MEGA SALES

KL shopping guide and mega sale fun for hardened shopaholics

Kuala Lumpur shopping roundup from luxury brands, sparkling malls, and chic local designer fashion, to flea market bargains for deal-hungry women and cool dudes. The much in demand mega sale makes a comeback.

by Sharmila Rajah

Updated August 2024

SEE ALSO Kuala Lumpur Hotels | Langkawi Guide | Penang Guide | Malaysia Spas | Sabah Guide | Shanghai Shopping guide | Hong Kong Shopping guide | Bangkok Shopping guide | Singapore Shopping guide | Digital Cameras and Video Reviews | Tioman Guide

JUMP TO Central Market | Chinatown and a dash of India | Downtown malls, Suria KLCC | Bintang Walk, Starhill, Pavilion and Lot 10 | Bangsar bargains, Brickfields | Hartamas, Mont Kiara | Petaling Jaya | Night markets and weekend flea markets | Golf gear

The unmistakable Pavilion Kuala Lumpur's fountains spring to life as creative local designer Melinda Looi (who has an engaging store in Bangsar) gets her fashions on the catwalk

GET SET. Strap on your jet packs. Go! From haute couture and high-gloss brands to flea markets and homegrown fashion, Kuala Lumpur has it all. If you’re truly serious, invest in a large suitcase, leave plenty of room, ensure your credit is humming and hunt for the best deals from about 15 June to 31 July. This is the official Malaysia Mega Sale carnival period when shoppers get high on lower than low prices — almost 85 percent off in some cases. More information at the Tourism Malaysia (www.tourism.gov.my) official site. Throughout the year, carnivals and sales keep shoppers busy with everything from flash and early-bird sales to Black Friday, Cyber Monday and 11.11 Singles Day sales.

There's always the Year-End Sale – the Mega Sale biggie, usually 15 November to 31 December but often stretched from October to January. Shoppers, take note: a bonus sale, the Malaysia Super Sale from 1 to 31 March, has been added to the 2025/26 calendars.

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Central Market collectables

One of the first things you might do is to pop into Central Market, on Jalan Hang Kasturi (centralmarket.com.my), to pick up a host of local handicraft and other quirky souvenirs. It’s little wonder that this art deco market is top of every traveller’s list. It offers a genuinely local feel and, most importantly, friendly prices. Once inside, you’ll excuse the blue exterior, and enjoy ambling past painters, sculptors, fortune-tellers and traders who have made their home in this former wet market – the interior now renovated into spanking new modernity.

The ground floor houses Market Hall or Pasar Besar — comprising eateries and a grocery store for prettily packaged food items. Find everything from local chocolates, tea, spices, and tuak, a traditional rice wine from Sarawak.

My pick is Collectables (G43), cluttered with every imaginable collectable from old Craven cigarette tin boxes, charcoal irons and oil lamps to century-old Nyonya tea sets and hairpins. If you're persuasive enough, the owner might just part with original prints of Sun Yat Sen and old family portraits, for the right price of course.

Next stop, Songket & Sutera Asli (M53), for beautiful songket (richly woven silk) fabric from the East Coast. Prices begin at RM75 (US$16) and then climb indefinitely depending on workmanship. The exchange rate is roughly US$1 = 4.70 Malaysian ringgit (RM).

Be sure to also visit the House of Silver (G15) to take home, a Kelantanese tea set, antique silverware, jewellery or the Malay keris. A stop at Rhino Art & Design (G54A) provides fashionistas with a wild range of hand-painted clogs – from the conventional to edgy wooden pumps. Check out My Butterflies & Insects (W01/ GF) where the absorbing collection of preserved butterflies, flying lizards and insects will entice the serious collector. Pick up A Piece of Malaysia when you visit APOM (G39) – a locally made and inspired brand  which carries a quirky range of t-shirts, totes, aprons, little tees and rompers with that typical local flair. The merchandise comes printed with local colloquialisms like ‘Lah’, ‘Alamak’, ‘Aiseyman,’ taking a dig at Malaysian quirks and foibles.

For kites of every shape and size (the wau bulan being most popular) stop by Wau Tradisi (G54). Prices here range from RM29 to RM2,900. Batik is wall-to-wall throughout the market. Pop into Butik Batik Teraju (M25) for its hand-drawn batik apparel for men, women and kids. Before heading off, rummage through the pottery, pewter, wayang kulit (shadow puppets), traditional costumes and local snacks or have your portrait painted. Don't miss Paper Adventure (G33 and 34) for every imaginable souvenir to take home, from fridge magnets to keychains, postcards, and bookmarks.

The joy of retail therapy at Central Market is, indeed, a well-rounded affair. Master Chin (G/F, KB28), the resident fortune teller might offer some tips on paying for all that stuff clattering about in your suitcase-on-wheels. Tanamera (G25) stocks locally made organic, eco-friendly spa products and accessories. Its specialty is post-natal care products, but the soaps (with ingredients such as rice grains, turmeric and ginger) are must-buys. Stop to refuel at Precious Old China (M2), an antique and art gallery doubling as a restaurant and bar serving authentic Nyonya cuisine.

Kasturi Walk (right) is close by Central Market and its traditional patterns and dresses on display (left); and (centre) stylish conservative attire by Nala fashion

Much loved Annexe Gallery (www.facebook.com/annexegallery), right behind the Central Market, is the hippest space for the arts with exciting exhibitions, performances and workshops featuring young, local and regional artists. The gallery plays host to several studios and galleries, including a 3D Art Museum. The real attraction here is observing the artists at work or having a customised portrait done. Take your pick: there’s Baim Zakaria Art Gallery (1.09B), Hadi Leader Portrait Artist (1.08A) or Collin Art Gallery (1.08B) for on-the-spot portraits in pencil, acrylic, or oil.

