Kuala Lumpur Thieves' Market

The Thieves' Market are not named out of novelty and the goods may have a tainted past. If you wish to check out the place, go early between 7am to 10am where business is at its peak. This is one sleazy corner of Kuala Lumpur I would not like to be on the tours' itinerary simply because of the dangers it pose. But again, which nation in the wordly doesn't have it - a Thieves Market, where you are constantly unsure whether the goods are stolen or just scavenged from the rubbish dumps. Then again, there are people who beg to differ in that here in lies some things that you are not likely to find in established shopping malls or even junk stores. Things like old VCDs, books, loud speakers, rare amplifiers, coconut scrapers, radios, screws and bolts, rusty saws, one or two rare paintings, and the likes. Or even shirts and shoes that have been used that cost large fractions of their original prices, and whish with a little bit of cleaning, can still be used. Kuala Lumpur's Thieves Market lies along Jalan Sultan. You can't miss it simply because it is located behind the row of shops that front Petaling Street. The place is a hive of activities from early mornings, sometimes as early as midnight when prying eyes of the authorities take their daily rest. The best time to visit this place is in the wee hours of the morning and the crowd peaks at about 7am. You can find plenty of second-hand goods here, but don't ask about how the traders got them. Just get the best bargain and if it seems worthwhile, get it. Otherwise move on and come another day. While browsing here, you might want to take care of your wallet. No, not that you will be fleeced by the traders or be tempted to spend more than you actually need. This place is the haunt of pickpockets and these faceless hoods move in and out of the crowd quite easily. If you are not too careful, your wallet might end up being on of the items being sold here over the next couple of months - after its contents have been relieved, of course.

