Top 15 Malaysian Markets Where You Can Bargain Like a Pro!
Let me tell you about the time I decided to go to one of Malaysia’s bustling markets. It was so hot, there were a lot of people, and I was just there, wandering around trying to blend in.
Now, I ended up buying a large hat, bartered way too enthusiastically for durians (which I had no idea how to eat), and made friends with some vendors. And that’s the charm of Malaysian markets—they’re vibrant, chaotic, and full of delightful surprises.
From aromatic street food to hidden gems where you can snag unique souvenirs, these markets are where the real magic happens. So, make sure you follow along ’cause you absolutely have to check our favourites out!
Chow Kit Market
– Media credit: photography_playground
Address: Jln Raja Alang, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: +60 14 965 5711
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $$
Chow Kit Market is a heady mix of everything—from exotic fruits and fresh veggies to an array of meats and seafood that’ll make your senses go on overdrive. This market is massive, so wearing comfy shoes is key!
You can find nearly everything here, and if you’re into trying local delicacies, the hawker stalls serve some delicious eats that are super affordable. A word of caution: don’t be surprised to find yourself squeezed between aisles because it does get pretty packed.
If you’re a fan of durians, get ready for a treat because the vendors here swear by the quality of their “King of Fruits.” The seafood section is also impressive, so sharpen those negotiation skills!
| Pro tip: Try to visit early in the morning when the market just opens—the produce is the freshest, and the crowd is much thinner. Also, keep an eye on your belongings as it’s easy to get distracted by the vibrant array of goods. |
Central Market
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Website: https://www.centralmarket.com.my/
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: +60 1 300 228 688
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$$
Central Market is your go-to for all things artsy and crafty. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, it’s a treasure trove of local art, crafts, jewelry, and quirky souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
The best part here is that it’s all under one roof and air-conditioned—a blessing on those sweltering days. It’s a heritage site that has been around since 1888 and has a charming, nostalgic vibe with a modern twist.
Here, you can see artisans at work, crafting beautiful batiks or carving intricate wooden sculptures. There’s a food court that offers a variety of local and international cuisines, so you can fuel up before continuing your shopping spree.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on Kasturi Walk, an outdoor flea market located right next to Central Market. Do check out also the Annexe Gallery upstairs; they often have art exhibitions and cultural performances. |
Jonker Street Night Market
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Address: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $
Jonker Street Night Market in Melaka is the perfect example of why night markets are so much fun. It’s lively, buzzing with activity, and has a definite carnival feel to it.
Open only on Friday and Saturday nights, it’s the highlight of the weekend for both locals and tourists. You’ll find an endless array of street food, from skewers and ice-cream rolls to the famous Melaka pineapple tarts.
Besides food, Jonker Street bustles with vendors selling clothes, accessories, toys, and antiques. One of the coolest parts is the live performances—a mix of Malaysian traditional music, street performers, and sometimes even impromptu karaoke sessions.
| Pro tip: Remember to arrive early to snag the best parking spots and get a head start on the food before it gets too crowded. Also, carry cash—most vendors do not accept cards. |
Petaling Street Market
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/@PetalingStreetChinatown/?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: +60 32 032 5988
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Petaling Street, often dubbed Chinatown, is a shopping haven smack in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. You’ll find everything here—clothes, bags, electronics, and some quite convincing knockoffs!
The market is well known for its “designer” goods at bargain prices. One of the highlights of Petaling Street is the food.
It’s a paradise for street food lovers, with countless stalls offering a variety of Chinese delicacies—think Char Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee, and steamed buns. It’s also a great place to try some tropical fruits and fresh juices.
| Pro tip: Make sure you watch out for your belongings—it’s crowded and bustling, and an easy area for pickpockets. Also, visiting in the evening is lovely, as the market comes alive with neon lights and an even more vibrant atmosphere. |
Gaya Street Market
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Address: Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu
Contact details: +60 10 954 3651
Operating hours:
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 5 AM to 12:45 PM
Cost: $
When in Kota Kinabalu, make sure to explore the Gaya Street Market held every Sunday morning. This market is a local favorite, and it stretches along Gaya Street, filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and pets.
The market opens early at around 6 AM, so it’s worth getting up early to catch the best finds. The variety here is just incredible—you can stumble upon local coffee, plants, souvenirs, and even street performances.
