Central Market / Pasar Seni ~ Places to
Visit in Kuala Lumpur
KL Visitors Guide
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KL CITY CENTRE > CENTRAL MARKET
Situated in the heart of
KL, the colourful Central Market has a wide range of shops in an
air-conditioned atmosphere which sells an assortment of merchandise that
ranges from handicrafts and souvenirs to authentic
Malaysian batik prints.
Central Market is the place to go if you are looking for local crafts and
souvenirs as almost everything is under one roof here.
Located in a very
busy area with traffic everywhere, it is safe and pleasant place to cool off with
plenty to see.
Built in 1928, it was once the
largest wet market in the city. In 1986 it was converted into a large
cultural and crafts centre, with many arts and handicrafts shops showcasing
the work of local artists and craftsmen.
Originally designed by RH
Steed, this building is situated on the east bank of the Klang river and
just south of its confluence with Gombak river, the market frontage measures
58 metres and the depth is 122 metres.
Now refurbished for altogether another intent, it is clean, well organised
and spacious, making it easy to navigate around the many shops and stalls
here. It houses more than 130 shops, 30 food outlets, 140 small kiosks
allowing visitors to comfortably browse for anything from small items like personalised key
chains, pewter and t-shirts to antiques and paintings.
The
many shops housed in this heritage building offer items such as antiques,
curios, batik, pewter ware, woodcarvings, gems, handicrafts, souvenirs as
well as traditional goods such as Batik, embroidery carvings, souvenirs,
sculptures, clothes and other interesting items
Visitors can also see local craftsmen at work - portrait artists, batik
painters, glass craftsmen, T-shirt artists, souvenir makers, cobbler, key
maker, seamstress, etc.
On the ground floor, visitors
can request local artists to paint caricatures of them or even make
full-blown portraits - cheap and nicely done.
The 2nd floor has some food courts, ranging from local Malaysian to European
food at reasonable price and free WIFI .
The Annexe Central Market, located at the back
of main building that formerly housed a cineplex, was opened in 2006. The
Annexe houses art galleries, theatre and music performance spaces, and arts
and craft shops. It features artworks and performances by local, regional
and international artists.
RECOMMENDED
Collectables Centre - cluttered with every imaginable collectible from old
Craven cigarette tin boxes, charcoal irons and oil lamps to century-old
Nyonya tea sets and hairpins.
Songket & Sutera Asli - For beautiful songket (richly woven silk) fabric
from the East Coast.
Near the entrance stands an antique (and still in use) red colonial post
box, with the British crown and manufacturer's name cast in the metal. A
section of street next to the Central Market has been made into a pedestrian
mall, with other assortments on sale.
Opens 10.30am daily till late (10pm), and easily accessed, it is
the place to go for shopping, eating, be entertained or simply people
watching.
Note
Other sights nearby is Chinatown and the
Mahamariamman Hindu Temple
Best Way to Visit - Take City Tour
A Full or a Hull day private tour which includes private vehicle with driver
/ guide at your disposal that allow a visit here and other places of
interests of your preference.
PLACES & SIGHTSEEING ~ KL CITY CENTRE
• CHINATOWN • CENTRAL MARKET • JAMEK MOSQUE • MARIAMMAN TEMPLE
• THEAN HOU TEMPLE
• PETRONAS TWIN
TOWERS • KL TOWER
• INDEPENDENCE
SQUARE
• KINGS PALACE
• CHAN SEE SHU YUEN
TEMPLE
