Central Market Kuala Lumpur (pasar seni) is a cultural landmark every tourist should visit.
Central Market is barely a five-minute short walk from Chinatown at Petaling Street, making it conveniently accessible to tourists who plan to visit both places on the same trip.
The original building of Central Market was built in 1988 by the British as a wet market in 1937. The Art Deco-style building was rebuilt in 1937 and has been listed as a heritage site by the National Heritage Department. Since then, it has emerged as the landmark of Malaysian culture and heritage melting pot.
Several changes have occurred since my first visit to Central Market in 2019. Here is the updated information, along with some fresh images I captured during my visit in February 2024.
1. Ground Flour
The Ground Floor of the building has gone through extensive renovations, including removing the existing Malay Street, Straits Chinese, and Little India eaterie outlets. These have been replaced with new food outlets, mainly grouped under the Market Hall.
The central area of the Ground Floor is where all the activities occur. During my visit, a large book fair was being held, and since it was the weekend, the place was crowded and noisy, which appropriately fits its name, Central Market.
A warren of kiosks inside the building sells clothing, appeals, local handicrafts, collectibles, and souvenirs. Most of them are traditional handicrafts from various ethnic groups in Malaysia.
2. The mezzanine floor
The mezzanine floor is mainly for different types of dresses.
3. The Central Market Annexe Gallery in Kuala Lumpur
At the back of the main building of Central Market is the Annexe Gallery, which is the place for the exhibition of contemporary art.
It was formerly a cineplex, which has been transformed into an art gallery since 2006. Over here. It holds various exhibitions regularly. Check it out if you like the local arts and crafts.
4. Kasturi walk
Kasturi Walk is part of the Jalan Hang Kasturi, pedestrianized under a huge wau arch next to Central Market, opened in 2011.
It is a 150-meter short covered walkway of the Central Market. It is a shopping haven for visitors with alfresco-style kiosks selling a wide range of items, from local delicacies like putu bamboo to exquisite souvenirs.
The Kasturi Walk sells practically the same stuff as in the building. However, you can find knockoff items and perhaps some original ones. You can find watches, shoes, dresses, T-shirts, etc. Vendors may quote a high price. Remember to haggle with the seller.
5. Benteng
Benteng is a new addition to Pasar Seni on the opposite side of Kasturi Walk. More shops are selling clothes, snacks, food, and souvenirs here.
A brief history
Central Market has a rich history dating back to 1882, when Yap Ah Loy, the third Chinese Kapitan, built it. Over the years, the market underwent various transformations, with a major renovation from 1936 to 1937. However, in the late 1970s, the Urban Development Authority proposed demolishing the building and surrounding pre-war shophouses. This decision was met with opposition from The Heritage Malaysia Trust and other NGOs, who campaigned to preserve the market. In 1985, due to the economic downturn and a surplus of office and commercial space in the property market, the government agreed to save the Central Market. The building was refurbished and facelifted, transforming the old wet market into a vibrant center of Malaysian culture, arts, and handicrafts.
Address: No. 10, 1st-3rd floor, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Geographic coordinates: 3.145571, 101.695291
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 – 22:00
Go by MRT: 5 minutes walk from Pasar Seni Station
Distance from city center: At the city center, it is a few minutes walk to Petaling Street
Best time to visit: Arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds.
Dress code: No specific dress code
Suggested duration: 2-3 hours
Entrance fee: Free
Telephone: +603 2031 0399 or +603 2031 5399 or +603 2031 7399
The location of Central Market
It is now in the history …
I took some photos during our visit in 2017. Unfortunately, they have been removed after the renovation. However, I would like to keep them at the end of this article for your reference as they are now part of the history.
There are three parallel side lanes at the west wing of the ground floor, which are called Malay Street, Straits Chinese, and Little India, respectively. Here is the best place to look for handicrafts by the major ethnic groups in Malaysia.
Chinese Calligraphy
You will find diversified cultures and arts at Central Market. This uncle is the familiar face on the ground floor of Central Market. He is an expert in Chinese calligraphy 书法, the artistic writing for Chinese characters. You can request him to write your name or a couplet for the Chinese New Year.
OldTown White Coffee is a homegrown coffee shop franchise specializing in the unique local ‘white ‘ coffee. It is a sweetened coffee that tastes distinctly different from any espresso-based coffee. Other newer eateries have now replaced it.
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