Petaling Street Market is well known for both its “imitation” goods and its culturally diverse culinary options. With hundreds of vendors selling everything from designer bags to traditional fried rice noodles, Petaling Street is a destination for tourists and locals looking for a bargain. Chaotic but charming, Petaling Street Market is accessible by numerous buses, trains, taxis, and rickshaws, and the site is easily recognizable--it has multiple, well marked entrances, the primary entrance marked by a giant red arch marked “Jalan Petaling” in striking gold script.

The market is near numerous cultural landmarks including one of the largest mosques in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek, and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, home of the Hindu Lord Murugan’s Chariot. Petaling Street has many designated seating areas for eating and socializing, and it is well protected from the sun. The surrounding city is relatively blocked from sight, allowing market goers and vendors to fully immerse in the dynamic life of Petaling Street.

Historically known as “Market Square,” Petaling Street is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s original Chinatown. Established around the same time as the city, Petaling Street has been active since the mid-19th century and has gone through various stages in its cultural evolution. In 2007, Petaling Street underwent a multi-million dollar development that focused on two streets, Petaling and Jalan Hang Lekir--the former focusing on goods, and the latter on foods. These roads were paved with red tiles and covered with a dragon-like canopy that keeps out sun, but not rain. With a wet market in the early mornings, Petaling Street is one of the most active hubs of activity, trade, and social life in Kuala Lumpur.

Image credits, from left: John Ragal via Flickr, stratman2 via Flickr, PnP via Flickr