Malls and extravagant shopping complexes seem to exist behind every corner in Kuala Lumpur. Yet it is still easy to find local shops offering a more authentic array of items. While you could just taxi or uber there, taking a walk to Kuala Lumpur Central Market really makes the experience better – and provides a great opportunity to experience the pulsating vibe of the city.

A Walk To Kuala Lumpur Central Market

A Stroll Through the Lake Gardens

Having finished the National Museum of Malaysia, we decided to take a walk to Kuala Lumpur Central Market and grab some food. We hadn’t eaten all day, and it was becoming late afternoon, so food was the only thing on our mind. Our route would be through the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens. From the museum, you can take a short walking tunnel under the highway opening up to a large, well-manicured park. A large lark goes the length of the park.

We made our way along the paved paths, through the shadows of palms for a good long while. The heat and lack of food were slowing us down a bit, but we had plenty to look at.

Interesting Trees

After about a kilometer, we came to a large covered pavilion surrounded by baobab trees. This area of the park housed many unique trees as well as various bridges crossing the lake. There was even an edible garden area though you’re not allowed to eat the edibles. We stayed for a short bit to rest and look, but with a long way still to go, we proceeded on.

Nearly another kilometer had passed, and we had gone past a large children’s park and had come to a large road. From here, you can proceed in a number of directions. The park is well-located in the city and has numerous activities to keep you occupied.

• National Museum of Malaysia – an enjoyable, medium-sized museum that covers the history of Malaysia and the region as a whole. It is a great overview from ancient times all the way up to modernity with well-curated displays and interesting exhibits.
• National Monument – a sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia’s struggle for independence, particularly from Japanese occupation, between 1940 and 1960.
• Bird Gardens – the world’s largest open-flight aviary. Here you can actually walk among numerous tropical birds in a several-acre park where the birds can fly around. Numerous peacocks show off their tail-feathers while you participate in feedings and lounge by a waterfall.
• Butterfly Gardens – a large zoo dedicated to butterflies. Arrive in the morning for the best chance to see them fluttering about.
• Deer Park – a small wildlife and safari park with a heavy emphasis on a variety of deer. If you catch them at the right time, you may even get the opportunity to feed and pet them.
• National Mosque – a beautiful construct of marble and gold flourish, the mosque offers visitors the unique chance to wander through the peaceful grounds of the mosque. No visiting during prayer times, however.
• Islamic Arts Museum – serves as a museum displaying modern Islamic art and a community center.

 

However, we proceeded down the main road, away from the Lake Gardens, still in search of food. We could see the Petronas Towers off in the distance and knew from previous experience that there was food there, but that we would hopefully find some before that. The road continued on for about another kilometer passing a nice fountain and smaller park, and then we finally made our way into the city streets.

Getting Into the Thick of It

Quickly, the quiet changed into the chaos that is Kuala Lumpur. We ended up passing by an Irish place that offered vegetarian ciabatta sandwiches, so we stopped here and got Briana something to eat. I decided I could wait a little bit longer and try to find something else later on.

Later on, ended up being a McDonalds only a few hundred feet away, but it was ok – I got a large burger and fries, and we got an ice cream as well. The McDonalds was pretty nice all in all but didn’t offer any unique items like the South Korean McDonalds did.

Exploring a Concrete Jungle

With our stomachs satisfied, we began our more serious walk to Kuala Lumpur Central Market. By this time, I’d managed to get data working on my phone, and we’ve managed to at least use the maps and GPS to get around town. But we needed to be wary. The bikers around here are notorious for stealing phones and purses from people’s hands – and several were eyeing my phone and had that calculating look in their eye about how to make off with it.  So I kept it close and put it back in my pocket. We had to cross the street, but for whatever reason, Kuala Lumpur doesn’t seem to do crosswalks, so we had to just time ourselves with the light and try to avoid getting hit by the bikers who ignore every rule.

Arriving at the Central Market

After a close call with a bike, we had finally made it across and proceeded on to the Central Market. It was only a few more minutes walk there and we finally arrived.  Central Market was first established in 1888 as an open-air wet market but was renovated to its current state in 2004 to meet the needs of tourism and modernity. However, it still retains its charms and is a great place to wander and find authentic items.

There is a main street that has many street vendors, but upon turning inside, you’ll find dozens of shops and stalls. Ranging from clothes to trinkets, to antiques – food, drink, toys, and everything between, you can find anything. Briana bought some pants in a local style – elephant pants – which have worked out quite nice here. I would have liked to pick up a souvenir, but we could not have sent it back to the states, nor carried it with us on our travels.

Be Careful With Your Purchases

I was saddened to see a lot of ivory for sale. Many of the items on display, and stores, explicitly say no photography.  I’m pretty sure it’s because of the ivory pieces. Although the ivory trade is illegal, it still occurs in Southeast Asia, with China and the US being the biggest buyers. The Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand closely follow. We also came across real weapons from antiquity. Yet another item I doubt would make it through customs.

Gotta Love the Ice Floss

Upstairs, we found a food court, we decided to take a rest. I was still a little hungry, so I got us Strawberry Ice Floss. We really like the Ice Floss here.  Upon finishing our food, we continued on in the upper floor and checked out a few more antique shops, and then made our way out of the market.

We were basically done for the day, but Briana really wanted to get a good picture of the Petronas Towers. However, no matter how far we walked, it never seemed to get any closer. Ultimately, with its dark and our feet tired, we gave up, took a quick snapshot and called our Uber. But taking a walk to Kuala Lumpur Central Market was a success.

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