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WANDER
Hannef Esquander
gets a tour of Central Market and discoverswhy this unique area,
that is a feast for the senses, is so popularwithMalaysians and tourists alike.
Sensory Delights
W o r d s :
H a n n e f E s q u a n d e r
T
h i
s
127 - yea r -
old building
used to be a
wet market
i n 1 8 8 8
until it was
relocated in the 1980’s.
Built by the city’s Chinese
Kapitan, Yap Ah Loy, the
building was saved from
demolition by the Malaysian
Heritage Society and was
subsequently declared as a
centre of Malaysian Culture,
Arts and Handicrafts. Cen-
tral Market went through
a complete makeover in
2004, transforming it into
an award-winning tourist
attraction and shopping
destination that it is today.
Culture zones
Central Market features lo-
cal Malaysian products of
handicrafts and souvenirs
at three different zones,
namely
Lorong Melayu
,
(Malay Lane)
Lorong Cina
(Chinese Lane) and
Lorong
India
(Indian Lane). All
three
lorongs
(lanes) are
built with interiors that
reflect the different archi-
tecture and heritage of the
three races of Malaysia.
There are endless varieties
of trinkets, accessories, fab-
rics and various other types
of locally produced craft
at these three zones. The
prices are reasonable, con-
sidering the high standard
of quality set by Central
Market to all of its vendors.
Malacca Jonker Street is
another lane where one can
find Malaysian antiques
and
batik
fabrics while
admiring the uniqueness
of a Malay village house
(Rumah Melayu) as well
as Baba Nyonya-inspired
architecture.
Loca l t radi t iona l
snacks and titbits can be
found at
Lorong Kelapa
(Coconut lane). There
are various kinds of
keropok
(crackers) and
kuih (cakes) that can be
purchased here. From
Kuih Bijan
and
Kuih
Loyang
to
Epok-Epok
and
muruku
, these local
snacks make perfect
movie companions.
Central Market Sdn Bhd
Lot 3.04-3.06, Central Market
Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050
Kuala Lumpur.
Telephone: 1300-22-8688
Fax: 03-2032 2399
Email: info@centralmarket.com.my
The signature Central Market’s entrance
All the lights at Little India
Art is alive at Central Market