♥♥ Took a ridiculously long break to travel in Asia and live in KL for the year. Good t...
♥♥ Took a ridiculously long break to travel in Asia and live in KL for the year. Good to be back and catch up with all those wonderful people I have missed so dearly...♥♥
Member since:24.04.2005
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*Intro*
Chinese entry into Malaysia started as far back into the 15th Century although was not capitalised until the 19th Century where traders became interested in both the spice trade of the Melakan Straits as well as running Malaysia's tin mines - once the country's main source of income. The Chinese immigrants were hardworking, and today, Malaysia's Chinese are at the center of much of the country's commercial activity.
It is for this reason that Chinatown in KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA is a integral part of the multiracial city. Located only minutes away either by LRT or car from the 'golden triangle', Chinatown is a jungle of hot bargains, fantastic street food and throbbing nightlife. It is, in essence, where shopping, food and culture collide in this amazing city.
*What is it?*
Although the most famous part of Chinatown is a road called Petaling street, Chinatown has more to offer than just that. Survey the side streets and you will find small restaurants selling the best local food such as noodles or satay or fish as well as carts selling fruit [dare you try the king of the fruits, the dorian?]. There's also a couple of big restaurants such as Nandos and Mcdonalds
as well as a few high streets stores such as Guardian [our equivalent of boots]. Of course, it is also a district for tourists so here you will find many mainly budget accommodation places as well as a few local dwellings. There is also a massive bus depo there, allowing passengers to travel to Thailand and Singapore as well as other parts of the country.
*What to do there?*
Chinatown is definitely on the list for those on the tourist trail. It is essentially famous for it's night market [which starts about 4:30 pm, 7 days a week] selling fake branded goods such as handbags, DVD's, watches, perfumes, sunglasses, scarves, tshirts and anything else you care to imagine. It also sells foods such as roast meat and chestnuts as well as drink stalls which you will need as Chinatown is known for being hot hot HOT! Amongst the finds are also stalls selling knick knacks and traditional malay items.
I recommend a good walk around the market - if not to buy but to drink in the culture and the lifestyle. You will hear many languages thrown about; not only from the traders themselves but also from the customers. The smell too is unique; a blend of food, warm balmy air and excitement. I thoroughly recommend you try and buy something for the thrill - the art of bargaining here is crucial. If you are perceived to be a tourist they will hike the prices up about 80% at least so it's well worth haggling for those few extra ringgit. Typical prices for the top quality fake handbags are around 80RM [exchange rate is roughly 6RM to £1], sunglasses are around 20RM and watches around 100RM for the best kind.
Please make sure you understand that these products are fake and are illegal under British trading standards. As a result, the quality is a little hit and miss. I have a few tshirts and they seemed to have survived for a couple years now - my friends watch also has. But beware with the DVD's. Make sure that you go to a stall which has a player and a TV and insist on viewing them all for quality. DVD's are around 10RM each but most places will do a bulk buy deal.
All that bargaining must work up a sweat so I do encourage you to try one of the local drinks from the carts. Sugar canejuice is especially recommended. Food too is cheap and readily available - though be careful what you are ordering because their English might not be as good as you'd hope. Do be adventurous though - but also be careful... there's nothing worse than being stuck in a hospital with food poisoning for the rest of your holiday!!
If you start the day earlier, it might be worth having a look outside of Petaling Street as there are a few temples dotted around the area. These temples belong to the Chinese and to the Hindu's as well as the Malay Mosques. The Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, for example, is said to be the oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur (according to Virtual Tourist Mansionion). As Mansionion writes: "The temple was founded by Yap Ah Loy, the third Kapitan China (Chinese Leader) of Kuala Lumpur, in remembrance of his mentor who was killed in one of the frequent feuds between the clans at the peak of the tin mining days in KL." The temple is located on JalanTun HS Lee, within walking distance of Chinatown. There is also another place called Central Market within 5 minutes walk and is particularly good for seeing the Malaysian cultural products and handicrafts. It is similar to London's Covent Garden.
Chinatown is still in the hub of the city and so easily accessible by car, taxi or LRT. Taxi's in KL are very cheap [provided you get one that goes by the meter!] and so it is well worth taking it if there are a few of you. Beware of the traffic though - like most asian cities KL is a bit of a nightmare so try to avoid the 'rush hours'. If you are staying in a hotel, ask the desk which is the best option for you.
*Final Tips*
My main advice here is to have fun - it really is a lively, thrilling and exciting place to visit as we certainly have nothing similar to it in the UK. As it is a tourist destination though, please do watch your belongings. Police do occasionally patrol the area but I wouldn't count on them. Also, it is very hot here due to the countries heat and the confined space. I would not recommend this place to anyone that is claustrophobic or that is subject to feeling uncomfortable in hot, smaller spaces. Women especially be careful - the vendors will try to get your attention so be firm and polite if you are not interested in a particular item. It is best to travel in pairs or take a man with you. I know it sounds sexist but it's true - men are less likely to be bothered than women travelling on their own. Also, due to the masses of people keep children close. It is probably not ideal to take them if they are still in pram as the walkways are too narrow. Don't let it put you off though - as with any city, it makes sense to take precautions - that shouldn't stop you from having an amazing time though!!
Pictures of Chinatown - Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur
Action shot - you can see the traditional housing in the background with a vendor upfront.
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Jan 14th, 2009
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