Did you know that over 560 malls in Malaysia have a 5-star rating? Among these, Kuala Lumpur alone has over 50 shopping malls. But the list is huge, and time is limited. So, which one of these should you visit or have what you need?
To cut down the hassle for you, I personally visited all of these malls. I researched the user experience and weighed the pros and cons of each. All this hard work enabled me to compile a list of the 11 best malls in KL for you. Ready to shop? Here are my top 11 picks!
1. Pavilion KL
Pavilion KL will always be the number 1 destination for shopping lovers, with over 700 shops to roam around. This award-winning shopping mall in KL is spread over 1.7 million square feet and has 8 themed precincts.
The 5-star Pavilion Hotel KL, Pavilion Tower office block, 2 blocks of Pavilion Residences, Pavilion Suites, 10-storey Pavilion Elite, and 7-storey Premier shopping mall are included in Pavilion KL. Huge, isn’t it?
Pavilion KL can make your dreams come true. Why? Because at the entrance, you’ll find Liuli Crystal, the tallest fountain of KL, serving as a wishing well.
Toss a coin and see your dream come true.
If it’s still not enough, Cafe de Paris, Wild Honey, and Matcha Hero Kyoto are there to satisfy you.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
2. Starhill KL
Previously known as Starhill Gallery, Starhill is another luxurious shopping mall in KL. It is located right opposite to the Pavilion KL. Here, you’ll find all the high-end shopping options like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, Hermes, Gucci, and more.
If you’re into book reading, you’ll love your visit to Starhill because it has Eslite Spectrum. It is the flagship store of a well-known bookstore chain. This is the world’s first 24-hour bookstore with books and everything else a bookworm craves.
The mall has 7 levels, each with a separate theme: Adorn, Explore, Feast, Pamper, Indulge, Muse, and Relish. The best part? Every floor has access to car parking!
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
3. Suria KLCC Mall
With more than 360 speciality stores, Suria KLCC is a shopper’s dream KL shopping mall. No wonder the mall offers everything from local shops to international flagship stores. An area of 1.17 million square feet can hold this much.
The mall is located at the feet of Petronas Twin Towers, which are an interlinked pair of super-tall skyscrapers. In fact, these are the world’s tallest twin towers. So shopping here is for sure a one-of-a-kind experience.
This is one of the busiest malls in KL, with over 40 million visitors annually. What’s more? You also get a large cinema, an orchestra hall, an outdoor swimming pool, an aquarium, and a convention centre – all in one place.
Have you had enough of shopping and crowds? If you want to see the city from a bird’s eye view, come to Suria KLCC.
This place offers views of Lake Symphony and KLCC Park. These views will definitely help you relax a bit and freshen you up for another shopping spree.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
4. The Exchange TRX Mall
This KL shopping mall is located in the heart of Tun Razak Exchange. The mall is directly connected to the KG20 PY23 Tun Razak Exchange MRT station. This is why it is easily accessible to all and has over 400 retailers.
And if this is not enough to compel you, let me tell you something. An internationally benchmarked gem of Malaysia called TRX City Park is here. It is a 10-acre rooftop park with a play cave, a play city, and water play.
Imagine walking along with the scent of 150,000 plants. Or counting stars underneath the play cave? You wouldn’t find experiences like these anywhere else; that’s a guarantee.
A few other services of this shopping mall in Kl that add to the user-friendly experience include:
- Stroller rental service
- Nursing rooms
- Family washrooms
- Wheelchair rentals
- Prayer rooms
- Free Wi-Fi.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
TRX City Park: 8 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TheExchangeTRX
5. Lalaport Mall
Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Center, shortly referred to as Lalaport Mall, is a Japanese lifestyle mall. People call it “Japan’s favourite shopping mall,” and very rightfully so.
The mall has a futuristic architecture, just like you would expect from a Japanese brand. Along with 400 retail stores, the Garden Dining on level 4 is a tourist favourite and can accommodate over 1400 people.
Another good thing about this KL shopping mall is that there are a lot of stores offering tax-free services. So you can save some bucks and still shop all you want. Also, don’t forget to download their mobile app to stay updated.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
6. NU Sentral
Nu Sentral is Malaysia’s first transit consumer lifestyle mall with 8 storeys, a large rooftop, and multiple services. Since the mall is directly connected to KL Sentral, you wouldn’t have difficulty reaching it.
Ready to shop? H&M, Levi’s, Giordano, Fabindia, Steve Madden, MiniSo, and many other shops await your visit to Nu Sentral. This mall is a go-to option for anyone seeking good leisure and a shopping spot.
Also, this KL shopping mall offers services like ATMs, lockers, nursing rooms, blind guide tiles, and money changers. Baby strollers and wheelchairs are also available.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
7. Mid Valley Southkey
The sister brand of Mid Valley Megamall, or the Mid Valley Southkey, is another luxurious shopping mall in KL. It is spread over 4 million square feet.
