Guide to shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur
Suria KLCC lies beneath the Petronas Towers
The range of KL shopping malls is extensive enough to rival any city in the world. Wandering around in the air-conditioned opulence it can be difficult to imagine the bustling markets of Little India lying perhaps just a few blocks away. If you want to pick up some designer labels or some of the latest electronic gadgets then everything can be found within KL’s numerous shopping malls.
Most shopping malls are located in the Golden Triangle district or in KLCC area by the Petronas Twin Towers. These are the top of the range offerings which come complete with Western restaurants and attractions such as a rollercoaster and aquarium. However, there are a few more downmarket offerings in the more traditional neighbourhoods of Little India and Chinatown as well. More on Golden Triangle.
Recommended Kuala Lumpur shopping malls
Low Yat Plaza
This is a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur dedicated to all things electronic. Prices are known to be very competitive and so the corridors are filled with techno nerds searching for the latest application or device. As you might expect each floor is dedicated to a particular type of product to avoid the frustration of combing each and every level. (7 Jalan Bintang, +60 (0)3 2148 3651, open 10:00 – 22:00)
Berjaya Times Square
One of the latest shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur is Times Square. Located in Bukit Bintang, there is 3.4 million square-feet of shops, boutiques and restaurants to enjoy. There is a hotel and office block attached and 1,000 stores and restaurants to enjoy.
But the most impressive feature is not the 3D Imax cinema, bowling alley or largest book store in Southeast Asia, but the seven story rollercoaster found inside. This is one a KL shopping centre kids will not mind visiting. (1 Jalan Imbi, +60 (0)3 2117 3111, open 10:00 – 23:00)
Suria KLCC
Occupying the lower reached of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, this gargantuan KL shopping mall boasts an aquarium, cinema plus is home to the national philharmonic orchestra. And of course there are shops, designer names from the four corners of the planet including the cream of European fashion houses and fine dining restaurants. It’s easy to see why more than 600,000 visitors come through here every week. Situated above the KLCC metro station, there is also a huge park outside with fountains, waterfalls and acres of landscaped gardens to wander through. (Corner of Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Ampang, +60 (0)3 2382 3326, open daily 10:00 – 22:00)
Sungei Plaza is popular for family outings
Sungei Wang Plaza
Also on Bukit Bintang is Sungei Plaza, a popular mall for shopping in Kuala Lumpur amongst the city’s Chinese community. There are some outlandish clothes boutiques which stock unusual styles and some electronic stores jam-packed with the latest models from Japan and Korea. Eating options are limited to some oriental eateries and fastfood joints like KFC and McDonalds. But it is the climate of bargaining that keeps serious shoppers coming. (Jalan Bukit Bintang, +60 (0)3 2144 9988 open daily 10:00 – 22:00)
Lot 10
The bright green exterior of this favourite amongst the shopping centres of Kuala Lumpur and a landmark in its own right. There is an Isetan supermarket plus a department store and a good variety of boutiques and restaurants. There is an overhead walkway linking the mall to Bukit Bintang Monorail Station and Sungei Wang Plaza. Popular stores inside Lot 10 include the Apple Store, Birkenstock, Crocs and Timberland with Crystal Jade Chinese and Bon Ton always busy. (Corner of Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail, +60 (0)3 2716 8615, open 10:00 – 22:00)
Pavillion
This is the latest must-be-seen addition to Kuala Lumpur’s luxury shopping malls with tonnes of marble and steel plus countless modern art installations scattered around the open plan interior. The occupants here reads like a list of participants at Milan fashion week with Bvlgari, Calvin Klein, Gucci, DKNY, Hermes, Prada, Versace, Thomas Pink and Tiffany & Co. all represented. And with a in-house cinema plus a variety of restaurants and bars on ground level serving every international flavour from tapas to sushi, this is where KL’s gentry come to unwind. (168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, +60 (0)3 2118 8833, open 10:00 – 22:00)
Amazing KLCC Shopping Mall
One Utama
Outside of the city centre is One Utama shopping mall which consists of two separate large buildings crossing over a large road. There are more than 600 shops ranging from electricals and fashion to household products and food. As you would expect from a KL mall of the size, shopping is not the only thing catered for, there are many entertainment options includng a Rainforest house with more than 100 pant species and restaurants and cafes dotted around. There is also a bowling alley, cinema, rock climbing wall and karaoke lounge. Although, just walking amongst all the shops should be tiring enough. (1 Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama City Centre, +60 (0)3 7710 8118, open daily 10:00 – 22:00)
Sunway Pyramid
The Egyptian-inspired Sunway Pyramid Mall near Kuala Lumpur was amongst the largest Klang Valley shopping centres where it was first constructed. Little has happened since then to diminish its appeal and with 350 outlets offering the best in fashion, electronics and souvenirs there are few better places to indulge in some retail therapy. And with a cinema, 48-lane bowling alley and ice rink incorporated, there is plenty to do as well as relax in the wide choice of pubs, cafés and restaurants. (No 3 Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, +60 (0)3 7494 3000, open 10:00 – 22:00)
