Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

Neighbourhood

Chow Kit and Kampung Baru sit a short ride north of KLCC and feel like a different city, narrow lanes, wooden houses and one of Kuala Lumpur's biggest wet markets. It's best for adventurous visitors who want street food, markets and a glimpse of traditional Malay life inside the city.

Chow Kit & Kampung Baru Brickfields& Bangsar Bukit Bintang& KLCC Chinatown &Old City Centre Chow Kit &Kampung Baru Lake Gardens Tourist areas, not official boundaries. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsPetronas TowersKuala Lumpur TowerIslamic Arts Museum MalaysiaMerdeka 118Telekom TowerNational MonumentIstana BudayaChow Kit & Kampung Baru
In this guide

Chow Kit & Kampung Baru essentials

Country: Malaysia
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Ringgit (RM)
Language: Malay
Emergency: 999
Eat
Street Food
Head to Chow Kit Market and Jalan Raja for hawker stalls
Sleep
Budget to Mid-Range
Budget hotels and guesthouses around Jalan Raja and Raja Alang
Party
Local
Small bars and rooftops near PWTC and Jalan Raja
Shop
Markets
Fresh produce, flowers and textiles at Chow Kit and Jalan TAR

This neighbourhood pairs Chow Kit’s chaotic wet market and flower stalls with Kampung Baru’s low-rise wooden houses and Malay eateries. Jalan Raja, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Raja Alang are the main spines; the market sits near a cluster of budget hotels and guesthouses. By day you’ll find vendors, fresh produce and hawker stalls; evenings are for nasi lemak, roti canai and small kopitiams.

Nightlife here is local rather than touristy, think roadside mamak stalls, small bars and rooftop hangouts close by rather than big clubs. It’s an affordable place to stay if you don’t need polished shopping malls on your doorstep, and it’s very handy for travellers who want to explore the old, lived-in layers of Kuala Lumpur.

Chow Kit & Kampung Baru at a Glance

Markets, Malay kampung life and gritty street-food streets beside the city centre.

  • Best for: Street-food explorers and market shoppers
  • Vibe: Authentic, busy, slightly gritty
  • Nearest station: PWTC or Kampung Baru LRT stations
  • Price level: $ - $$
  • To the main sights: 10-20 minutes by taxi to Petronas Towers and KL Tower
  • Safety: Generally OK by day; use caution at night

Who's Chow Kit & Kampung Baru For?

Great for:

  • Street food
  • Market photography
  • Budget stays
  • Exploring Malay culture

Maybe skip it if:

  • You want polished nightlife and fine dining
  • You need pedestrianised, touristy streets

Getting Your Bearings in Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

The area centres on Chow Kit Market between Jalan Raja and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, with Kampung Baru across the Klang River near Jalan Raja. PWTC and nearby LRT stops put you a short ride from KL Sentral and the city centre.

Plan Your Visit to Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

  • Bring cash: Many stalls are cash-only, especially in the market.
  • Visit early: Chow Kit Market is at its most colourful in the early morning.
  • Dress respectfully: Kampung Baru is a traditional Malay neighbourhood; modest dress is appreciated.
  • Use Grab: Ride-hailing is often faster and cheaper than flagged taxis after dark.
  • Watch your belongings: Busy markets are pickpocket hotspots; keep valuables secure.
  • Try small stalls: Street vendors offer authentic flavours, check for busy queues.

Things to Do in Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

  • Chow Kit Market: A chaotic, colourful wet market for fruit, vegetables, flowers and street snacks; best in the morning.
  • Kampung Baru: A traditional Malay village with wooden houses and local warungs serving authentic Malay food.
  • Raja Alang Market: A lively local market for cheap clothes, household goods and street food stalls.
  • Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman: Daytime textile shops and evening pasar malam stalls selling fabrics and local treats.
  • Walk to nearby landmarks: A short taxi or public-transport hop takes you to the colonial heart and towers of central KL.
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA): Public transport: KLIA Ekspres to KL Sentral, then LRT or short taxi to Chow Kit; allow 45-60 minutes, fares vary. Taxi/ride-hail: direct to Chow Kit in 45-60 minutes depending on traffic; expect a mid-range airport fare.
  • Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang/SZB): Public transport: KTM or shuttle bus into KL Sentral then LRT or short taxi to Chow Kit; total 30-50 minutes. Taxi/ride-hail: 20-40 minutes depending on traffic; taxi is simplest for door-to-door transfers.
  • From the main sights: From Petronas Towers a taxi is simplest (about 10-20 minutes); by public transport you can change at KL Sentral or Masjid Jamek and reach the PWTC/Chow Kit area in 20-30 minutes.

