This first series of tips on enjoying Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - will talk about Chinatown, particularly Petaling Street.
This is the place where you’d want to test your ultimate haggling skills. It’s a very busy, oriental-like market with pretty good bargains. You’d be surprised by the range of items sold here: from t-shirts to watches to handbags, to electronic goods (yes, including replica of well known brands).
To appreciate the true KL life, it’s good to find accomodation in the heart of the city itself, close to where market activities are. Its also easier to find local food in the middle of the night when you suddenly wake up, swearing that you haven’t gotten over that jetlag yet.
Here are some budget hostels very close where everything in KL lives. For flashpackers, you might be interested in Hotel Chinatown Inn, Swiss-Inn Kuala Lumpur. Backpakers, have a look at Backpackers Traveller’s Inn. Here’s a list of cheap hostels in Kuala Lumpur city center.
Tip 1: Night time is the best time to enjoy it. The lights from signboards and stalls to attract customers is an exciting view. If you like to do a little people-watching, you’ll have your hands full here -the crowd is massive. There all sorts of people hanging around this place. You’d probably be guessing all night long on what exactly each individual might be doing there.
Tip 2: If you don’t intend to buy, it’s best to not ask the price. You need to remember that these businessmen are very good in the art of luring you into buying a thing or two.
Tip 3: Don’t be intimidated if some of the businessmen there keep giving you offers, despite the fact you already said you’re not interested. Just say ‘Thank you’, move on, and ignore him.
Tip 4: Its crowded. Mind your wallet. There might be pickpockets.
Tip 5: Go on a tight budget. Make one complete round of all the stalls and pint point what you like (comparing prices on each stall you bump into). On the second round, go to the stall which gave you the cheapest price, and haggle more. Get the price you budgeted for. Also keep in mind that if you’re a westerner, they’ll probably mark up much higher. Try to ask for half the price he quoted.
Tip 6: After your shopping spree, visit other areas like Jalan Masjid India, Central Market, and if you can, find a Pasar Malam (night market). The Pasar Malam has a whole load of local food will be available. Almost every delicacy from every state might be sold here. Have a good stroll, and find the weirdest looking food you can find. They’ll probably taste the best. You can choose to eat their (which will probably be noisy). If you want it quiet, order the food to-go, and walk to the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens (which is about 2 km away). Have a little picnic.
Enjoy!
Stumble it!