The recently unveiled Pavilion KL in the Bukit Bintang shopping hub.

SOME people say shopping in Kuala Lumpur (KL) is not as cheap as in Bangkok, and that its fashion is not as hot as Hong Kong's.

I disagree because Malaysia's capital city doesn't disappoint with its burgeoning retail business and impressive mega malls. And the Singapore dollar stretches far with the Malaysian ringgit.

The shopping malls in KL are largely located at Jalan Bukit Bintang in the Golden Triangle of entertainment and shopping.

It is a shopping haven that includes Lot 10, KL Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza and Starhill Gallery with upmarket tenants such as Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Fendi boutiques.

Worth a visit is the recently unveiled Pavilion KL - home to about 450 retailers, including luxury flagship brands such as Hermes, Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace.

The Couture Pavilion presents a luxurious retail experience where shoppers can enjoy personal services and gourmet coffees, chocolates and cakes at the lounge. Besides fashion, this spacious complex also offers a gourmet emporium, entertainment, health and beauty services.

For a quick bite or caffeine fix, head for one of the many alfresco cafes along Bintang Walk. In the evenings, I like to check out the vibrant street food and coffee shops at Jalan Alor near Jalan Bukit Bintang.

A trip to KL must include a visit to the iconic Suria KLCC at the foot of the lofty Petronas Twin Towers. This premier shopping centre beckons with lots of retail outlets.

Besides shopping at Suria KLCC, don't forget to take in the sights of the Petronas Twin Towers, Petrosains discovery centre and Aquaria KLCC aquarium.

Seeking for the latest in high fashion? This is where you can find Jimmy Choo shoes or Marc Jacobs bags. When you are done, head for the duty-free store for great buys.

Another one of my favourite shopping spots is Bangsar Village II - an extension of Bangsar Village at the Telawi area of Bangsar. I particularly appreciate the wide variety of fashion labels, stylish kitchenware and art pieces there.

If you need a respite from shopping, book a Turkish bath and massage, or go to the strip lined with trendy eateries. Recommended is the popular Delicious by Ms Read, where you can tuck into pastas and luscious cakes.

Some of my friends prefer Bandar Utama in the neighbouring Petaling Jaya/Damansara, where 1 Utama, The Curve, Tesco, Ikano Center and Ikea are located. Usually packed with crowds on weekends, Bandar Utama's selling points are its many mid-range shops and the sheer variety of products you can buy.

Bargain hunters like myself enjoy scouring the stalls at Petaling Street in Chinatown.

From noon till late at night, the place is packed with vendors selling souvenirs, jewellery, clothes, shoes and other knick-knacks. The pavements are usually filled with tourists and locals rummaging for bargains, but beware of pickpockets.

If you are looking for traditional handicraft by local artists, a few minutes walk from Petaling Street is the Central Market on Jalan Hang Kasturi. The 119-yearold building, which used to house a wet market, now boasts numerous stores selling batik, antiques, lacquer ware, woodcarvings, paintings and silverware.

Lot 10 shopping mall in Bukit Bintang

If you can squeeze some time in between your shopping sprees, swing by tourist attractions like the Eye On Malaysia between 10am and 10pm. Launched in January, the giant Ferris wheel allows you to experience a 12-minute ride that gives a panoramic view of KL.

The Petronas Twin Towers is a must-see too. The two 88-storey skyscrapers house attractions such as Galeri Petronas, an art gallery; Petrosains, an interactive science discovery centre; and Aquaria KLCC, an aquarium with a 90mlong underwater acrylic tunnel.

Photos: Pavilion, Jamie Koh

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Malaysia Year End Sale 2007
DEC 1 TO JAN 1, 2008

The nationwide Malaysia Year End Sale returns with exciting events and activities, bargains, discounts and promotions for shopaholics. For details, visit www.mymegasale.com/myes