Where to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur

When you think about shopping in Malaysia, you’re probably picturing steamy open-air food markets and exotic bazaars. While this absolutely exists in this intriguing country, first-time visitors are often shocked at how developed and upscale the retail offerings are in Kuala Lumpur. 

The capital city provides a nice mix of modern shopping facilities like the Sunway Velocity Mall and traditional markets where you’ll find the full spectrum of fashion styles and quality. There are truly massive malls where you can count on international brand names you know and trust along with shopping streets lined with street vendors selling imitation goods and knick-knacks at low prices.  

The nightlife and retail epicenter of the city is referred to as the “Golden Triangle,” and is the best place to start. Districts like Bukit Bintang and KLCC are where you can make practical purchases from dependable retailers, and there will be plenty of brands you’re already familiar with along with unique brands from local boutiques and designers. Keep an eye out for the Modest Brand’s bespoke clothing, sustainable goods from FERN, high-quality fabrics from Terrae, and upscale loungewear from Wustler. For a more authentic experience, head to destinations like Petaling Street in Chinatown or the Central Market.  

With all there is to shop for here, you'll need a place to stash your extra bags. We offer reliable and convenient Kuala Lumpur luggage storage facilities within easy walking distance of the most-visited shopping districts. Store anything with us for as long as you need so that you can keep the retail therapy going indefinitely.

All you need to know when shopping in Kuala Lumpur

KL’s shopping scene couldn’t be more eclectic. When we say you can buy anything in Kuala Lumpur, we mean it. Malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Sunway, and Suria KLCC offer luxury brands at favorable prices (compared to other countries) in sleek modern settings. On the other side of the coin, there's simply no end to the amount of knockoff clothing on offer from unlicensed and unofficial vendors.  

The experience is good and different, as well. Humid open-air markets make for a memorable experience, but you can’t put a price on air conditioning after a day of sightseeing in the Malaysian heat. Well, you might be able to put an actual price on it, as the value of the merchandise on offer is substantial.  

As far as what to expect from street markets, you may want to learn some basic Malaysian as these vendors love to haggle. And while these settings may be slightly daunting for first-time visitors, it's an invaluable chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Another cultural aspect to look out for is how the Muslim religion impacts the dress of women, so you may want to brush up on these cultural differences before your trip. 

Unique shops to visit in Kuala Lumpur

If you’re looking for a thrifty or even cheap shopping spree in Kuala Lumpur, you’ve come to the right city as you'll find a wide variety of unofficial retailers in markets throughout the city. There’s a wide range of quality, with the best markets offering handmade folk items and souvenirs, while others offer counterfeit or imitation items. It’s truly the Wild West in some cases, but that's part of the fun! 

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

This bustling night market is the epicenter of Muslim fashion in the city and makes for an intriguing shopping excursion. Wonderfully intricate baju kurung and baju kebaya, which are the traditional clothing of ethnic Malays, are well-made and perfect for Muslim travelers. Some of the top silk products in the city are on offer here and there are plenty of handmade religious items like ceramics and pewter crafts. It's important to note that these products are intended for the conservative Muslim population of Malaysia and taking a respectful approach to your visit is important. It's equally important to note that the market is only open on Saturdays from 5 pm – 10 pm. 

Central Market

Locally known as ‘Pasar Seni,’ this is the busiest and most notable bazaar in Kuala Lumpur. It's a top spot for buying souvenirs or keepsakes as opposed to traditional fashion. It also provides an invaluable, cultural experience as this is a setting where actual locals shop. You'll find almost 400 shops selling everything from traditional folk items. Colorful batiks, which are the traditional garb of ethnic Malay Malaysians, can be found for a wide variety of prices and are perfect if you're traveling for a wedding or just want a keepsake or a unique statement piece. There are also sarees and cheongsams on offer along with handmade items inspired by the Buddhist and Hindu influences on Malaysian culture. Hand-carved wooden trinkets and toys also make for lovely souvenirs. Keris are ornamental daggers that are difficult to travel with, but worthwhile for determined collectors.  

• Pro tip: This is a can’t-miss landmark you might want to hit on a travel day, and you can stop by a Bounce luggage storage facility to lighten the load for your visit to the market. 
• Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Petaling Street Market

This lively Chinatown shopping street is the top reason to head to the neighborhood and is perfect for thrifty shoppers looking to buy knock-off items or imported Chinese goods. Along Masjid Jamek, you'll find hundreds of street vendors and shops selling everything from “Louis Vuitton” handbags for $5 to authentic handcrafted items. It's important to be aware that almost any brand-name item is bound to be counterfeit, but that's part of the appeal for thrifty backpackers or students. Regardless of whether you want to buy something, the scenery is absolutely phenomenal as the street fills up in the late afternoon. Once you're done shopping, head to a local restaurant to fill up on dim sum classics. 

