Chinatown / Petaling Street
” Petaling Street, or more locally known as Chinatown is the centre of Kuala Lumpur’s heart – and what can one expects to find there?”
Geographic Location
Petaling Street or known as Chinatown among tourists is the centre of Kuala Lumpur’s heart. The street is also affectionately known as PS among locals. It is located at the Southeast of Central Market, bounded by Jalan Bandar, Jalan Petaling and Jalan Sultan.
Unique Features
To experience Petaling Street (Chinatown), you should go there at night! It’s a place that never sleeps. The jostling crowd and noise are part of the fun of visiting Petaling Street. Without these, it just wouldn’t be right.
The street has actually been given a facelift. Gone are the uneven roads and broken pavements and the huge colourful umbrellas that protect the goods sold from wooden pushcarts. Petaling Street is now sheltered, with two large Chinese arches placed at both ends of the street to welcome visitors.
It is a bustling market, serving as a bargain hunter’s paradise and one of the premier shopping areas in the city, which is distinct in oriental atmosphere.
The area is famous for its makeshift bazaars or stalls; selling “very reasonably” priced goods like wallets, handbags, t-shirts, watches, shoes, as well as dresses, sunglasses, shoes, fabrics and souvenirs. Petaling Street is also known for its jewellery shops with fascinating variety of fine jewellery items beautifully crafted in gold and set with priceless gemstones.
Historical Background
The original Chinese Town centred on Market Square. As the population grew, expansion was constrained by swamps, hills and the river. High Street, now known as Jalan Tun HS Lee, became increasingly popular, as it was higher than the rest of the town and therefore less prone to floods.
Kuala Lumpur was a typical “pioneer” town at the turn of the century, filled with a rough and tough population that was largely male. For entertainment, there was Chinese wayang (opera) or bangsawan (Malay theatre).
The Chinese leaders provided for the community through associations, benevolent societies, temples and foundations. The wealthier and more ornate shophouses were built north of Jalan Cheng Lock, closer to the business centre.
” Petaling Street, or more locally known as Chinatown is the centre of Kuala Lumpur’s heart – and what can one expects to find there?”
Food
You are in food haven – Chinese food haven to be exact. There are many restaurants with a lot of delicious choices. Some of the restaurants here have been operating for generations! Patrons would normally be given a menu complete with pictures giving them a good indication of how their meal will look like.
The Hokkien Noodles at the corner of Hong Leong Bank is quite popular, judging from the long queues of people waiting to place their orders. Don’t be disheartened, as it is really worth the wait. Look out for Yook Woo Hin restaurant – one the longest surviving family-run food places in KL.
Petaling Street is still a worthwhile place to visit for the food. If you wander into the side lanes, you will still be able to have a glimpse into the old Chinatown, from the lane that sells funeral wreaths, to the almost hidden wet market selling live poultry, seafood and fresh vegetables.
Travel Advice
Bargaining here is an absolute must, so bargain hard! It’s the ideal place to test your bargaining skills. Even in daytime you have great bargains. Take note, as Petaling Street is not open for the traffic. It is a great place for locals to get some goods at bargain prices and certainly an eye-opening experience for tourists.
You are in food haven – Chinese food haven to be exact. There are many restaurants with a lot of delicious choices. Some of the restaurants here have been operating for generations! Patrons would normally be given a menu complete with pictures giving them a good indication of how their meal will look like.
Petaling Street – KL’s very own Chinatown is a hive of sound and activities. Located at the heart of KL’s bustling Chinatown, Petaling Street is the place to head for those who are interested in experiencing the excitement of bargaining for their purchases.
Petaling Street is endowed with a distinct character of its own. Its popular night market is a daily feature. Walk, linger or browse as the sights and sounds capture one’s imagination. Flanking both sides of this treet are shops selling anything from textiles to Chinese Herbal medicines.
This is a good place to purchase Chinese artifacts lie igurines, incense-holders, paintings, joss-sticks and bric-a-brac. Other interesting items include herbs for traditional remedies and sweetmeats.
Aged craftsmen at work in their shophouses can be seen producing goods such as lanterns, tinware and calligraphy items along the streets. Baskets and bouquets of fresh flowers make a refreshing sight amid the bustle and din of hanggling over prices.
Petaling Street is also known for its jewellery shops with their fascinating variety of beautifully crafted gold items set with priceless gemstones. Traders spread out their mats along narrow five-foot ways, offering brightly coloured trinklets, wall hangings, teapots, curios and ornaments from India and Myanmar.
Shops here stock a variety of goods from dresses and shoes to fabrics, costume jewellery, and many more. There are also a number of restaurants serving authentic regional Chinese cuisine.