Kuala Lumpur: Where to shop

Like most capital cities in Asia, Kuala Lumpur takes the art of shopping to the glorious extreme. It seems you’re never far from a towering shopping mall. I hear it’s not uncommon for KL residents to spend their entire Saturdays inside these giant shopping palaces! (Although I hear the main enticement of malls is their free air conditioning!)

KL’s malls cater for everyone: affordable brands, luxury, and everything in between. Even if you’ve come to Malaysia wiht just a backpack in tow, a little window shopping can’t hurt. (Having said that, for some ludicrous reason I did end up buying a fabulous 30cm-by-60cm cork board map in KL. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Heaven knows how I managed to fit that into my luggage for four more international flights… Don’t you make that same mistake!!).

Shopping-disaster tales aside, here are my top 3 favourite shopping malls in KL:

1. Pavillion

I think it’s safe to say this is KL’s most beloved shopping mall, or at the very least it’s most substantial one. With over 450 shops covering 7 floors, you’re bound to find everything you need. Located in fashionable Bukit Bintang (think of Shibuya in Tokyo) and in the centre of KL, it’s easy to get to know and there’s plenty to do aside from shopping in the area. Although, frankly, with so many shops in Pavillion to keep you busy, you needn’t go outside!

Pavillion – 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 KL

2. Suria KLCC

Located at the bottom of the Petronas Towers, this is another centrally located shopping-hot-spot. Whilst technically not as big as Pavillion, Suira KLCC still boasts an impressive 400 stores. And if yo get bored of shopping, right outside is the beautiful KLCC park with plenty of greenery to walk through and a lovely large lake. (I went when ‘Pokémon Go!’ was at it’s height and it was crammed with people trying to catch Pokémon!). And in the evening, you’re in prime location to be the first up the Petronas Towers! Shopping, park, Petronas Towers – three birds, one stone.

Suria KLCC – 241, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, City Centre, 50088 KL

3. Publika

Located further out of the city in Mont Kiara, a taxi is needed to get to Publika but it’s worth it. A favourite with the local expats, there’s all sorts of artsy one-off shops here, with independent boutiques and art galleries. It’s definitely smaller than the last two malls but that adds to it’s charm. It’s the perfect place to look for handmade gifts and beautiful one-offs. I almost bought a gorgeous purse made out of a recycled vintage kimono and I really regret not buying it!! Publika also routinely organise arty events and activities so be sure to keep an eye out for what’s upcoming there.

Publika – No 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 KL