Adrian ChewWhenever you go on a trip, souvenirs are a must to show your friends, family and colleagues that you thought about them during your holiday. Kuala Lumpur has its fair share of interesting finds for souvenir hunters and tourists. The price range of souvenirs vary, and you can easily find one to suit your budget. You can choose from a variety of types, select the make and store, and even decide whether you want homemade artefacts or simple trinkets. Below are the seven recommended places to get your KL souvenirs. Check them out!
1. Central Market (Pasar Seni)
Image credit: DANNY CHIAM
Pasar Seni, also known as Central Market, is a unique bazaar in the middle of the city centre. It is a fine example of the Art Deco styles of the 1930s. This heritage building was initially a wet market way back in 1888 and it was later redeveloped into a vital heritage and culture hub for the city. Choose from a wide range of crafts and souvenirs from all over Malaysia, including batik, songket and wau. Take time to select, compare, and nab your favourite items at Central Market.
Address: Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am-9.30pm
2. Flea Market Petaling Street (Chinatown)
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While in Kuala Lumpur, drop by the famous Petaling Street. This is where you get to flex your bargaining skills before you buying your chosen souvenir items. The flea market along Chinatown is worth the visit as you can hit two birds with one stone as you shop while admiring the heritage buildings in the area. Whether it is timepieces, fresh flowers, shoes, clothes or bags, there is something for everyone. Before buying any of the items, always ask for the best price and stretch your budget substantially. Be mindful of imitation goods, because while some prices may be cheap, know that you will be getting replicas of named brands.
Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am-9.30pm
3. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
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If you are into something more unique or want to decorate your display cabinet, then Royal Selangor Visitor Centre is the right place for you. Check out the various exhibits at the visitor centre and admire the craftsmanship that goes into the intricate pieces. Aside from popular silver jewellery and pewterware that KL is known for, you can also drop in at The Foundry or the School of Hard Knocks workshops for woodwork and other art pieces. Imagine yourself getting a hands-on experience on pewter. You can also unleash your artistic skills and create your very own souvenir at one of the workshops and bring home your memorable gift.
Address: Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8.30am-5.30pm (Mon to Fri), Closed on Sat and Sun
4. National Museum
Image credit: Abd Hadi
Shopping malls and flea markets are not the only places to hunt for souvenirs. You can also buy your souvenirs from the gift shop of the National Museum. Before stepping into the museum, take photos of its stunning front murals as well as its Minangkabau-style roof. After a tour of the museum, you’ll appreciate how the souvenirs at the shop are of historical and artistic significance. You wouldn’t be able to get them anywhere else except the museum shop. Among them are special publications, books, and compact discs. Find your way to the shop, which is located near the exit of the museum.
Address: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Jalan Damansara, Tasik Perdana, 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm
5. National Visual Arts Gallery (Balai Seni Negara)
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For art enthusiasts and art collectors, the National Visual Arts Gallery is the place to look for local artwork, souvenirs and more. Most of the items sold at the gallery shop are fairly reasonable, and you’ll want to get them for yourself or buy them for someone special. There are tons of books to choose from if you are into art. If you’re more a pop culture freak or art newbie, check out the shirts sold at the shop. You might spot a design that’ll hit your artistic nerve.
Address: Off, Jalan Tun Razak & Jalan Temerloh, Tijani 2 North, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm
6. Suria KLCC
Image credit: Isriya Paireepairit
Suria KLCC is a shopping mall located in the vicinity of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. There are more than 400 stores in the mall in which you can dine, shop, and relax. Apart from jewellery, leather goods, and clothing stores, The plush toys and funky shirts in Aquaria KLCC are perfect gifts, especially for the little ones. The other place to check out for unique trinkets is Kinokuniya. Here, you can buy not just books, magazines, and stationery, but also mugs, toys, figurines, and many others.
Address: 241, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
7. Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex
Image credit: Shubert Ciencia
Wonder where to get those handicrafts with that uniquely Malaysian aesthetic? Drop by the Craft Complex located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur and discover it for yourself. The complex’s architecture is a sight to behold; it’ll feel like you’re stepping into a traditional Malayan village. Apart from the various handicraft shops within the complex, you can also join any of the workshops available. Fancy seeing how silverware is made? Then, this is your chance to make your own trinket. Then, take home your own batik piece by creating your own cloth at the workshop. After that, have a local artist paint your caricature on the spot. You can hang the picture at home or decorate your living room for a truly memorable keepsake. Apart from these, the pottery-making workshop is another favourite interactive activity you should join.
Address: 5, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am-8pm
Clearly, there are plenty of souvenirs to buy in the city of Kuala Lumpur. Be sure to try to score something authentically Malaysian to bring home as a remembrance!