Lorong Hang Kasturi, right next to the Central Market, has been transformed into a covered pedestrian walkway. Called Kasturi Walk, it is flanked by several kiosks and retail outlets, selling arts, handicraft and clothes. Browse the colourful fashion, hand-drawn fabrics, and homeware of Nala Designs (86-89, Level 3; naladesigns.com), inspired by Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures. Friendly staff, an Instagrammable interior with hand-painted murals and a café make your shopping more a social experience. The brand offers worldwide shipping.

A heritage walk around the old part of the city is conducted by Free Walk Kuala Lumpur Unscripted (freewalkkualalumpurunscripted.com) every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. It is run on tips. Check out the Central Market website for a calendar of events, film festivals, exhibitions, and markets.

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Chinatown and a splash of India

A short walk from Central Market is Chinatown. Signature lantern-lined streets and pre-war shop houses are now oddly complemented by palm trees and modern roofing, aimed at sheltering shoppers from Kuala Lumpur’s heavy rains. Nevertheless, Chinatown retains its old-world charm when it transforms, come rain or shine, into a bustling night market. Thread your way through the maze of street-vendors on Petaling Street and haggle vigorously. Not for the faint hearted. This is a sounds-and-smells Kuala Lumpur shopping guide at its most visceral.

Petaling Street is a vibrant mix of Chinese, Nepalese and Burmese traders who all vie for attention, selling jewellery, herbal medicines, dried food, designer t-shirts, handbags and wallets. Knock-offs and fakes abound. Striking a bargain is not always easy. The trick is to throw in a few local terms like “Murah sikit?” (A little cheaper?) or “Mahal sangat!” (Too expensive!) and pretend to leave in a huff. Sure enough, a voice will call out behind you. “Okay lah, Okay lah! Ow-mach-you-wan?”

Local guides celebrate Petaling Street as one of the coolest places anywhere for its mix of old temples, colonial shophouses, street food, souvenir shopping, and a host of hipster drinking and dining spots. Chinatown’s Kim Lian Kee (49-51, Jalan Petaling) has been dishing out delicious Hokkien fried noodles since the 1920s.

Close by is Weaver House (76 Jalan Sultan, tel: 2078-0392) – a cabinet of curiosities, stuffed with all sorts of affordable home ware, furnishings and curios. Pick up a beautiful wooden chest. Make time for RexKL (80, Jalan Sultan, www.rexkl.com), a former cinema founded in 1947, that has been repurposed as a vibrant cultural and lifestyle hub. There’s always something going on, from art installations to flea markets, concerts, and open mic sessions.

Visit Kanoe (www.kanoewear.com) for modern batik clothing; every bibliophile’s dream bookstore BookXcess (second floor, www.bookxcess.com/pages/rex-kl) with its maze-like, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves (very Instagram worthy); the Objects Store (second floor, www.theobjects.store) for handpicked tableware from around the world; a rooftop speakeasy; and a food hall and bar.

To stock up on premium and specialty tea, visit Evergreen Tea House (Ground Floor, Selangor Complex Jalan Sultan, and Le Ye Xuan Da Hong Pao (51, Jalan Sultan) and traditional Chinese pastries at Fun Wong Biscuit (85, Jalan Sultan, www.fungwong.my). Do pop into Moontree House (first floor, 6 Jalan Panggung, moontree-house.blogspot.com/#) for feminist-inspired books plus handmade zakka crafts like puppets and bags. Close by is Findars (fourth floor, 8 Jalan Panggung, www.facebook.com/findarsartspace) for some contemporary local art and live performances, and Kwai Chai Hong (www.kwaichaihong.com), a Hutong-style back alley with hidden bars, cafes and graphic murals.

Be sure to walk into the 100-year-old crockery shop Yat Hang Trading (169, Jalan Tun HS Lee) for a slice of old Chinese charm. Oriental ceramics, Buddha statues, and decorative chinaware sit cheek by jowl, jostling for your attention.

Then on to the heart of Little India at Jalan Masjid India. A similar makeover has taken shape here as part of the country’s beautification and upgrading project. Don’t fret; all is not lost despite the covered walkways and paved paths. Little India’s vibrant character is very much alive. Vendors lug bales of sarees through the traffic and past shops heaped with gold, traditional medicines and gaudy glass bangles. Brightly hued sarees and Bollywood-inspired Indian dresses (salwar kameez and lengas) are some of the greatest temptations here. Salwars are loose fitting tunics with a long knee-length shirt/blouse while lengas are long skirts.

Chinatown's Petaling Street typifies Kuala Lumpur's street market vibe with hustle and bustle and colourful wares. Take time to step away for a munch too.

Though in recent times, this area has changed its flavour with tightly packed stalls selling Muslim religious trinkets and shops that specialise in headscarves, the Indian vibe is not all lost. My favourite is the one-stop complex, The Madras Store (102, Jalan Masjid India) for fabulous sarees, brassware, oil lamps and home accessories. Another recommended stop is the newly revamped Semua House – for your jewellery (Habib, GF 08 and 09, www.habibjewels.com/), lifestyle (Burrow Skateshop, B1-10, burrowskate.com) and fashion (Topgirl, www.topgirl.com.my) needs..

For fancy jewellery, Little India Jewellers (50, Jalan Masjid India) is sought after, mainly by young brides-to-be. Be sure to whip out your reliable Casio calculator (don’t leave home without it). Prices correspond to the weight of the jewellery. Remember, the price of gold is fixed. What you’re negotiating down then is the premium on the workmanship.

