Night Markets have been around for decades in Malaysia, otherwise known as Pasar Malam; they are frequented by locals who visit these markets all over the country.
Some may even ask where the best night markets to visit in Malaysia are, and this article will shed some light on these markets' personal experiences. Not plucked from the internet like how most list postings are done too.
Best Night Markets to Visit in Malaysia
Since the 1990s, the Pasar Malam (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.
These night markets are much cleaner, brighter and much more exciting things can be found here.
These night markets are much cleaner, brighter and much more exciting things can be found here.
Pasar Malam is found in almost every district and city in Malaysia, especially in high-density populated areas.
The core of this is bringing the market to the people where they set up makeshift stalls along a busy road and cut off traffic.
This makes one long night market with stalls on both sides offering almost anything. So, where are the best pasar malams in Malaysia? In no order, here they are;
The core of this is bringing the market to the people where they set up makeshift stalls along a busy road and cut off traffic.
This makes one long night market with stalls on both sides offering almost anything. So, where are the best pasar malams in Malaysia? In no order, here they are;
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| The Connaught Pasar Malam, photo by IsaacTan.net. |
1. Taman Connaught Pasar Malam in KL
The Taman Connaught Pasar Malam is the longest Night Market in Malaysia, spanning over two kilometres long and situated just out of Kuala Lumpur in the Connaught Garden area.
It is also located by the main road, and walking this night market can be 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 different from your typical Chinatown commercial-style market. This is the real night market where locals hang out buying clothes, food, and many other things.
My favourite is local food, where you can get a fantastic selection. Come early to avoid the after-work crowds and try some of the local food here.
It is also located by the main road, and walking this night market can be 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 different from your typical Chinatown commercial-style market. This is the real night market where locals hang out buying clothes, food, and many other things.
My favourite is local food, where you can get a fantastic selection. Come early to avoid the after-work crowds and try some of the local food here.
Taman Connaught Pasar Malam
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.
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.
Hours: 4.00 pm till 11.00 pm, Wednesday.
Pros: Exciting place, non-commercialized.
Cons: Parking, lots of people.
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours
2. Batu Ferringhi Night Market in Penang
Penang's most famous pasar malam is located in the core tourist area of Batu Ferringhi on the main island.
This was once a small night market many years ago, and with the tourism boom, it became one of Malaysia's largest night markets.
Here, you will find more tourist-related items than a typical pasar malam offers. The Batu Ferringhi night market stretches from the Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe to the start of the main road.
This was once a small night market many years ago, and with the tourism boom, it became one of Malaysia's largest night markets.
Here, you will find more tourist-related items than a typical pasar malam offers. The Batu Ferringhi night market stretches from the Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe to the start of the main road.
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| The nightly 'Pasar Malam' along Batu Ferringhi in Penang. |
There are 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.
This place is an excellent place for souvenirs and is best visited on the weekends. Also, here's a list of free things to do in Penang for anyone wanting a little more.
Batu Ferringhi Night Market
Location: Along Jalan Batu Feringgi, Penang
This place is an excellent place for souvenirs and is best visited on the weekends. Also, here's a list of free things to do in Penang for anyone wanting a little more.
Batu Ferringhi Night Market
Location: Along Jalan Batu Feringgi, Penang
What to Find: Loads of Souvenirs, handicrafts, T-shirts, CDs and DVDs, Home Decorations, Watches, Jewelry and Accessories, Smartphone Casings, Bags, Toys, and more non-food related items.
Hour: 4.00 pm till midnight, 7 days a week.
Pros: Fascinating place.
Cons: Knockoffs, Pricy.
Time to Spend: 1-3 hours
Time to Spend: 1-3 hours
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| Kuala Lumpur's famous Petaling Street, aka Chinatown. |
3. Petaling Street, aka Chinatown Night Market in KL
This has to be included in the list as Petaling Street, or Chinatown KL is hands down the most famous night market in Malaysia. Anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur or KL will most likely visit this place to find souvenirs or knockoffs.
This night market has evolved into a tourist trap in the core old town area of KL. Heaps of knockoff items sold by foreigners who speak multiple languages are a sight to see and experience.
This night market has evolved into a tourist trap in the core old town area of KL. Heaps of knockoff items sold by foreigners who speak multiple languages are 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 centre of the road. This results in two walkways to the main intersection, where more stalls branch out in all directions.
Tourist restaurants and local hawkers are also found on one of the main lanes here. Cold Beer and Pineapple Fried Rice? Yups, it's all here.
Tourist restaurants and local hawkers are also found on one of the main lanes here. Cold Beer and Pineapple Fried Rice? Yups, it's all here.
