//
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Photo: Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit and Kampung Baru are areas to the north of Kuala Lumpur's City Centre. They contain popular traditional shopping options as well as cheap authentic food and budget accommodation. The main artery of Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) and Chow Kit is none other than Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, or Jalan TAR, whilst Kampung Baru lies to the east.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
National Theatre
Istana Budaya (meaning Palace of Culture) is home to the National Theatre and is equipped with cutting edge stage, sound and lighting equipment on par with the top theatres around the world. It host productions of both domestic and international origins. The building itself is a beautiful and a tourist attraction.
National Visual Arts Gallery
Exhibition of all kinds of art.
Taman Tasik Titiwangsa
Beautiful park with nice views to the city centre.
This stretch of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, starting from Sogo and Odeon Cinema in the north, and ending at Euro Moda in the south, contains a very large collection of Kuala Lumpur's art deco colonial buildings. Check out for the pink Euro Moda building, the pink-and-yellow Aidijuma store, the green Gulati's store and the Odeon Cinema. Sadly there were reports that Odeon Cinema will be demolished for redevelopment a few years from now; however as a compromise the art-deco facade of the cinema is to be retained.; Note that there are a few more two-storey Art Deco shoplots located just across the road from Maju Junction, and adjacent to Kudu Nasi Kandar.
One of the most fascinating neighbourhoods of the whole city. The contrast between the charm of this unspoilt Malay quarter and the city skyscrapers only a stones throw away is what makes this place so special. The city administration has begun vacating some parts the district for more highrisers, but negotiations with the remaining kampong dwellers are still ongoing. Go there as long as the place is around!
Some beautiful rain forest pathways.
A food court offering a variety of local & western foods.
Opposite Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman from the Sogo mall. Known to be one of the oldest cafes along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Founded in the 1940s, popular until now.
Serving up the Malaysian breakfast favourite, Nasi Lemak, and a range of drinks including Teh Tarik. A plate of rice is given to you then you add whatever you like on a self-serve basis. Located just at the western exit of Dang Wangi metro station.
A true KL establishment, this Chinese coffeeshop is famous for its Hainanese-style chicken chop and roti babi, pork sandwich. It has relocated to a larger building behind its former site.
Check out the food court on Level 2 of Plaza City One for its Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine. Recommended: Hanif Mughal Food (stall 5), Nasi Arab (stall 3) and Punjabi Vegetarian Food (stall 8).
Famous Nasi Kandar restaurant near the junction with Jalan Sultan Ismail. The late Malaysian artist P. Ramlee was reportedly a fan - his former film studio was located across the street. Walking distance from Sultan Ismail metro station, opposite Tune Hotel and near Maju Junction.
A KL legend, this colonial-style hangout hasn't changed its appearance or staff in over 90 years. In the late 2010s, this restaurant has expanded to Mid Valley, Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya. Service is surly and the tablecloths could use a good wash, but their Western food, particularly the "sizzling" steaks on a hot plate (from RM35), is still one of the best deals in town. Also try a freshly mixed shandy (beer and lemonade, RM8) in the adjacent smoky bar.
Budget hotel just behind the Masjid Jamek metro station, at the entrance of the Masjid India bazaar.
It has 128 rooms, some smoking, some non-smoking. Rates from RM110 for standard room.
Not affiliated with Swissôtel, so do not expect the same level of service. Just across the LRT tracks from Dataran Merdeka. Swiss Hotel offers deluxe, superior and family rooms with cable TV, private toilet and bath. Its facilities and services include luggage storage, currency exchange, 24-hour front desk and fax/photocopying.
Opened 2009 smack dab in the middle of the Masjid India bazaar, offers small but surprisingly slick, quiet and sparkling clean rooms. Aircon, ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Great little cafe serving local and your usual selection of western/international dishes.
Spacious accommodation, all equipped with air condition, cable television, phone with voicemail system. Facilities and services are function rooms, business centre and Wi-Fi Internet access.
Slightly above average budget hotel, 5 min walk to Titiwangsa metro/monorail. Rooftop pool. Rooms from RM123.
formerly Quality Hotel
Rates from RM110 for a standard room.
Tune Hotel
Previously the Tune Hotel, until it was refurbished as the Ormond Chow Kit.
Opposite the Quill City Mall. Rooms have plasma TV, butler service, walk in closet. Previously a Luxury collection hotel, and the rooms reflect this- nice marble baths with separate shower, great health club. Restaurants ranging from western to eastern. The hotel also provides shuttle service to KLCC and KL Sentral. May be slightly off the tourist belt but the monorail station is just outside the hotel.
