21 Best Malls in KL The Ultimate Family Shopping Experience

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Shopping is always a fun activity, especially when you’re with your family. Kuala Lumpur, or KL is known for its bustling streets and diverse food options, but the mega malls in KL are equally impressive and provide a welcome respite from the heat during the day.

The shopping malls in KL are not just a place to shop but also a destination to enjoy festive atmospheres, delicious food, family entertainment and a range of fun and fashionable options for the whole family.

From luxury shopping experiences to budget-friendly options, KL has it all. When we first arrived in KL from our world travel, we didn’t consider mall-hopping as a thing to do in KL. However, when we saw the size and scale of the shopping malls in this vibrant city, we instantly changed our minds.

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In this post, we will take a look at the best malls in KL that offer the ultimate family shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends, family entertainment, or just a place to hang out and eat, these malls have got you covered. We’ll introduce you to our family’s absolute favourite mega shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, including Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, Sunway Pyramid, 1 Utama and The Curve.

So, sit back and get ready to discover a world of shopping and a modern, bustling city that will keep you and your family entertained for hours on end. Let’s dive in and explore the best malls in KL that you definitely don’t want to miss!

Malls as Tourist Destinations in KL

KL malls have become popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world. Many malls offer a range of international brands and products, making them a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. Additionally, many malls offer unique dining options that showcase the local cuisine.

Benefits of Shopping at Malls

Malls offer a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs, especially the mega malls in KL. Not only do they provide a wide range of products, but they also offer a variety of activities and attractions that can keep the whole family entertained. Malls have become more than just a place to shop, they are now a destination for entertainment, dining, and socialising.

One of the biggest advantages of shopping at malls is the convenience factor. You can find everything you need in one place, which saves you time and energy. Additionally, malls offer a safe and comfortable environment for families to shop and spend time together.

Criteria for selecting the best malls in KL

To select the best malls in KL, we considered a variety of factors. A great mall experience is one that offers a wide range of shopping options, entertainment, and dining experiences.

These included the range and quality of products offered, multicultural dining options, the presence of family-friendly attractions and activities, the overall shopping experience, and the sustainability initiatives of each mall.

Sustainability Approach: Many KL malls have implemented sustainability initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. These initiatives include recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, and water conservation measures. Some malls also offer eco-friendly products and encourage shoppers to bring their reusable bags.

Family-Friendly Features: When it comes to family-friendly features, activities, and attractions, KL malls have it all. Many malls have designated play areas for children, cinemas showing the latest movies, and food courts offering a variety of cuisines. Some malls even have theme parks and aquariums.

A great mall experience is also one that is easy to navigate and provides excellent customer service. It is a place where you can spend hours exploring different stores, trying out new foods, and having fun with your family.

Insider Tips for Shopping in KL Malls

To get the most out of your mall shopping experience in KL, it’s essential to be prepared. Check the mall’s opening and closing times, and use a mall map to navigate and locate the stores and attractions you want to visit.

Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a LOT of walking without even realising. It’s great for burning off those extra calories after binging on delicious Malaysian snacks and desserts!

Be prepared for the weather, as it can get hot and humid outside in KL, but inside the mall, it is cool and comfy. Take advantage of the mall’s amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, restrooms, parent rooms, and ATMs.

And as always, while KL is a very safe place to travel with kids, it’s important to remain vigilant of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

When shopping with your family, it’s recommended to have a budget in mind. Yes, ladies, we’re talking about you! Make a list of the things you need and prioritise your shopping. If you’re travelling, have fun window-shopping and keep in mind the capacity of your luggage.

Consider the mall’s location and accessibility, as well as its parking facilities. Keep in mind that traffic to and from the most popular malls can be horrendous! Additionally, before visiting, be sure to check out the mall’s website to see what’s on and whether there are any events, festivals, or activities taking place.

Finding the Best Deals and Discounts

To find the best deals and discounts in KL malls, it’s important to be patient and do your research. Check out the mall’s website and social media pages for promotions and discounts.

If you’re staying in KL for a while, sign up for the mall’s loyalty program to receive exclusive discounts and offers.

