Image adapted from (clockwise from top left): @shoppesfskl, @thebeanbelt_kl, Kids Nation, @photo_rcshly
Malls are like urban oases for the weary: they offer food, air-con shelter, and a space to kill time. Since Kuala Lumpur’s ever-evolving, a ton of new shopping malls have cropped up around town in the past couple of years.
Now that most of them are operating in full swing, Singaporeans don’t have to flock to the same old places like Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC, and Mid Valley Megamall to max out the favourable exchange rate. Here are 9 new hangouts to stop by during your next KL trip.
While you’re in KL, check out these other things to do in the city:
Image credit: @ayusidek
Tapping right into what fuels today’s Insta-era, The LINC KL has spaces that look like they could easily fit into any ‘grammer’s feed. The mall is filled with a ton of photo-worthy corners, from colourful art installations to a rustic courtyard that’s sheltered by trees with hanging vines.
Image credit: @connievarsly
You’ll find mostly lifestyle-centric shops here, like Ben’s Independent Grocer, known for its organic groceries, and Bendang Artisan, a homegrown brand of artisan crockery. Local pop-up stores are a common sight as well, such as the Sunday Market that takes place weekly.
Look out for this ceiling art installation that’s made up of 41,600 origami birds
Image credit: @punkilinki
You’ll want to check out the eateries here as well for a good chill-out session. Bo & Banker for one, has a lush tropical-inspired interior and a menu that spans local and Western cuisine. You can also head to Bean Brothers for a cuppa, or indulge in premium omakase at Sushi Hara.
Bo & Banker
Image credit: @iam_wilbur
Address: 360, Jalan Tun Razak, Taman U Thant, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM, Daily
Telephone: +60 3-9213 0388
Website
Image credit: @ericachoongg
Judging by its gallery-like interior, you can already guess that GM Bukit Bintang isn’t your typical shopping mall. Instead of hosting big commercial brands, the mall’s known for its fluid space that’s continuously transformed to host events, exhibitions, workshops and flea markets – all of which are often centred around local creative communities.
Image credit: @nadiahalim7
With the mall’s interior being largely minimalist, you’ll likely find some Instagrammable backdrops here, like mesh fixtures and white brick walls.
If you’re not sure when’s the best time to pay this new mall a visit, stay tuned to their events page for upcoming events.
Image credit: @smilessecrecy
Address: 119, Jalan Pudu, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 12-229 1355
Website
Image credit: Sunway Velocity Mall
Located just on the fringe of KL city centre, Sunway Velocity Mall is a great shopping option for those who don’t quite want to brave the city traffic. They house a whopping 400 stores that span 7 levels, all of which are sectioned into 3 “precincts”: one for food, another for retail outlets, and one for events.
Commune houses events, pop-ups and workshops
Image credit: @al.shutter
Be sure to check out their Commune space that often features pop-up stores and events – it usually plays host to up-and-coming businesses, artisanal products and homegrown brands.
Address: Lingkaran SV, Sunway Velocity, Jalan Cheras, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: +60 3-2786 3970
Website
KL Eco City Mall is the latest mall to grace the suburbs of Bangsar. Since it’s nestled in a less commercialised corner opposite the more popular The Gardens Mall, you can expect to escape the main shopping crowd here.
Image credit: @thebeanbelt_kl
The mall also happens to be located at an up-and-coming office and residential area, so it’s no wonder it’s primarily filled with coffee joints that fuel those who work at the surrounding office blocks. Still in an up-and-coming state, this mall has cafes like The Bean Belt, and a massive grocery store called Bangsar Market which has a cafeteria as well.
Bangsar Market
Image credit: Nazin Ahmed
Address: KL Eco City Mall, No.3, Jalan Bangsar, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: +60 3-2283 2255
Website
The mall’s outdoor displays change with the seasons
Image credit: @cindyng_realestate
163 Retail Park may be a relatively small neighbourhood mall in the suburbs of Mont Kiara, but it holds its own with a fair share of merchants that mostly comprise lifestyle and dining options.
You can get buffets from RM35.90/person at Fei Fan Hotpot
Image credit: @photo_rcshly
There’s a Jaya Grocer supermarket, and some beauty and wellness spas for pampering sessions. Indoor playground Kids Nation and Blok Space recreation centre will keep the kiddos entertained.