At the other end of this street, there's a different sort of street theatre with huge crowds congregated around peddlers vociferously declaring the merits of their cure-alls – for impotency, feminine facial hair – through loudspeakers. If all this is too much, have your feet massaged the traditional Malay way, for just RM30.

On Lebuh Ampang street (a short walk from Masjid India), shuffle between spice and sundry shops, Indian restaurants and saree shops. Pop into Nalli's (77 and 79, Lebuh Ampang), a hot favourite among locals for the latest saree trends, be it in chiffon, Mysore silk, Kanchipuram or cotton. Jayanthi Store (16 Lebuh Ampang) is crammed with lovely sarees, fashion accessories and religious artefacts. If it’s ornate Indian jewellery you’re after, try Bhavani Jewellers (81, Lebuh Ampang) or Sri Ganesh Jewellery & Gem Corner (89, Lebuh Ampang, sriganeshjewellery.com).

Parallel to Jalan Masjid India is Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (known as Jalan TAR), lined with shops, noted for their wonderful fabric, antiques and jewellery. Old and new mingle on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman; modern complexes rise above retro buildings. Gulati's Silk House (162/164, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, www.gulatis.com) and Euro Moda (126) deserve mention for their exquisite fabric, studded with sequins and beads, kurtas, baju Melayu (traditional Malay attire) and head shawls.

This long stretch is also a good spot to hunt for oriental antiques and art. Udani Carpets (393A, udanicarpets.com.my) and Shalani Carpets (40) offer quite an extensive range. Kamdar (113, www.kamdar.com.my), highly popular among locals, has the lot under one roof, from Malay traditional wear to pretty fabrics. The iconic GS Gill (106, Wisma Harwant, gsgillsports.com/) has been supplying locals with sportswear and equipment for nearly 80 years. Find everything from Adidas to Nike and Eider here.

Jalan TAR springs to life in the weeks leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan. Last-minute shoppers throng the street for unbelievable deals and discounts (think three pairs of baju kurung (traditional ladies’ wear) for just RM100). Shops and traders sometimes pull an all-nighter to cater to the crowds. Also, the nearby Lorong TAR transforms into a bustling night market every Saturday evening.

Despite the dismaying crush of tourist coaches, The Craft Cultural Complex (63, Jalan Conlay, kraftangan.gov.my/en/) is still a great venue for batik, rattan baskets and other traditional handicraft sourced from around the country. In fact, the complex’s main attraction is its community of artists and their workshops. Get to know these artists while observing them at work and you may just go home with some unique finds.

For exclusively designed pieces, ARCH World Miniature (27, Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka, www.archcollection.com) has small-scale reproductions of just about anything. It’s one way to take a small piece of KL home in your pocket. Pick up a miniature Petronas Twin Towers or a framed city skyline.

Book online (royalselangor.com/) for a free shuttle service right to the doorstep of the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre (4, Jalan Usahawan 6) in Setapak Jaya for some pewter shopping. Walking through this contemporary structure is an educational experience in itself: learn about the history of Royal Selangor, its origins and the science of pewter. Besides watching artisans displaying their skill, you can also mould your own pewter bowl at the workshop. The shuttle service is available all week, with pickup from most major hotels in the city. Booking entitles guests to free admission to the visitor centre and a guided tour.

An eight-minute drive from Chinatown takes you Zhongshan (80-84, Jalan Rotan), a restored 1950s building that plays host to an engaging mix of retail stores, cafes, and art spaces. Try Ana Tomy (ana-tomy.co), a homegrown stationery brand, for customised journals and planners; stock up on sustainable and ethical skincare at Re{me}dy; and Tandang Store (tandangstore.com) for vinyl, cassettes and CDs. Pop into the Back Room for exhibits by emerging and alternative artists.

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Glitzy shopping malls, Suria KLCC

Moving upscale, Kuala Lumpur’s monster malls are crammed with designer brands and more. Just name it and KL has it, from Versace, Gucci and Prada to Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior.

The Suria KLCC Shopping Complex (www.suriaklcc.com.my/), situated at the foot of the world’s tallest twin towers, is a real gem with its swank shops, cafés and beautiful people. Here, flagship stores of international fashion labels rub shoulders with trendy boutiques and mod jewellers. This is upscale designer brand shopping by the yard. Looking for Dior or Louis Vuitton in KL? Head here. Suria KLCC has something other luxury malls don’t: attractions such as the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas for concerts, a sprawling park, and the Aquaria KLCC for wholesome family fun.

The Twin Towers thrust towards the sky behind the glittering Suria KLCC Shopping Complex, one of the popular and crowded Kuala Lumur malls at ther heart of the action and (left) batik fashions

If you love all things bold and beautiful, check out Marimekko's (151, Level 1, marimekko.my) first shop in Malaysia. Shop the brand's jovial designs and prints, ranging from ready-to-wear and bags to homeware. Iconic sports brand Under Armour (306-307, Level 3, www.underarmour.com.my/en-my) has a concept store stocked with shoes and apparel from the brand’s athletic and lifestyle ranges. Look out for its Curry Flow 9 kicks for dynamic moves on court, the innovative Project Rock collection to power you through your workouts, hoodies, and sweatshirts.

Malaysian luxury fashion retailer Bonia (Lot G03G, Ground Level, bonia.com) invites shoppers to explore its sleek, experiential space and discover its collection of footwear, leather goods, and exquisitely designed tableware. Melbourne-based Crumpler (336B, Level 3) stocks colourful bags – carry home rocky, edgy designed messenger, computer and camera bags.