Southkey has a very strategic location. It connects with 3 significant highways via Tebrau Highway, Jalan Bakar Batu & Eastern Dispersal Link.
This is probably the only mall that has education options as well. Yes, Southkey is home to an international school and a city university.
This gives it an additional perk. And hey, if you’re out of mobile data, don’t forget to enjoy their free Wi-Fi service.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
8. Pavilion Damansara Heights
A lifestyle mall, luxury residences, and corporate offices – this is Pavilion Damansara Heights for you. This mall is not just for your shopping but is also a treat for sore eyes, with 2,888 Murano-glass crystals installed.
Though this KL shopping mall was recently opened, it has garnered customers’ attention effectively. Introducing parking solely for ladies is another commendable step by Pavilion Damansara.
It is located over 16 acres of land. The mall also offers loyalty benefits through its exclusive loyalty reward program. It has 3 tiers:
Pavilion Luxe
- On spends over 50,000 in a single receipt)
- Access to by-invitation-only exclusive events organised by Pavilion Damansara Heights
- Welcome gift upon sign-up
- Mall seasonal rewards
- Shopping and dining offers during the birthday month
- Year-round member’s privileges and offers
Pavilion Priority
- On spends over RM5000 in a single receipt
- Year-round member’s privileges and offers
- Birthday month offers
- Sign up for a welcome gift
- Mall seasonal rewards
Pavilion Lifestyle
- On spends over RM1500 in a single receipt
- Year-round member’s privileges and offers
- Mall seasonal rewards
- Invitation to events or activities organised by Pavilion Damansara Heights
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
9. One Utama Shopping Centre
Say hello to the largest KL shopping mall and even Malaysia. One Utama Shopping Center also secures 7th position in the world’s list of biggest shopping malls. It has an area of 5,590,000 square feet.
This KL shopping mall is home to over 700 shops, including 2 cinemas, TGV and GSC. It also has 3 department stores called Aeon, Parkson, and Isetan.
This 28-year-old mall has something for everyone, including maternity stuff, fitness equipment, beauty and makeup, and so much more. But what makes this mall stand out from the crowd is its Rainforest.
This dedicated area has lush greenery, koi ponds, and a suspension bridge so you can walk in nature when bored. And hey, if you’re in the mood for some good food, you can grab a seat around this Rainforest. So you can enjoy both the food and the view!
Opening Hours: Friday, Saturday – 10 am to 10:30 pm
Rest of the week: 10 am to 10 pm
10. IOI City Mall
Here’s another multi-award-winning shopping mall in KL that caters to audiences of all economic groups. From budget-friendly shops to high-end items, you’ll get what you’re seeking here.
But let me give you a heads-up. IOI City Mall is full of attractions, and you’ll get confused about which one to visit.
First up, we have District 21. It is an action park where you can enjoy rides like Free Fall, Power Station, Ninja Warrior Course, Maze, Sky Trail, Tubby Ride, and so much more.
So, visit with your family, or you can even have your birthdays organised here! Did it get too much action? How about a walk with a stunning waterfront? That is The Symphony Walk for you.
And if you’re visiting at night, find a creative park at the East Wing of the Symphony Walk. The colourful LED lights will give you a vibrant and cheerful path to walk on. So, take out your phone and get the best pictures for your Insta fam!
Lastly, the IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Center will give you the most luxurious vibe ever. It is a fully carpeted and pillarless space. If you’re lucky enough, you might run into a limited-edition car exhibition or an art exhibition.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
11. Sunway Pyramid
More than 1000 retailers are awaiting you at Sunway Pyramid. Outlets like Victoria’s Secret, Bobbi Brown, Aldo, Calvin Klein, Charles and Keith, and others are calling your name.
This KL shopping mall is home to Malaysia’s largest and only ice skating rink. Enjoy ice skating, and if you think you’re not good enough, they also have a skate academy offering beginner to advanced training. A visitor pass is only for 5RM, and socks and gloves are available at an additional cost.
Next, Sunway Lagoon’s Scream Park is a water park not to be missed. Just looking at this divine park will make your adrenaline rush. But you also have multiple rides to get the most out of your experience.
There are also over 150 animal species in the Wildlife section and a Surf Beach if you’re up for surfing. And don’t worry about having to walk so much. The free Sunway shuttle bus is available at every stop.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Ice Skating Rink – 9 am to 8 pm (Monday to Friday)
Saturdays – 9 am to 10 pm
Sundays – 9 am to 8:30 pm
Take Home Message
Kuala Lumpur is known for its shopping craze. Some malls in KL attract over 3 million visitors per month, and every mall is unique in its own way.
So, it was quite a task to narrow it down to only 11 malls. If you’re on a visit to this vibrant city, my KL shopping mall recommendation would be Pavilion KL.
Why? Because it is one of the trendiest malls in KL ever, with the most famous brands, and it never goes down. No matter how many new malls come in, the Pavilion holds its place.
Ready? Grab your cards, and let’s go shopping!
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