Pick up bargains in KL's China Town

Thursday, 14 June 2012 12:45 PM

One of the most important things for people taking a gap year is to be able to get bargains while on holiday, so they can bring home some great souvenirs without breaking the bank. In Kuala Lumpur (KL), there's one place that stands out among the rest - China Town.

Most people booking an exciting holiday in Malaysia make sure they visit the capital KL, as, not only do most flights around the nation and beyond require a stop in the city, but there is also plenty to see and do here. Where it really stands out though is its shopping opportunities.

China Town, or Jalan Petaling, attracts holidaymakers and gap year students from around the world who are all eager to take home a bargain and soak up the unique atmosphere here. On entering the district, you will notice the impressive red and green gateway decorated with Chinese symbols, providing the official entrance point for the area.

After this, you will immerse yourself in a world of colourful stalls, a strong scent of tempting food and lively bartering. China Town itself is a busy, hectic place to be but this adds to its charm and character. Most importantly though, this is a superb destination if you want to take home something from Malaysia to remind you of the strong Chinese culture in the southeast Asian nation.

You will come across stalls selling traditional silk clothes, Chinese brands and homemade wares such as lanterns, prints and Buddha statues. These will help decorate your home when you return from your travels and remind you of the adventures you undertook during your gap year.

There are several other items you can get your hands on in China Town though, including fake brand-name handbags, watches, jewellery, clothes and sunglasses. You might have always wanted to walk around with a stylish bag, so coming here might give you the perfect opportunity to own one - even if it is just a copy.

This could also be an excellent place to grab some cheap clothes if you've been travelling for a while and need to swap your tired, worn outfits for something fresher and cleaner. As items here are incredibly cheap - and you can haggle prices down further - you will be able to grab some new garments so you will feel ready for the next leg of your travelling expedition.

 

Discover Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airways

Malaysia Airlines' cheap rates for 2011

The most expensive part of a gap year is often the long-haul flight, so it's important to shop around and get a decent price before jetting off. For the best rates, it's often necessary to plan a long way in advance, as is the case with Malaysia Airlines' best rates for 2011.

Loi Krathong Festival, Thailand

The best places to celebrate Loy Krathong

One of the biggest Thai festivals of the year, Loy Krathong is almost here, so if you’re spending your gap year backpacking around South East Asia, then you’ll want to find the best places to celebrate this most atmospheric of festivals.

Explore pretty isles when sailing in Malaysia

Langkawi: the ideal destination for sailing enthusiasts

If you're hoping to take a gap year that enables you to indulge your passion for water sports in exotic destinations, Malaysia is one place that will definitely be up your street. Incorporate a visit to the south-east Asian country as part of your travelling plans and you'll experience fantastic sailing conditions, especially if you visit Langkawi.

best places to see little countries in big cities

The best places to see little countries in big cities

Sometimes you don’t have to actually go to a country to visit it. These days, globalisation has truly taken hold and there are many examples in the world where you can experience a place, its atmosphere, people and cuisine without even going there at all.

Abu Simbel is a must-visit

Nile cruises: ideal for a grown-up gap year

Egypt is home to a staggering array of ancient wonders, from the Pyramids on the Giza Plateau to the Karnak Temple in Luxor. This makes the country a perfect candidate for a gap year if you're looking for something more sophisticated than a standard backpacking trip.

Orangutans in Borneo need protection

Malaysia: a great place for wildlife volunteering gap years

If you are keen to get stuck into a wildlife volunteering project during your gap year, look no further than Malaysia. Borneo is a fantastic place to go if you want to help with the conservation of orangutans, one of the gentlest creatures to inhabit the island.

What not to miss in the Mission District

A guide to San Francisco's Mission District

San Francisco is an amazing city to include on your gap year. As well as being home to iconic attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, it is comprised of unique districts that each have something different to offer. Today, we'll be looking at the Mission District.

Table Mountain is ruggedly beautiful

Discover nature in abundance on a gap year in Cape Town

If you're planning to explore South Africa as part of your gap year, Cape Town is a must-visit location. The city is renowned for its glorious landscapes and abundant flora and fauna, and if you want to make sure you take in the most prominent natural attractions, read on.

Travel Tales: "I walked through a wet forest whilst covered in leeches"

India is full of surprises, as backpacker Sarah discovered

Backpacker Sarah Ward chats leeches, monsoon weather, chilli for breakfast and clubbing in Mumbai - and everything else than happened on her Indian gap year adventure!

Interview with a local: An insider’s guide to London

London guide local interview destination

We chat to Cat Hughes, the mystery traveller behind TravelBite.co.uk's Secret London blog, to get the best travel tips direct from a local Londoner. Discover things you never knew about the UK capital...