Head up to KLCC's sprawling Kinokuniya bookstore (Level 4, tel: 2164-8133, malaysia.kinokuniya.com/), which offers a wide selection of coffee table books, novels and specialty material plus every imaginable title on history, theology and art. Browse its Japanese section, which carries not only the latest Japanese bestsellers, but also an interesting selection of manga, art and craft titles, idol photo books and magazines. Look out for ‘New in the Old: Chinatown Kuala Lumpur,’ a travel guide featuring Chinatown's rich history and landmarks, alongside the adaptive reuse of its old buildings.

There's also Berluti (108, Level 1, www.berluti.com/en-my), outfitting the modern man with quality leather goods and clothing; dUCk (215, Level 2, www.getducked.com) with its colourful range of head scarves; Kate Spade (41, Ground Level) for the designer’s signature bags; Jelly Bunny (C15D, Concourse Floor, www.jellybunny.com) and the Coach store (G01A-G01C, Ground Level) that pays tribute to the brand’s heritage with some special edition pairs, apart from the complete range of their women’s lifestyle collection.

A stop at Marks & Spencer (C28B, Concourse Level) provides some last-minute shopping inspiration especially if your pantry is a little bare and you’re in the mood for food.

At Suria KLCC, you can now look forward to more than 20 specialty stores including a flagship CH Carolina Herrera, Off-White, Chanel, Fendi (G31, Ground Level & 125, Level 1 — home to Asia’s largest Fendi Men’s store), Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, sneaker boutique atmos (155, Level 1, atmos-kl.com), Marc Jacobs, Japanese streetwear BAPE (G12, Ground Level) and a much heralded BAPE café.

Zip over to The Shoppes at Four Seasons Place (www.shoppeskl.com/) next door, specifically curated to reflect the Four Seasons experience. Pop into their Ferrari showroom (G11-12, Ground Floor); Boy London X for trendy streetwear; Elrah for stylish baju Melayu and kurtas for gents; Hijabistahub for contemporary women’s modest fashion; and multi-specialist sports brand Decathlon (Level 1).

Go across to Avenue K (opposite Suria KLCC, www.avenuek.com.my), through an underground connection, to marvel at the exquisitely designed structure by French designer Christian Liagre. Avenue K’s once tepid experience was given a shot in the arm by anchor tenant H&M, boasting the largest retail space in the city (inclusive of an H&M Home), Cotton On and Sephora, among bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Avid shutterbugs – if you are willing to pay top ringgit for cameras, pop into the Leica store (11B & 12, Level G, leica-store.my). It is one of the world's largest, featuring a full range of cameras including the limited edition Leica M9 Hermes.

Kenanga Street has long been the place to shop for wholesale items. The newly opened Kenanga Wholesale City (2, Jalan Gelugor, off Jalan Kenanga, www.kenangacity.com.my) hosts nine floors with over 800 stores of fashion at knock-down prices. Start at the lowest floor and work your way up. Women's fashions dominate (t-shirts and other apparel start as low as RM5; you'll also find traditional wear, Muslimah fashion, children's clothes, accessories for weddings and men's wear. Remember the more you buy, the bigger the discount.

Check out Vinz Fashion (91, second floor) for styles from Korea, Little Cutie Boutique for frilly party dresses and onesies, GME Home Furnishings (77, sixth floor) for quality bedding and Panda Eyes (19/20, sixth floor) for bags and accessories. There are many shops catering to Muslim fashion on levels 3 and 5. Check out Al Raf for menswear (Level 2), headscarves at Rania Collection (Level 5), and over at Pearl Harbour, it’s a one-stop for traditional baju kurung and kebaya plus couture hijabs and jubahs. Downside: shopkeepers are averse to shoppers trying out their picks, so politely persist.

Viva Home (85, Jalan Loke Yew, www.vivamall.com.my) is the multi-storey mall for decadent interiors and home furnishings. Close by, is Ikea's second store with 42,000sq m of shopping space. Ikea is connected to MyTown Shopping Centre (6, Jalan Cochrane, mytownkl.com.my), an integrated lifestyle complex that comes complete with five floors of shopping, entertainment and dining. Discover Anime Trend (L2-075) for the latest anime figurines and the country's largest Zara outlet.

Young ladies sample shoes in Little India for an approaching festival - items from shoes to jewellery and saree brocades will often be drenched in gold

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Bintang Walk, Starhill, Pavilion, Lot 10

The entire Bukit Bintang strip is stuffed with a wild array of specialist shops, clothes shops, restaurants, kopitiams, budget hotels and reflexology centres – catering to varied tastes and desires.

Continue to splurge if you must, this time at trendy Bintang Walk. There’s Lot 10, the bustling StarHill, eye-catching Fahrenheit 88, popular Pavilion KL and of course, Sungei Wang Plaza and Bukit Bintang Plaza, staples long before the strip became hip. Now there’s a new retail destination in town. The Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) Mall, a six-minute drive from the BB strip. It comes with new-to-Malaysia stores, some 400 brands across four floors, and a ten-acre rooftop park.  

No shopper will be disappointed with Sungei Wang Plaza's (www.sungeiwang.com/) funky fashion styles, found nowhere else. There’s a revitalised new-look annexe. This is fun shopping, lowbrow, elbow-jostling. Browse Giordano, mobile phones, cameras, computers, costume jewellery, Magicboo for cosmetics and beauty supplies, and Levi's (grab a 501 original jean for RM265). We love Sungei Wang’s second-hand fashion playground — the sprawling 2nd Street (E50, 4/F) for pre-loved clothing and accessories like bags, watches, sneakers and wallets. You can also swap your old threads for new items here.

Sungei Wang's lower levels are littered with boutiques that help you dress for less. Swing by Pixy Pink (LG073-1) for a selection of evening dresses that tick all the boxes — cut, colour, and budget­. Though garments appear well put together, only regular wear will confirm durability and quality. Well regarded are alpha.bet & MoscKetz, and Thrifted for vintage designs. Chaos Rare Clothing on the second floor is a must for some hidden gems – pre-loved t-shirts, vintage bags, and accessories.

