From its humble beginnings as a tin mining town in the 1800s, Kuala Lumpur (KL) has transformed into a vibrant, bustling, cosmopolitan city that is home to more than seven million people.

With so many direct daily flights from Australian capital cities, your Malaysian Retail Therapy will almost certainly begin and end in KL. And you’ll be very glad it does. In KL you can make the most of the city’s luxe hotels, high-end and boutique shopping and sumptuous dining options, while soaking up the invigorating atmosphere.

For those looking to indulge  a spot of retail therapy on your next holiday, then Kuala Lumpur is the place for you! Shopping is a serious pastime in KL – there’s every shopping experience imaginable, from exciting street markets to sophisticated luxury brand signature stores.

The main shopping district is Bukit Bintang, located in the Golden Triangle area, which is a 10 minute drive from Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Here you’ll find a mix of high-street and designer stores, as well as major shopping complexes, such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Starhill Gallery, Suria KLCC, and Lot 10 Shopping Centre. These complexes are home to retailers like Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Topshop, and Tiffany and Co.

Outside of Bukit Bintang, in suburban KL, you’ll also find great shopping malls, including Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre, Mid-Valley Mega-Mall and One Utama Damansara.

If you’re looking to combine a bustling atmosphere, with bargain shopping buys, head to Petaling St and the nearby Central Market, which are located in Chinatown.

While great bargains can be found year-round from June to August, and November to January, two major shopping carnivals run – the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, and the Malaysia Year End Sale.

When it’s time to eat, you’ll find that Malaysians take their food very seriously. That’s why the dining options in KL are nothing short of spectacular.

If you’re looking for an authentic Malaysian dining experience, make sure you try out some of Kuala Lumpur’s famed hawker food. Top picks include Jalan Alor, which is located in the Golden Triangle district; the nearby Pudu Markets in Pudu; or Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Little India, which is located close to the Masjid Jamek LRT station.

For a taste of fine dining try acclaimed restaurants like Neo Tamarind, Restaurant Lafite, Restoran Rebung, Lai Po Heen, or for a range of tasty eateries head to Feast Village at Starhill Gallery. As the perfect complement to your high-end dinner, make sure you finish your evening off with a cocktail at one of Malaysia’s stunning rooftop bars, like Skybar at Traders, or View Rooftop Bar.

If you’re looking to take home the ultimate gourmet souvenir, you can also try one of the many cooking classes available in KL, where you can pick up tips on the techniques, ingredients and produce that make up Malaysian cuisine. Top picks include Lazat Cooking Class and Bayan Indah.

Best time to visit: Kuala Lumpur is a temperate city, and the year-round climate is consistent – making this a great destination to visit year-round

For more information on Kuala Lumpur go to: www.tourism.gov.my or contact us for the Kuala Lumpur information pack.

Feature Image Credit: Pexels