Consists of hotel suites and serviced apartments. Facilities provided: gym, pool, car park. La Maison restaurant located at the lobby.
2-bedroom apartment in a condominium opposite PWTC train station. View across KL city centre. A/C, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, swimming pool.
Near Quill City Mall and Medan Tuanku Monorail station.
Chow Kit Wet Market
Boasting the title as the largest wet market in Kuala Lumpur this market gives a glimpse of how ordinary Malaysians do their daily shopping. In addition to fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood you will also find stalls selling silks, fabrics, shoes and other nicknacks without the tourist price inflation. Food stalls are scattered throughout the markets too.
Jalan Melayu Bazaar
A covered bazaar stretching out from LRT Masjid Jamek, along Jalan Melayu towards Masjid India, quite similar in feel to the more famous Jalan Petaling (with a similar plastic overhang) but not as large or crowded -- not necessarily a bad thing.
Night Market
A long night market spanning the entire length of the 'lorong'. This weekly night market is an experience whether you are looking for a bargain, local products, or just an authentic Malaysian market experience. Food stalls are scattered throughout the market and is a great experience outside the typical tourist scene. During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan it operates daily and expands to the adjacent streets with more stalls.
Great shopping centre to buy textiles. Site of the infamous Campbell Complex fire in 1976, regarded as Malaysia's own "Towering Inferno".
Textile and fashion stores congregate here. At the second floor above ground level there is a food court (see 'Eat' section below).
Fashion, cosmetics, perfume, and jewellery. There is a Burger King store at the ground-level entrance. Food court located one floor below ground.
The top sporting goods distributes in Mayalsia, carrying all sorts of sporting equipment and attire.
Jalan TAR
Opened in 1976 as Kuala Lumpur's third shopping mall, and still good for cheap shoes, leather ware and other knick-knacks.
Probably the biggest department store you will ever see, with 10 floors of shopping, dining and entertainment. If you budget permits, you can shop here for everything from clothing to high-tech toys.
The Mall (1987 - 2011)
Opened in 1987 and reopened in 2015 after a two-year refurbishment project, this mall is connected to the PWTC metro station and Putra Komuter station by a linkbridge, as well as the Putra World Trade Centre, featuring a convention centre and home to Malaysia's on-and-off-and-on again ruling political party. There is a Cold Storage supermarket on the basement floor, as well as a Burger King. Do check out the fourth floor for its Malacca-themed Selera Street.
StarPoints Hotel
StarPoints Hotel occupies the upper floors of the building. On the ground level there is a Haniffa Department Store. Do check out Haniffa for its large collection of chocolates.
A shopping mall in downtown KL, it is about 3 to 5 minutes' walk from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman itself. Features seven retail levels, eateries, a cinema and a NSK supermarket. Connected to Medan Tuanku Monorail station by a bridge.
Arab-owned LuLu Hypermarket opened its first store in Malaysia here. Hypermarket and fresh produce on the ground level. Ethnic fashion and pharmacy on the first floor, electronics, stationery, furnishing and sporting goods on the second floor. There is a food court on the fourth floor, not accessible from within LuLu Hypermarket, but on an escalator outside the hypermarket's compound.
Mara Digital
State-owned commercial centre featuring Malay textile, fashion, arts and crafts stores. Level 3 is home to MARA Digital, dedicated to computers and IT equipment. Located just next to Pertama Complex, walking distance from Sogo and Bandaraya metro station.
This vacant shopping mall is a pit stop for pedestrians walking from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to Quill City Mall and the Sultan Ismail metro station.
Mydin supermarket chain has an outlet tucked away in this corner of Masjid India/Masjid Jamek district. It is reportedly Mydin's first store in Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley. It is along the same street with Haniffa.
Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit and Kampung Baru are easily accessible by public transport, so you will find travelling into this district quite easy.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Subang · International · SZB
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about North of City Centre and Malaysia.
InspirationCelebrate Chinese New Year 2027 with festival dates, temple blessings, lantern displays, and top party spots across Singapore, Penang, and Taipei.
7 min read
Travel tipsFull 2026 list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries for Indian passport holders. Check entry requirements, stay limits, and transit visa rules.
7 min read
ItinerariesDiscover the premier family destinations in Malaysia, from Kuala Lumpur theme parks and Penang street art to cool highland tea walks and Langkawi beaches.
7 min read
Travel tipsNavigate Kuala Lumpur like a local with details on MRT transit, Batu Caves, street dining on Jalan Alor, hotel pricing, and rooftop sunset spots.
6 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.