Kuala Lumpur/North of City Centre

Besides Jalan TAR, the district also is home to the colourful shopping street of Jalan Masjid India, which is chock-a-block with shops specialising in saris and other Indian apparel. Indeed, the area is sometimes called Little India, although several other parts of KL (notably Brickfields) compete for that title and these days there are at least as many Indonesians around.
The northern part of the district is called Chow Kit, known for bargain shopping and food. The famous Chow Kit Wet Market has never stopped being the favourite wet market of all. You'll also be able to see things which you'll never be able to find elsewhere in KL, like the full array of Malay traditional medicine. Located just off the Chow Kit Monorail stop, the Jalan Haji Hussein street market at night is similar to Chinatown's Petaling Street, offering fake goods and delicious local food.
The Tuanku Abdul Rahman end of Jalan Sultan Ismail has become KL's new hot nightspot. Nicknamed Heritage Row, restaurants and clubs are now breathing new life into the old dilapidated terrace houses of Jalan Doraisamy and Jalan Yap Ah Shak, just off Jalan Sultan Ismail.

Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit and Kampung Baru are easily accessible by public transport, so you will find travelling into this district quite easy.
Tuanku Abdul Rahman is accessible by several rail stations.
To reach the southern end of Jalan TAR, Masjid Jamek LRT station (Kelana Jaya or Ampang/Sri Petaling lines) is best suited if one is visiting Masjid Jamek, Dataran Merdeka or Jalan Masjid India. To directly access the middle portion of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (where most of the shops are located), it is best to alight at the Bandaraya LRT station. Alternately, visitors coming from Klang, Shah Alam, Batu Caves or even Ipoh and Seremban can opt for the Bank Negara Komuter station, which is linked to the Bandaraya LRT station by a pedestrian bridge crossing Jalan Kuching and the Gombak River.

Medan Tuanku Monorail Station, Sultan Ismail and the PWTC LRT stations on the Ampang/Sri Petaling line are best for the northern sector of TAR as well as the far southern part of Chow Kit.
The central Chow Kit area is best accessed by the Chow Kit KL Monorail station. Another option is the Ampang/Sri Petaling LRT line stopping at PWTC station, a 5-10 minute walk to the centre of Chow Kit. For Kampung Baru the best option it to take the Kelana Jaya LRT to none other than Kampung Baru station, or walk from Chow Kit Monorail station.

Interestingly, despite its extremely philistine atmosphere, the northern part of Kuala Lumpur is home to some of the city's main cultural establishments. The area just north of Jalan Tun Razak has been designated by the government as KL's performing arts zone.

• Istana Budaya

  phone: +60 340 265 555, +60 3 4026 5558 (Box Office)
  address: Istana Budaya, Jalan Tun Razak
  Istana Budaya (meaning Palace of Culture) is home to the National Theatre and is equipped with cutting edge stage, sound and lighting equipment on par with the top theatres around the world. It host productions of both domestic and international origins. The building itself is a beautiful and a tourist attraction.

• Balai Seni Visual Negara

  phone: +60 340 267 000
  address: 2 Jalan Temerloh, off Jalan Tun Razak
  Exhibition of all kinds of art.

• Titiwangsa Lake GardensBeautiful park with nice views to the city centre.

• Stroll around Kampung BaruOne of the most fascinating neighbourhoods of the whole city. The contrast between the charme of this unspoilt Malay quarter and the city skypscrapers only a stones throw away is what makes this place so special. The city administration is planning to demolish the district for more highrisers. Go there as long as the place is around!

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is lined with established department stores, malls and shopping centres. Haggling is ok in most locations but for the best deals, head down the to the street stalls and markets.

Markets

• Bazaar Baru Chow Kit

  address: 469-473 Jl Tuanku Abdul Rahman
  Boasting the title as the largest wet market in Kuala Lumpur this market gives a glimpse of how ordinary Malaysians do their daily shopping. In addition to fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood you will also find stalls selling silks, fabrics, shoes and other nicknacks without the tourist price inflation. Food stalls are scattered throughout the markets too.

• Masjid India Bazaar

  address: Along Jl Melayu, Jl Masjid India
  A covered bazaar stretching out from LRT Masjid Jamek towards Little India, quite similar in feel to the more famous Jalan Petaling but not as large or crowded not necessarily a bad thing.

• Pasar Malam

  address: Along Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman
  A long night market spanning the entire length of the 'lorong'. This Saturday night market is an experience whether you are looking for a bargain, local products, or just an authentic Malaysian market experience. Food stalls are scattered throughout the market and is a great experience outside the typical tourist scene.

Stores and malls

• Campbell ComplexGreat shopping centre to buy textiles. Site of the infamous Campbell Complex fire in 1976, regarded as Malaysia's own "Towering Inferno".

• Plaza City OneTextile and fashion stores congregate here. At the second floor above ground level there is a food court (see 'Eat' section below).

• Semua HouseLocated next to Plaza City One, here one can find fashion, cosmetics, perfume as well as jewellery. There is a Burger King store at the ground-level entrance. Food court located one floor below ground.

