along the way, phatisa, moti choor ladoo, kalakand or barfee.
Parallel to Jalan Masjid India is Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman lined with shops, noted for their wonderful fabric, antiques and jewellery. Old and new mingle on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman; modern complexes rise above retro buildings.
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| Louis Vuitton shop at JW Marriott |
Gulatis Silk House (162/164, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, tel: 2698-3901) and Euro Moda (126/128, tel: 2694-0805) deserve mention for their exquisite fabric, studded with sequins and beads. This long stretch is also a good spot to hunt for oriental antiques and art.
Udani Carpets (393A, tel: 2698-1962) and Shalini Carpets (40, tel: 2692-7008) offer quite an extensive range. Stock up on winter essentials like boots, cardigans, scarves and thermal undergarments at P Lal Store (135 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, tel: 2694-2694), the city’s oldest department store. Also check out the pewter at Selangor Pewter Showroom (223, tel: 2698-6244). If you need to recharge again, check out the 1920s Coliseum Café for a cold beer and heavenly, but spicy, prawn sambal, accompanied by their home-baked Chinese toast with REAL butter. Despite the dismaying crush of tourist coaches, The Craft Cultural Complex (Jalan Conlay, tel: 2162-7533) is still a great venue for batik, rattan baskets and other traditional handicraft sourced from around the country. In fact, the complex’s main attraction is its community of artists and their workshops. Get to know these artists while observing them at work and you may just go home with some unique finds.
If you can’t get enough of pewter, arrange for your hotel to send you right to the doorstep of the Royal Selangor Visitor Center (4, Jalan Usahawan 6, tel: 4145-6122) in Setapak Jaya. Walking through this contemporary structure is an educational experience in itself: learn about the history of Royal Selangor, its origins and the science of pewter. The full and latest range of pewter is available here.
Kuala Lumpur shopping malls, Suria
Moving upscale, Kuala Lumpur’s monster malls are crammed with designer brands and more. Just name it and KL has it, from Versace, Gucci and Prada to Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. The Suria Shopping Complex (Jalan Ampang), situated at the foot of the world’s tallest twin towers, is a real gem with its swank shops, cafés and beautiful people. Stealing the thunder is the upscale Aseana (G/F, tel: 2382-9988), a treasure trove of handmade clothing from all around the region. Perk up your wardrobe with shawls and sarongs by designers Marilyn Tan and Bobby Ch'ng and your home with silk, teapots and sculptures.
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| Starhill pulls in the posh crowd |
If you love all things beautiful, step into Salabianca (1/F 17, tel: 2382-0428), adored for its stunning fashion. Expect everything – top to toe – accessories and chiffon to silk tops and skirts adorned with delicate beading, painstakingly hand sewn. Ed Hardy's flagship store (2/F 210-211, tel: 2161-4358) deserves a visit. Check out their tattoo inspired t-shirts, shoes and accessories, which have long achieved certain notoriety amongst Hollywood celebrities. Shuz (1/F 102-103A, tel: 2166-3309) stocks unusual bags from Be&D – carry home rocky, edgy designs with spikes and studs.
For exclusively designed pieces, ARCH World Miniature (307, Level 3, tel: 3820-489) has small-scale reproductions of just about anything. It’s one way to take a small piece of KL home in your pocket. Head up to KLCC’s sprawling Kinokuniya bookstore (Level 4, tel: 2164-8133), which offers a wide selection of coffee table books, novels and specialty material.
Be sure to visit The Specialist Bookshop (Level 3, tel: 2166-3433) to browse titles on Islamic, Judaism and Christian theology, neatly tucked into green wooden shelves. Pay close attention to the quotations inscribed along the shelves. Also, pop by Pucuk Rebung Gallery and Museum (Level 3, tel: 2382-1109/0769), packed with Malay antique fabrics, metalwork and jewellery, photos, porcelain, pottery, glass, crystal and contemporary art. Pick up a gift or simply enjoy browsing through the collection. Ombak (301A, Level 3, tel: 2161-9600) is the ultimate stop for decadent interiors and Asian inspired home furnishings. Find quirky accessories, such as the hand-painted door stoppers from Sri Lanka, to take home. Sore feet? Settle down to teacakes and scones with a reviving cuppa at the Harrods Signature Shop & Tea Room (137, Level 1, tel: 2166-6000). A stop here provides some last-minute shopping inspiration especially if your kitchen cupboards are a little bare – Harrods has an excellent selection of wines, cakes, cheese, sausages and teas. Delicious, but deadly to the wallet, Harrods remains a happy hunting ground for the hungry shopper. Visitors enjoy more discounts and free gifts with the Tourist Privilege card. Swing by the concierge (ground floor) to inquire.
