Bukit Bintang and Ain Arabia

About this place

Kuala Lumpur's best-known shopping and nightlife district, in the heart of the Golden Triangle, where big malls stand beside cafes, restaurants and night markets. Arab visitors know it well: here lies Ain Arabia, a short street lined with Arab and Middle Eastern restaurants, so that it feels like an Arab quarter in the heart of Malaysia. Along Jalan Bukit Bintang stand large malls such as Pavilion, Lot 10 and Berjaya Times Square, full of brands and restaurants, and in front of the monorail station a wide scramble crossing has become one of the city's best-known sights. In the side streets are the Jalan Alor night food street and cafes and restaurants open until late. The district is free and always open, served by the monorail and the MRT at Bukit Bintang station, so there is no need for a car. Most of Ain Arabia's restaurants and the Malay ones are halal, but many of Jalan Alor's Chinese stalls are not, so watch for the signs. The best time is evening, when the shopfronts light up and the street fills. Many Arab visitors stay in its hotels, close to the shopping and Arab restaurants, though the crowds and noise are intense at weekends.