Shops & Markets, Kuala Lumpur

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Favorite thing: there are numerous money exchange shops in and around the Kuala Lumpur area and an advice for the wise: as much as possible, do not change your currency to malaysian ringgit at hotels since they give the lowest exhange rates and also at the airport, you're best bet to change your local currency into Malaysian Ringgit will be in Money Shops in Big Malls especially in the huge Bukit Bintang Area as they give the best exchange rates for other currencies.

a tip: at present the exchange rate of 1 US Dollar is 3 Malaysian Ringgit.

Fondest memory: try to find Money exhange shops in big stores and malls.

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Favorite thing: Rambutan is a tropical fruit and obviously can be available in any Asian country. Malaysia is not an exception as I found them in the local market and ate all of them with gusto.

Rambutan is known as Hairy Fruit in the local language. It is green in colour and becomes red when ripe. It taste sweet and a little bit sour. See the photos of the fruit I took inside my hotel room. Try it. I am sure you will like it.

I guess there is no need to tell you how much it cost. It is inexpensive compared to any other currency.

Favorite thing:
One of the interesting things that should not missed out are the interesting markets available in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Malaysia. The picture shows a typical day market under a highway in Kuala Lumpur.

From general day time markets called 'Pasar Tani' till evening/night markets called 'Pasar Malam' they are available in almost any district. They are usually one day in a week and you should consult a local on the timings of the markets which usually sell foods, clothes, movies and lots more interesting stuff.

The most popular markets in KL city would be the Central Market( a handicraft market) and Chinatown (tons of stuff).

Fondest memory:
My fondest memory would be the first time I went to Chinatown with my parents. I was around 8 years old that time, and man...did that change my perception about shopping. *grin*

Happy Shopping!

☺

Favorite thing: Mont Kiara markets are wonderful place with an eyeful of good buys under the sky. ABC market is held every Sunday while Fiesta Nite Market on every Thursday.

Fondest memory: With music in the air, the ambience is free- spirited and further complemented by cooling fans.

Favorite thing: There are two craft centres in Malaysia; one in Kuala Lumpur and the other in Langkawi. Known as Kompleks Kraf, the Malaysian handicrafts showroom act as a 'One Stop Centre' for tourists to purchase local knick knack.

The complex in Kuala Lumpur is a stone throw's away from Bukit Bintang area, a famous shopping district in the city. Strategically located, the centre offers numerous souvenir items that are uniquely Malaysian. The choices are abundant- ceramics, batik clothing, wooden ornaments and a lot more.

Kompleks Kraf is also a focal point for various organisations to promote the local crafts industry and to showcase their products. If you're here, don't just shop, check out the numerous activities conducted at the complex. You'll get to see demonstrations of batik drawings, songket weaving and ceramic making. Batik and songket are traditional fabrics used in making Malay costumes. Special programmes such as the Crafts Fair and Orang Asli (the indigenous) Handicrafts are also held at the complex. And when you're here, do participate in the interactive activities to experience of how, for example, batik drawing is done

Favorite thing: Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, the commercial hub of the country, has its fair share of famous landmarks, historical relics and heritage buildings plus a pulsating night life to keep the visitor occupied day and night. None of these, however, would be complete without the sheer fun and excitement of bargain hunting within the cool comforts of ultra-modem, one-stop shopping complexes or the thrill of browsing among antiques and curio items in the older establishments in the older parts of the city. 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.

Fondest memory: Jalan Bukit Bintang
Jalan Bukit Bintang, the 'Golden Mile' of Kuala Lumpur contains ultra-modern shopping and commercial complexes, interspersed with towering international standard hotels. Shoppers would lose all sense of time, browsing through the shops of Lot 10, Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur Plaza and Starhill.

Favorite thing: Go shopping! I am sorry to say but I love shopping and KL was fantastic for it! There are loads of malls selling cheaper designer clothes (The KL Twin Towers had a great 6 level shopping centre in it with a fab food hall.)However my favourite was an indoor market near to the railway station. Itis on 2 levels and is filled with small stalls selling loads of intriguing gift items. There is a money change and some nice cafes here too. We ought a beautiful hand painted fan, a wooden drum, some carved and decorated ornaments etc. It is the best place for souvenier buying and good if you just want to have a little wander and people watch.

Favorite thing: go SIGHTSEEING and SHOPPING.

Fondest memory: Let me now share a little about what it's like to shop here in Kuala Lumpur. And these are some of my suggestions:

CHINATOWN. The unmistakable Oriental atmosphere is very evident particularly at night when petty traders spread out their wares along the street. It's the ideal place to test your bargaining skills (please refer to my 'Cultural Tips' section for more info). A must for any tourist.

Lot 10 Shopping Mall. No bargaining here. You can grab some nice designer stuffs... and the price is amongst the cheapest here in Asia (thanks to the low cost of living in this city). Let's just say that you can even find a lovely Mondi outfit for just over US$100! You can NEVER expect to pay this kind of money in Tokyo, Hongkong or even, Singapore.