Bukit Bintang is the shopping and entertainment district of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Also known as Jalan Bukit Bintang. The area has long been one of the most popular destinations in Kuala Lumpur, with numerous shopping centers, Al-Fresco cafes, bars, night markets, food street and mamac stalls, as well as hawker-type restaurants. Late-night restaurants, nightclubs that welcome party mongers with their electrifying music, and late-night bars create a festive vibe every night as the sun sets.
Many major nightlife events take place here, such as the New Year's countdown, Merdeka eve celebrations, street concerts and parties. The annual Malaysian F1 Grand Prix pit stop and Guinness St Patrick's Day Celebrations are held here too. There are two major annual fashion events held here annually. The STYLO Fashion week as well as the glitzy annual Malaysia International Fashion Week (M-IFW). Bukit Bintang is also a foodaholic paradise. This area is popular among tourists and locals, especially among the youths.
The top attractions of Bukit Bintang like Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, Menara KL Tower, and Nature Walk KL Forest Eco Park are also within Bukit Bintang which makes it the busiest tourist area in Kuala Lumpur. Another popular attraction here is the Maha Mariamman Temple that absolutely mimics a Tamilian temple in structure. While the gorgeous restaurants are for those looking for the best food, the food stalls set up by the vendors on the streets of Jalan Alor offer a culinary fest.
There are also flea markets in Bukit Bintang, where you can shop a lot on a shoestring budget. This open air flea market in Jalan Kasturi sells local snacks, fruits, fake T-shirts, flip flops and watches. In addition to these street stalls, many food stalls here also sell Malay kuih, Chinese dim sum, Indian rojac and other local snacks during your shopping spree.
Enjoy free street entertainment here. The performances take place at the intersection of Jalan Bukit Bintang & Jalan Sultan Ismail and Bintang Walk, which is really fun to watch.
The Bintang Walk district is famous for its specialist foot - body massages and spa services. There are many shops along the district offering different types of massages inspired by Chinese traditions. These shops also provide exotic foot treatments. massages are better blood circulation, cures to specific ailments and a balanced, detoxified body. Duration and types of massages measure charges. The shops are usually open till the wee hours of the morning.
In June 2021, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), a local municipality and authority, created a Shibuya-style pedestrian crossing at the junction of Bukit Bintang, located in front of the iconic 'Mekdi' Bukit Bintang outlet, just below the KL Monorail Line. This is done to increase the pavement in the area.
Some places to visit in Bukit Bintang
1. Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
This is Malaysia's largest indoor theme park located between level 5 and 7 of Berjaya Times Square. It is Malaysia's largest indoor theme park, measuring 133,000 square feet. There are also several rides for children and this place in Bukit Bintang is a family entertainer.
Location: Berjaya Times Square, 09-103, 9th Floor, No.1, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang.
2. Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman
This traditional wooden Malay house is one of the oldest surviving and the architecture of this centuries old house attracts all travelers. The garden surrounding the house looks verdant with over 50 species of herbs and trees and there are also guided tours to know more about its history and significance.
Location: 2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur, 50450
3. Menara KL Tower
This is the seventh-tallest freestanding tower in the world at a height of 420 meters and has 15 floors inside. Skydeck and glass-based flooring in the tower provide an exciting experience while witnessing the breathtaking views of the city beneath their feet.
Location: No. 2 Jalan Punchak Off, Jalan P Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
4. Nature Walk KL Forest Eco Park
It is one of the oldest and most important forest areas in Malaysia and is surrounded by lush greenery. The Eco Park has a playground, a camp site, a wooden gazebo and a canopy walk.
List of shopping malls in Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is one of the city's shopping districts. Many of the city's major retail malls are located in this area.
1. Berjaya Times Square - The 13th biggest shopping mall in the world
2. Starhill Gallery
3. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
4. Imbi Plaza - located right opposite of Berjaya Times Square.
5. Fahrenheit 88
6. Lot 10
7. Low Yat Plaza
8. Sungei Wang Plaza
9. LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre
10. 118 Mall
11. BB plaza
How to Reach
Bukit Bintang is located about 58.3 km away from Kuala Lumpur Airport. There are four ways to reach Bukit Bintang from KL airport.
Monorail: Line 8 from the airport takes you to Bukit Bintang. Take the KL Monorail and stop at the Imbi station, Bukit Bintang station or Raja Chulan station. Bukit Bintang is about few minutes walk from these stations.
Bus: Public buses and shuttle buses ply frequently between Bukit Bintang and KL airport. This is the cheapest travel option but the travel time is about one and a half hours. The Green and Purple line of Go KL City Buses provide routine services to Bukit Bintang area.
Taxi: Taxis are the fastest and most convenient option to travel from KL airport to Bukit Bintang and the best fares.