Flutter those lashes from theEyelash Shop(T082). Take your pick – lashes come in every colour and length and for extra drama, opt for specialty ones with crystal, feather and peacock.Chambers Music (T052)has some of the largest collection of music books in town. For some good, affordable tailoring, try Page Tailor (F100).

Lot 10 (lot10.com.my) has always been a popular Kuala Lumpur shopping hangout with a central downtown location (right next to a monorail station), a rooftop garden, and cafe. H&M provides vibrant street frontage and Isetan department store has a decent stretch of space here. Lot 10 serves up a young vibe with stores such as Hundred Percent (hundredpercent.com.my), a lifestyle and sneaker multi-brand, and The Fourheads (T3 & T4, Level 3) for rare street fashion brands like Supreme, Palace Skateboards and Noah, and an arcade with over 100 games. Tech-savvy shoppers head to Zeto Lab (T23, Level 3) for a comprehensive range of software and accessories. Japanese discount store Don Don Donki takes up several levels.

The basement Lot 10 Food Court is a warren of dizzy delight with every imaginable form of Chinese food (and some Malay). This is a rowdy no-holds-barred streetside format with steaming stalls and narrow "alleyways". It is an excellent pit stop.

Fahrenheit 88 (fahrenheit88.com) is a funky establishment, lots of fun, with a great many shops across seven floors. Beauty junkies can fuss over a giant Sephora (G07-G09) spread over two floors with brands like Bobbi Brown, La Mer, SK-II, Sulwhasoo, Aerin, Maison Margiela, Drunk Elephant and Tatcha. Sephora Fahrenheit 88 also offers a skin analysis app, facial and lip treatments, and a Beauty Loft for gold-level members.

A redesigned Uniqlo (www.uniqlo.com/my) has opened its flagship store with a coffee kiosk, kids’ zone, and an embroidery studio. The basement Brands Outlet (LG-01 and 02) is bursting with colour and huge options with polo tees from RM50 for two and men's casual shirts at RM69 for a pair. Watch for Concept Haus (G15, www.facebook.com/concepthaus) for streetwear, and BookXcess (14-22, second floor) with books as low as RM5 (just over a dollar).

The upmarket Starhill (thestarhill.com.my) is a bright shopper stop and watering hole, featuring a skylight and photogenic restrooms. Spot Louis Vuitton and a string of watch brands from Bedat & Co to Rolex. Starhill also boasts a Tom Ford (G16), Roberto Cavalli, Roberto Coin, Paul & Shark and Asian labels like Shiatzy Chen and Ivan Young for contoured, feminine dresses. Trove offers cult fragrances and salon-grade skincare plus the city’s only Ambassade Biologique Recherche salon for bespoke face and body treatments. The Taiwanese Eslite Spectrum (L1, www.eslitecorp.com/eslite) serves up a broad selection of books and magazines as well as lifestyle products. And spot local clothing brand Spirit Animal Co (spiritanimalco.com/), known for its batik cheongsams.  

The newer TRX Mall (right) offers cavernous light-filled space for just about any outlets you might dream of; (left) Models throw up playful poses outside Sephora at Farenheit 88 along the main Bukit Bintang strip.

Just opposite on the other side of Jalan Bukit Bintang is longtime music store Bentley Music (140 & 142, bentleymusic.com/) where you can strum guitars and plonk on assorted keyboards.

The posh 10-storey Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Bukit Bintang, www.pavilion-kl.com) is still a hot favourite with serious shoppers. The spread is large with luxury names like Gucci, COACH, Giuseppe Zanotti, TOD'S, Versace, DKNY, and Hermes. Also find brands like Aigner, Longchamp, Montblanc, Rolex, Ferragamo, Kate Spade, Dior, G2000, and Prada. Men will be delighted with the new Boggi Milano (2.01.03, Level 2) boutique. Add cult-fav New Balance to the list for its range of comfortable and stylish shoes. Stock up on kaftans with diamantes and button-up chiffon dresses in bold prints and colours at Variante (Lot 4.25.11) to your retail-therapy experience. Attractive prices.

Here's what keeps shoppers strolling in: perfectly formed arches and exquisite heels at Jimmy Choo (2.55.00, Level 2); Bottega Veneta for leather handbags and wallets; cult labels like Jil Sander and Phillip Lim at Club 21 (Level 3); Tumi for chic suitcases and carry-ons; Pleats Please Issey Miyake (Level 3) for simplicity; and the one-stop Muji (Level 6). Newer entrants include a National Geographic Apparel (Level 5) for outdoorsman adventure wear.

On the sixth floor, Tokyo Street houses everything Japanese including cut-price store Daiso. Food Republic (Level 1) will revive tired shoppers with a sprawling floor of restaurants and delicious hawker stalls. The Tourist Rewards card extends special discounts and gift redemption to tourists. Head over to the concierge (Levels 2 and 3) to apply for yours.

Detour: Pavilion Damansara Heights (3, Jalan Damanlela, pavilion-dh.com), a 20-minute ride from the city centre, is much smaller with 350 stores across five floors and includes a Tesla showroom, Lotus Cars, and Trove perfume store; or make the 30-minute trek to Pavilion Bukit Jalil (2, Persiaran Jalil 8, www.pavilion-bukitjalil.com) for Japan’s largest bookstore Tsutaya (Level 2), Sun and Sand Sports (Level 3) from the Middle East, or Thai concept brands Ecotopia, ICONCRAFT and Absolute Siam.