Go across to Avenue K (opposite Suria KLCC), through an underground connection, only if you want to marvel at the exquisitely designed structure by French designer Christian Liagre. Avenue K is otherwise a tepid experience devoid of any real bustle, its long, wide corridors flanked mostly by vacant retail space. This highly anticipated temple of high fashion has failed to kick off as yet as one of Kuala Lumpur 's fashion hotspots.
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| Bustling Sungei Wang plaza |
Instead, flag a cab and head to discount warehouse Melium Outlet (MO), a mere 10 minutes' drive from Suria KLCC. A taxi ride from Suria KLCC should cost about RM6 (US$1.87). Be sure to avoid the lunch-hour traffic because the taxi meter is bound to tick furiously while you ponder traffic jams and sweat it out in the midday heat. At MO (62, Jalan 8/91, Taman Shamelin Perkasa, tel: 9207-3288), fashion devotees get their designer fix for a song. You'll be surprised to find that you don't have to rummage through knee-deep piles of clothes unlike in most warehouses.
Everything's elegantly displayed and neatly stacked on racks and shelves. Expect luxurious surroundings and impeccable service minus the exorbitant price tags. Prices of unsold end-of-season stocks go for a fraction of the original. Imagine Furla shoes at just RM400 (US$125) compared with RM1,000 (US$313), Furla handbags from RM700 (US$219), Stuart Weitzman shoes at RM250 (US$78), Ermenegildo Zegna suits at RM2,000 (US$625) and Zegna shirts from RM400.
Bintang Walk, Starhill, Pavilion and Lot 10
Continue to splurge if you must, this time at trendy Bintang Walk. There’s Lot 10, StarHill, KL Plaza, and of course, Sungei Wang Plaza and Bukit Bintang Plaza, staples long before the strip became hip. No shopper will be disappointed with Sungei Wang Plaza’s funky fashion styles, found nowhere else. This is fun shopping, low-brow, elbow-jostling. Browse Giordano, Baleno, mobile phones, cameras, computers, costume jewellery, SASA for cosmetics, and Levi's (a 501 original jean for RM265/US$83). Explore the first floor for cheap and chic fashion by up-and-coming local designers. Watch out for stores by local designers Key Ng, Carven Ong, Michael Ong, William Liew and newbies like Samuel Yow, Samantha Kong and Tebby Tan.
At Lot 10, take your pick of British India's casual and bright linens, Timberland, Guess, Espirit, Swatch, and trawl the myriad shoe and handbag sales that clutter the lobby area. KL’s famous son Zang-Toi has a boutique here (P7, Prestige Floor, tel: 2144-1976). His designs capture girlie opulence through quality material and delightful workmanship. Apart from designer pieces, the shop also offers off-the-rack jackets, dresses and basic shirts.
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| Lot 10 for those brand bargains |
The ultra-upmarket Starhill is a popular shopping stop and watering hole. Most major designer brands and fashion labels are represented and there's a whole floor devoted to art where you'll find places like the Loft Gallery run by Valentine Willie Fine Art (tel: [60-3] 2284-2348). The Loft features local artists and runs different shows from time to time. Elsewhere in Starhill, pop into Dior, Ferragamo, Timberland, Fendi, Kenzo, Aigner, Valentino, Celine, Porsche Design, Versace, Dunhill, or Louis Vuitton, or drop by the funky basement cafes and the even funkier toilet. The male toilet is a dark Arab street recreation with shale tiles, claustrophobic corridors and water piped through bamboo shafts. The newlook Dior and Louis Vuitton shops are adjoining the JW Marriott lobby for ease of spend. The designer brand floor is appropriately called the "Indulge" level in the elevator. Look for this when you press the button. Plenty of food rest stops are around at places like the Arabic Tarbush or the mod multi-cuisine Shook.
