Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Shopping at Plaza IMBI

Located just across the street from Berjaya Times Square is Plaza Imbi. This shopping mall in Bukit Bintang is not a classy or even a large shopping mall. In fact this 3-floor mall looks rather rundown and has seen better days - it was one of the earlier shopping malls in the Bukit Bintang area. Then why bother go to Plaza Imbi? Main reason is it remains a popular spot for purchasing computers, hardware, software, accessories and getting your computer repaired.

It used to be the largest computer mall or one-stop centre in Malaysia, but has been overshadowed by others a long time ago. The only reason Plaza Imbi remains popular is because you can haggle the prices for a good bargain. Shops involved in computers and the likes occupy the whole 3-floors of Plaza Imbi. It was once famous for openly selling illegally copied software, games and movies. Not anymore, though some shops still sell illegal copies but discretely.

Plaza Imbi in Bukit Bintang

Inside Plaza Imbi

Computer shops inside Plaza Imbi

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Sungai Wang and Bukit Bintang Plaza Shopping Malls

Sungai Wang and Bukit Bintang Plaza are two popular shopping malls in Bukit Bintang. These two shopping malls are side-by-side and connected to each other that many do not realise it when they cross between the malls. These malls are one of the earlier shopping malls in Bukit Bintang and therefore look a little 'out of date' and 'old fashion' compared to the newer malls.

While Lot 10 and the Pavilion in Bukit Bintang cater to the upmarket, Sungai Wang and Bukit Bintang Plaza the the mid-end of the market. In fact the two malls are the among the more popular shopping malls in the area especially with the younger generation. Similar brands and models of electronic items are much cheaper at the two plazas than at the upmarket malls.

Sungai Wang Plaza by Terence

Inside Sungai Wang Plaza

Items on sale

Outdoor cafe beside the mall

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Berjaya Times Square in Bukit Bintang

The huge Berjaya Times Square building in Bukit Bintang includes a large shopping mall, the 4-star Berjaya Times Square Hotel and the 4-star KL Apartments @ Berjaya Times Square. There is a large indoor theme park and the multi-screen Golden Screen Cinema. There are also plenty of restaurants including fast foods and cafes here.

The Berjaya Times Square shopping mall is another huge mall in Kuala Lumpur with close to 1,000 retailers, offering both Malaysian and international brands including Bonita, Bossini, Samsonite, Crocs and Byford. Considered a middle class shopping mall with prices in the mid to upper range. So don't expect any cheap bargains or knock off prices here.

Berjaya Times Square complex

Inside the Berjaya Times Square shopping mall

On the ground floor

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Pavilion shopping mall in Bukit Bintang

Opened in 2007, the Pavilion is an upscale shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Bintang - probably the cream of the cream of the shopping malls in Malaysia. The the 7-floor Pavilion is a large and impressive shopping mall and the prices here are just as impressive. I have yet to visit a similar shopping mall of its kind in other parts of Asia. Probably Singapore comes close, but the Pavilion is huge in comparison.

There are more than 500 retailers at the Pavilion and anchor tenants include Parkson, Harvey Norman and Padini. Plenty of internationals brands here offering high fashion, leather goods, jewellery and lots more. Plenty of options for dining as well ranging from fast foods to fine dining. I guess this is where Malaysia's high society shop and seems to be popular with foreign visitors, especially from the Middle East.

Main entrance to the Pavilion

Inside the Pavilion

Stores at the Pavilion

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Where is and what to buy at Central Market

Central Market is nearby a street named Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and a short walk from Chinatown at Petaling Street. If taking the commuter train, get off at the Pasar Seni (Kelana Jaya Line) Station. Central Market is popular with foreign tourists as well as Malaysians visiting the city and local residents. The shopping centre is a pleasant place to go even if you have no intention of buying. With its air-conditioning, Central Market is a nice place to escape from Kuala Lumpur's midday heat. 

Small shops and stalls occupy the building, selling varieties of local handicrafts and souvenirs including woodcarving, vases, batik, jewellery, engravings, antiques and pewter. Then there are the typical souvenir T-shirts, refrigerator magnets and host of trinkets. Prices here are not the cheapest in the city but definitely less than at the tourist areas including airports and hotels. You could probably haggle the price downwards for high price items and large purchases but forget it if it is less than RM10-20 (USD3-6).

Small shops and stalls on the ground floor

Souvenirs and handicraft shops

Local clothes on sale

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Central Market

Central Market is the place to go to in Kuala Lumpur for Malaysian souvenirs and handicrafts to take back home. The shopping centre is housed in a late 19th century building built during the British colonial era and expanded to its current size in 1933. Central Market was initially a wet market for nearly 100 years from where it got its name. I remember following my mother in the 70s to Central Market to purchase vegetables, meat and fish. It was a typical Asian market (at least by the standards of the time) - the floor was wet and soiled and the place stank! 

Central Market's days as a wet market are long gone. It was once considered to be demolished until the Malaysian Heritage Society intervened. In 1986, Central Market was converted into a shopping centre for Malaysian handicrafts and souvenirs - woodcarvings, batik, pewter, paintings and the typical refrigerator magnets and T-shirts. The exterior of the building still retains its colonial architecture (brings back memories) but the interior is modern, clean, air-conditioned and definitely without the smell of a wet market (thank goodness).

Front entrance to Central Market

Inside Central Market

Handicraft shops