The 7 Biggest Local Market in Kuala Lumpur

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Malaysia, a vibrant and diverse country, is home to a multitude of bustling local markets, each offering a unique shopping experience and a glimpse into the local culture. These markets, often referred to as “pasar” in Malay, serve as a hub for locals and tourists alike to purchase fresh produce, spices, textiles, crafts, and a variety of other goods.

Here are the 5 largest local markets in Malaysia:

  • Central Market, Kuala Lumpur: Located in the heart of Malaysia’s capital city, Central Market is a bustling market that offers a diverse range of goods, from traditional Malay crafts and souvenirs to modern clothing and accessories. Visitors can also find a wide selection of food stalls offering local delicacies and international cuisine.
  • Petaling Street Market, Kuala Lumpur: Known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, Petaling Street Market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The market is lined with stalls selling a variety of goods, including electronics, clothing, souvenirs, and street food. It is also a great place to experience the city’s renowned street art.
  • Jonker Walk Night Market, Malacca: Held every Friday and Saturday night in the historic city of Malacca, the Jonker Walk Night Market is a vibrant and lively market that draws thousands of visitors each week. The market features a wide range of stalls selling antiques, souvenirs, clothing, and delicious local food. Visitors can also enjoy live music and cultural performances.
  • Chowrasta Market, Penang: Situated in the heart of Penang’s vibrant capital city of George Town, Chowrasta Market is a bustling market that offers a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, herbs, and local delicacies. The market is known for its wide selection of tropical fruits, as well as its traditional Chinese and Indian spices. Visitors can also find a variety of souvenirs and crafts.
  • Pasar Karat, Johor Bahru: Located in Johor Bahru, the southernmost city in Malaysia, Pasar Karat is a large and popular market that offers a mix of new and second-hand goods. Visitors can find a variety of items, including clothing, electronics, furniture, and household goods. The market is also known for its food stalls, which offer a variety of local and international dishes.
Chow Kit Road Market in Kuala Lumpur
Chow Kit Road Market in Kuala Lumpur

The 7 Biggest Local Market near Kuala Lumpur

Chow Kit Road Market

  • Address: Jln Raja Alang, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (6511)
  • Phone: +60 14-965 5711
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Tuesday: 6:02 AM – 2:03 PM
    Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Thursday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Friday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Saturday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Sunday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Life Logs✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Best day market in all Kuala Lumpur!! You can find here everything you were looking for and more! We bought so many things here, from fresh fish to cut chicken, fruits like the best durian at this guy in my video look for him if you there. Overall very happy here. Went many times. Nice food stalls in and around the market too!
    Vũ Hải Nam✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Prepare to be inspired as I recount my journey through Kuala Lumpur’s bustling Chow Kit Market. This lively market is a testament to the city’s spirit and diversity.

    Urban Tapestry: Chow Kit Market is where cultures, colors, and flavors collide. It’s a place that encapsulates the essence of Kuala Lumpur’s diverse population.

    Gourmet Haven: Explore a world of culinary delights, from aromatic spices to exotic fruits. Local vendors offer a treasure trove of ingredients that ignite your passion for cooking.

    Human Stories: Engage with the friendly locals; each vendor has a story to tell. Their resilience and warmth inspire a deeper connection with the city.

    Photographer’s Paradise: The market’s vibrancy and authenticity make it a haven for photographers. Every corner is a canvas, every face a story waiting to be captured.

    Community Bond: Chow Kit Market isn’t just a place to shop; it’s a community hub where people gather, sharing laughter, stories, and a sense of togetherness.

    Visiting Chow Kit Market is an invigorating experience that stirs the senses and fosters a profound appreciation for the heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur. Allow its vitality to spark your own creative inspiration and cultural exploration.

    Atikah Hamdan✭✭✭✭✭
    2 weeks ago
    loads of fresh local vegetables, fruits and meat. like walking through a wonderland ? recommended for your next grocery haul!

    ps there’s even a florist & stationery (for wedding etc) shop too within the market

    Ravikrishna Avula✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Good andbig wholesale wet market in Centre of Kuala Lumpur. You can find all kids of ?, chicken ??, mutton, beef and fruits and vegetables. Prices are also very very reasonable. Good one.
    Reza Parhizkar✭✭✭✭✭
    3 weeks ago
    Nice wet market in Kuala Lumpur. Make sure you pass the meat and fish market to reach the fruits and vegetables in the back. You can find all sorts of fruit, from durian to Java apples. Highly recommended!

