December 21, 2009
Bangsar Village
Bangsar Village is the latest addition to the infamous Telawi area of Bangsar. It is a shopping mall that is split into two different sections. The first phase opened a while back and houses mostly food outlets and a quaint grocery shop called the Village Grocer. When it comes to shopping, it is Bangsar Village II that you would be more interested in.
Bangsar Village II (sometimes known as BVII) is a boutique shopping centre that is targeted at those with discerning tastes (which basically translates to “upper class”). Although it is not as large as many of the other shopping malls around the city, it does possess the high quality and service that one expects from a prestigious shopping centre.
Bangsar Village
The shopping centre is designed primarily for the fashionable and the rich. Its location in one of the trendiest area’s in KL makes it convenient for both locals and tourists alike. BVII promises the ultimate shopping experience for the trendy fashionistas with the latest in international couture. It aims to offer everything to suit your style, whether you are into contemporary, retro or the young and hip.
A variety of tenants can be found at BVII ranging from fashion, home décor, books, health and beauty, art to food. Brands such as Raoul, G2000, Massimo Dutti and many more can be found at BVII. It is ultimately shopping for the trendiest of people. After all that hard work trying to find the perfect outfit, pamper yourself with a massage, a relaxing facial or even a refreshing yoga class at one of the health, beauty and fitness outlets.
Bangsar Village
In addition to shopping, shopping and more shopping, BVII provides the perfect ambience for a Sunday Brunch “sex and the city” style. Restaurants and cafes are carefully selected to suit the upper class and chic theme. There’s something for every occasion, whether you are entertaining clients or just hanging out with the girls.
BVII provides a full range of services for its visitors. A concierge is available to manage your shopping bags and a valet is available to handle your parking problems. The only downside to BVII is that it is relatively new so there are still a lot of unoccupied spaces. Even so, BVII makes for a nice outing regardless of whether its shopping, food or just a good walking that you’re looking for.
December 20, 2009
The one & only Alamanda
Alamanda Putrajaya is the first shopping centre built in Putrajaya. It can be considered the only shopping centre worthy of the “shopping centre” status. Located in Precinct 1 of Putrajaya, the mall opened its doors in August 2004 and since then, not much has happened.
The downfall of Alamanda Putrajaya is its location. Being far away from the city definitely contributes to its lack of success. The only visitors that the mall would receive are those who live within the area (which by the way isn’t much) or those who are visiting Putrajaya (which by the way isn’t much either). The area is pretty quiet, much like a ghost town.
Alamanda
Nonetheless, Alamanda’s concept is simple and precise. It aims to be a shopper’s paradise right in the heart of Putrajaya and it successfully is so considering there’s nowhere else to shop around the area. With no competition for miles, it is ultimately a shopper’s paradise right in the heart of Putrajaya.
The shopping centre has a variety of tenants ranging from clothing and accessories, restaurants and entertainment. Its anchor tenant is Carrefour which is a hypermarket. An apt choice if the only visitors you’re looking for are people in search for groceries and household items. Parkson is another anchor tenant at Alamanda but once again, there are no surprises when it comes to Parkson. Other than that, you’ll get the brands that you can easily get in any other shopping mall within the Klang Valley. It is ultimately, nothing spectacular.
Alamanda
One of the fascinating features of Alamanda Putrajaya is its travelators. It is the first shopping complex that features a travelator that connects the retail outlets with the car parks. This would aid in human traffic flow if the shopping mall were to be packed with visitors.
Alamanda Putrajaya wouldn’t be a first choice when it comes to shopping. It is one of those obscure malls that is located far away from all the bright lights and buzz of the city. With its two level design, there’s only so much shopping that you can do. You’ll be better off heading towards the Golden Triangle or any other shopping mall within Klang Valley. The only reason to visit Alamanda Putrajaya is if you so happen to be around the area. Then you would have an excuse to drop by.