It’s also an excellent place to sample local Sabah delicacies like tuaran mee and tamu kuih. If you’re a plant parent, you’ll be in paradise with the numerous stalls selling vibrant flowers and unique potted plants.
| Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid the heat and larger crowds. Bring small change; it’s easier for transactions and ensures you don’t miss out on those tiny but unique purchases that could be the highlight of your visit. |
Hin Market
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Website: http://www.hinbusdepot.com/
Address: 31a, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $$
Hin Market is a must-visit for anyone looking for an eclectic mix of culture, food, and art. On weekends, you’ll find local artisans selling handmade crafts and unique vintage items that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re a food lover, you’re in luck because the food stalls here offer an incredible range of local and international bites. Don’t miss the live music performances as well, which add that extra bit of magic to your visit.
Trust me, you’ll want to plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring all the nooks and crannies. Oh, and keep an eye out for their pop-up events—these change often and can range from yoga classes to art workshops.
| Pro tip: Get there early! The best stuff goes fast, especially the food. Plus, if you’re driving, the parking situation becomes a lot less stressful the earlier you arrive. |
Flea Market Masjid India
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Address: Jalan Masjid India, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $
Situated on Jalan Masjid India in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Flea Market Masjid India is a treasure trove for bargain hunters. You can find everything here, from traditional Malay clothes to modern fashion and quirky souvenirs.
If you’re looking to dress in traditional attire, this is your go-to spot. It’s also a foodie’s paradise, with food stalls offering some tantalizing choices from local snacks to deliciously rich curries.
The intricate henna designs available in some of the stalls are worth a look, or even better, a try if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s also a hotspot for street performances, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself caught in the middle of an impromptu show.
| Pro tip: Opt to hit the market later in the day for better deals. As closing time nears, vendors are often more willing to negotiate on prices. |
Tiong Nam Morning Market
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Address: 4, Lorong Tiong Nam 5, Chow Kit, 50350 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 8 AM to 12 PM
Cost: $
If you’re a morning person or want to become one, Tiong Nam Morning Market is worth getting up early for. It’s bustling with life from the break of dawn, and you can find fresh produce that stands out in quality and price.
Aside from fruits and vegetables, there are sections dedicated to meats, seafood, and even household items. The market’s layout is a bit of a maze, but that’s part of the fun.
Don’t forget to grab some traditional Malaysian breakfast from the food stalls—the nasi lemak and roti canai here are great. The vendors are friendly and love to chat with buyers, often sharing recipes and tips on how to prepare the fresh ingredients they sell.
| Pro tip: Remember to bring cash, and small bills at that. Many vendors don’t accept credit cards, and having the exact change can expedite your transactions. |
Yulek Morning Market
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Address: Jln Kaskas, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: +60 12 986 6551
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 4 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $$
Yulek Morning Market is another gem that stands out for its community feel and excellent range of products. This market is smaller compared to others, but it’s packed with fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, and even some quirky finds.
Here, you can shop for everything from fresh seafood to local snacks like curry puffs and sweet, delectable kuih. You’ll find many local aunties and uncles doing their daily shopping, adding an authentic touch that’s both endearing and welcoming.
It’s less touristy, which means you get a genuine experience of the local lifestyle. And don’t worry about the language barrier; the vendors are friendly and more than willing to help you out.
| Pro tip: Try the food stalls in the middle of the market. They serve some fantastic breakfast items and snacks, perfect for fueling your market adventure. |
Bazaar Lucky Garden
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Address: 26, Persiaran Ara Kiri, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 8 AM to 1 PM
Cost: $
Bazaar Lucky Garden is especially popular for its evening market. This bazaar offers a wonderful range of street food, where you can snack on delicious satay, juicy slices of fresh fruit, and sip on refreshing drinks all while browsing unique finds.
This market is community-driven, and you’ll find a lot of locals catching up with their neighbors, which adds to the warm vibe. The food options reflect the multicultural backdrop of KL, so expect a variety including Chinese, Malay, and Indian delicacies.
Going from stall to stall, you’ll experience a mini food tour of Malaysia. The best part is that the market is well-organized, so navigating through the stalls is a breeze.
| Pro tip: Try to aim for a weeknight visit to avoid the weekend crowd, making it easier to browse leisurely and enjoy the market atmosphere. |
SS2 Morning Market
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Address: 42, Jalan SS 2/62, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 6 AM to 12 PM
Cost: $
SS2 Morning Market is the kind of place where you can find practically everything you didn’t know you needed. From fresh produce, meats, and seafood to random little knickknacks, this market is full of life and energy right from the crack of dawn.