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| Petaling Street in the day. |
Petaling Street
Location: Jalan Petaling, KL
Location: Jalan Petaling, KL
What to Find: Loads of Knockoffs, Handicrafts, 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: Exciting place, a must-visit in Kuala Lumpur.
Cons: Knockoffs, Pricy, Humid, and Pickpockets.
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours
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| Jalan TAR Night Market. |
4. 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.
For any visitor to KL city, this is a recommended night market worth exploring on the weekend. This Pasar Malam in KL offers a more local flavour and is different from your typical Chinatown market.
Muslim apparels seem to be highly 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 modern fusion Malaysian-style foods.
For any visitor to KL city, this is a recommended night market worth exploring on the weekend. This Pasar Malam in KL offers a more local flavour and is different from your typical Chinatown market.
Muslim apparels seem to be highly 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 modern fusion Malaysian-style foods.
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| 'Lok Lok' is being sold here. |
To get here from Bukit Bintang or KLCC, it is about a 15 to 20 minutes walk, and from Petaling Street or Chinatown, it is only a 10-minute walk.
Jalan TAR Night Market
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, 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Pros: Exciting place.
Cons: Pickpockets.
Time to Spend: 1 hour
Time to Spend: 1 hour
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| Traders preparing for the night market along Jonker Walk. |
5. Jonker Street Night Market in Melaka
Down in historical Melaka, the most popular night market is Jonker Walk Night Market which happens on Saturdays 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 to try the local Melaka foods, cakes and drinks. Nothing from the super famous, but acceptable quality.
For the main shopping, you can find a lot of souvenirs here. The well-known Melaka Pineapple Tarts are also seen sold here.
The Jonker Street night market would be highly recommended for anyone visiting Melaka on the weekend.
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 to try the local Melaka foods, cakes and drinks. Nothing from the super famous, but acceptable quality.
For the main shopping, you can find a lot of souvenirs here. The well-known Melaka Pineapple Tarts are also seen sold here.
The Jonker Street night market would be highly recommended for anyone visiting Melaka on the weekend.
Jonker Street Night Market
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.
Hours: Sat and Sunday, from 5.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
Pros: Exciting place.
Cons: Need more local food and crafts.
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours
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| Petaling Jaya's famous night market at SS2. |
6. SS2 Pasar Malam in Petaling Jaya
In Petaling Jaya or PJ, Selangor, there are numerous Pasar Malam locations throughout all the sections. And it is only a 20 to 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur city.
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 around the giant field area next to the food court and offers all sorts of interesting local things.
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 around the giant field area next to the food court and offers all sorts of interesting local things.
Among the favourites here are the local Malaysian desserts, which come in 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, Wai Sek Kai or SS2 Food Court, which is one of PJ's most interesting. Highly recommended for any foodie traveller.
Also found around here is the famous hawker food square, Wai Sek Kai or SS2 Food Court, which is one of PJ's most interesting. Highly recommended for any foodie traveller.
SS2 Pasar Malam
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.
Hours: Mondays, from 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
Pros: Great place for local food, loads of local food, cakes, and drinks.
Cons: Parking.
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours
Time to Spend: 1-2 hours
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| Traders sell all sorts of everything at Wakaf Che Yeh night market. |
7. Wakaf Che Yeh Night Market in Kelantan
In Kota Bharu, Kelantan, you can find Wakaf Che Yeh, the most famous night market on the northeast coast of Malaysia.
This supermassive 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 how the locals trade here, and if you come on the weekends, it can get really crowded.
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| Rows and rows of apparel are found 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 local wholesale items, especially jewellery and clothing.
Wakaf Che Yeh Market
This place is also another great place to look for local wholesale items, especially jewellery and clothing.
Wakaf Che Yeh Market
Location: Jalan Kuala Krai, Wakaf Che Yeh, Kelantan
What to Find: Loads of men's and women's clothes, handicrafts, T-shirts, Toys, Watches, Shoes, Jewelry and Accessories, Smartphone Casings, Local Food, Fruits, Drinks and Wholesale Items.
Hours: All day, but the night is the best time. 7 days a week.
Pros: Fascinating place.
Cons: Mostly repeats of the same items.
Time to Spend: 1-3 hours
Time to Spend: 1-3 hours
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| Malaysia is well known for Night Markets or Pasar Malams. |
Conclusion
There you have it, a list of seven of the best night markets in Malaysia was compiled specially by me as I have personally visited them over the years to give you personal, correct and precise information.
For those wanting to go to any of them, please check the dates and times of some of the markets. If there are other night markets to be added to 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 the best night markets to visit in Malaysia. Feedback and comments are welcome below.