RETAIL THERAPY

Peter Hoe Beyond Boutique (145 Jalan Tun HS Lee) is the place to head for funky souvenirs and gifts. It sells Asian homewares, jewellery, batik fashions and other hand-printed fabrics, and has an agreeable cafe.

Asaana Fashion in the shopping mall beneath Petronas Towers (Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre; suriaklcc.com.my) has international high fashion, but is especially good for its one-stop Asian selection.

Government-run Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur (63 Jalan Conlay; kraftangan.gov.my) has a great selection of quality handicrafts from across the country. Artists, potters and weavers work in the bungalows behind the store.

Shopping central … a swanky Kuala Lumpur mall provides contrast to the street stalls and markets.