Petaling Street Market

  • Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.1 (28961)
  • Phone: +60 3-2032 5988
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Walter van Praag✭✭✭✭✭
    a week ago
    No tourist should miss out on the Petaling street market. It is where mist people buy their fakes brand bags, watches, jewellery and great food and snacks. Friendly and crowded, relatively clean and safe but do watch out with valuables just in case as you are in busy crowds.
    Qufthaq Ajeer (Guf)✭✭✭✭✭
    2 weeks ago
    Must-visit when you’re in Kuala Lumpur! ?️? It’s a vibrant and bustling market filled with a wide variety of goods, from clothes and accessories to street food and souvenirs. You can find some great bargains here, but remember to haggle for the best prices! ?? The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with street performers and vendors calling out to attract customers. It’s a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the vibrant street life of Kuala Lumpur. Don’t forget to try some delicious street food while you’re there! ??? Overall, I highly recommend checking out Petaling Street Market for a fun and unique shopping experience! ??️
    Ibrahim Ismail✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    – Found this cool gift shop No. 28 the end of Petaling Street, perfect for grabbing stuff for our international buddies / souvenirs. – They’re open in the evening and at night, making it easy to swing by whenever. – Love that they light up the place, showing off prices clearly, and it’s way cheaper than other spots. – Hate those stores that don’t display prices – like, come on, don’t want any surprise costs, right? ? – Did a little shopping spree and this place had the best deals. Got nail clipper keychains, 5-6 for RM 13-16; elsewhere, it’s like RM 24, no thanks. – Picked up a tote bag with an embroidered design for just RM 10. Other places were asking around RM 15 for a plain one. Total win! – The tote bag has a zip, a little pocket, and a plastic lining – rain ain’t ruining my stuff. – It’s fun seeing people rocking Malaysia-themed tote bags. Malaysia Truly Asia, you know? – Tons of T-shirt options, different designs, and sizes – makes shopping way more interesting. ?️
    Min &Gin✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    The market is very interesting for souvenirs purchase. Do not hesitate to negotiate. The ambiance is busy streets full of souvenirs shops and vendors calling you. At the corner of the criss cross streets , fruit juice vendor to try for sure. The lanterns and big Statues of lions give a Chinese vibe to this area.
    Hewey H✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Cool place to haggle the hawkers and by really great imitation and seconds imported from Thailand, China, Vietnam and Korea.

    Quality of goods overall are very good and for the prices you can haggle to they are good. Only one aggressive shop owner for the whole market but choose your targets when dealing with them and if you’re looking to shop hard then go first in the morning before they get tired and it heats up.

    Food is great just a street over for meals, there’s snacks spread out all through the market in amongst the clothing, bags, shoes, bags and bags.

    Very worthwhile coming here to find some nice trinkets or stock up on your sporting gear, bags, shoes and bags.

Old Klang Road Market

  • Address: Next to Old Post Office, Wilayah Persekutuan, Old Klang Rd, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.9 (933)

U-24 @ Central Market

  • Address: LOT 03, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, 50000, Malaysia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (6)

Bazaar Baru Chow Kit

  • Address: LOT 691, 692, & 693, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (181)

Wet Market

  • Address: 161, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.7 (18)

Kasturi Walk

  • Address: Kasturi Walk, 32, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (214)
Chow Kit Road Market in Kuala Lumpur
Chow Kit Road Market in Kuala Lumpur

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Top Local Market Alternatives in Kuala Lumpur

The economy of Malaysia is the fifth largest in Southeast Asia and the 36th largest in the world in terms of GDP. The 2018 labour productivity of Malaysia was measured at Int$55,360 per worker, the third highest in ASEAN. The 2021 Global Competitiveness Report ranked Malaysian economy the 25th most competitive country economy in the world.Malaysians enjoy a relatively affluent lifestyle compared to many of its neighbours in Southeast Asia. This is due to a fast-growing export-oriented economy, a relatively low national income tax, highly affordable local food and transport fuel, as well as a fully subsidized single-payer public healthcare system. Malaysia has a newly industrialised market economy, which is relatively open and state-oriented. The Malaysian economy is highly robust and diversified with the export value of high-tech products in 2020 standing at US$92.1 billion, the second highest in ASEAN. Malaysia exports the second largest volume and value of palm oil products globally, after Indonesia.

The Biggest Local Market in Malaysia

In Kuala Lumpur, there are several local market alternatives that are popular among both locals and tourists. These markets not only offer a wide variety of goods and products, but also give a glimpse into the vibrant culture and heritage of Malaysia. Here are the top three local market alternatives in Kuala Lumpur:

  • Pasar Malam: Pasar Malam, which translates to “Night Market” in Malay, is a popular local market that operates in different locations throughout the city. These markets usually open in the evening and are known for their lively atmosphere and diverse range of items. Visitors can find everything from traditional snacks and street food to clothing, accessories, household items, and even electronics. Pasar Malam is a great place to experience the local flavors and interact with the friendly vendors.

  • Petaling Street: Located in the heart of Chinatown, Petaling Street is a bustling market that is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and bargain shopping. It is the go-to place for those looking for affordable clothing, accessories, electronics, souvenirs, and counterfeit goods. The market is also known for its street food stalls, where visitors can savor delicious local delicacies such as char kway teow and Hokkien mee. Petaling Street is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the lively energy of Kuala Lumpur.

  • Central Market: Situated in a beautifully restored Art Deco building, Central Market is a cultural hub that showcases Malaysian arts, crafts, and heritage. Here, visitors can find a wide selection of traditional and contemporary handicrafts, including batik clothing, wood carvings, pottery, and traditional jewelry. The market also features art galleries, souvenir shops, and a food court where visitors can sample authentic Malaysian cuisine. Central Market is a great place to immerse yourself in the local arts and crafts scene and purchase unique souvenirs.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Local Market spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.

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