Must-see shopping in Kuala Lumpur

  • House of Rinpo

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    In the underground mall at the southern end of Merdeka Sq is this small retro-goods shop run as a hobby by affable Uncle Khoo. The quality of items varies…

  • Ninth Gallery

    Kuala Lumpur

    This concept store is a treasure trove for admirers of fine contemporary design in stationery, homewares, fashion accessories and perfumes. It's mainly…

  • Junk Bookstore

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    One of KL's best secondhand bookshops, with thousands of titles wrapped in clear plastic and piled high on a couple of jam-packed floors. Ask staff to…

  • Segaris Art Center

    Kuala Lumpur

    Associated with the educational institute UiTM, this is one of the biggest and best of several galleries found on Level G4 of Publika. Exhibitions change…

  • Style Annexe

    Kuala Lumpur

    Brightly coloured and patterned batik print clothing for all the family is stocked here. There's a variety of designer labels from Malaysia and Indonesia…

  • Tandang Store

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    Vinyl, CDs, even cassette tapes are on sale at this cool recorded music store, located in the Zhongshan Building, which also specialises in local fanzines…

  • Eu Yan Sang

    Kuala Lumpur

    Eu Kong opened his first Yang Sang (meaning ‘caring for mankind’) Chinese medicine shop in 1879 in Malaysia. In addition to the company’s herbal remedies,…

  • ILHAM Gift Shop

    Kuala Lumpur

    This gift shop in the ILHAM art gallery stocks books, limited-edition prints and a wide range of Malaysian-made artisan crafts and designer goods,…

  • Apom!

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    If you're looking for a graphic print T-shirt that says 'Malaysia' but in a humorous, creative way then this is the store to head to. We love its take on…

  • Arcadia

    Kuala Lumpur

    Like stumbling into a hipster's loft, this emporium specialises in reconditioned vintage arcade games and juke boxes as well as local artwork, vinyl…

  • Avenue K

    Kuala Lumpur

    Anchored by a huge branch of fast-fashion retailer H&M, Avenue K has undergone a serious revamp in recent years and is now packed with shops and appealing…

  • Kinokuniya

    Kuala Lumpur

    Kinokuniya is the kind of bookshop where you can lose hours browsing the covetable stationery supplies and excellent selection of English-language titles,…

  • Wei-Ling Contemporary

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    Hidden away at the top of the Gardens Mall is this art gallery showcasing contemporary works by both Malaysian and international artists. Shows change…

  • Asli Craft

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    Asli Craft sells handmade craft products by Malaysia's different indigenous groups including rattan baskets and beaded purses from Sarawak, Mah Meri…

  • Ben's Independent Grocer

    Kuala Lumpur

    With an in-store florist, bakery, oyster bar and cafe as well as alcohol and pork aisles, at Ben's you'll find just about anything you're looking for,…

  • Ang Eng

    Kuala Lumpur

    This local fashion house has been making Nonya kebaya (a traditional colourful blouse in the Peranakan style) since 1955, and is still highly recommended…

  • I Love Snackfood

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    There's always something attractive to discover at this concept store specialising in homewares, clothes, magazines, books and stationery. Ring the bell…

  • Sonali

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    Sequins, silks, filigree patterns and tie-dye – all the elements of the flash Bollywood look are present in this boutique. It's mainly for women but also…

  • Kia Klemenz

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    There's a good range of handicrafts and textiles (think hand-printed batik and artwork from Sabah) at this excellent boutique and gift shop, which also…

  • Fung Wong

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    If you're looking for sweet and savoury pastry and baked good treats, nicely packaged as gifts, then this bakery – in business since 1909 – happily…

  • Silverfish Books

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    Local bookshop and publisher of contemporary Malaysian literature and writings. It also offers a good selection of English-language books and hosts…

  • Rhino

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    Sells charming hand-painted clogs (RM200), the soles of which are made from the wood of the durian tree. Other handicrafts include Chinese beaded slippers…

  • Bernard Chandran

    Kuala Lumpur

    Browse the glitzy gowns and catwalk statement pieces by Malaysia's 'King of Fashion' (and chief designer on Malaysia's version of Project Runway).

  • Farah Khan

    Kuala Lumpur

    Malaysian designer Farah Khan specialises in beaded and sequinned glamour wear including hot pants and bomber jackets as well as more formal gowns.

  • Fatimah Songket

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    Specialising in bolts of the filagree woven fabric songket made in Terengganu. You can also buy batik scarves and sarongs here.

  • Wau Tradisi

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    Eye-catching selection of traditional paper and bamboo kites, including the giant wau bulan (moon kite) from Kelantan.

  • Tanamera

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    Malaysian-brand spa products made from 100% natural materials, including detox infusions, essential oils and various balms.

  • d.d.collective

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    Contemporary, mid to high-end fashion for women designed in Malaysia, usually featuring bold colours and floral prints.

  • Shoes Shoes Shoes

    Kuala Lumpur

    This footwear emporium also sells gorgeous accessories and bags as well as clothing by Malaysian designers.

  • Songket Sutera Asli

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    Fine-quality decorative weavings and embroidery in silver and gold thread.

  • Yan Kee Records & Recording. Yan Kee is set in an old building just opposite the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown

    Yan Kee Records & Recording

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    A nostalgic experience for those who haven’t visited a record store since the advent of iTunes and Spotify. The store's 1950s retro charm will make you…

  • Berjaya Times Square

    Kuala Lumpur

    Lacking the glitz of rival malls, Berjaya's mammoth effort is best visited for its entertainment options rather than for any original shopping.

  • Bangsar Village I & II

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    These twin malls, the main focus of Bangsar, are linked by a covered bridge. Together they offer plenty of lower-end fashion, including local designers,…

  • Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur

    Kuala Lumpur

    A government enterprise, this big complex feels jaded and underused. Still, it’s worth a visit to browse the stalls selling batik prints and fashion, wood…

  • KWC Fashion Mall

    Kuala Lumpur

    This wholesale complex in a modern high-rise block offers bargain bucket local fashion sold in bulk from some 800 dealers.

  • Fabspy

    Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar

    Tending towards an androgynous, unisex aesthetic, Fabspy is well-stocked with local streetwear labels such as Kozo, Nol1xon, Stoned & Co, Supercrew and…

  • Isetan

    Kuala Lumpur

    At this vast department store spread over five floors you'll find cosmetics and beauty products, children's wear, menswear and womenswear, including…

  • Quill Citymall

    Kuala Lumpur

    The department store AEON is the anchor tenant of this newish mall that offers the usual mix of fashion and household goods shops alongside fast food,…

  • Jadi Batek Centre

    Kuala Lumpur

    On the tour-bus circuit, this batik goods and Malaysian handicrafts showroom and workshop offers plenty of handmade pieces – colourful and pretty things,…

  • Kwong Yik Seng

    Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas

    Looking for traditional Chinese teapots, bowls or a kitsch ornament for your mantelpiece? Your search is over at this shop specialising in new and antique…

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