Walking down the aisles, it’s hard to resist the temptation of freshly cooked local delights. You’ll want to hunt down the favorite food stalls locals swear by—like the one serving to-die-for nasi lemak or the stall with freshly made roti Canai.
For fruit lovers, the tropical fruit stalls are a visual and sensory feast. And if you’re really into trying everything, make sure not to miss out on the pastries and freshly baked goods that seem to call out your name.
| Pro tip: Aim to head over early on weekends for a calmer shopping experience since it gets a bit chaotic as the day progresses. Also, pack your own shopping bags—it’s a more eco-friendly way to snag all those goodies home. |
Pasar Malam Taman Connaught
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/ConnaughtNightMarket/
Address: Jalan Cerdas, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 5 PM to 1 AM
Cost: $$
If the idea of a vibrant night market excites you, then Pasar Malam Taman Connaught is where you need to be. It’s a place that defines Kuala Lumpur’s night market culture, stretching over 2 kilometers long!
Prepare for a full-on sensory overload with stalls showcasing a delightful mix of food, clothes, gadgets, and more. You’ll find street food galore, from the irresistible scent of grilled skewers to mouth-watering stinky tofu (don’t knock it till you try it!).
You’ll also love the variety of clothes and accessories that promise great bargains. And let’s not forget those quirky gadgets and souvenirs—perfect for a unique memento of your visit.
| Pro tip: Skip the high heels and opt for comfy shoes because you’re in for a decent walk. And get there early if you want to beat the crowd and have first dibs on those delicious street snacks. |
Penang Bazaar
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/PenangBazaarOfficial
Address: Jln Penang, George Town, 10050 George Town, Penang
Contact details: +60 17 332 8382
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Located right on Penang Road, Penang bazaar brims with a blend of the island’s rich culture and fantastic shopping opportunities. Whether you’re a foodie, a shopaholic, or someone hunting for the perfect souvenir, this place won’t disappoint.
Foodies will be in heaven with the endless culinary selections featuring authentic Penang specialties like char kway teow and assam laksa. If you’re into shopping, check out the stalls offering everything from antiques to handcrafted batik apparel.
Souvenir hunters will also find joy exploring the aisles jam-packed with one-of-a-kind finds. You can score anything from unique handicrafts to amazing local snacks.
| Pro tip: The bazaar can get crowded, so if you want a bit more room to maneuver, weekday mornings are prime time for a visit. Also, always carry some cash, as not all vendors accept card payments. |
Pasar Besar Jalan Othman
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Address: 23, Jln Othman, Pjs 4, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact details: +60 37 785 4851
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 1 AM
Cost: $$
Pasar Besar Jalan Othman isn’t just any market—it’s a cornerstone of Petaling Jaya offering a genuine local vibe. This market has you covered with its comprehensive selection of fresh produce, spices, and everyday household items.
What makes this market stand out is its community feel and the rapport that sellers have with customers. It’s one of those places where you might go to pick up some fish and come back with a tale or two shared by the friendly vendors.
By the way, the food court area is another highlight, with a good variety of local and ethnic dishes that make for a perfect breakfast or brunch stop.
| Pro tip: It’s a bit of a maze, so you’ll want to get familiar with the layout. Head to the upper floors if you’re after textile goods or clothes—they often have better deals there. |
Pasar Malam Kuala Lumpur
– Media credit: insanyong
Address: 7, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM
Cost: $
Venturing into the Pasar Malam Kuala Lumpur is like diving into an epic nightly adventure. Situated at Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman, it’s smack dab in the city’s heart, making it super accessible for city explorers.
Spanning an entire street, you’ll find a bustling array of food stalls, pop-up shops, and intriguing keepsakes unique to Malaysia. The variety will blow you away—from satay skewers sizzling on a grill to rich and creamy cendol for dessert.
Don’t forget to explore beyond the food stalls, as you can snag everything from trendy clothes to quirky home décor pieces at bargain prices. The energy level here is infectious, making it a perfect spot to soak in the local culture post-sunset.
| Pro tip: Try visiting on a Saturday when the market is in full swing. And keep a lookout for the satay stall about halfway down the market—locals queue there for a reason. Also, bring a little extra patience; the place is popular, and rightly so! |