December 19, 2009
Sungei Wang Plaza
The literal translation for Sungei Wang Plaza is “The River of Money” but such a name does not befit the place. Sungei Wang Plaza is a shopping mall that is popular amongst the locals and the tourists but it certainly isn’t one of the prettiest.
Its exterior and interior bears a weary look, one that is faded and jaded with time. Its walls are almost colourless but the bright lights of the night cover up its aging façade. Its interior is somewhat dingy but it serves its purpose. Shops are slightly smaller in size and so are the corridors. It tends to get slightly cramped during the weekends. All the floors are maze-like which makes for an interesting adventure.
Sungei Wang Plaza
Considering that this shopping mall opened for business in 1977, it is safe to say that its long run speaks leaps and bounds. Even with the newer shopping malls such as Starhill Gallery, Berjaya Times Square, Suria KLCC, Midvalley Megamall and 1 Utama, Sungei Wang Plaza seems to be determined to stick around.
Its strategic location definitely contributes to its success. It is within the vicinity of Golden Triangle and is walking distance from Bintang Walk and many other attractions, hotels and shopping malls around the area. The mall is connected to Lot 10 shopping centre and Bukit Bintang Plaza which makes it a magnet for people passing through.
Sungei Wang Plaza
Sungei Wang Plaza exudes a sort of charm that other malls lack. It is tailored to those looking for bargains and treasures. Most of the tenants are the smaller boutiques and independent local brands that are just looking for a nice and cosy place to call home. Amongst some of the items that can be found here are men’s and women’s clothing, footwear, food outlets, IT products and handphones (mobile phones/cell phones depending on which part of the world you come from).
The draw of Sungei Wang Plaza comes from its tenants. People who come here are dedicated to bargain shopping. Whether it be clothes or gadgets that you’re looking for, there’s definitely something at Sungei Wang for every trend. Just don’t expect marble floors, tall pillars and wall to wall carpets (if you know what I mean).
December 18, 2009
Starhill Gallery
Starhill Gallery is one of the (if not “the”) grandest shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. It aims to provide “a gallery of rich experiences” to its visitors. With 7 floors of retail space all offering a different niche, Starhill Gallery makes the ultimate statement in fashion, food, beauty and art.
The interior of Starhill Gallery is a sight to see. It offers a rare shopping experience that is private, glamourous and exclusive. All 7 floors are specifically designed to play its role. The classy interior, the grandeur of the design and its overall elegance makes it the perfect destination for those looking to splurge. Word of caution, Starhill Gallery is not for those looking for a bargain.
Starhill Gallery
Its unique concept revolves around its 7 unique floors; Feast, Indulge, Adorn, Explore, Pamper, Relish and Muse. Feast and Relish provides an exclusive dining experience. Fine dining outlets such as Vansh, Shooks!, Gonbei, Jogoya and many more occupy the 2 floors. Indulge, Adorn and Explore offers shopping of the expensive kind. Names such as Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Porsche Design, Davidoff, Dior, Tiffany, Vertu, Bang and Olufsen and many more can be found here.
The Pamper Zone is known as the world’s largest urban retreat dedicated to health, beauty and relaxation. Some of the world’s best therapists are housed right here in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Muse is dedicated to art and it houses some of the best local art galleries ranging from canvas to photography and sculptures as well.
Starhill Gallery
Some people have compared Starhill Gallery to Suria KLCC because of certain similarities. Both offer an obscene amount of high end shopping, art and food. But the big difference is that Suria KLCC offers an all round shopping experience with a fair bit of bargains and food courts. In any case, Starhill Gallery, with its beauty, grace and grandeur, might be a better choice for those looking for a more private shopping experience.
December 17, 2009
Berjaya Time Square
Berjaya Times Square is currently the Malaysia’s largest shopping mall. With 7.5 million square feet of built up floor area, Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur contains a huge shopping mall as well as two five star hotels.
This giant of a structure is located smack in the centre of Kuala Lumpur city. Located along Jalan Imbi, Berjaya Times Square is accessible by monorail. It is also walking distance from other attractions and shopping malls such as Bintang Walk, Sungei Wang Plaza, Starhill Gallery and Lot 10. Its strategic location makes it convenient for tourists and locals alike.
