My favourite market in Kuala Lumpur is the Central Market, located between China Town and the Colonial District. While there are plenty of markets that are bigger, this market is a manageable size in a heritage building, which is worth visiting for the building alone.
The side of the market is bordered by Jalan Hang Kasturi, a pedestrian street landscaped with tall palm trees.
[Jln Hang Kasturi]
The Central Markek was constructed in 1888-89. The current building was built in 1936 in the art deco style and came close to being demolished in the 1980s. Thankfully the Malaysian Heritage Trust intervened and saved the building and it became the Cultural Bazaar in 1986.
[Central Market Shopping]
The market is filled with excellent handcrafts and gift ideas as well as other specialty stores. It’s a good place to look for souvenirs as you don’t have the piles of cheap knock off goods that you see in every other market.
[Central Market shops]
Fish Foot Massage
As a wayfarer my feet take a beating so I should probably get my feet pedicured more often. When I saw a fish foot massage I figured that this would be a more manly way to get a pedicure.
[Cute Fish Spa]
With a fish foot massage you put your feet in a fish tank and the toothless fish nibble at your feet (micro-massaging), eating only dead skin cells.
I was wearing shoes so I was wondering what my tropical feet would do to the fish. I imagined putting my feet in and all these fish floating dead on the water. Lucky for the fish you get to wash your feet first.
[Fish Foot Spa]
I had a look at the fish before I put my feet in the tank. A woman next to me only had a few fish on her feet. Will they come to me? Well, as soon as I placed my feet in they were swarming all over me. Are they mad! Don’t they know how disgusting my feet are? I had visions of them going home that night and wrapping their little fins around a fish toilet bowl throwing up after what they have just eaten.
Meanwhile the woman next to me was hardly getting a nibble. She must have her feet pedicured daily as the fish weren’t biting.
[Fish Foot Massage]
I found it tickly in a creepy way at the start, but you soon get used to it. I just had to stop thinking about that movie Piranha and remember these are toothless.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Resources
Kuala Lumpur Hotels: Search for discount hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
Where to stay in KL: A guide to which areas to stay in as a visitor.
Flights to KUL: Compare the cheapest flights with Skyscanner.
KL Car Hire: Rentalcars compares the best prices of the major car rental companies.
12go – Train, Bus, Ferry Travel: Book train and bus tickets to and from KL.
Travel Insurance: Don’t leave without travel insurance. World Nomads covers your health and travel belongings.
Kuala Lumpur Guide Books: Research KL before you go.
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