Wolf Money/Bargain(Kuala Lumpur 2.0)part 3

 

(The prime shopping district of Kuala Lumpur)

(LED advertisement board lighting up the street)

(The older malls are getting a refresh)

Bukit Bintang

I am back in Kuala Lumpur after just 3 months from my last trip to the capital. This impromptu visit brings me nearer to the city centre around the Bukit Bintang area. During my last trip, I didn’t see enough of the shopping belt. These are my observations.

During my trip to the capital of Malaysia. Many Middle Eastern tourists were in the shopping belt. I saw plenty of shopping for chocolates and luxury goods. The high number of Middle Eastern tourists were partly due to the war in Middle East. The yearly summer escapees doing a vacation in the city contributed to the surging popularity.

Bukit Bintang seems to be doing the right thing to create the vibrancy of a shopping district. The huge LED screen lights up the street, giving it a festive atmosphere all year round. We could take notes of the activities they incorporated into their shopping district. Like restaurants along the walkways leading to Pavilion. I am especially impressed by the choices. Anyone heard about Saudi Burger? There are definitely things Bukit Bintang is doing correctly which our Orchard Road could learn a thing or two. 

(The biggest Patek Philippe in South East Asia)

(I bet many people knew little about this burger chain)

Berjaya Times Square Hotel

This mega building is situated just one Monorail stop away from Bukit Bintang. The integrated development opened its door in 2003. The ageing hotel room is starting to show. Dark brown furniture is definitely not on trend. Hot showers may not be available.

(The hotel comes with a nice swimming pool)

(Bread pudding is tasty)

(Waffle with chocolate syrup)

The room rate is just below $99 per night, which I thought was excellent value for money given their location. The room comes with vegetarian breakfast for the whole family. It is probably the one and only hotel in the area offering vegetarian breakfast. The owner, Vincent Tan, is a vegetarian. Being a vegetarian has improved his health. He encouraged everyone to go vegetarianism.

Electric Train Service(ETS)

(Comfortable seats)

Now there is a new way to travel to KL. This new train service was introduced 6 months ago by KTM. Everything has the “new smell”. If anyone is interested in taking a train ride, remember to book a ticket ahead of time, as demand for the service is extremely popular. 

We booked a trip from KL Sentral to JB Sentral. A one-way business class ticket costs MYR $186, about SGD $60. A regular ticket costs around MYR $110 or about SGD $35. The price difference gives you access to a business lounge to enjoy some pre-boarding snacks and coffee. A meal, drinks, snacks, bigger seat and a clean toilet on board. All the creature comforts to make the train ride as pain free as possible. Best of all there is no rush to find a seat. Is it worth paying the extra? Yes, a one-off tourist experimental trip is money well spent. 

(Business Lounge on the second floor)

(Pre-boarding picky bits)

(Comfortable lounge)

(Meal provided)

(Delicious Kueh Kueh and coffee)

Special! Special! There is Netflix on the train, you can watch your favourite show on the personal screen. Unfortunately, You get the Netflix(Net-fixed) screen only. 😅 Overall, the train is comfortable and smooth. we had an enjoyable time admiring the beautiful scenery along the route during the 4 hr ride.

(Netflix or Net-fixed?)

Oriental Kopi

Along Bukit Bintang, coffee shops are few and far between. We have our meal mostly in a shopping mall. Among the food, I find Oriental Kopi to be delicious. The Fried Chicken Nasi Lemak is my favourite. The Fried Chicken was done right with its crispy skin. The sweet sambal chilli tastes very typical of a traditional Nasi Lemak that goes very well with the coconut rice. Although prices are on the high side, the delicious and big portions make up for the higher price. The instant Pan Mee tastes fantastic. Delicious food, poor share price. The share price was down 37% over the past 6 months. Oxymoron 

(Pan Mee)

(The food is delicious, but the share price left a bitter aftertaste)

Lalaport Outlet Park@Bukit Bintang

(Lalaport Outlet Park developed by Mitsui)

This newly opened outlet mall is set up by Mitsui. The outlet mall has plenty of mid-range brands on discounts to choose from. It is a good place to go for some serious shopping if one is in the mood. Original Classic store sells bargain bottom footwear. All major sporting brands are on huge discount. If you are not fussy about chasing the latest trends, those knockdown shoes are worthy of a consideration. 

I particularly like Dome Café, which is located on the first floor. For years, Dome Cafe operated in Singapore, but high costs have forced the Australian joint to close their business a few years ago. I used to enjoy my coffee at the former ACM outlet. It is so nice to see their café in KL. The signature Club Sandwich and the scones are a must-have. The iconic Ice mocha with ice cream brings back my memories of my brokering days, reading my research report in ACM while slipping down a nice cup of coffee. 

(The French-inspired café)

(The afternoon tea set is value for money)

(Brownie with Ice-cream costs half of that in Singapore)

(The hot cafe mocha is my favourite drink)

(Mahathir and his colleague doing a pose for my blog)

The owner’s attention to detail to recreate a Paris themed café of the 1920s is commendable. I like how the leather seats and the antique-looking table fit into the overall decor of the café. Prices are reasonable, and the service is excellent. I have the privilege of meeting Mahathir. His friendly service is on point. I would love to visit the cafe again. Lalaport Outlet Mall is just an overhead bridge across Berjaya Times Square.

The recent trip to the KL shopping had me thinking. What is Bukit Bintang doing that Orchard Road is missing? The shopping vibrancy and the way they create the shopping atmosphere that makes people want to empty their wallets is incredible. The trip to Japan and KL inspired my next blog on suggestions to improve our retail situation in Orchard Road.

*Reviews are voluntary and unscheduled

Link to part 1

Link to part 2

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