Berjaya Time Square
Its massive grounds boasts 13 floors of retail space offering and abundance of shopping, food and entertainment. The spacious floors consists of 700 specialty retail stores, 65 food outlets of different varieties and many unique entertainment outlets.
Shopping at Berjaya Times Square is no different than shopping at any of the other popular shopping malls in KL. You’ll see similar brands and similar collections at similar prices. Book fans will be happy to know that the current largest Borders store in the world is located in Berjaya Times Square. Other tenants include Metrojaya, Cold Storage, MNG, Esprit, Bossini, Dockers, Levi’s and up-market labels such as Tag Heuer and Dior.
There’s no shortage of food outlets at Berjaya Times Square either. The 3rd and 4th floors are dedicated to food, food and more food. This unique feature offers an “al-fresco” concept indoors. Some might think that it would defeat the purpose but the cooler air-conditioned interior is a welcome environment compared to the heat, rain, noise and smog outside. There’s an outlet for every occasion. Have a cup of coffee at Starbucks Coffee or if you’re looking for a quick fix there’s the option of fast food. If you are looking to splurge, you can do so at one of the up-market restaurants that offer exotic and tantalizing cuisines.
Berjaya Time Square
One of the main attractions of Berjaya Times Square is the entertainment that it offers. Asia’s largest indoor theme park and IMAX 2D and 3D can be found here. Cosmo’s World Theme Park is open to both adults and children. You can opt for the thrill rides that offer a dose of adrenaline or the slower and more mellow family and children’s rides. The IMAX 2D and 3D Theatre is Malaysia’s first and movie lovers are given the opportunity to experience movies in a larger-than-life sort of way.
With all these facilities, services and attractions, it’s a wonder why Berjaya Times Square isn’t making its mark as a shopping and entertainment destination. It has become the white elephant of the city. The theme park has been labelled “cheesy” and the shopping as well as food outlets are nothing out of the ordinary. Such a pity though for Berjaya Times Square had so much potential.
December 16, 2009
Lot 10 Shopping Centre
Lot 10 Shopping Centre is one of the oldest shopping malls in town. It has become a landmark that every city dweller is familiar with. Its location is key to its success. The big green building sits nicely at the Sultan Ismail and Bukit Bintang crossroad. Lot 10’s location is in the centre of the hottest new shopping and entertainment district with many other shopping malls, food and beverage outlets as well as entertainment outlets surrounding it.
Lot 10 Shopping Centre
Lot 10 is slightly more upmarket compared to its counterpart across the street, Sungei Wang Plaza. If that’s not upmarket enough for you, then Starhill Gallery is just next door. Its interior is lavishly styled for a shopping centre that was built in the 1980’s. It possesses a style that will never go out of date. Each floor is spacious and well maintained.
Lot 10 maintains a nice balance, with a handful of international brands amidst a handful of upmarket local boutiques. One of the anchor tenants of Lot 10 is the Japanese departmental store, Isetan. Other outlets include Guess, Body Shop, Calvin Klein, British India and many more. There is an even blend of glamour and groove at Lot 10 to cater to the young and trendy, the working professionals as well as the socialites.
Lot 10 Shopping Centre
There is also an ample supply of food outlets at Lot 10. Trendy cafés such as Dome Café, Café Societe and the ever popular Delifrance can be found. It is the perfect place to take a break in between floors. A food court is available at the lower ground floor if you’re looking for a decent meal at an affordable price.
Lot 10 is a favourite amongst the city folk as it offers a well balanced shopping and dining experience. The fact that is right smack in the middle of Bintang Walk makes it a suitable place to shop while seeing the sights. With the ultra hip Sungei Wang Plaza across the street and the big daddy of designers (Starhill Gallery) next door, Lot 10 is in the perfect position to attract tourists and up-market shoppers. Not too pricey, not too shabby.
