Unless you are absolutely new to the shopping scene in Kuala Lumpur, making a couple of trips to the shopping mall would be unavoidable. The city boasts some of the most vibrant and ritzy shopping scenes in the country, ranging from high-street brands to homegrown indie labels. Shopping on a budget? Kuala Lumpur caters to the likes of budget shoppers too!

The best thing about the shopping scene in Kuala Lumpur is that it goes into a whole new level during festive seasons. In about a month’s time (17 May 2018), Muslims will enter the Ramadan fasting month, and with it comes the sights, the decorations, and the massive pre-Hari Raya or Eid al-Fitr celebration sales.

To help you get into the festive spirit, or if you are prepping up for Hari Raya and would like to seize some real bargains, here are some of the best places the locals go to do their annual Hari Raya shopping.

Shopping Districts

If you are into high fashion, designer labels or mid-priced brands, then shopping malls are right up your alley. The shopping malls and department stores in Kuala Lumpur are filled with a good spread of stores to make the shopaholics and style mavens swoon with sheer joy. The vast range of shopping options vary from those geared towards the elite to those looking for fashionable items at reasonable price tags.

The best shopping districts in Kuala Lumpur include Bukit Bintang and KLCC. Home to upmarket and specialty shopping malls, both areas offer a diverse and incredible range of international and local brands. For fashionistas, head on to Suria KLCC or Pavilion KL for the latest in fashion and accessories, or if you are a tech junkie, go on a Hari Raya tech shopping spree at Low Yat Plaza. Explore the other malls in the surrounding area for other items.

Street Shopping Areas

Jalan Masjid India and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman are notorious for serious shoppers looking for great bargains. Go to the open street markets or better known to the locals as Ramadan bazaars to catch traders selling a great selection of festive attires, headscarves, accessories, traditional snacks and other items. The bargains are plentiful and can be overwhelming as most goods are often sold cheaper than the ones sold in shopping malls.

While you are there, make it a point to visit the rows of shops on both streets. Many of those stores offer affordable price tags on their wares. For festive clothing and accessories, Kamdar, Jakel, Harrisons and Ariani are some of the shops popular among the locals. Visit KL Sogo for handbags, shoes, cosmetics and perfumes. The mall usually offer incredible sales during this period.

Word of caution though, both streets can be highly congested with people and quite loud, making it difficult for you to make your purchases. Certainly not a place for the fainthearted or those who are not too fond of crowds and noise. The advantage, however, is that as the days draw closer to Hari Raya, the vendors tend to lower their prices even further, enabling you to save even more. To give you an idea of how low the price can get, if the vendor sells two boxes of festive cookies for RM50, during the last few days of Ramadan he might offer three or even four boxes for the same price. Come at night, or better still during the eve of Hari Raya to witness the full spectacle.

Alternative Shopping Destinations

Besides the shopping malls and Ramadan bazaars, the locals do their shopping at other places too. There is the Kenanga Wholesale City (pictured at top), where locals go to for bulk purchases. Extremely practical for those with large families. You can save a lot if you buy at least three items or more, and the vendors even allow you to mix your purchases so you do not have to end up buying three items of the same type. Plus you can also bargain with the vendors for a better price. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes and carry enough money with you as the mall is huge.

There is also a growing trend of buying festive clothing and accessories through online shopping channels. Popular ones include FashionValet, ThePopLook and Zalora. Shopping at the comfort of your home, without having to go out and beat the traffic during the fasting month can be a form of luxury to many locals.

Now you have got the list of places the locals go to for their Hari Raya essentials, it is time for you to schedule it into your shopping itinerary and make your plans to shop like a true local from Kuala Lumpur. Have an enjoyable and memorable shopping experience!