Chinatown Kuala Lumpur
As in any big metropolitan cities of the world, Chinatown Kuala Lumpur is a must for any visitor who is here in Malaysia for the very first time. Many will find that this is an exciting place to go and one will experience what the early business community in the heart of Kuala Lumpur do to make a living. It is also known as Petaling Street as the majority of the stalls is located on this narrow street. This place is a popular destination for both the locals and tourists as it is ideally located in the centre of the city. The Puduraya bus station of which all major bus companies operate is located within walking distance to Petaling Street.
Although it is open during the day, many prefer to go at night when the sun has set to avoid the heat of the day. It is an open air bazaar where stalls and shops are stock up with all kinds of goods and souvenirs. In recent years, it has been renovated where a big awning has been erected along the street to shelter the people from rain and the heat of the day.
Unlike the shopping malls where the prices of the goods are fixed, one must make it a point to bargain and negotiate the best deal for the goods. The varieties of goods sold here include compact discs, leather goods, shoes, toys, belts, clothes, souvenirs, paintings, jewelery, watches, clocks, handbags, wallets etc. As the place is narrow and congested, one will experience the busy atmosphere of customers bargaining for the best price, shopkeepers promoting their goods, and the sound of music that echos throughout the night.
As in any Chinese community, Chinese food is abundant in this place. Many restaurants offer a varity of good and delicious food. In fact, many of these shops have been operated by the same family for generations. If you see people queing up for food at a particular restaurant, you can rest assured that the food served will be good and reasonably priced. Try some of the noodles and you will not regret it.
When all the shopping malls have closed for the day, make an effort to go to Chinatown and you will enjoy something different. You will probably want to come back again, if you have the time...