December 15, 2009
Bangsar Shopping Centre
Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) is understandably located in Bangsar, an affluent neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur and BSC is the neighbourhood shopping centre that sits along Jalan Maarof. It has been a key structure in Bangsar since the early 90’s and this modest looking shopping centre sits comfortably in the midst of large bungalows and towering condominiums.
BSC is no a large city mall like Suria KLCC, 1 Utama or Mid Valley Megamall. It is more of a community mall serving the residents which consists of many expatriates and the wealthy locals who stay around the area. The concept of BSC is kept simple and modest.
Bangsar Shopping Complex
The tenants of BSC basically covers the whole lifestyle spectrum. There’s lots of food outlets, a supermarket, boutiques, pharmacies any many more at BSC. It is a cool and relaxing place to hang out and “jalan-jalan” (walk around) as the locals would say. The concept is different from that of the Telawi side of Bangsar which is surrounded by bars and pubs. At BSC, things are a bit more laid back and mellow.
No international designer brands can be found at BSC but there are many local boutiques spread across the 250,000 square feet mall. Just because there’s a lack of a departmental store such as Isetan or Tang’s doesn’t mean there’s no shopping involved. These local boutiques offer a more interesting and affordable shopping experience.
Besides the shopping, BSC has increased its focus to Food & Beverage. Many food outlets are present, ranging from a standard food court to high end restaurants. There’s something for every type of palate at BSC. Amongst some of the notable outlets would include Chinoz, La Bodega, Uncle Chili’s, Coffee Bean, Austin Chase and McDonalds.
Bangsar Shopping Complex
There are many weekend activities available at Bangsar Shopping Centre. On Saturdays, BSC is the venue for the Saturday International Bazaar where a huge variety of items can be found. Handicrafts, jewellery, food, plants, clothes and many more go for a bargain at the bazaar. On Sundays, there’s the Sunday Jazz Fiesta to keep you occupied. Enjoy a cup of coffee while professional musicians serenade you with Jazz and Blues.
BSC is a refined shopping mall. It is clean, organized and has an air to it. Nevertheless, it isn’t a snob either. There are the exclusive items for the wealthy and the affordable stuff for everyone else. BSC maintains a nice balance which makes it suitable for everyone. It has a lot more to offer than just an ordinary neighbourhood shopping centre.
December 14, 2009
Suria KLCC
Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia’s premier shopping destinations. It is strategically located at the base of the prestigious and infamous Petronas Twin Towers. With an address in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, a wide variety of tenants and many other attractions, Suria KLCC has earned a name for itself for being one of the top shopping malls in the country.
Suria KLCC
Its superb location puts it right in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Hotels and office buildings surround the shopping mall. For added convenience, the KLCC Light Rail Transit (LRT) stop makes it even more accessible to people who are visiting from outside the city. Suria KLCC is also surrounded by Kuala Lumpur’s bustling nightlife with many clubs and pubs within walking distance.
Suria KLCC has 6 levels of retail outlets which are neatly spread out and organized. Each level offers a distinctive character and style making your shopping experience a little more interesting. The anchor tenants are Isetan, Parkson Grand, Tanjong Golden Village (TGV Cineplex) and Signatures Level 2 Food Court. Besides these key tenants, Suria KLCC also offers an arrays of goods and services ranging from fashion to entertainment as well as arts & culture to local and international gourmet.
Many international and local brands ranging from the designer labels to the not-so-designer labels are available at Suria KLCC. Amongst some of the notable brands include Gucci, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Chanel and many other brands that many people can’t afford. For those looking for a shopping experience that wouldn’t burn a hole in your wallet, brands such as G2000, Zara, Esprit, MNG and ZARA would be a better choice. There’s something for everyone at Suria KLCC.
Suria KLCC
One of the key features of Suria KLCC is the KLCC park. It is a large scenic park with pedestrian walkways, a dancing fountain and many other attractions for both the young and old. There’s 50 acres of tropical landscape right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur which is basically more green than you will ever see anywhere within the city.