• GS Gills

  phone: +60 3 2698-3477
  address: 9th Floor, Wisma Harwant, 106 Jalan Tuanku Adbul Rahman
  The top sporting goods distributes in Mayalsia, carrying all sorts of sporting equipment and attire.

• Pertama Complex

  address: 1222 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
  Opened in 1976 as Kuala Lumpur's third shopping mall, and still good for cheap shoes, leather ware and other knick-knacks.

• Sogo Shopping Complex

  phone: +60 3 2698-2111
  address: 190 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
  Probably the biggest department store you will ever see, with 10 floors of shopping, dining and entertainment. If you budget permits, you can shop here for everything from clothing to high-tech toys.

• Sunway Putra Mall

  phone: +603-2786 9300, +603-2786 9333
  address: No. 100, Jalan Putra

• Wisma Shen (Haniffa Department Store)

  phone: +603-26938620
  address: 149 Jalan Masjid India
  StarPoints Hotel occupies the upper floors of the building. On the ground level there is a Haniffa Department Store.

• Quill City Mall

  phone: +60 3 2603 1018
  address: 1018, Jalan Sultan Ismail
  The newest shopping mall in the vicinity and possibly downtown KL, it is about 3 to 5 minutes' walk from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman itself. Features seven retail levels, eateries, a cinema and an AEON store. Connected to Medan Tuanku Monorail station by a bridge.

• Lulu Hypermarket

  phone: +603-26160000
  address: Lot 159 Persiaran CapSquare Off Jalan Munshi Abdullah

• Busana Menara Mara

  phone: +603-22028061
  address: Menara MARA, Lot C, 232, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
  State-owned commercial centre featuring Malay textile, fashion, arts and crafts stores. Level 3 is home to MARA Digital, dedicated to computers and IT equipment. Located just next to Pertama Complex, walking distance from Sogo and Bandaraya metro station.

Places to eat are scattered throughout the district, with stalls concentrated along Jalan Doraisamy near the Heritage Row and Jalan Raja Abdullah in Kampung Baru (for Malay food). Kampung Baru is a Malay food haven at affordable prices. Non-touristy & in traditional kampung setting. Over 100 stalls available. Most are open 24 hours. Chinese coffeeshops can be found along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and lanes off it, and Chow Kit; Indian in the Jalan Masjid India area; and upmarket restaurants on Heritage Row.
Sogo shopping complex contains a food court on Level 6.

Budget

• La Cuisinefood court offering a variety of local & western foods

• Capital Cafe

  address: 213, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, City Centre
  Located just opposite Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman from the Sogo mall. Known to be one of the oldest cafes along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Founded in the 1940s, popular until now.

• RA Nasi Lemak

  address: 15, Jalan Raja Abdullah, Kampung Baru
  Serving up the Malaysian breakfast favourite, Nasi Lemak, and a range of drinks including Teh Tarik. A plate of rice is given to you then you add whatever you like on a self-serve basis. Located just at the western exit of Dang Wangi metro station.

• Yut Kee Restaurant

  address: 1, Jalan Kamunting, Medan Tuanku
  A true KL establishment, this Chinese coffeeshop is famous for its Hainanese-style chicken chop and roti babi, pork sandwich. Located near Quill City Mall and Wilayah Kompleks, it recently relocated to a larger building behind its former site.

• Plaza City One Food Court

  address: Level 2, Jalan Bunus 6, City Centre
  Check out the food court on Level 2 of Plaza City One for its Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine. Recommended: Hanif Mughal Food (stall 5), Nasi Arab (stall 3) and Punjabi Vegetarian Food (stall 8).

• Kudu bin Abdul Nasi Kandar

  address: 335, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Medan Tuanku
  Famous Nasi Kandar restaurant near the junction with Jalan Sultan Ismail. The late Malaysian artist P. Ramlee was reportedly a fan - his former film studio was located across the street. Walking distance from Sultan Ismail metro station, opposite Tune Hotel and near Maju Junction.

Mid-range

• Coliseum Cafe and Bar, 98 Jln. Tuanku Abdul Rahman. A KL legend, this colonial-style hangout hasn't changed its appearance or staff in over 90 years. Service is surly and the tablecloths could use a good wash, but their Western food, particularly the "sizzling" steaks on a hot plate (from RM35), is still one of the best deals in town. Also try a freshly mixed shandy (beer and lemonade, RM8) in the adjacent smoky bar.

Nightlife in this district is either of the partying variety at Heritage Row, as Jalan Doraisamy is now popularly known as, or the "hanging out at the Mamak stall" kind. As for the latter, Mamak stalls (stalls or food shops run by Indian Muslims) can be found everywhere but the most popular is actually just next to Heritage Row, nearer the intersection between Jalan Doraisamy and Jalan Dang Wangi.

