Chinatown and Central Market

Central Market


Central Market is a mass of shops that sells arts, crafts, and other souveniers in the Pasar Seni area of KL. The marker originally opened as a "wet market" selling fruits, veggies, other foodstuffs, etc. in 1888. The builing, built in the first half of the 1900s, has been preserved by the Malaysian Heritage Society. The Central Market has a very interesting website- http://www.centralmarket.com.my/index.php.

I went down to Central Market, and nearby Chinatown, to get a head start on my Christmas shopping (when you don't have to have Thanksgiving you can put your Christmas decorations up early. Christmas trees are starting to sprout up). Don't get too excited because most of you aren't on my shopping list, and those of you that are will surely be disappointed.

Chinatown

Chinatown is an older section of KL that has traditionally been the location of houses and buisinesses of the Chinese community in Malaysia. The history of Chinatown is very interesting and well described here- http://www.journeymalaysia.com/MHIS_klchinatown.htm. Today, Chinatown is a popular tourist destination, particularly with the "back packing crowd" because there are many low cost hostels located in this area.

Some of the old buildings have been beautifully restored in colonial style.


Petaling Street

Today the main attraction of Chinatown is Petaling Street, an area that has been blocked off and filled with small stalls selling all sorts of cheap stuff. Don't expect to see too many Chinese working in the stalls because they have all been replaced by cheaper foreign workers.

Notice the ubiquitous Golden Arches in the background!


I always enter Petaling Street with great enthusiasm, but after just a few minutes of saying "No, I don't want to buy that junk!" and constantly worrying about getting my pocket picked, I am ready to leave. Luckily, there are some quieter surrounding areas that are quite nice.




I have learned that Malaysia has the second highest tax on alcohol in the world so, not surprisingly, the cost of alcohol here is high. Beer prices in bars and clubs are ridiculously high so the best places to sit and enjoy a beer are in the roadside Chinese food restaraunts. There are several good restaraunts near Petaling Street where it is fun to eat some good food, have a couple of beers, and watch the world go by. I feel especially proud when I can see actual examples of my favorite species- "the ugly American"!

This sign was located on one of the toilet doors at the Chinese food place in Chinatown. I assumed it means this stall is to be used by men and unfortunately unattractive women.