• Pro tip: Petaling Street gets crowded, as in very crowded, so dropping your luggage or other belongings with a Bounce luggage storage facility can go a long way and improve your experience 
• Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur beyond clothing 

You'll certainly be able to find fashion in Kuala Lumpur's night markets and shopping streets, but that's not really their strength. These authentic experiences are more geared toward handcrafted items and street food.  

Taman Connaught Night Market

There are plenty of night markets that pop up around Kuala Lumpur, but this one is by far the best. Held every Wednesday starting at 7:00 pm, ‘Cheras Pasar Malam’ draws in thousands of locals looking to pick up some street food or flowers from the hundreds of stalls that pop up at Taman Connaught Market. There's no better place to pick up a souvenir, and strolling through this crowded market is an essential experience. While it's situated on the outskirts of town, it's remarkably easy to reach via public transportation. Simply take the MRT to the Taman Connaught Station and walk for a few minutes. 

• Pro tip: If you have your luggage with you or even other shopping bags and don't want to bring them out to the market, stopping by a Bounce location in the city center can help! 

Chow Kit Road Market 

While there are a few stalls selling knockoff handbags or other items, Chow Kit Road is where you'll want to buy fresh produce or fruits. If you need an endorsement from locals, simply ask one of the thousands of shoppers strolling along the aisles looking for the ingredients they'll be cooking with later that day. You'll also find butchers and fishmongers selling their wares to local restaurant tours and street food vendors, but it's important to take a cautious approach before buying these sorts of foods to cook yourself. Regardless, this is a can't-miss scene to take in. 

• Address: Jln Raja Alang, Kampung Baru

Traditional shopping options in Kuala Lumpur

If you want affordable prices on clothing and street food, head to one of the local markets where the price point is everything. If you want a more upscale experience, you’ll find it at the more conventional shopping centers. You’ll still find affordable clothes and perhaps even some knockoff merchandise, but the main reason to head to a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur is to ensure you get the quality you’re expecting. 

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Situated in Bukit Bintang, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur should be your first stop if you're looking for a luxury shopping experience. This sprawling complex is home to multiple malls along with residential and office spaces, but you’ll want to head straight to Pavilion for brands like Louis Vuitton and Adidas. If it's raining out or you simply want to rest your feet for a few hours, there are plenty of entertainment options on-site, including a movie theater. 

• Pro tip: If you’re planning on catching a movie after you shop, you may want to stop by a Bounce storage spot to drop your shopping bags off. You'll be able to rely on the Bounce location because it's been properly vetted to ensure quality of service, and each item will be covered by Bounce Shield Protection. 
• Address: 168, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang

Berjaya Times Square

This massive mall is where you'll find 700 retail outlets across 10 floors. And while you'll definitely find familiar international brands, Berjaya Times Square is a great place for checking out goods from local designers. There's also a movie theater, an arcade, and even an indoor theme park.

Can't get enough retail therapy? Neighboring malls Low Yat, Sungei Wang, and Lot 10 are all within a 15-minute walk. 

• Address: 1, Jln Imbi, Bukit Bintang

Sunway Velocity Mall

One of the top malls in Malaysia, Sunway provides a nice balance between international brands and fashion from Malaysian designers. It's situated slightly outside the city center, but you can take a cheap cab ride and get there in about 20 minutes. The mall is situated across from a pedestrian area where you'll find plenty of street food vendors, in case you get peckish after a day of shopping. 

• Address: Lingkaran Sunway Velocity, Sunway Velocity

Kenanga Wholesale City 

KWC, as it's known by locals, has over 800 different stores and retailers across its sprawling footprint. Unsurprisingly you'll have the full spectrum of merchandise at your fingertips. From international brands to local designer outlets, you could spend a full day at KWC. It’s easy to get to as it's located just outside the Golden Triangle. 

• Address: 2, Jalan Gelugor, Pudu

Whether you need to make a practical purchase or want to soak in the bustle of a Malaysian night market, the shopping in Kuala Lumpur is an essential experience. Getting to these markets and malls does take some maneuvering, so don't let your luggage slow you down. Stop by a secure Bounce facility to leave your bags with the most reliable and convenient option available!