Places to Visit: Walking Around KL [Part 1]

For further information you can visit Tourism Malaysia’s website. Please also click on the links provided below to be redirected to the experts’ advice (positive information, how to get there, opening hours, events / activities, comments / reviews etc).

Here are some of our picks:

1. Central Market (also known as Pasar Seni)

This is often known as the tourist area to check out some local souvenirs / handicraft. It (was) often the place to bring international friends but over the years I felt that it does not have enough ommph anymore. Maybe because I’m Malaysian, and maybe because it has been ages since I last visited this place. But it may appeal to tourist. It’s walking distance from Petaling Street (China Town) and easily accessible via LRT & Monorail so if you are in the area perhaps it will be a good idea to check out the building which was built in 1888. Sometimes they do have activities /events – you can check out the website for more information.


2. Petaling Street (also known as Jalan Petaling)

Really, I don’t know why they call it China Town. There are so many chinese elements all over KL and Malaysia, so it’s not like this street is a stand out Chinese place. Even the sellers here are not local, they are foreigners selling goods to foreigners. So let’s just stick to the name Petaling Street ok? :) (Jalan Petaling. Jalan = Street). I prefer the old style Petaling Street, with huge umbrellas over the stalls, instead of the greenish blue roof now, but well, that’s what you’ll see now.

Here you can get pirated items, and some really good quality fake too! :) However, always try to negotiate a lower price. Their first offer to foreigners are always as high as they can get. There are also some shops behind the stalls, so do take some time to check them out too. If you are not too worried to try the street food stall, here is probably a good cleaner place to start.

MUST GET: AIR MATA KUCING (Direct translation: Water Eye Cat, but it doesn’t really mean that),  it’s just herbal longan drink. I must have this everytime I'm here - nice and refreshing on a hot day!

3. Masjid Jamek (Jamek Mosque

I don’t think you can miss this mosque. It’s architecture stands out. It’s the oldest mosque in the city. I am not sure if you can actually enter the mosque for a visit, but if you are around the corner, do take note and appreciate it’s architecture. And if you do want to try to enter the building, make sure you are decently dressed. Avoid going during Friday's prayers (about 1pm - 2.30pm) as traffic will be absolutely horrible.



4. Dataran Merdeka & KL High Court

Merdeka Square (Merdeka = Independence) is where the Union Flag was lowered and the Malaysian Flag was raised to mark independence from the British. And in front of this square / field is the historical majestic building, the KL High Court, which is often seen in Malaysian postcards. It is also known as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (High Court = Makhamah Tinggi).

Do pay attention to the old shops / buildings while strolling in KL.



Pictures source: Weddinglah.blogspot.com does not own any of the photos in this post. They are thumbnails taken from google images search. However, the map labels are our effort :)

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