Just opposite the road from here on the other side of Jalan Bukit Bintang near the Grand Millennium hotel is longtime music store Bentley Music where you can strum guitars and plonk on assorted keyboards.
Fashion gurus are buzzing wildly over the city’s seven-storey Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Bukit Bintang); the couture revolution we’ve been waiting for. The results are beautiful. Think sophisticated interiors, soft carpets and huge mirrors mixing with plenty of hot fashion names. We’ve fallen in love with Gucci, COACH, Canali, Giuseppe Zanotti, TOD'S, Chloe, Versace, Shanghai Tang, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Joan & David and Thomas Pink. Joining them is Paul Frank, noted for his adorable, gummy grinning Julius the Monkey, which adorns t-shirts, wallets and hoodies. Special edition items like Paul Frank t-shirts featuring the Petronas Twin Towers is a must buy. Also find brands like Club Monaco, Aigner, Longchamp, Montblanc, Rolex, Salvatore Ferragamo, IWC Schaffhausen watches, Xixili, Braun, Sony Ericsson, Swatch, AX Armani Exchange, Animal, Banana Republic, G2000, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, Guess, DKNY, Celine, Geox shoes, Prada, Quicksilver, Roxy, and Mandarina Duck. Men in search of casual khakis for summer wear will be delighted to spot a Dockers to duck into. Check out new arrivals – Diane Von Furstenberg (3.33.00, Level 3), Max Mara (3.30.00 and 3.31.00, Level 3) and Bimba and Lola (2.51.00, Level 2). Where to start? For serious home décor and furnishings, head to the sixth floor – there's Molecule (6.24.01-02) for retro accessories such as miniature kid sofas, funky ash trays and clocks, XQZT (6.24.03) for ultra cool furniture designs and Vertzu (6.24.08) for dramatic sofas, coffee tables and embellished mirrors.
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| Designer brands at Pavilion/ photo: Verghese |
Tangs department store has also made a stylish comeback, securing a spot in this premium complex. Recover after long hours of shopping at the Food Republic (Level 1), a sprawling floor of restaurants and deliciously modernised hawker stalls. Be sure to savour the melt-in-your-mouth donuts from J.Co Donuts & Coffee (Level 1) or try some Japanese inspired bread and pastries at the Loaf (Level 3), the newest venture by a certain Dr. M (clue: Malaysia’s former prime minister).
Pavilion KL gets especially busy come F1 season. If you're in town, be sure to pop by to enjoy a host of activities and promotions that lead up to the final race day. The Tourist Rewards card extends special discounts and gift redemption to tourists. Head over to the concierge (Levels 2 and 3) to apply for yours.
Turn up the heat and drool over sequins and ruffles conjured up by top local designers, Rizalman Ibrahim (Rizalman Ibrahim Couture, 110-G-M, Jalan Imbi, tel: 2141-6149) and Bernard Chandran (S-32-35, 2/F, KL Plaza, tel: 2145-0534). If you are prepared to fork out a pretty penny you’ll make heads turn, just like the American popstar elite when they don Bernard Chandran's creations.
Computers, camera shopping, Sungei Wang Plaza
Jalan Bukit Bintang is known for its diversity. Further down the road, Low Yat Plaza showcases the latest in computer software and hardware, all at rock-bottom prices.
Digital camera and video shops are abundant in Sungai Wang Plaza and LowYatPlaza in the Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur. Check out Foto Edar (LG012, Bukit Bintang Plaza, tel: 2141-6683), Foto Nicki (95, Jalan Bukit Bintang, tel: 2142-3368), Fotokem (LG149, Sungai Wang Plaza, tel: 2145-5011) and Jaya Kamera (LG035A, Bukit Bintang Plaza, tel: 2145-0122). The shops stock an extensive range of renowned brands such as Nikon, Olympus, Fuji, Canon, Hasselblad and Pentax. You can count on the staff being courteous and knowledgeable.