Fashion gurus are buzzing over Exchange TRX (Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, www.theexchange.my) with its beautifully designed store interiors and artful displays. Spot cult-brand Drunk Elephant (Lot 13.0, Level 1, drunkelephant.my) to shop for skin-friendly products in its very first brick-and-mortar store; the creative Maison Kitsune (Lot 77.0, Ground Level); luxuriously crafted Italian leather bags and accessories for the stylish gentleman at Piquadro (Lot L1.42, Level 1); cutting-edge eyewear brand Gentle Monster (Ground Level) for unconventional frames; and Alo Yoga (L1.97, Level 1, www.aloyoga.com) for its sleek sports bras and gym leggings that are seriously worth the investment.

The mall’s Beauty Galleria showcases popular beauty and skincare brands like La Prairie, Acqua Di Parma, and Guerlain. The country’s very first Apple store is on Level 1. The SEIBU Japanese department store has anything else you may have missed out on.

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Berjaya Times Square to Great Eastern

Berjaya Times Square on Jalan Imbi (berjayatimessquarekl.com) is a hodgepodge of over 1,000 shops. This is a huge sprawl that pulls in the crowds with an indoor theme park and the convenience of a monorail station next door. Cool Element Skate Shop (Level 6) is a hit with skate-borders for its hip, urban streetwear. Arabian Oud (G-53) is an Aladdin's cave of dreamy, exotic perfumes and colognes. The pink Miniso (G-06) store delights Barbie fans with over 3,000 fashionable Barbie-themed products from cosmetics and fragrances to stationery, dolls, and bags.

Great Eastern Shopping Mall (303, Jalan Ampang, greateasternmall.com.my), long time favourite& Sogo (190, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, www.sogo.com.my), Intermark Mall (348, Jalan Tun Razak, www.intermark-mall.com), the arty Linc KL (360, Jalan Tun Razak, thelinckl.com.my) and The Sunway Putra Mall (100, Jalan Putra, www.sunwayputramall.com) are all browse-worthy. At Intermark swing by Carven Ong Couture (second floor, www.carvenongcouture.com/) for this local designer's breathtaking pieces. The Quill City Mall (1018, Jalan Sultan Ismail, www.quillcitymall.com.my), boasts a range of tenants including H&M.

The Row (22-64 Jalan Doraisamy, www.therowkl.com) offers a quaint 1940s shophouse experience as a counterpoint to bland mall bingeing with a range of design stores, cafes and communal spaces for design inspiration. Batik Boutique (first floor, batikboutique.com) is a social enterprise with 400 local artisans who produce everything from stylish caftans to patterned tableware, accessories, and apparel. Good to know that the person who made your product directly benefits from your purchase. Upstairs, with casually strewn home furnishings, art, fabric, batik clothes, and curios, is Shades (56-1), a craft shop. Expect linen outfits, silver jewellery, lampshades, silk cushions, pillows, and a simple café. New to the strip, NEO (23, neoofficial.com.my) has edgy clothing styles and accessories.

The Row (right) on Doraisamy is a shophouse delight with all manner of cool design and more; (left) at Great Eastern Mall find flowing dresses from gifted Malaysian designer Carven Ong.

If you stray to the Campbell Shopping Complex (facebook.com/campbell) in the older part of town, pop into Grateful Vintage (Lot G24A) that's devoted to men's vintage clothing. Or try 31 Vintage Shop (G31) for an eccentric range of recycled fashion.

The Gardens, Mid Valley City (Lingkaran Syed Putra, tel: 9368-3333 www.midvalley.com.my) is a six-storey swank shopping gallery. Fashionistas will find Burberry, CK, Coach, Gucci, and an expanded Hermes store. Kate Spade (G-207) re-established my love affair with the exuberant New York brand on a recent visit. For limited edition sneakers, pop into Sole What (229, 2/F), with everything from Vans, and Dr Martens to the latest Feiyue shoes. Designer shoes in Kuala Lumpur? No problem. In need of some eyewear? Pop into Japanese optical boutique Marq Optic Gallery (232, 2/F), for hard-to-find eyewear from Japan, the US and Europe. There’s also the one-stop Isetan (232 and 233, second floor). New openings include lululemon, Chuck's, Cartier, and A/X Armani Exchange.

XL-Shop at Mid Valley Megamall will have you gawking at the range of figurines from Tomy, Hasbro, Bandai and Tokyo Marui. It is a trove of limited edition collectibles. The all-purpose Urban Adventure (3/F) will take care of all your outdoorsy needs. Find apparel, backpacks, eyewear, harnesses, camping gear and footwear from a range of top brands such as Columbia, Salomon and Lafuma. Try out its 20-feet bouldering wall on site for a taste of rock climbing too.

Step into funky sneakers from Diemme Footwear and Carhartt WIP at Crossover (T025) — it’s expanded to include clothes, bags and eyewear. Rituals (G36) introduces shoppers to its signature bath and body collections; Sometime by Asian Designers (S-226C, www.sometime.asia), a Malaysian bag specialist, sells stuff from select designers; and Swarovski Crystal Studio does its bling jewellery thing.

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Bangsar bargains, Brickfields Bollywood style

Bangsar (www.bangsarvillage.com) deserves mention. This suburb keeps stealing the thunder with its design hotspots and is a standard fixture in any Kuala Lumpur shopping guide. To get to Bangsar, hop onto the light rail transit (LRT) system, then catch a taxi to the Jalan Telawi enclave.

