Holidays in Kuala Lumpur

Where: Amcorp Mall

Standing for ‘music, art and collectibles’, Joe Rozario’s eponymous shop is a treasure trove of old Malaysian records, movie posters, pop culture relics and memorabilia. Find it in the basement of the slightly dated, yet delightfully kitsch, Amcorp Mall.

Lower Ground Floor, Amcorp Mall, 18 Jalan Persiaran Barat, Taman Jaya, Petaling Jaya

Find out more about Joe’s MAC

Where: Publika Mall

It’s billed as a neighbourhood food and drink outlet, but since opening just under three years ago, The Bee has also become Kuala Lumpur’s premier live music venue, hosting the city’s most interesting up-and-coming acts on a regular basis.

Level G2, Publika, 1 Jalan Dutamas, Solaris Dutamas

Find out more about The Bee

Where: Starhill Gallery

Sitting among the major international luxury fashion brands on show at the elegant Starhill Gallery is the flagship store of Khoon Hooi – the cool, young Malaysian womenswear label that’s headed up by Lee Khoon Hooi.

Gallery 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang

Find out more about Khoon Hooi

Where: The Gardens Mall

Celebrated local art collector Lim Wei-Ling opened an innovative and accessible modern art gallery recently. The space is minimalist, but echoes the modern warehouse feel of her Brickfields flagship.

6th Floor, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City

Find out more about Wei-Ling Contemporary

Where: Sunway Pyramid

Also known as ‘the bean bag hall’, Beanieplex touts itself as the world’s most comfortable cinema. Two-seater beanbag sofas replace traditional seats – so it’s perfect for cosying up while watching a schmaltzy rom-com.

Bandar Sunway, No. 3 Jalan PJS11/15, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Find out more about Beanieplex

Where: Berjaya Times Square

In addition to an indoor theme park, this mall also has a bustling video arcade on its sixth floor that features rows of retro games. Look out for crowds watching the hallowed high-score contenders in action.

1, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang

Find out more about Amusement Square

Where: Sunway Pyramid

Malaysia’s leading streetwear store stocks over 50 international urban fashion brands that are mostly unavailable elsewhere in the country, including Gourmet Shoes and Dime Piece.

Lot F1.85, 1st Floor Blue Atrium, Sunway Pyramid, No 3 Jalan PJS 11/15, 46150, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Find out more about Major Drop

Where: Bangsar Village

Bangsar Village’s hammam is a novel solution to those who don’t find retail therapy all that therapeutic. Decorated in a charming Moorish pastiche, treatments range from the standard hammam scrub to aromatic massages and body wraps.

Bangsar Village 2, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru

Find out more about Hammam Spa

Where: Lot 10

In contrast to the traditionally bland mall food court aesthetic, Bukit Bintang’s Lot 10 has designed its basement with a vibrant street-food theme – so you feel as though you’re wondering through hawker-filled alleyways. Stalls have a variety of Malaysian, Chinese, Thai and other Asian cuisines available at very reasonable prices.

50, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang

Where: The Gardens Mall

This sneaker freak haven has carved itself a niche as a limited-edition specialist store. Expect to find the latest collaborations and one-off lines from Nike, Adidas, New Balance and other big names on the scene.

Second Floor, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City

Find out more about Sole What