K.Lumpur - Central Market

Central Market

The Central Market is just a stone's throw from Klang Bus Station and is situated immediately behind the Dayabumi building. Spend a morning wondering through what was once a busy 'wet market'!

This pre-war building was the principal wet market for Kuala Lumpur in earlier years. It was extensively renovated in the early 1980's and redesignated as an arts and cultural centre.

Since being given a new lease of life, the Central Market has become the favourite place for local artists to demonstrate thier skills and display their work.

There are numerous shops and stalls housed in this heritage building will enchant tourists with their offerings such as antique clocks, jewellery, gems, woodcarvings, batik and pewterware. The stalls also sell an interesting range a bric-a-brac, souvenir items, handicrafts and Asian artifacts. Those with an eye for the unusual will enjoy buying or browsing through the market's extensive range of novelty items such as jade trees and blown glass souvenirs.

Central Market remains one of the best places in the city to watch cultural performances. An open air stage serves as the regular venue for traditional and contemporary dance as well as musical concerts.

Cultural performance such as Bangsawan (Malay Traditional Theatre), Wayang Kulit (Shadow Play), Chinese Opera, Nadagam (Indian Traditional Theatre) are held here during weekends. Performances are free and normally start at 7.45pm.

Here we can also see traditional items, handicraft making demonstrations such as tekat (gold embroidery), songket (gold brocade) batik, glass blowing, or have your portrait painted by one of the many talented artists the market.

You can simply relax at one of the many restaurants here with sample local or western food. Central Market open daily from 10am to 10pm. The admission is free.