Image credit: Kids Nation
Don’t forget to take a breather at the photo-worthy corners at this mall too, like the permanent all-white art installation that has a whimsical wintery effect. The mall often features seasonal decor at the courtyard area.
Image credit: @joannakoleth
Address: Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: +60 3-7728 4773
Website
Pops of yellow bring some cheer to the mall’s atrium
Image credit: EKOCheras Mall
EkoCheras Mall is a swanky addition to Cheras, and is a larger alternative to the old neighbourhood haunt Cheras LeisureMall. They’ve even adopted a modern 100% cashless parking system.
Image credit: @roy_0113
You’ll want to keep an eye out for some photo-worthy corners at this mall too, like the colourful butterfly mural that’s been making its rounds on social media. Don’t forget to make stops at the mall’s restrooms too – you may stumble upon some fabulously-decorated ones with hot pink mirrors and pipes.
Image credit: @ekocherasmall
They may be a huge franchise, but The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlet here has warm vibes with woven ceiling lamps.
Image credit: @photowizard2013
Address: No 693, Batu 5, Jalan Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Website
Image credit: @scottishbun
If you ever needed a reason to pay a visit to Shah Alam, i-City theme park and its vibrant light displays would be it. But before you head over to make snow sculptures at SnoWalk and snap pics along LED forests, you can make a pit stop at the adjacent Central i-City.
Image adapted from: @nizambakeri & @fahmiesmail
You’ll be able to find a ton of retail and dining staples among their 350 stores, but one thing to look out for are the colourful art installations. The mall is dotted with funky, artistic animals made out of unusual materials like ties and mosaic tiles.
And if you can’t wait to upload your Insta-friendly finds, just log on to the mall’s free WiFi while hanging about. They also provide convenient services like a shuttle bus from Padang Jawa KTM station, and mobility scooters for rent.
Known for being a “city” full of colourful LED lights, i-City is a local attraction worth visiting.
Image credit: @ashrel
Address: No. 1, Persiaran Multimedia, Seksyen 7, Jalan Plumbum 7/102, I-City, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: +60 3-5525 0099
Website
Image credit: @shoppesfskl
With a name attached to a luxury hotel chain, it’s only apt that Shoppes at Four Seasons Place is decidedly upmarket. The mall has 6 storeys filled with retail and lifestyle stores, and is known for housing the Robinsons flagship store.
Atlas Gourmet Market
Image credit: @shoppesfskl
Another one of its highlights is Atlas Gourmet Market that doubles as a grocer and bistro – sort of like Marché. You can source imported fine foods here, like caviar and lobsters. They even have a special cheese room and wine cellar, as well as artisanal kitchenware for sale.
Image adapted from: @june2280 & @aiktuan
Another must-visit is the Malaysia Boleh food court, which is fashioned after an old-school hawker. It sports a local heritage theme, so you’ll be able to find classics like nasi lemak, cendol, as well as kopitiam-style toast, eggs and coffee here.
Address: 145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Website
Image credit: KL Gateway Mall
Located right smack between KL and Petaling Jaya, just off the ever-busy Federal Highway, KL Gateway Mall is the perfect refuge for waiting out peak-hour traffic. It’s linked directly to Universiti LRT Station so it’s pretty convenient to get to, and is home to over 200 retail outlets so you won’t get bored.
Some of the restrooms come decked in pretty Peranakan tiles
Image credit: KL Gateway Mall
On top of lots of dining and shopping options, the mall has a massive al-fresco atrium that often hosts events like movie screenings, performances, fitness gatherings, and food fests.
Image credit: KL Gateway Mall
You can even find some quirky corners for the kiddos to play
Image credit: @adel_mahadzir
Address: 2, Jalan Kerinchi, Pantai Dalam, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: +60 3-7452 8118
Website
If you find yourself going on autopilot when visiting your usual shopping mall haunts in KL, head on over to these new malls to shake that ol’ routine up. Lots of them have incorporated Instagrammable corners, cafes to chill at, and all the modern conveniences to kill time in the everyday heat.
For ideas on where to stay in KL, check these guides out:
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