Suria KLCC is also fully equipped with all the basic facilities and services. A customer service/information counter can be found at the concourse level and they are there to answer all your enquiries. Wheelchair and baby stroller services is also available which means the entire shopping mall is wheelchair friendly. If you’re running low on cash, there are many ATM’s to dispense the much needed cash to buy that perfect outfit. There are restrooms on every floor and they are very well maintained. The whole shopping mall is kept in excellent condition.
Other attractions within or nearby Suria KLCC include the Petronas Twin Towers, Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Aquaria KLCC, Petrosains and the Petronas Art Gallery. With such a wide array of activities available, it’s not only shopping that you’ll find at Suria KLCC.
December 13, 2009
Top Shopping Complex
Many people don’t view Malaysia as a shopping destination. We’re more mistaken for a tropical and exotic paradise rather than a big city with bright lights. Granted, most of Malaysia ‘s land is still untouched, but Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley are very much alive. Its skyscrapers are comparable to that of Tokyo and Singapore , and its shopping malls are equivalent to those of Orchard Road and Rodeo Drive . To make sure you get the best shopping experience, make sure to visit SD’s picks of top 5 shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley .
#1: 1 Utama Shopping Centre @ Bandar Utama
1 Utama, or more affectionately known to the locals as 1U, is undoubtedly one of the best shopping malls in the country. With 6 floors covered by 5 million square feet of retail space, there is much to see and do here and most of it involves shopping. The mall is basically split into two sections. The locals prefer to call it the ‘old wing’ and the ‘new wing’, with the new wing being an extension that was added in December 2003. Many international brands have set up home at 1 Utama and most of them can be found at other large shopping malls in the city. You’ll be able to find everything you need to furnish your house, fill your wardrobe, fix your car and stock in the fridge. Other entertainment options such as a bowling alley, a Cineplex, a fitness centre and a rock climbing gym are also available. Food lovers will also be happy to know that many dining outlets are spread all over the mall. There’s a lot of ground to cover so start your day at 1 Utama as early as 10am and wear a comfortable pair of shoes.
#2: Mid Valley MegaMall @ Kuala Lumpur
Located at Mid Valley City is Mid Valley Megamall, a mega complex that houses office buildings, 2 hotels and one huge shopping mall. Opened in 1999, it is one of the newer shopping malls that is worth a trip. The mall is a one stop-center for all your shopping needs with 4 anchor tenants, Carrefour, Jusco, Golden Screen Cinemas and Metrojaya. The beauty of this shopping mall comes in its organization. The lower ground floor is for food enthusiasts with dining outlets serving food from all over the world. The ground floor and the first floor is a heaven for shopaholics with international and local brands under one roof. The second floor is mostly dedicated to home appliances and décor which the third floor is usually called the entertainment floor. Shopping has never been easier at Mid Valley Megamall, but do be aware of the traffic jam during the weekends. What’s a good shopping mall without the traffic jams?
Mid Valley City
#3: Suria KLCC @ Kuala Lumpur
Suria KLCC is a shopping mall located at the base of Malaysia ‘s infamous Petronas Twin Towers . Not only does Suria KLCC provide you with an ultimate shopping experience, you’ll get to see what were once the world’s tallest buildings. Suria KLCC is probably the most diverse of its kind in Malaysia . There are many different activities to participate in and there’s something for the young, the old and everyone else in between. One of its main features is the Dewan Philharmonik Petronas which is home to Malaysia ‘s very own Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, Petronas also has an art gallery and a science centre for the less musically inclined. Aquaria KLCC is a 90 meter underwater tunnel that is home to 150 different species of fish. Suria KLCC wouldn’t be one of the top shopping malls if it didn’t have excellent shopping facilities. The shopping experience is just average because it caters mostly to the big spenders. People looking for good bargains wouldn’t exactly find this place attractive. KLCC Park is located right outside the doors of Suria KLCC and it is the perfect place to rest those aching feet after a day of fun and shopping.