Clubs and bars

• Bar SaVanh/Cochine

  phone: +60 3-26971180
  address: 64, Jalan Doraisamy
• The Loft
• Cynna Bar

Tuanku Abdul Rahman/Chow Kit area is now The place to find budget accommodations offering very competitive prices as many have been built here to avoid the congested Chinatown 1km south.

Budget

• City Park Hotel Kuala Lumpur

  address: 46, Lorong Haji Hussein Satu
  has 128 rooms, some smoking, some non-smoking. Rates from RM110 for standard room.
• Hotel Putra Muda, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz. Rates from RM80 for double occupancy. Just 1 min walk from Monorail stn.
• Hotel Sahara, just opposite Monorail - Chow Kit stn. Room rates start from RM80.

• Swiss Hotel

  phone: +60 3 2692 5555
  address: 12 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
  Not affiliated with Swissôtel, so do not expect the same level of service. Swiss Hotel offers deluxe, superior and family rooms with cable TV, private toilet and bath. Its facilities and services include luggage storage, currency exchange, 24-hour front desk and fax/photocopying.

• Tune Hotel

  address: 316 Jl Tuanku Abdul Rahman
  A no-frills hotel that is affiliated with AirAsia. Basic rooms with top quality beds, ensuite and fan can start as low as RM10 if booked during sales. Walk-in rates around RM90. A 7-Eleven, coffee shop and a food outlet are on ground level. Complementary 30 min internet at the lobby, ask the desk for a login password.

Mid-range

• Anum Hotel, Jalan Putra. Opened 2010. Rates from RM100.

• Brisdale Hotel

  phone: +60 3-26948833
  address: 65, Jalan Haji Hussein
  Three-star hotel in Chow Kit.

• Citin Hotel Masjid Jamek

  phone: +60 3 2693 2999
  address: No. 7, Seksyen 33
  Opened October 2009 smack dab in the middle of the bazaar, offers small but surprisingly slick, quiet and sparkling clean rooms. Aircon, ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Great little cafe serving local and your usual selection of western/international dishes.

• Citrus Hotel

  phone: +60 3 9195 9999
  address: 51 Jalan Tiong Nam, Off Jalan Raja Laut
  Chic, contemporary and with its splashes of greens and oranges, very cheerful. Rooms are comfortable and for those seeking a little more privacy with a few more privileges the Club Floor is a great alternative fitted with a 32" LCD flat screen TV, unlimited free WiFi, use of the Club Lounge and more. Facilities include a cafe, room service, swimming pool, gym and banquet rooms.
• City Villa Hotel, Jalan Haji Hussein, off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. 3-star hotel in Chow Kit. Close to the nightly food market. Rooms from RM110.

• First Business Inn

  phone: +60 3-40433399
  address: 72 Jalan Dato Haji Eusoff
  It offers air-conditioned accommodations, all of which have a private toilet and bath, cable TV, and telephone. Some of its amenities are high-speed Internet access, laundry/dry cleaning, and a restaurant that serves local and western dishes.

• Kuala Lumpur International Hotel

  phone: +60 3-26978833
  address: Lorong Haji Hussein
  Spacious accommodation, all equipped with air condition, cable television, phone with voicemail system. Facilities and services are function rooms, business centre and Wi-Fi Internet accessbbvttyyhngnbg

• Leo Palace Hotel

  phone: +60 3 -4043 5555
  address: Jalan Ramat
  Slightly above average budget hotel, 5 min walk to monorail/Putra WTC. Rooms from RM123.

• LEOPacific Hotel City Centre

  phone: +60-03-26148000
  address: Jalan Raja Laut

• Wira Hotel

  phone: +60 3-40423333
  address: 123 Jalan Thamboosamy
  Rates from RM110 for a standard room.

Splurge

• Sheraton Imperial

  phone: +60 3 2717 9900
  address: Jalan Sultan Ismail
  Opposite the Quill City Mall. Rooms have plasma TV, butler service, walk in closet. Previously a Luxury collection hotel, and the rooms reflect this- nice marble baths with separate shower, great health club. Restaurants ranging from western to eastern. The hotel also provides shuttle service to KLCC and KL Sentral. May be slightly off the tourist belt but the monorail station is just outside the hotel.

• Silka Maytower

  address: 7, Jalan Munshi Abdullah
  Consists of hotel suites and serviced apartments. Facilities provided: gym, pool, car park. La Maison restaurant located at the lobby.

• Twin Tower View

  address: Bistari Condominium
  2-bedroom apartment in a condominium opposite PWTC train station. View across KL city centre. A/C, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, swimming pool.

• Stripes Hotel

  phone: +603-20380000
  address: 25, Jalan Kamunting
  Near Quill City Mall and Medan Tuanku Monorail station.

Chow Kit used to have a bad reputation among locals. Back in the 80s, prostitution used to plague the area; however, one can hardly see this anymore except for some ladyboys offering themselves on the streets. Chow Kit is no longer the dangerous place it used to be & now set to be the next commercial and shopping area of Kuala Lumpur.
The Dang Wangi police station is located at the intersection of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Dang Wangi.