Best Night Markets to Visit in Malaysia

Night Markets have been around for decades in Malaysia, otherwise known as Pasar Malams, they are frequented by locals who visit these markets found all over the country. Some may even ask where are the best night markets to visit in Malaysia and this article will shed some light based on personal experiences to these markets. Not plucked from the internet like how most list postings are done too. 

Since the 1990's, the Pasar Malams (Pasar is Market, Malam is Night) have been introduced to tourist as one of the must-do things in Malaysia and now it has evolved into a whole new experience. They are cleaner, brighter and much more interesting things can be found here.

Pasar Malams are found in almost every district and city in Malaysia, especially in high dense populated areas. The core of this is actually bringing the market to the people where they set up makeshift stalls along a busy road and cutting off traffic. This makes one long night market with stalls on both sides offering all sorts of almost anything.

So where are the best pasar malams in Malaysia? In no order, here they are;

The Connaught Pasar Malam, photo by IsaacTan.net 

Taman Connaught Pasar Malam in KL

The Taman Connaught Pasar Malam is noted as the longest Night Market in Malaysia, spanning over two kilometers long and situated just out of Kuala Lumpur city in the Connaught Garden area. It is also located by the main road here and walking this night market can an exciting experience for anyone wanting to see the local night market scene. In total, there are also 700 plus stalls found here!

This is also not your typical Chinatown commercial style market. This is the real night market where locals hang out buying clothes, food and many other things. My personal favourites here is the local foods where you can get an amazing selection. Come early to avoid the after-work crowds and try some of the local food here.

Location: Along Jalan Cerdas, next to the E37 Highway in Cheras.
What to Find: Loads of Local Food, T-shirts, Women's Clothes, Jewelry and Accessories, Smartphone Casings, Bags, Toys and more non food related items. 

Open: 4pm till 11pm, Wednesday. 

Pros: Very interesting place, non commercialized. 

Cons: Parking, lots of people.
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours

Batu Ferringhi Night Market in Penang

Penang's most famous pasar malam is located in the core tourist area of Batu Ferringhi on the island. This was once a very small night market many years ago and with the boom of tourism, grew to be one of the largest night markets in Malaysia. Here, you will find more tourist related items compared to what a typical pasar malam offers. 

The Batu Ferringhi night market stretches all the way from the Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe to the start of the main road. There's over a hundred stalls available along the main road which is still active with traffic. Restaurants, Hawker Centers, Stalls and Cafes are found along the way too. Great place for souvenirs and best visited on the weekends. Also, here's a list of free things to do in Penang for anyone wanting a little more.

The nightly 'Pasar Malam' along Batu Feringghi in Penang

Location: Along Jalan Batu Feringgi, Penang

What to Find: Loads of Souvenirs, Handicraft, T-shirts, CD's and DVD's, Home Decorations, Watches, Jewelry and Accessories, Smartphone Casings, Bags, Toys and more non food related items. 

Open: 4pm till midnight, 7 days a week. 

Pros: Very interesting place. 

Cons: Knockoffs, Pricy.
Time to Spend: 1-3 hours

Kuala Lumpur's famous Petaling Street aka Chinatown 

Petaling Street aka Chinatown Night Market in KL

This has to be included in the list as Petaling Street is the most famous night market in Malaysia. Anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur or KL is most likely to visit this place to find some sort of souvenir or knockoffs. Located in the core old town area of KL, this night market has evolved into some sort of tourist trap. Heaps of knockoff items sold by foreigners who speak multiple languages is a sight to see and experience. 

Petaling Street is open throughout the day but comes to life at night when vendors push in their stalls to fill up the center of the road. This results in two walkways till the main intersection where more stalls branch out in all directions. Tourist restaurants and local hawkers are found at one of the main lanes here too. Cold Beer and Pineapple Fried Rice? Yups, its all here.

Petaling Street in the day

Location: Jalan Petaling, KL

What to Find: Loads of Knockoffs, Handicraft, T-shirts, Toys, Watches, Jewelry and Accessories, Smartphone Casings, Local Food, Fruits, Drinks and Chinese Ornaments. 

Open: All day but the night is the best time. 7 days a week. 

Pros: Very interesting place, a must-visit in Kuala Lumpur.

Cons: Knockoffs, Pricy, Humid and Pickpockets.
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours

Jalan TAR Night Market

Jalan TAR Night Market in KL

The Jalan TAR Night Market or Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman Pasar Malam is located at Lorong Tunku Abdul Rahman, one lane behind this main road in Kuala Lumpur and is one of the recommended night markets for any tourist or traveler to visit. This Pasar Malam in KL offers a more local flavor and is not your Chinatown type of market. 