While it’s okay to haggle in Malaysia’s street markets and stalls, it is not customary to bargain or haggle inside shopping malls. So, be mindful of this cultural difference and refrain from attempting to negotiate prices within the mall premises. However, you can politely ask if there are any special discounts or promos on offer.

Finally, consider shopping during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and take advantage of special promotions. As you may already know, many Asian countries come to life at night, and the malls in KL are open until very late, allowing you to enjoy a vibrant shopping experience even during nighttime.

Malls for luxury shopping

1. Suria KLCC

Suria KLCC is no doubt the #1 mega mall you already know about. It’s one of the largest, luxurious shopping malls in KL located at the base of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

This mall offers a wide range of luxury brands, including Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, as well as a variety of dining options and a cinema.

Suria KLCC is within walking distance of KLCC Park where there’s a playground and wading pool for kids. It’s also one of the top locations to photograph the Twin Towers.

Similar to other large shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, as you enter the main entrance of Suria KLCC, you’ll be greeted by a grand display celebrating the current holiday festival in the Centre Court of the mall.

It’s super easy to be distracted by the beautiful and dazzling displays in the mall and you’ll be surprised how fast time has passed by simply walking around the shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. You can find out “What’s Hot” on Suria KLCC’s official website.

Inside Suria KLCC, there is a variety of family-friendly stores where you can easily kill an hour or two with the little ones. The LEGO store, for example, has a building area where kids can create their own designs. Or browse around Toys”R”Us and let the kids explore. You can check out Suria KLCC Store Directory on the website here.

In addition to the kid-friendly stores, you can find interactive and educational play areas that kids can explore and learn from. Our favourite has to be the Petrosains, The Discovery Centre on Level 4 of Suria KLCC. Click here to view the Exhibits & Floor Plan on the official website of Petrosains.

One of the standout features of Suria KLCC for families is its proximity to the Esplanade, where the 900m2+ man-made Lake Symphony steals the show every evening on the hour starting from 8pm. Kids will love watching the two large water fountains, equipped with multiple water jets, dance in sync with music and coloured lights.

On a rainy day, grab a seat by the window with a view of the Esplanade and warm up with a hot bowl of laksa soup or a clay pot meal from Signatures Food Court in Suria KLCC. Don’t forget to leave some room for dessert, as you’ll find tempting sweets throughout the mall.

2. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

We have a joke in the family about shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur – There’s a shopping mall every kilometre in Kuala Lumpur. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is that mall within walking distance of KLCC in the KL Golden Triangle district (KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Menara).

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is a premier shopping destination in KL that offers a mix of luxury and mid-range brands. This mall is known for its beautiful architecture and design, impressive Centre Court displays and it also has a variety of dining options and a cinema.

Pavilion KL features over 550 stores, including international designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. There are also local designers, and a range of lifestyle and beauty products, as well as over 100 food and beverage outlets, from fine dining restaurants to casual cafes.

The grand central atrium has a stunning glass dome and a crystal fountain at the entrance.

Note that driving to Pavilion is a pain in the bum, as is getting a Grab car. The traffic is horrendous near Pavilion KL, so expect Grab drivers to drop your trips and long waits at the e-hailing pick-up points.

3. The Gardens Mall

The Gardens Mall is a luxurious shopping destination that offers a wide range of luxury brands, including Prada, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Hermes, and Burberry. This mall also has a variety of dining options and a cinema, making it a great place to spend the day with your family.

The Gardens Mall is a relatively smaller and more upscale shopping mall featuring all the designer brands. It’s quieter than Midvalley Megamall and has luxurious displays that make for perfect backdrops for frame-worthy family photos.

Malls that are family-friendly

4. Midvalley Megamall

Moving on to another one of our favourite shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, Midvalley Megamall. And by Mega, we mean MEGA! It’s one of the largest malls in KL and offers a wide range of family-friendly activities.

Mid Valley Megamall has an indoor theme park, a bowling alley, a cinema, and a large selection of restaurants and cafes. This is of course, in addition to a wide range of stores, from high-end luxury brands to budget-friendly options.