Bangsar's fashion boutiques are causing quite a sensation. Visit Nurita Harith (31, Telawi 3, www.nhbynuritaharith.com) for custom-made stuff or Musse (16-1, Jalan Telawi 3) to dig up some BCBG Max Azria, Chloe, CK, Lanvin, or 3.1 Philip Lim.  Browse elegantly embellished Muslim dresses and tops for modern women at Mimpikita (63E, Jalan Ara, www.mimpikita.com.my), varied hijab styles at Lynda Rahim (15A, Jalan Telawi 3, lyndarahim.com.my), and exquisite bridal gowns and evening dresses at Love Gown Couture (46, Jalan Telawi 6, www.lovegowncouture.com).

Bangsar gets its shot of glamour with Bangsar Village II (Jalan Telawi 1). Look forward to high-end names like Ted Baker, Furla, Massimo Dutti, Lacoste and Zara. There's also an APOM (F9C, Level 1) for last-minute souvenirs. Put your best foot forward with Nelissa Hilman's (UG-20, www.nelissahilman.com) range of kitten heels and ballet flats in nudes, metallics, and animal prints. Slip into a modern qipao — handmade locally — at Maarimaia (UGF19, ;maarimaia.com/). Oversized ruffles and frog buttons are eye-catching. Classic cheongsam or sleeveless buttoned top, the store has it all.

Local artisanal brand Fern (UGF-17A, fern.gallery/) showcases a lot of resort wear in modern batik prints and flowy silhouettes. Potter about in Tous (GF8) going through playful jewellery collections, small leather goods, handbags, scarves, watches, and perfumes. To find clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories from designers Isabel Marant, Ulla Johnson or Xirena, step into Trade (first floor, tradekualalumpur.com). Sequined and laced toga dresses, or Parisian dresses with lace and ruffles are stacked invitingly at August Store (G2-5, www.auguststoreofficial.com).

Or drop into Tribeca (1F-31, for sexy clothes, fun children's fashion, and a whole range of stationery and tableware. Swing by Whimsigirl (UGF 22-23), Petit Moi (UGF 18), and Lilit ( GF 23 and 25, www.lilitstore.com) for a range of cotton kurungs and comfy kaftans. Shop mindfully at Unplug (Level 1, shopunplug.com/) for eco-friendly goods, or hit the beach in a bikini and swimsuit from Daangle (UGF 25).

The dramatically modern Bangsar Shopping Center (www.bsc.com.my) has returned as the area's foodie and fashion nexus. Reworked into something approaching chic, it has set out to attract small, high-quality boutiques dabbling in handmade chocolates, novelty stationery and children's toys. Some 90,000 square feet of retail space was been added. Tucked away on the first floor, is exclusive Italian children's wear Piccolo Fiore (F9). Find engaging t-shirts, dresses and coats, all of which come with that signature Italian style. Local lifestyle men’s label Kapten Batik (F110, www.kaptenbatik.com.my) is where you’ll find stylish linen shirts, sandals, and hats with — you guessed — batik prints. Its flagship store is at the Publika Shopping Gallery, Jalan Dutamas.

Jalan Sultan's REXKLserves up hip streatwear from Kanoe (left) as well as immersive art displays (centre); And (right) the soft traditional tones of Lynda Rahim who can be spotted in Bangsar.

Mita Tam (F127) is your pick for elegant, feminine frocks; Cipela by Hidayah Hassan (S108, 2nd floor) for comfortable women's shoes, all designed and handmade in Malaysia. On the same street is Luxury Vintage (114, Jalan Maarof, luxuryvintage.my) – every fashionista's answer to designer label handbags at a fraction of the price. These pre-loved second-hand handbags are genuine standouts.

In Bangsar, stop by A Place Where by APW (29, Jalan Riong, www.apw.my), a former printing factory turned lifestyle and retail space, for Khoon Hooi's (khoonhooi.com) contoured, feminine dresses; Pestle & Mortar Clothing/ PMC (Lot C-06) for hip and trendy streetwear; Lilin + Co (04b, www.lilinandco.com) for handmade scented soy candles; or become an instant fan of Handmade Heroes (handmadeheroes.my) and its selection of natural, vegan, cruelty-free skincare range.

KitaKita (The Republik, M05, Mezzanine Floor, 1, Jalan Medan Setia 1, www.kitakita.my) has the prettiest tea sets with kebaya-inspired prints, quirky vases, handbags, wall adornments, journals, and jewellery by local designers you would not typically find anywhere else.

Track down feisty local designer, Melinda Looi 's Showroom (153, Jalan Setiakasih Bukit Damansara, melindalooi.com). Her haute couture designs are distinct; dresses in muted tones, embellished with intricate beading and crystals. Purportedly having graced the wardrobe of celebrities like Elizabeth Hurley and Cameron Diaz, Melinda Looi's designs are a must if you want to sashay home in style. Or enter Alia Bastamam's fairytale boutique (14, Jalan Chempenai, www.aliabastamam.com). Drool over her delicate evening wear and beaded bridal gowns. She's a hot favourite amongst local KL celebs. Also to watch for is Rizman Ruzaini (rizmanruzaini.com/) by the dynamic duo of Rizman Nordin and Ruzaini Jamil. Visit their boutique at the Shangri-la Hotel for a glimpse of some dramatic creations. Lady Gaga was spotted in one of their custom outfits at a Las Vegas concert.

Not too far from Bangsar is Brickfields, buzzing with a genuinely local Indian feel. If you're coming in from the city on the monorail or LRT, get off at KL Sentral and a short walk will take you directly into the heart of Brickfields. Brickfields has been designated KL's 'Little India' – a title that has earned the neighbourhood a giant fountain, arches, an expanded sidewalk and a fresh lick of paint.