'Lok Lok' being sold here

Muslim apparels seem to be popular here, especially clothes, Hijab or Headscarves, Hijab Accessories, Pins, Brooches and Prayer Items. Local Malay food is also widely available including snacks, drinks and the modern fusioned Malaysian style foods.

This Pasar Malam is also a great place to try local delicacies, such as 'Lok Lok' a local steam boat, Malay Mixed Rice, Keropok Lekor, Goreng Pisang, Malay style sweet cakes and many other varieties of local street foods. To get here from Bukit Bintang or KLCC, it is about 15 to 20 minutes walk and from Petaling Street or Chinatown, it is only a 10 minute walk here.

Location: Lorong Tunku Abdul Rahman, KL

What to Find: Men, Women and Children's Clothes, T-shirts, Toys, Watches, Jewelry and Accessories, Smartphone Casings, Lots of Local Food, Fruits, Drinks and Muslim Items. 

Open: Saturdays, 5pm to 10pm

Pros: Very interesting place.  

Cons: Pickpockets.
Time to Spend: 1 hour

Traders preparing for the night market along Jonker Walk

Jonker Street Night Market in Melaka

Down in historical Melaka, the most popular night market is Jonker Walk Night Market which happens on Saturday and Sundays. Here, all sorts of local items, food, accessories and souvenirs can be found. The beauty of this place is that it is located along the famous historical shopping street which is nicely lit at night giving this place a beautiful ambience.

Some sections branch off to food streets where you can try the local Melaka foods, cakes and drinks. Nothing from the super famous, but acceptable quality. For main shopping, you can find a lot of souvenirs here. The well known Melaka Pineapple Tarts are also seen sold here. For anyone visiting Melaka on the weekend, the Jonker Street night market would be highly recommended to visit. 

Location: Jonker Street, Melaka

What to Find: Food, Drinks, Handicraft, T-shirts, Toys, Smartphone Casings, Jewelry and Accessories, Local Food, Fruits, Drinks and Peranakan and Chinese Ornaments. 

Open: Sat and Sunday, from 5pm to 11pm.  

Pros: Very interesting place. 

Cons: Not enough local food and craft.
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours

Petaling Jaya's famous night market at SS2

SS2 Pasar Malam in Petaling Jaya

In Petaling Jaya, Selangor, there are numerous Pasar Malam's located throughout all the sections here in PJ. One of the notable ones to visit is the SS2 Pasar Malam in the main business district here. The Monday night SS2 Night Market stretches all around the giant field area next to the food court and offers all sorts of interesting local things. 

Among the favourites here are the very local Malaysian desserts which come in the form of cakes, bread and even dim sum. One of the Malay Nasi Lemak Stalls is highly recommended here. Also found around here is the famous hawker food square called Wai Sek Kai or SS2 Food Court which is one of the most interesting in PJ. Highly recommended for any foodie traveler. 

Location: Jalan SS2/60, SS2/61, SS2/63 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

What to Find: Clothes, Groceries, T-shirts, Toys, Jewelry and Accessories, Smartphone Casings, Local Food, Fruits, Drinks and even Pets. 

Open: Mondays, 4pm to 11pm. 

Pros: Great place for local food, loads of local food, cakes, drinks.

Cons: Parking.
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours

Traders selling all sorts of everything at Wakaf Che Yeh night market

Wakaf Che Yeh Night Market in Kelantan

Rows and rows of apparels found here

In Kota Bahru, Kelantan, you can find Wakaf Che Yeh, which is the most famous night market in the north east coast of Malaysia. This super massive market caters to mainly food produce, local food, fruits, clothes, shoes, accessories, Muslim apparel and many other interesting things. It is also a great place to explore to see how the locals trade here. 

Wakaf Che Yeh in Kelantan is hands down a must visit for anyone heading to this state. The speciality here is that many border Thai Malay people bring their wares here to sell them. This place is also another great place to look for wholesale items, especially jewellery and clothings.

Location: Jalan Kuala Krai, Wakaf Che Yeh, Kelantan

What to Find: Loads of mens and womens clothes, Handicraft, T-shirts, Toys, Watches, Shoes, Jewelry and Accessories, Smartphone Casings, Local Food, Fruits, Drinks and Wholesale Items. 

Open: All day but the night is the best time. 7 days a week. 

Pros: Very interesting place. 

Cons: Mostly repeats of the same items.
Time to Spend: 1-3 hours

Malaysia is well known for Night Markets or Pasar Malams

There you have it, a list of 7 of the best night markets in Malaysia compiled specially by me as I have personally visited all of these markets over the years to give you a personal, correct and precise information. For those wanting to go to any of them, please make sure you check the dates and times of some of the markets. 

If you think there are other night markets to be added in this list, please let me know in the comment form below. Otherwise, I bid you welcome to Malaysia and hope you enjoyed this compilation of Best Night Markets to Visit in Malaysia.