Midvalley Megamall alone has all the international brands you’re looking for. On top of that, it links to The Gardens Mall via an underground level of food and dessert stalls. Psst, you can find the tallest ice cream here too!

On the underground level, there is a play area for the tots called Kidzoona where there’s a jumping castle, ball pit and other toys. It’s super easy to get lost in Midvalley Megamall and you can easily spend a whole day shopping, eating and playing.

5. Sunway Pyramid

Sunway Pyramid is a mall with a unique Egyptian-inspired design and has something for everyone. The mall is one of the few malls in KL that has an indoor ice-skating rink, a bowling alley, a cinema, and a large selection of restaurants and cafes.

Sunway Pyramid is a little further out from town, but because it’s next to Sunway Lagoon and Sunway Resort, Bandar Sunway can be an excellent base to stay in KL for a couple of nights.

We rate Sunway Pyramid as the coolest shopping mall in KL in terms of architecture and design. The central atrium is shaped like a pyramid while the interior of the mall is adorned with Egyptian-themed installations. Our kids loved taking photos and exploring the decorations both near the entrance and at the centre court of Sunway Pyramid.

This shopping mall is very large and it is easy to get lost. Similar to the other megamalls mentioned here, Sunway Pyramid has a variety of food options to satisfy any taste buds and for the shoppers, Sunway Pyramid has all the international and local brands for a good retail therapy session.

If we can only choose one, Sunway Pyramid has to be our family’s favourite shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. This mega mall sets the standard for modern architecture and luxury living.

6. 1 Utama

1 Utama is another mega shopping mall in KL that our family spent hours getting lost in. We had a great day out exploring both the old wing and the new wing at 1 Utama. The most memorable section of the mall has to be the rainforest-themed area where kids can watch real koi swimming in the pond.

Needless to mention, 1 Utama is so large (top 10 largest malls in the world?) that you can find popular international brands as well as department stores like AEON, Parkson and Isetan.

There are eatery stalls throughout the mall and an endless selection of food across two food courts. And if you’re looking for a play area, 1 Utama has a spacious play area to entertain the little ones for hours.

On top of these, 1 Utama stands out from the rest, featuring an indoor rock-climbing wall, a bowling alley and a cinema.

7. The Curve & IPC Shopping Centre

If you’re overwhelmed by the number of people and crowd, The Curve may be a better option for your family. The Curve is similar to Midvalley Megamall in the sense that it has an underpass of food stalls that connect to the IPC Shopping Centre.

There are supermarkets, fashion outlets and many branded shops and recognisable stores as well as an array of food, desserts and drinks to choose from. Ikea Damansara is also accessible from within The Curve Mall if that’s an area of interest to you.

KidZania is one reason The Curve shopping mall is so well-liked by families. KidZania has a long-standing relationship with AirAsia and is quite a unique role-playing edutainment centre for kids. For interactive activities, kids can dress up like firefighters, pilots and other professionals to experience a replica of the real city.

We recommend booking online early, especially during school holidays and the peak holiday season. We missed out on KidZania because it was booked out two days in a row during our stay.

Local Malls for cultural experiences

8. Sungei Wang Plaza

We were serious when we said ‘Every kilometre you turn, there’s a mall in KL’. Just a few hundred metres from Lot 10 is Sungei Wang Plaza. This is one of the more budget-friendly shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur and is popular among locals.

Sungei Wang Plaza is a relatively small shopping plaza with over 500 stores including homeware, gift shops and electronics. There is a climbing gym Jumpa for older kids and MinNature Malaysia if that’s something that interests you.

9. Berjaya Times Square

We’re not done with KLCC just yet. A 5-minute walk down south from Sungei Wang Plaza, you’ll come to Berjaya Times Square.

Berjaya Times Square was the first mall we visited after landing in KL in an attempt to scoop up some bargains and restock our travel bags without the price tag of Suria KLCC.

Berjaya Times Square is a mall that offers a wide range of budget-friendly options. The mall has a large selection of stores that offer great bargains, from clothing to electronics. Berjaya Times Square also has a large indoor theme park, making it a great place to spend the day with your family.