Walk past old women threading garlands of jasmine flowers, smouldering joss sticks and camphor plus sacks of aromatic local spices, the scent of which hits you harder than a slug of sangria. On the main strip of Jalan Tun Sambanthan, staff at boutiques such as Mumbai (No.184), Sri Kumaran's Silk (217), Mathura Collections (259-4), Bollywood Fashion (250) and Preet's (206) will all declare they can transform you into the next party-circuit dazzler.

For row upon row of colourful plastic and jewel-encrusted bangles, pop into New Malliga (256 and 258). Tailors (most come directly from India) offer their services in sewing the latest styles of saree blouses. You can even get a readymade zip-up saree done – so all you have to do is slip it on and zip up the sides. Try Vaseegara D'Fashion Designs (282, First Floor), Sarojini Tailoring (No.80) or Sameena Tailoring (122) to make all your Bollywood dreams come true.

In Bangsar, find Mimpikita's Nurul Zulkifli (far left); (centre) bold cheongsams and modern cuts from Maarimaia; and (right) the modern batik fashion cuts from Kapten Batik.

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Hartamas and Mont Kiara

Every vintage fan needs to be on the lookout for Scoop (P-1-19, Plaza Damas, Block P, 6, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, facebook.com/p/SCOOP). It promises once-loved designer fashion and accessories at a fraction of their original prices. Imagine Manolos, Prada, Hermes, Gucci, and Chanel minus the high-end price tags. If your closet is bursting with one too many bags and shoes, think of turning your quality cast-offs into cash as part of Scoop's recycle concept.

If you've strayed over to the Sri Hartamas area — where little Korean supermarkets and boutiques have sprung up — Mont Kiara is just a stone's throw away where you'll find neighbourhood malls like 163 Retail Park and One Mont Kiara.

Publika (Jalan Dutamas 1), close to the Mont Kiara area, is turning out to be a cosy art enclave rather than a glamorous metropolitan shopping centre, balancing fashion, art, furniture and food with independent boutiques, pop-up stores and chains. For a well-rounded day out, stop by at Bratpack (G2-18) for international apparel brands and footwear; Private Stitch (G2-62, www.privatestitch.com) for Korean-inspired men's clothing; and Kaleidoscope (Level G3-37), a treasure trove of dreamy accessories and vintage clothes. Look out for The Playground Borneo featuring fancy headbands from Sereni & Shentel replete with bows and sparkles.

Visits to Carousel (G3-14) – a vintage London-style toy store- are never dull. Life-sized Nutcracker figurines welcome you in. The store is brimming with model airplanes, jacks-in-the-box, rocking horses, toy soldiers and other more contemporary play things. It'll bring out the child in you. Drop by the selections at Ninth Gallery (A2-G2-3A, Solaris Dutamas, No 1 Jalan Dutamas Satu, ninthgallery.com), just outside Publika. It's a great stop for aesthetically beautiful lifestyle products from Japan, Taiwan, Europe, and the US.

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Petaling Jaya deals within reach

Beyond the capital lie a wealth of great buys. Petaling Jaya has emerged as a shopping hotspot with monster malls such as One Utama ;(www.1utama.com.my) and Sunway Pyramid (www.sunwaypyramid.com). One Utama (1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama), already an institution in this part of town, kicked off the shopping revolution more than two decades ago. Its seven floors of fashion for men and women include collections by Singaporean brand Love, Bonito, Steve Madden, Bebe, Michael Kors, Guess and Zara. The mall has brought in more edgy, street-smart labels like Hype, an elevated Adidas store, Forever 21, and Urban Revivo, attracting a younger set of shoppers. IKEA is close by.

You can easily get lost in the massive, revamped Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall (3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, www.sunwaypyramid.com). Its new wing, hidden inside the mall's easily spotted kitsch exterior, is packed with high-street favourites that keep wardrobes stuffed with MNG and Zara, plus luxury labels like Armani Exchange and streetwear DISTRICT 23A; Fabiano Ricco is stacked with shoes of every size, colour and design.

The city's oldest department store, P Lal Store (91, Jalan Gasing), is now in a bigger premise in the suburbs. Stock up on winter essentials like boots, cardigans, scarves and thermal undergarments.

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Night shopping, weekend flea markets

A few more diversions for the travelling shopper are the night markets or pasar malam and flea markets. If you';re watching your cash, the pasar malam is a good place to shop without paying tourist prices. For a fix of local foods, fresh produce, craft and a real atmosphere, go to Bangsar's Jalan Telawi Sunday Market. The night market in Bangsar is a big draw, bringing together both expatriates and locals.

BSC Seek Keep Bazaar brings together local and independent artisans and shop owners. Get your hands on candles, handmade ice-cream, gourmet cookies and handmade shoes and bags. Over in PJ, avid collectors and bargain hunters flock to Amcorp Mall's popular flea market on the weekend for second hand clothes, retro figurines, movie posters, rare comics and old vinyl. Bazaar & Bustle Pop-up market is now part of Markets at Jaya One – held sporadically throughout the year. Other popular ones include Sunny Side Up Market, Makers & Co Market (facebook.com/makers), Pasar KL (facebook.com/PasarKL), Traders Market (facebook.com/) and the KLove Market at Kloe Hotel.

Kuala Lumpur;'s Chinatown beckons with the aroma of noodles cooking and street hawkers calling out to customers from brightly painted shophouses.

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Have golf club will swing

Most shopping malls have a shop or two dedicated to golf equipment. For example the Isetan department store at Lot 10 has a section packed with golf clubs, balls and more. Other popular specialist golf equipment shops include GS Gill, VK Enterprise (golf specialists at Lot 1-5,1st Floor, Menara City One, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, www.vkgolfshop.com/), and MST Golf (M-1, Mezzanine, Avenue K, mstgolf.com).

Happy KL shopping. Have fun. And keep some spare change for that Malaysia mega-sale.

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