Malaysia has rapidly become a go-to destination for cultural monuments, world renowned attractions, delicious food, and of course for shopping. It is therefore no surprise that the country landed the top spot in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2015, by MasterCard and Crescentrating, and that Kuala Lumpur; its capital, ranked second in the MasterCard-Crescentrating Muslim Travel Shopping Index 2015. Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant multicultural city that offers so much to do and see. While the city is known as one of the best destinations for foodies, it is also renowned as a shopper’s haven, and because Islam is the state religion, Kuala Lumpur is truly the definition of a Muslim shopper’s paradise. From mega-sized shopping malls to quaint street-side markets, the city of Kuala Lumpur has it all! .
Kuala Lumpur’s Suria KLCC is usually the first stop for every first time visitor to Kuala Lumpur, as it is located right by the iconic Petronas Towers. This six-storey mall is home to stores that range from fashion to entertainment outlets and those selling food. The mall, just like most other shopping malls in Malaysia, is also very Muslim-friendly. Prayer facilities in Suria KLCC will be easy to find, and so will Halal food. .
If you’re looking to purchase high-end, branded items, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, in the Bukit Bintang district, is where you need to go. This haute couture shopping mall houses internationally renowned fashion outlets, as well as some more affordable stores, thus making it a must-visit for shopping in Kuala Lumpur. It also offers a variety of fantastic Halal dining options and numerous entertainment outlets. Muslim visitors will also be able to find prayer rooms in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. .
After browsing the stores in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, shoppers can then head to one of the numerous other malls in the area. Popular malls like Bukit Bintang Plaza and Sungei Wang Plaza are ideal for young shoppers looking to buy clothes, accessories and shoes at incredibly affordable rates. It also houses Muslim-friendly facilities such as prayer rooms and Halal restaurants. .
Low Yat Plaza, also in the area, specializes in IT-related products and electronics, and is where locals and visitors go to browse and purchase gadgets and gizmos. Prayer rooms and Halal restaurants can also easily be found at Low Yat Plaza. .
Berjaya Times Square, found opposite Low Yat Plaza, is one of KL’s top shopping malls and is a major landmark of the city - making it an excellent stop for shopping in Kuala Lumpur. Home to stores selling designer brands, and international brands, as well as those offering affordable local brands, Berjaya Times Square is probably one of the best shopping spots for individuals of all ages. .
Another mall quite similar to Berjaya Times Square is the Mid Valley Megamall. Offering everything you can think of under the sun, when it comes to shopping, Mid Valley also houses a number of entertainment options, and fantastic food courts, cafés and restaurants, serving Halal cuisine. If visitors need to offer their prayers while at the mall, prayer rooms can be found. .
Because Kuala Lumpur offers a number of shopping options, we also have to mention some of the city’s best markets. Petaling Street Market, in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is a happening night market where locals and tourists go to buy counterfeit goods of all kinds at very cheap rates. It is also a great place to sample Chinese and local cuisine. Muslim visitors will however have to keep a look out for Halal food stalls, as some food stalls sell non-Halal items. .
Just a short walk from the Petaling Street Market is the Central Market, which is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. Once used as a wet market, the Central Market, or Pasar Seni, is today a must-visit for souvenirs, arts and local handicrafts. .
Muslim tourists looking for prayer apparel, as well as modest clothes, abayas and scarves will be able to find these items throughout the city. They can also visit Little India in Brickfields to purchase these items. While there, they must make it a point to try out some delicious curries and other well-known Indian dishes found at the Halal restaurants in the area. There is also a large mosque here that offers prayer facilities for men and women. . After reading our Muslim shopper’s guide to Kuala Lumpur, it is easy to see why Muslims from around the world visit the city for some retail therapy. Don’t stress about finding Halal food or prayer rooms within the shopping malls or markets you visit; with all the Muslim-friendly facilities available, all you have to do is bring along a comfortable prayer of shoes, and shop till you drop! Click here for a Muslim-friendly city guide to Kuala Lumpur .