The majority of the shops and stores here are local, privately-owned brands and to be honest, not of the highest quality if you’ve been to the high-end, megamalls above. We didn’t end up shopping here but enjoyed the Christmas decorations at the centre court.

If you’re coming to Berjaya Times Square, you can’t miss Berjaya Times Square Indoor Theme Park. Although many rides are more suitable for older kids, The younger ones will enjoy the fun atmosphere, displays, and yummy food at Berjaya Times Square.

10. Sunway Velocity Mall

Don’t confuse Sunway Velocity Mall with Sunway Pyramid Mall. These are two different malls in two different locations. If you prefer to stay close to KLCC but not in the city centre, Sunway Velocity has a hotel attached to the mall. It’s a relatively smaller shopping mall compared to the megamalls we’ve been talking about. However, Sunway Velocity Mall seems to always host activities and has great decorations and displays throughout.

11. Sunway Putra Mall

Just to confuse you even more, there’s another Sunway Mall – Sunway Putra Mall. This is another mid-sized shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur that is liked by locals. We haven’t got around to visiting this mall yet, but from the reviews, it seems like a decent-sized shopping mall that has everything you’ll need, including kid-friendly activities like the mini train.

12. Bangsar Shopping Centre

Bangsar Shopping Centre is another small shopping mall popular among locals. We came here for a family reunion on our first night in Kuala Lumpur and had a feast up on the top floor at Grand Imperial Restaurant.

Bangsar Shopping Centre has many small stalls on the ground floor in the centre court, much like a little boutique artisan market featuring candles, gifts, accessories, and the like.

13. Sogo

Sogo is a department store located in proximity to the iconic Menara Kuala Lumpur and Merdeka Square, making it a great day trip destination. It offers a wide range of budget-friendly options, has a large selection of clothing, accessories, and household items, and has a large food court, making it a great place to grab a snack while you shop.

14. Fahrenheit88

Fahrenheit88 is another mall located on the other side of Menara Kuala Lumpur and Merdeka Square. So, after visiting the famous landmarks of KL, you can choose which local mall you’d like to spend the rest of the day in.

Fahrenheit88 offers a wide selection of stores that provide great bargains, ranging from clothing to electronics. And needless to say, almost every mall has a large food court to satisfy your taste buds.

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Malls for unique experiences

15. Publika Shopping Gallery

Publika is a mall that offers a unique shopping experience. The mall features a wide range of stores that sell handmade and artisanal products. Publika also has a large selection of restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of cuisines.

Publika Shopping Gallery, as the name suggests is more of a shopping gallery than a shopping mall. It’s not as crowded but popular with local expats as it’s located near international schools in Mount Kiara.

We also came across Publika after visiting a Montessori school (The Junior Academy). We had the intention of staying in KL for a couple of months as a break from our world travel, and after visiting half a dozen Montessori and international schools in both Kuala Lumpur and Penang, this one – The Junior Academy was by far our favourite. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for us in the end due to visa restrictions.

Back to the topic, what we loved about Publika was not so much the shops, but the outdoor street of restaurants and cafés.

16. The Starling

As if 1 Utama and The Curve isn’t enough to keep you busy, The Starling is yet another shopping mall within a 5km radius. We came across this mall because of a family gathering at Sukishi, a Japanese buffet-style restaurant.

The Starling is more of a quiet local shopping plaza with boutique shops and a small food court. Due to its proximity to 1 Utama, you’ll most likely choose 1 Utama over The Starling.

Nonetheless, The Starling Mall is a mall that offers a unique shopping experience. The mall features a wide range of stores that sell niche products such as pet supplies and organic foods. The Starling Mall also has a large selection of restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of cuisines.

17. Desa Parkcity

After hopping a dozen shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, we have to mention Desa Parkcity. We were drawn to Desa Parkcity by the year-end Nordic Lights Festival, where 7 artistic light installations lit up the Desa Park Lake. While that’s a post on its own, we’ll briefly talk about the shopping experience at Desa Parkcity here.

Different to the shopping malls we’re familiar with, Desa Parkcity resembles an open-air market with shop stalls and restaurants around the centre court displays and decorations.