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| Pavilion mall, COACH |
There are also numerous electronics and digital camera shops in just about every mall. Or pop into a shop like Foto Miami (tel: [60-3] 2143-3493) ground floor of KL Plaza next to the JW Marriott hotel. They stock digital cameras, videos and assorted electronic items. Prices will perhaps be most negotiable in Low Yat Plaza. Bear in mind that electronic goods prices in Kuala Lumpur are higher than in Singapore and Hong Kong and the models appear around three or four months after they have arrived in Singapore and Hongkong. KL Plaza also houses one of Kuala Lumpur's best shopping bargains, the large and well-stocked Factory Outlet Store (F.O.S) where you can pick up jeans for RM79 (US$25) or less, and t-shirts and sleeveless linen shirts for RM29-RM39 (US$9-12). The store is at the back of the ground floor. The same shirts at Lanvin (where the stitching is done in France) or Givenchy at Starhill will set you back over RM1,300 (US$405) or more. (Another Kuala Lumpur factory outlet option is the GME Factory Outlet at KL Sentral Station where an Obermain shoe starts at RM135/US$42, and a Nautica t-shirt at RM29.)
Berjaya Times Square to Great Eastern
Since you’re into the serious business of shopping, check out Berjaya Times Square (Jalan Imbi), with over 1,000 shops, some of them still vacant. This a huge modern sprawl that also hosts the indoor theme park Cosmo's World and an IMAX theatre. Despite a convenient monorail stop next door, locals and tourists have not as yet turned up in substantial numbers. Britain’s Debenhams has since closed, making way for KL’s favourite one-stop fashion store, Metrojaya. Can’t get over how much you’ve spent? Mull over it while Berjaya Times Square takes you for a ride at its largest indoor theme park, the complex’s top attraction. The nearby Imbi Plaza is also dedicated to computers, cameras, mobile phones and other electronic gadgets at bargain prices. Be sure to browse, compare and bargain before you make that quintessential purchase to take home.
If you’re an art lover, seek out Artrageously Ramsay Ong The Art Gallery (25 Jalan Bukit Bintang), to view Sarawak artworks and handicraft. If Ramsay is around, he’ll be happy to chat, and you’ll walk away with a free lesson on Sarawak culture, traditions and art. The entire strip is stuffed with a wild array of specialist shops, clothes shops, restaurants, kopitiams, budget hotels and reflexology centres – catering to varied tastes and desires.
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| Starhill art/ photo: Verghese |
The chicks in the know flock to all the right spots. Remix, which happens once every two months at Palate Pallette Restaurant & Bar (21, Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari), is all about the miracle combination; live music and shopping. Vendors set up booths, selling everything from hoodies and caps to chunky handmade jewellery and even self-produced indie films, to the sounds of house and r&b. Very avant-garde. Check out madebykraft.blogspot.com for more details.
Squeeze in the time to pop by Maju Junction Mall (Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman), Great Eastern Shopping Mall (Jalan Ampang) and Mid Valley Megamall (Lingkaran Syed Putra, tel: 9368-3333), and check out long time favourites Sogo Pernas Department Store (190, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, tel: 2698-2111), Ampang Park Shopping Complex (Jalan Ampang, tel: 2161-7006), City Square (Jalan Tun Razak, tel: 2162-1566) and The Mall (Jalan Putra).
Drop into the city's latest addition, Capsquare (7 Persiaran Capsquare, Off Jalan Ampang). Forget big names – Capsquare has small boutiques and an exquisite art gallery, which is impossible to ignore. Its 300m retail (and cobblestone) strip, combines the joy of retail therapy with eating and drinking. It's perfectly positioned and equipped to complement KLCC and the Asian Heritage Row close by. Don't miss Jendela KL Studio (G07, tel: 2692-8189), which weaves traditional batik and songket designs onto contemporary fashion and furnishings. Linger around for Red Square (G13-15, tel: 2692-2310), KL's first vodka bar stays open long after the shops have closed. Or head to Urbanattic (G46, tel: 2693-3808) for jazz jam sessions. POP! The bazaar takes place every first and third Sundays of the month, offering shoppers collectibles, fashion, accessories and street food.
