If you’re already planning a weekend getaway to Malaysia’s capital and have our 3D2N KL itinerary bookmarked, there’s another new spot to add to your list. The upcoming 118 Mall will sit at the base of the iconic Merdeka 118 Tower, AKA the 2nd-tallest building in the world, and it’s set to open in 2026.
And with the launch of the Electric Train Service from JB to KL, which has made quick trips to the city more convenient, this new mall might just be worth pencilling into your itinerary.
Image credit: Merdeka 118
It’s an upcoming shopping destination located at the lobby of the Merdeka 118 Tower, designed to give visitors a taste of modern retail experiences plus Malaysian culture. There’s even a dedicated floor spotlighting local fashion labels, handicrafts, and homegrown F&B brands – more on that below.
The mall will span around 800,000sqft of retail space. To put that into perspective, that’s slightly smaller than Singapore’s VivoCity, which has just over 1 million sqft of net lettable area. So while it may not take the crown for biggest mall in the region or the city itself, it’s still going to be a sizeable addition to KL’s shopping scene.
Image credit: 118 Mall
Located on Level 4, The Atmosphere is anchored by an 88m sky-lit dome that lets natural light stream in during the day, while giving visitors a view of the night sky after dark. LED screens and greenery are part of the design, turning the area into a spot to chill and recharge after a tiring day of shopping.
It’s giving us Cloud Forest vibes, so imagine something along the lines of a futuristic indoor garden aesthetic when the mall officially opens.
Another feature to keep an eye out for is the Raincloud, a multi-level water installation paired with projected light displays. It’s something to admire or hang around at while you wait for your shopping kakis to finish making “one last stop”.
Image credit: 118 Mall
Level 3 will house the Malaysian Artisan District, a 60,000sqft space dedicated to local craftsmanship. Shoppers can expect handmade pieces, curated collections, and showcases spotlighting Malaysian artistry. This is the spot to browse if you’re after something more unique than the usual mass-market finds.
Image credit: 118 Mall
Whether or not you’re firmly on team Malaysian food, you’ll get to decide for yourself at the Makanizm Food Hall. This food court will serve up a mix of local and international cuisines, because no shopping mall is complete without a spot to refuel after clocking in all those steps.
While there’s no official opening date at the time of writing, Malaysian news outlets have reported that the mall is slated to open in August 2026. That’s not too far from now – better start planning for your KL trip soon.
Image credit: 118 Mall
The mall can be accessed via an express escalator from Merdeka MRT Station once it opens. Alternatively, book a car via a ride-hailing app, and you’ll be dropped off right at the entrance.
118 Mall might soon become your new go-to pit stop, especially if the thought of exploring KL under the blazing afternoon sun sounds like a hard pass. While we wait patiently for the mall to open, there are still plenty of big shopping malls in KL to check out in the meantime.
More shopping malls to check out:
Cover image adapted from: Merdeka 118, 118 Mall
Located within the 2nd-tallest building in the world.
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