We recommend visiting Desa Parkcity late in the afternoon so you can get the best of both worlds. Take a walk and enjoy the peacefulness of the lake and park before dark, then take the kids on a choo-choo train ride and enjoy the evening lights at the park after dinner.

18. Plaza Arkadia

Not too far from Desa Parkcity is Plaza Arkadia. In addition to the large selection of restaurants and cafes, Plaza Arkadia features a wide range of stores that sell handmade and artisanal products.

Malls with great food options

19. Lot 10

If you’re looking for more shopping options beyond Pavilion, a short 6-minute walk along Bintang Walk will bring you to Lot 10 in Bukit Bintang. In our honest opinion, Lot 10 is worth visiting more for the food options than the mall itself.

The stores and food court in Lot 10 mall are relatively quiet compared to the two larger malls mentioned above. However, if you’re a fan of Japanese culture and food, Lot 10 has a dedicated floor of Japanese-themed stores and restaurants.

Alternatively, after a unique street food experience at Jalan Alor, enjoy an evening walk to Lot 10 for some vibrant city lights.

20. IOI City Mall

IOI City Mall is a mall that offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes. The mall features a large food court that offers a variety of cuisines, from local Malaysian food to international cuisine. IOI City Mall also has a large indoor theme park, making it a great place to spend the day with your family.

21. KL Gateway Mall

KL Gateway Mall is a mall that offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes. The mall features a large food court that offers a variety of cuisines, from local Malaysian food to international cuisine.

More Malls in KL!

Special Features and Attractions of Each Mall

Each mall in KL offers its unique features and attractions. Suria KLCC has a beautiful park and an aquarium, while Pavilion Kuala Lumpur has a pedestrian skybridge. Mid Valley Megamall has a rooftop garden, and Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall has a unique Egyptian-inspired design. 1 Utama Shopping Centre has a rainforest-themed indoor park, and The Gardens Mall has a beautiful rooftop garden.

Berjaya Times Square has an indoor theme park, IOI City Mall has an indoor ice-skating rink, and MyTOWN Shopping Centre has a bowling alley. Publika Shopping Gallery and Avenue K Shopping Mall both have beautiful architecture and design, while Empire Shopping Gallery has a rooftop garden. The Starling Mall has a bowling alley, and Paradigm Mall has an indoor ice-skating rink. Setia City Mall has a beautiful lake and park.

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Alternatives to Shopping Mall in KL

Aside from the malls, there are also plenty of other shopping destinations in KL worth checking out. Night markets such as Jalan Alor, Petaling Street and Central Market offer a wide range of affordable items such as clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

Street markets such as Bangsar Sunday Market, Taman Connaught Night Market and Batu Caves Night Market offer a wide range of locally made products such as handmade crafts and artisanal foods.

The Future of Mall Shopping in KL

The future of shopping malls in KL looks bright, with numerous new malls scheduled to open in the coming years. These malls will offer a blend of luxury and mid-range brands, along with a diverse range of dining options and family-friendly attractions.

Moreover, many existing malls are undergoing transformations, emphasising a more personalised and immersive experience for shoppers. This includes the use of technology to enhance the shopping experience, such as virtual reality and augmented reality.

Wrapping up

There you have it: a collection of the best shopping malls in KL for the entire family.

As we joked earlier, there’s a shopping mall every kilometre in KL, and by no means have we covered all the shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. There’s definitely no shortage of international brands, mind-blowing selections of food and spectacular centre-court displays at every mall. Whether you’re looking for luxury shopping, family-friendly activities, bargain hunting, unique experiences, or great food options, KL has it all.

So if mall-hopping isn’t yet on your bucket list while travelling in Malaysia, be sure to add a few megamalls to your itinerary.

Let’s Conclude

• If you’re in Kuala Lumpur for the first time, visit the unmissable Suria KLCC and Sunway Pyramid.
• If you’re here during the festive season, visit one or many of the other mega malls like Pavilion, 1 Utama, and Midvalley Megamall. Don’t forget to check the websites for activities and events.
• If you’re here to actually shop for clothes and gifts, consider some of the smaller, local boutique shopping malls where you can get more out of a dollar.

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