In the spotlight is The Gardens, Mid Valley City, a five-storey swanky shopping gallery. Fashionistas won’t be deterred by the lack of green here as they have much to go mad about; Gap, Zara, MNG, Coach, Ylang Ylang, Banana Republic and more. The much loved Robinsons, famously stylish in ’70s KL, returns with aplomb as anchor tenant. If you have the moxie, don t-shirts carrying quirky, offbeat prints and messages from Graffi-Tee. There’s also Borders, funky furniture store Gudang, one-stop center Isetan and Atlas Hi-fi where you can experience the crisp, clear sounds of Bose equipment at your leisure. Che Che New York (tel: 2282-8619) over at Mid Valley Megamall has the prettiest totes, purses and girly pouches, embellished with sequins and intricate details. Think designs that flaunt an elegant Parisian flair, with a cheerful eastern twist.
Bargain shopping in Bangsar, Sri Hartamas, and some fun
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| LOT 10: bargain shopping and upscale brands |
Bangsar deserves mention. This suburb is stealing the thunder with its rising tide of fashion hotspots. To get to Bangsar, hop onto the light rail transit (LRT) system, then catch a taxi to the Jalan Telawi enclave. Once better known for its countless nightclubs and pubs, Bangsar is fast becoming a chic stop for fashionistas. The boutiques mushrooming in the area display a unique bent on what’s hip. The popularity of boutiques like Cats Whiskers (7-1, 1/F, Jalan Telawi 2, tel: 2282-7317) and Gossips (8A, 1/F, Jalan Telawi 2) rely mainly on word of mouth (no pun intended). These boutiques are a cross between someone’s living room and a museum; very Bohemian in appeal. They’re quick to pick up on catwalk trends. So expect to slip into the latest designs like a kimono and wrap style dresses or pile on the trendiest accessories. Swing by Baci Boutique (12A, 1/F, Jalan Telawi 3) for some vintage dresses, Peoples...Egg (32, Jalan Telawi 5, tel: 2283-1084) for oversized bags and Shoes Shoes Shoes (31A, Jalan Telawi 3) to stay in step with the well-heeled fashion pack.
Bangsar’s recent fashion additions are causing quite a sensation; the quirky yet stylish Mooie Boutique (3-1, Jalan Telawi 2, tel: 2287-2230) and a few doors down, its sister boutique MOCA (19-1, Jalan Telawi 2, tel: 2287-5415), Oopsie Daisie (28-1, Jalan Telawi 2, tel: 2282-9769) for beaded minis and sexy shifts; and purpledotz (18-1, Jalan Telawi 3) for abstract patterns and graphics accessories. Be prepared to juggle your time between shopping and some pampering; get your nails buffed and your talons tended at trendy nail bars and salons popping up in the area. Bangsar also gets its shot of glamour with the newly opened Bangsar Village II (Jalan Telawi 1). Look forward to high-end names like Ted Baker, Warehouse, Principles, Massimo Dutti, Trucco and Coast. If you're bored of frocks hit Lasting Impressions (2/F, tel: 2287-3201) for their lovely range of Chinese and Tibetan antique furniture. Later, contemplate on your fashion finds over some sangria at the ever-popular La Bodega Tapas Bar (16, Jalan Telawi 2).
Watch out for the ever-popular Bangsar Shopping Center, which is slowly transforming itself from a typical neighbourhood mall to something super chic, selling everything from handmade chocolates and novelty stationary to fashion and children's toys. Some 90,000sq ft of retail space is being added to the current structure to create something dramatically modern.
When in Bangsar, track down spunky local designer, Melinda Looi’s Showroom (279, Jalan Maarof, tel: 2093-2279). Her haute couture designs are distinct; dresses in muted tones, embellished with intricate beading and crystals. Purportedly gracing the wardrobe of celebrities like Elizabeth Hurley and Cameron Diaz, Melinda Looi’s designs are a must if you want to sashay home in style.
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| Pavilion designer brands/ photo: Verghese |
Not too far from Bangsar is Brickfields, buzzing with a genuinely local Indian feel. If you’re coming in from the city on the monorail or LRT, get off at KL Sentral and a short walk will take you directly into the heart of Brickfields. Walk past old women threading garlands of jasmine flowers, smouldering joss sticks and camphor plus sacks of aromatic local spices, the scent of which hits you harder than a slug of sangria. Sales staff at boutiques such as Mumbai (184, Jalan Tun Sambanthan) and Preet’s (206, Jalan Tun Sambanthan) rave about transforming you into the next party-circuit dazzler. Their intricately beaded and sequined numbers will undoubtedly do the trick.