Getting Around Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

  • On foot: The market and Kampung Baru are compact and best explored on foot; expect narrow alleys and crowded stalls.
  • E-hailing: Grab and other ride-hails are convenient for early mornings and nights when LRT services drop off.
  • Public transport: PWTC and nearby LRT stations link you to KL Sentral, Masjid Jamek and the rest of the city; buses and KTM services serve the area too.
Sleep

Where to Stay in Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

This neighbourhood has a heavy concentration of budget and mid-range hotels with a few upmarket options a short walk away. Streets around Raja Alang, Jalan Raja and near PWTC host most properties. Expect practical rooms rather than boutique luxury; Kampung Baru adds a quieter, village feel if you prefer wood-built guesthouses.

Luxury

  • Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel: Established 5-star on the edge of the area with full hotel services and easy access to PWTC.
  • Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection: Design-led 4-star hotel a short walk from Chow Kit, good for travellers wanting comfort near the market.
  • AC Hotel Kuala Lumpur: Contemporary 4-star option with modern rooms and easy links into central KL.
  • Summer Suites Residences: Serviced-apartment style accommodation suitable for longer stays or families.

Mid-range

  • Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur: Reliable international mid-range hotel close to the market and business areas.
  • Fairfield By Marriott: Comfortable, well-placed mid-range choice for travellers wanting predictable standards.
  • Akar Hotel Kuala Lumpur: Small hotel within easy walking distance of Chow Kit and Raja Alang Market.
  • TAMU Hotel & Suites: Practical rooms and suites close to local eateries and public transport links.

Budget

  • Legasi Kampung Baru Guest House by Rumahrehat: Guesthouse inside Kampung Baru offering a simple, local feel and easy access to Malay eateries.
  • Wellvest Youth Hostel: Basic hostel accommodation for budget travellers close to the market.
  • Mah Lanu: Low-cost hotel near the heart of Chow Kit for travellers prioritising location.
  • Merdeka: Economical option handy for exploring central KL on foot or by short taxi rides.

Where to Eat in Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

Chow Kit and Kampung Baru are for street-food adventurers: hawker stalls, Malay warungs and kopitiams dominate. Head to Chow Kit Market in the morning for snacks and Jalan Raja or Kampung Baru in the evening for nasi lemak, satay and roti canai. Prices are mostly $ or $$ and many stalls open from early morning into the evening.

  • Restoran Kin Kin: Noodle restaurant popular with locals; informal setting and wallet-friendly prices ($).
  • Limapulo: Baba Can Cook: Malay cuisine served in a casual, traditional atmosphere; mid-priced ($$).
  • Nasi Lemak Wanjo: Well-known nasi lemak stall in the area; a classic local breakfast choice ($).
  • Yut Kee: Longstanding kopitiam celebrated for Hainanese-style dishes and Malay-Chinese classics ($$).
  • Super Kitchen Chili Pan Mee: Casual spot for pan mee noodles and other local noodle dishes ($).
  • Nasi Lemak CT Garden: Traditional nasi lemak vendor near Kampung Baru popular with early crowds ($).
  • Restoran Nasi Padang Kampung Baru: Padang-style Malay restaurant in Kampung Baru serving hearty plates suited to groups ($).
Party

Nightlife in Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

This is not KL’s nightclub district but there are several small bars and rooftop hangouts close by, plus late-night mamak stalls that keep the area lively. Head towards PWTC and nearby rooftops for drinks, or use a short taxi ride to Bukit Bintang and KLCC for bigger venues. Expect a mix of local bars and hotel lounges, mostly $$ in price.

  • Planet House: Compact bar with a casual vibe close to the market; good for a quick drink.
  • Deep Blue Roof Bar: Rooftop option offering views and a relaxed atmosphere in the nearby hotel cluster.
  • Casa Cafe: Small bar/cafe frequented by locals; suitable for an evening drink before heading elsewhere.
  • Bombay Glitz: Long-running nightclub popular with local crowds; a short ride from Chow Kit.
  • Man Tao Rooftop Bar: Rooftop bar with city views and a laid-back crowd, reached by a short taxi.
  • FUBAR: Casual bar a short distance away that draws a mixed local crowd in the evenings.

Shopping in Chow Kit & Kampung Baru

Shopping here is about markets, textiles and fresh produce rather than luxury boutiques. Chow Kit Market and Raja Alang Market sell flowers, fruit, meat and cheap household goods, while Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR) runs textile shops and evening pasar malam stalls. For indoor shopping and air-conditioning, Quill City Mall and Sunway Putra Mall are nearby.

  • Chow Kit Market: The area’s beating heart for fresh produce, flowers and street snacks; best early in the morning.
  • Raja Alang Market: Local market for clothing, textiles and everyday bargains in a busy setting.
  • Quill City Mall: Indoor mall offering chain stores and food outlets a short walk from Chow Kit.
  • Sunway Putra Mall: Large shopping complex with supermarkets, eateries and branded stores near PWTC.
  • Pasar Malam Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman: Night market on Jalan TAR selling textiles, accessories and street food on selected evenings.