Sightseeing

Places of Interest THE AQUARIA KLCC: Located within the KLCC complex is the world-class, fully interactive, commercial aquarium showcasing over 5,000 aquatic and land-bound animals from 150 different species. Go on an educational journey taken by the path of the water, starting from the highland streams that grow as they pass through rainforests, coastal lowlands and mangrove swamps, and ending at the sea. Opening hours are from 11am - 8pm, with final admission at 7pm. Fees: Adults - RM38 (RM28 with MyKad); Children (3-12 years old) - RM 26; Child with MyKad - RM 22; and Child (below 3 years) - Free. For details, call 03 2333 1888 KUALA LUMPUR TOWER: Standing at 515m above sea level this majestic 421 metre tower is one of the most unmistakable feature of the city skyline. It is located atop Bukit Nanas at 94m above sea level and was constructed as a Telecommunications tower to improve telecommunications and broadcast transmissions. It is built with 45,000 cubic metres of concreteand weighs about 100,000 tonnes. It is currently the tallest tower in Southeast Asia and ranks fourth amongst the tallest telecommunications towers in the world. Work took four years and was completed in May 1996. It is open daily from 10am - 10pm. Admission: RM8 (Adults), RM3 (Child from 4 to 12 years). MERDEKA SQUARE: This was originally a cricket pitch in front of the Royal Selangor Club. The field used to be apopular meeting point for city residents until it was refurbished into what is known as the Merdeka Square today. Covering a total area of about 8.5ha, the square's main feature is the 100m flagpole which marks the spot where the Malaysian flag (today known as the Jalur Gemilang) was hoisted on Aug 31, 1957, when Malaysia won its independence from British Rule. Underneath the Merdeka Square is a shopping complex known as Plaza Putra, which houses a host of food, shopping and entertainment outlets. SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING: This historic edifice of Moorish design sits grandly overlooking the Merdeka Square. Built in 1897 to house government offices during the British rule, the building also houses the famous Kuala Lumpur Clock Tower. The building complex also forms the backdrop to important events such as the National Day celebrations. Today, it houses the Courts while its south-eastern end has been turned into the Textile museum. CENTRAL MARKET: A short walk from the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Merdeka Square across the Kelang River lies the grand dame of Kuala Lumpur, the Central Market. Having spent its early years as a wet market, the Central Market or Pasar Seni, is today a haven for souvenir hunters. It is also a meeting point for artists of all media. Also approchable by the Light Rail Transit, the Central Market opens from 10am to 10pm daily. During weekends, cultural performances are also offered. CHINATOWN (PETALING STREET): Chinatown or 'Chee Cheong Kai' as it is known in Cantonese is a hive of activity from dawn till dusk. In the mornings, the mile-long street comes alive with gastronomic attractions from dumpling soups to push-cart barbecued duckmeat. In the evenings, the street takes on an entirely new identity with boisterous stalls offering anything from costume jewellery to copy watches, gemstones and other knick-knacks. The keyword to remember when shopping in Chinatown is "Bargain". Everything has a price but if you are tough on the bargain, you might get away with a steal. And of course, watch out for pickpockets... LAKE GARDENS: Situated just a short distance away from the Merdeka Square like the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur's most popular park. Located at Jalan Perdana, the sprawling 91.6 hectare garden of all terrain is a popular spot in the evenings for health buffs. It has two lakes and an unlimited showcase of exotic tropical flowers, plants and trees. In the vicinity of the Lake Gardens are several other attractions such as the Deer Park (9am - 6pm daily; Free Admission), Hibiscus Garden (9am - 6pm daily, except weekends and public holidays; Free Admission), Bird Park (9am - 5pm; Admission by fee), Butterfly Park (9am - 6pm daily; Admission by fee) and the Orchid Garden (9am - 6pm daily; Free Admission). NATIONAL PLANETARIUM: It is located atop a hillock in the Lake Gardens area and houses various exhibits related to space and space science. There is also an observatory where you can view planets and stars. It is opened daily from 10am to 4pm, except Fridays when it is closed. NATIONAL MONUMENT: The 15.54m high bronze monument was designed by Felix de Weldon and built in 1966 to honour Malaysia's fallen heroes in the country's fight with the Communists. Within the National Monument area is the Cenotaph. At the foothills lies the Asean Sculpture Garden which is a collection of sculptures by top ASEAN sculptors. NATIONAL MOSQUE: With its umbrella-shaped blue, the National Mosque is the main mosque for Muslim residents. The main building features contemporary Islamic architecture and most distinct is the 73m high minaret. Across the road from the National Mosque is the Islamic Museum. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays and public holidays from 10am - 6pm. The museum is closed on Mondays. NATIONAL MUSEUM: Located at Jalan Damansara, at the fronge of the Lake Gardens, the museum offers insights into the history, political development, culture, economy, arts, and flora and fauna of Malaysia. On display within its ground are old locomotives, vintage cars and a replica of an ancient Malay palace. Opening hours are from 9am - 6pm daily. Admission: RM1 (Adults). Children below 12 years enter free.Note: Apart from the National Museum, there are other museums in Kuala Lumpur which are not in the standard tours itinerary. NATIONAL ART GALLERY: Located at a 5.67 acres site at Jalan Temerloh, next to the National Theatre and the National Library. View works of local artists here. There is a creative centre, a sculpture garden, auditorium, a library, and a cafe. Gallery opens 10am-6pm daily and admission is free. NATIONAL THEATRE: Houses the National Theatre Company and the National Symphony Orchestra. It is responsible for theatrical and other performing art in Malaysia. Musical performances, drama and dances are are held regularly. Call 4025 2525 for details. NATIONAL LIBRARY: Located next to the National Art Gallery, the National Library houses a huge collection of books and other reading materials. Admission is free. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday (10.00 am - 7.00 pm), Saturday (9.00 am - 7.00 pm) & Sunday (10.00 am - 5.00 pm). The library is closed on Monday & Public Holidays. LAKE TITIWANGSA: One of the biggest lake gardens within city limits, the Lake Titiwangsa is the meeting point for health buffs and nature lovers. The verdant flat terrain is suitable for evening strolls. Among facilities available here are a sports complex, tennis courts, canteen and water sports facilities. CRAFTS COMPLEX: Located at Jalan Conlay, this is one of the best places to check out local handicrafts. Various stalls offer an insight into how crafts are made. Visitors can also take part in batik painting at the stalls. Within the complex is an artists' community where one can view artists at work. there is also a restaurant here. ZOO AND AQUARIUM: The National Zoo is located 13km northeast of Kuala Lumpur at Hulu Kelang. In its collections are over 200 species of animals, birds and reptiles. The aquarium has some 80 species of marine and freshwater creatures. Animal performances are also available at certain times of the day, as do animal rides. On Saturday evenings, the zoo is also open for Night safari experience. The zoo is open daily from 9am to 6pm, except Saturdays when it closed at 10pm. Admission: RM5 (Adults) RM2 (Children) SHOPPING DISTRICTS: shopping is synonymous with Kuala Lumpur with its wide range of shopping complexes, malls, department stores, hypermarkets, specialty stores, duty-free shops, bazaars and nightmarkets.