If the heat becomes oppressive, opt for a relaxing interlude at one of the many massage centres that employ blind therapists. Try the BlindMasterMassageCenter(Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4, opposite YMCA). Combine shopping with some culture and explore the rest of the area. Brickfields is tagged the “Divine Location”. Famous Buddhist, Chinese and Hindu temples and churches, some almost 100 years old, are located in the area on and around Jalan Berhala. Pop into Lavanya Arts (134, Jalan Berhala, tel: 2274-2722) for Indian arts and crafts. Or for some contemporary, local art housed in a stylishly converted pre-war townhouse, visit Wei-Ling Gallery (8, Jalan Scott, tel: 2260-1106).
It’s official; nothing can escape the vintage trend. Every vintage fan needs to be on the lookout for Scoop (P-1-19, Plaza Damas, Block P, 6, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, tel: 6201-1206). It promises once-loved designer fashion and accessories at a fraction of their original prices. Imagine Manolos, Prada, Hermes, Gucci, and Chanel minus the high-end price tags. If your closet is bursting with one too many bags and shoes, think turning your quality cast-offs into cash as part of Scoop’s recycle concept.
If you've strayed over to the Sri Hartamas area, Solaris Mont Kiara is just a stone's throw away. Lovely shops, cafes and spas have sprung up around Solaris. Pop into House of Presentation (12-2, Jalan Solaris 5, tel: 6203-6801) for contemporary glass and ceramics, G.D.O Lighting + Furniture (22-3, Jalan Solaris 4, tel: 6203-6538) for avant garde home accessories and Des Folies (22-2, Jalan Solaris 4, tel: 6203-0200) for its range of slinky underwear (recommended piece: the lace corset with suspender). It's increasingly difficult to locate a good record store but you're bound to discover the grooviest vibes at Cre8 Records (2, Jalan Solaris 5, tel: 6203-0969). Cre8 Records also boasts an extensive collection of Japanese anime that will have devotees drooling.
The Petaling Jaya shopping mall circuit
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| Getting around is a snap by monorail |
Beyond the capital lies a wealth of shopping: Petaling Jaya has emerged as quite a shopping hotspot with monster malls such as One Utama and Sunway Pyramid. One Utama (1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, tel: 7710-8118), already an institution in this part of town, kicked off the shopping revolution more than a decade ago. Its six floors of fashion for men and women include collections by Armani Exchange, Bebe, DKNY, Guess and Zara. A recent update has brought in more edgy, street-smart labels like Forever 21, GAP and Miss Selfridge, attracting a younger set of shoppers.
Close by is Ikea (2, Jalan PJU 7/2, Mutiara Damansara, tel: 7726-7777) – discover all your affordable interior furnishing solutions here at Asia's largest store with a floor area of approximately 270,000sq ft. Avoid the maddening weekend crowds as people drive from as far as Penang and Malacca to sample this Scandinavian favourite. I'll let you in on a secret – adjacent in the Ikano Power Center (tel: 7720-7333) is Lurve it (G/F, tel: 7710-3598), an unassuming store that brings in tube tops, lycra maxis, batik print batwing and cotton dresses from around the region, selling them at a fraction of the price you'd pay in boutiques elsewhere in the city. Step carefully or you'll risk bypassing it, oblivious to the many treasures that hang on its racks.
You can easily get lost in the massive, recently revamped Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall (3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, tel: 7492-9998). Its spanking new wing, hidden inside the mall's distinguishable yet kitsch exterior, is packed with high-street favourites that keep smart, working girls' wardrobes stuffed with MNG, Zara, Topshop, Principles and NAFNAF.
Night markets and weekend flea markets
A few more diversions for the travelling shopper are the night markets or pasar malam and flea markets. If you’re watching your cash, the pasar malam is a good place to shop without paying tourist prices. For a fix of local foods, fresh produce, craft and a real atmosphere, go to Bangsar’s Jalan Telawi Sunday Market. Juicy vegetables, fresh fish, accessories and mobile phones add character to this already colourful scene. The night market in Bangsar is a big draw, bringing together both expatriates and locals. While you’re there, be sure to swing by Silverfish Bookstore (67-1, Jalan Telawi 3, tel: 2284-4837), and look out for the latest Silverfish New Writings collection of short stories by regional authors.
