Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

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We had visited the Central Market during a previous visit in 2000 when I was brave enough to drive a hire car through the the massive KL traffic. This time we used the public transport system which was much faster and easier upon myself.

Three or four others from our group tagged along and upon reaching the crowded market we decided to "do our own thing" for the next hour and then meet for refreshments at midday.

The markets looked much cleaned than a decade ago, maybe the building had been painted but it looked a little less like a market and more like a modern market.

My wife loved the small stalls and permanent shops and could have spent time in each stall. I found it enjoyable, but not a place to spend half a day. We met up with our friends and had a light lunch, then decided we would visit the Petronas Towers, the others decided to stay at the markets for a few hours more.

During 1888 there was a wet market on this site which continued in one form or another until 1930 when the present building was constructed. During the 1970s' the Malaysian Heritage Council decided to preserve the building.

Definetly a place to visit and enjoy the colour and culture of Kuala Lumpur.

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If you can’t find it here – they don’t make it! Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur , the Central Market is a riot of shops, colours, music, art and souvenirs. From kites to wooden masks to clothes – they sell it all. It was built by the British in 1900 and back then its primary purpose was to serve as a wet market. For souvenir and postcard hunters this is a one-stop-shop. Walking around on the different levels is fun enough, but you can get all the gift buying done and then have loads of time left over to explore Kuala Lumpur.

There is a ‘Malay Village’ inside that specialises in tradition clothes and crafts like the Wau Kelantan kites.

You can also sometimes find wayang kulit (a shadow puppet show), fortune tellers and portrait artists. There is also an outdoor amphitheatre by the riverside hosting contemporary dance, music and cultural concerts in the evening Thursdays to Sundays.

Food lovers – you have not been forgotten! There are a variety of cuisines available on the ground floor and a traditional English Pub so you won’t go thirsty either.

Opening Hours: 11.00am - 10.00pm everyday.

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We spent over 4 hours here. It's a huge market selling every type of Malaysian, Chinese and Indian handicraft. There are two floors of silks ,wood carvings, beautiful batiks,pottery , clothing and jewelery.
Upstairs there's an interesting food court selling various Asian specialties. We had dinner here and it was really good.

Outside there was a cultural show going when we arrived and it was stillin full swing 4 hours later when we were leaving.

Central Market is housed in a restored historic building in the city center.

The Central Market is situated at the border of China Town. Therefore why wouldn't you combine a visit to the Central Market with a visit to China Town? It's old building (1928), that has won awards for its architectural design
In this air-conditioned market you can find many souvenirs. It's a haven for tourists, where you can buy arts, handicrafts, batik, traditional wear etc. Everything that your heart desires is available here. All at reasonable prices.
The Central Market used to be an old "wet market" (meaning the market floor is wet from melted ice,
water splashes etc) selling meat, vegetable and other local products.The building has pale blue colour. In front of the Central Market is a square with palm trees. If it's too hot outside you can cool down inside, because there's an air-conditioning.

The opening hours of the Central Market: daily 10.00am - 10.00pm. Some shops are are opening at 11.00am.

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This former "wet" market which used to sell meat, fish, vegetables and other local products, is located across the river frm the British administrative centre. Another fine Art Deco building, it was built in 1936 after the original market (built in 1889) was modified. In 1986, it became the Cultural Bazaar and is home to many souvenir stalls and shops that also sell arts and crafts.

Open: 10am-10pm.

Central Market is well known as one of the places to shop for bargains when you are in KL. A relatively modern market (the A/C was a great relief in the heat!) and you can get just about anything here.

You can even have your palm read and fortune told.

Some of the shops are upmarket and not so cheap but lovely goods. I actually did almost all of my shopping here.

There is a food court too and if you are not keen on roadside vendors or small cafes this is the place to come - lovely food - Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and others. It is cool and very clean.

There are very clean toilets in the market too - you have to pay for entry but it is worth it.

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Central Market is a bazaar-styled arts and crafts centre offering a wide variety of products created by local artists and craftsmen. You can have your portrait sketched, browse through the souvenirs on display or visit a traditional medicine shop.

At the end of the market is a wee place that looks like a swimming pool sales shop. What is is the paddling pool is in fact fish. The idea is to swing your feet in and have the little fella's eat away at the dead skin on your feet and legs. Ticklish - yes! A must do.