Suria KLCC
#4: Sunway Pyramid @ Bandar Sunway
Sunway Pyramid might not be the best place to shop, but it makes up for it with its Egyptian theme. It is one of the only themed malls in Malaysia and it has chosen a theme that attracts the interest of both tourists and locals. The main feature of Sunway Pyramid is the pyramid itself which is located at the main entrance. Together with it is the large head of a lion which stands tall and proud to greet its visitors. Another interesting attraction would be the ice skating rink. It is Malaysia ‘s first skating rink within a shopping mall and many flock to the ice to get away from the hot and humid weather outside those walls. There are many shopping and dining outlets but its offerings are less attractive compared to the earlier mentions. Nonetheless, there are some common international brands such as Esprit and Levi’s present and dining options might be a bit limited compared to the more popular malls but it is sufficient. In any case, a trip to see Malaysia’s very own version of Egypt and a whirl around the ice skating rink would make up for it.
#5: Star Hill Gallery @ Kuala Lumpur
The Star Hill Gallery provides a gallery of rich experiences with its international and local designer stores and its fine dining outlets. With a meager 280,000 square feet of space to spare, it attempts to provide a shopping experience of a different kind, the expensive kind. The entire mall is chic, luxurious and classy. The tenants are no different. With names such as Prada, Gucci, DKNY and many more, you’d have to be a big spender to relish in all Star Hill has to offer. Star Hill has recently experienced some changes, particularly to its dining section which is located on the lowest level. Many additional establishments have been added and most of them provide dining of the fine kind. Located at the fringe of Bintang Walk, the Star Hill Gallery is visited by many tourists and locals. It is exclusive, posh and looks like it is catered to the nobles and royalty. But even if you can’t afford the lavish items within, a stroll around the place will give you a out of country experience. It would feel as if you’ve warped to France or New York for some afternoon shopping.
December 12, 2009
Get everything you want at Mid Valley City
This 4.5 million square feet complex is an all in one centre for shopping, entertainment and corporate office. Located at the fringe of Kuala Lumpur city, Mid Valley Megamall boasts 430 retail outlets on five and a half floors, an office tower block and two modest hotels within its compound. It’s almost a mini city on its own.
The main attraction at Mid Valley City is the Megamall which has more levels of parking lots than it does retail floors. Even so, attempting to park a car here is as good solving your algebra problems mentally. One would be better off taking a taxi to avoid wasting previous shopping minutes on shopping for a parking space.
Mid Valley City
Many people flock here to indulge in retail therapy due to its wide variety of outlets ranging from international brands to independent local stores. Brands such as Zara, MNG, British India , Esprit, Giordano and Levi’s can be found on the ground level. The 2nd level is mainly reserved for home décor and fitness which makes it lesser- frequented, where else the 3rd and 4th and a half floor is a blend of entertainment and food. It is here on the 4th floor that visitors can experience Malaysia ‘s very first ‘glow in the dark bowling’ centre. This bizarre activity has the sort of novelty that will last for about 2 hours until which your better judgement will kick in. In addition, its four anchor tenants include Jaya Jusco, Metrojaya, Carrefour and Golden Screen Cinemas which houses a massive 18 screens.
The basement floor sees more traffic because it’s where the food is. Almost every fast food outlet is present and there are many other local delights to choose from. The little café within the Jaya Jusco department store is well known for its assam laksa and nasi lemak . The queue on weekends can be quite alarming but as with most long queues, the patience really pays off. Other notable restaurants such as San Fransisco Steak House, American Chili’s and Kimgary’s are located at the exterior sidewalk on the ground level.
Mid Valley City
Because of its popularity and its location, Mid Valley suffers from one of the worst traffic jams in the Klang Valley . To add insult to injury, public transportation to that area is scarce and shoppers would either have to drive themselves or take a taxi. A good idea would be to visit Mid Valley City on weekdays during the off peak hour unless you’d prefer to experience Kuala Lumpur ‘s very own version of a Bangkok Jam.
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