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| Girl at Bangsar Weekend Market |
Bargain hunters should not pass up the flea markets. They’re the latest craze. It’s the hip way to spend your weekend, over a cuppa, browsing through stacks of old magazines, stylish home décor from Burma, Thailand and India, trying on exotic jewellery or some silk blouses. Manned by locals as well as expatriates, Sunday flea markets are mushrooming in and around the city. Sogo’s Sunday bazaar flea market (Sogo Pernas Department Store), and BSC Saturday flea market (Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, tel: 2094-7700) are a must. The Weld (Jalan Raja Chulan) hosts the Joujou & Shugi Toy Art Mart every Saturday. Dig deep and you'll find '70s vinyl records, collectible desk lamps and wooden art. As for Bukit Bintang’s Carnival flea market, you’ll get more than you bargained for. Operating every Sunday, the Bintang strip is packed with tiny booths. You’ll even spot a clown or two.
Keeping to the bazaar theme is the Souq Putrajaya (Dataran Putra, Putrajaya). Styled after Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the fledgling souk has a way to go yet. However, the factory outlets are a must-see. Renowned brands, typically costing hundreds of ringgit, sell at bargain prices. End-of-season clothes and accessories by brands like Guess, Fame, MUFC, U2, G2000, Hush Puppies & Renoma will fill up your shopping bags, without burning a hole in your pocket. Prices are slashed 50 to 70 percent, coming down as low as RM9 (US$3).
Next, pop into Alamanda Putrajaya Shopping Complex (Jalan Alamanda, Precinct 1, tel: 8888-8882) and head straight for Archipelago (G/F, tel: 8888-5389), offering an exciting array of fashion from the Malay Archipelago. Watch out for the boutique, Chantek Chantek, for its collection of figure-hugging Nyonya kebayas (blouses) that are aggressively making a comeback into the local fashion scene. Make a statement and cause jaws to drop back home when you pair this sexy, lacy top with your favourite pair of jeans.
Have golf club will swing
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| KLIA duty-free selection is reasonable |
Most shopping malls have a shop or two dedicated to golf equipment. For example the Isetan department store at Lot 10 has a section packed with golf clubs, balls and more. Other popular specialist golf equipment shops include GS Gill (Wisma Harwant, 106 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, tel: [60-3] 2698-3950), Pan-West (117, 1/F Wisma Lim Foo Yong, 86 Jalan Raja Chulan, tel: 2148-7901), VK Enterprise (golf specialists at 11, G/F, Semua House, Off Jalan Masjid India, tel: 2694-5992), and Transview Golf (1-08, 1/F, Depodium, Menara Hap Seng, Jalan P.Ramlee, tel: 2148-2259).
Kuala Lumpur Airport duty-free shopping prices
If you’ve still got some ringgit spare, do some last-minute shopping at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). At KLIA duty-free an Hermes tie will set you back RM580 (US$160), and a Christian Dior "Jadore" eu de toilette 50ml with vaporiser is RM218 (US$60). BVLGARI "Rose Essentielle" eu de parfum in a 50ml bottle is priced at RM284 (US$78). At Kuala Lumpur airport alcohol choices are plentiful with a duty-free Johnnie Walker Black Label one litre bottle retailing at RM109 (US$30). A 12-year-old Chivas one litre bottle is exactly the same at RM109. Other airport duty free outlets include Versace, Coach, Guerlain, Dunhill, Burberry, Guy Larouche, Aigner, The Body Shop and Tie Rack. With Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) becoming a useful and convenient hub for passengers flying from Europe to Asia and Australia, there is increasing interest in digital video camera shopping here. However there is only one electronics shop for video and camera buffs – MyGadgets (tel: 8776-2268/52, 37, SATP 3, Satellite Building, KLIA). Kuala Lumpur Airport duty free shopping prices are reasonably competitive.
So that’s it. You’re on your own now.
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