These days, malls aren’t just where you go for shopping; they’ve become a part of our lifestyle – in Malaysia, especially! People go to a mall to meet and eat, to revive and restore, and, at times, just to get away from the heat. All of this means there are lots of malls to choose from, of course – Kuala Lumpur has well over 70, for example. If you’re a newcomer who hasn’t found the best KL mall for you, or you’ve been here for a while but you’re keen to explore a new one, check out our seven favourite shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur.
Pavilion Shopping Mall Kuala Lumpur
Filled with every brand you can think of, the Pavilion shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur is regularly touted to be one of the best KL malls, even with the arrival of newer ones.
It has over 700 stores across ten levels and eight themed precincts; Fashion Avenue, Dining Loft, Couture Pavilion, Centre Court, Connections, Gourmet Emporium, Beauty Hall and Tokyo Street. With so many local and international retailers being showcased in the Pavilion shopping Mall, it’s no wonder this KL mall is a favourite even after all these years. (It opened back in 2007.)
This Pavilion shopping mall captures our hearts in every way… except the parking. Despite the presence of some 2400 parking bays, we still find it a challenge to find a space for our car every time! The moral of the story? Choose public transport whenever you’re heading for some retail therapy at Pavilion!.
Suria KLCC shopping mall near Petronas Towers
There is only one word to sum up Suria KLCC: iconic! This shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur first opened its doors in 1998 and continues to be one the most talked about by locals, expats and tourists. Suria is linked to yet another iconic landmark, The Petronas Towers, and these two buildings create a picture-perfect backdrop for your dose of weekend picture sharing on social media. Highlights of this KL mall include the presence of various local designers, plus the variety of cafés and restaurants serving Malaysia’s delectable cuisine. As a result, Suria KLCC manages to preserve a truly Malaysian vibe, which gives it a definite pull factor.
Plus, for those who are into science and technology, Petrosains The Discovery Centre located on level 4 gives visitors a great interactive experience. The exhibits and shows offer a stimulating and hands-on approach for adults and children alike.
There’s also Aquaria KLCC, located at the basement level of Suria KLCC mall. This oceanarium features extensive marine life from Malaysia and around the world and is a definite plus for children.
This shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur is enveloped by a 50-acre park that offers a children’s playground, wading pool and jogging tracks. Within the KLCC Park is the manmade Lake Symphony, which features sound and water performances at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm each night.
The Exchange TRX – the newest KL mall
A new kid on the block, The Exchange TRX brings the Kuala Lumpur shopping scene to a different level. Since it sprawls across 17 acres of land, with over 400 stores, you might need a map to navigate this place! The benefit of size, of course, is that you get a wide variety of brands, so there’s something for every shopper. TRX opened its doors in November 2023 and has since amassed crowds of locals, expats and foreigners to its doors.
TRX City Park, a 10-acre rooftop park, is the largest rooftop public park in Malaysia – a definite mall highlight. It offers elevated dining amidst lush greenery, with a couple of bars and restaurants strategically placed within the park. Note, though, it’s not really a park for resting and relaxing, especially in the day, as there’s a lot going on – playgrounds, a water sensory area, mini rock climbing and a designated picnic area.
Mid Valley Mega Mall Kuala Lumpur for fashion
For fashion and apparel, Mid Valley Mega Mall is worth a visit. As the name suggests, this is another huge mall, so expect lots of walking – and lots of people, especially on weekends! However, with the varieties of shops and products available and the number of brands under one roof, it’s well worth a visit for the convenience.
Mid Valley offers mostly mid-range brands like Mango, Dressing Paula, Levi’s and iORA, amongst others. Also, like many other malls in Kuala Lumpur, there are countless restaurants and takeaway outlets to choose from – especially on the top level and lowest levels – with a huge range of cuisines and tastes on offer.
This shopping mall has a very strategic location in the south of the city and is well linked to public transport.
The Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur for designer brands
For those who want to splurge a little, try The Gardens Mall, an adjoining neighbour of the Mid Valley Mega Mall, mentioned above. This KL mall first opened its doors in September 2007 and has been a popular place to go for well-heeled visitors ever since.
The Gardens Mall is a classy six-storey shopping centre that hosts international designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Cartier and Gucci. For pampering needs, head to Level 4, a dedicated beauty floor with wellness clinics, nail salons and spas.
Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur
Bangsar Shopping Centre is in the upscale Bangsar area and is another popular destination for affluent shoppers. It’s located at the far end of Jalan Maarof and is mostly known for its lifestyle concept and homestyle retailers.
BSC has Western and Asian furniture stores, made-to-measure curtain specialists, carpet experts, and many decoration retailers, including a framing shop. And, unlike some other sprawling malls, it tends to be calm, quaint and quiet – a bit like a more mellow neighbourhood mall.
With the many restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries, located indoors and outdoors, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking at this shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.
Low Yat Plaza
Who hasn’t heard of Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur? This is KL’s answer to a tech-mecca – the place to get all your computer and digital needs sorted.
Widely regarded as the best IT one-stop-shop in the city, Low Yat Plaza offers various IT products and services, from photography and gaming, to mobiles, computing and repairs. For easy browsing, each floor is designated for a particular group of IT products.
The centre is also known for its haggling. Making price comparisons between shops and then doing some bargaining for the best price is definitely required in order to find a good deal here.
Enjoyed reading this? Now see our ideas of things to do indoors in Kuala Lumpur!
