Have you ever heard of the saying that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? What better way to find such treasures than scouring flea markets that can be found at designated areas, as well as in shopping malls all around Malaysia.
For the romantics, a flea market is a place filled with nostalgia that reminds them of a certain period in their life. For bargain hunters, a flea market can be their paradise, where they have the opportunity to discover something truly amazing, be it vintage clothing, antiques, or collectors’ items.
What makes the flea markets in Malaysia unique is because of this country’s cultural diversity. So, you can just imagine how eclectic the range of items that can be found at these markets. Flea markets in Malaysia are like an open secret though, some are established but most are the kind of places that you stumble upon when strolling in the back alley or streets on lovely weekends.
Let us take you down memory lane at some of the popular flea markets not just in Kuala Lumpur but also in Johor and Melaka.
Flea Markets in Kuala Lumpur
Pasar Antik Kuala Lumpur
Formerly known as Pasar Karat, this flea market which is said to be the oldest market in Malaysia has been given a total make-over by the local authorities recently, and now is known as the Antique Market or Pasar Antik.
So head down to the back lane of Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur, where some 80 vendors which occupy 261 lots, peddle a variety of goods which range from discarded household items, accessories, watches and gadgets, used books, stamps and old photographs, including some vintage and collectible items.
Where: Lorong Petaling, Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur
When: Every day from 6.00 am to 9.30 am
Contact: +603-2022 3366
Amcorp Mall Flea Market
This indoor flea market means business. To the uninitiated, the Amcorp Mall flea market has been operating for 19 years and remains the largest with over 200 vendors. With all kinds of vintage, rarities, oddities and collectibles, it offers an advanced-level flea market experience to true lovers of the hunt.
Even if you are not a serious hunter or collector, once you visit this flea market, you will be hooked. The place is also an outlet for visitors to enjoy the vibe, share their interest, learn new things or perhaps immerse in nostalgia.
While the famous Amcorp Mall Flea Market is only a weekend happening, the mall itself is the place where you can find antiques and vintage shops, collectibles and hobbyists outlets that are open for business daily.
Where: Amcorp Mall, 18, Jalan Persiaran Barat, Petaling Jaya
When: Friday, Saturday Sunday, 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Contact: +603-7932 0022
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amcorpmall
Fuyoh! Collectors Market at Publika
The much-awaited collectors’ event held quarterly is for both the seasoned collector as well as the newbie. With over 80 selected vendors, it’s literally a vintage shop, a city-wide garage sale happening over two days under one roof.
Shop to your heart’s content at this indoor collector’s market at PUBLIKA, which is one of the trendiest malls in town. The market offers antiques, vintage items, collectible toys, vinyl records, music memorabilia and many more.
Where: Fuyoh! Collectors Market at Publika, PUBLIKA, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur.
When: Four times a year
Facebook: www.facebook/collectorsmarket
Flea Markets in Melaka
Looking for items at the flea markets in Melaka can be the ultimate treasure hunt, after all, the state is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let’s check out the quintessential flea markets in Melaka.
Trash Treasure Discovery Malacca
A first for the country, Trash Treasure Discovery Malacca is a recently-set up flea market along a riverside warehouse by the Melaka River. It’s a fun place to be if you want to browse for antiques, vintage and collectible items from the recent past. From restored vintage cinema chairs and enamel tiffin-wares to old advertising signs, bicycle, luggage metal trunks, handmade jewellery and even unique plants, this flea market sells almost everything under the sun.
Where: No. 3, Jalan Bunga Raya, Melaka City, Melaka
When: Saturday Sunday. 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
Contact: +6012-298 2834
Facebook: www.facebook.com/trashtreasurediscoverymalacca
Pasar Karat Jalan Hang Lekir
Located near the famous Jonker Street, this antique market is open from 7.00 am until 3.00 pm every Sunday. Visitors can easily find about 15 to 20 vendors peddling their treasured junks now looked upon as “old is new again”. Prices here are relatively cheaper as they are the real pickers who dig through dirty old barns to find the old glory that inspire us.
Where: Jalan Hang Lekir, off Jonker Street, Melaka City, Melaka
When: Every Sunday. 7.00 am until 3.00 pm.
Contact: +606-232 6411
Sayyid Antique Café
The combination of a quirky and retro ambience and good food makes this café worth visiting. This hangout is operated by a retired husband and wife team – who simply love everything oldy but goody – at the popular Lorong Hang Jebat, which is not far away from the famed Jonker Walk.
It is a lovely spot to eat, view and to strike conversations about the many old beauties that adorn the place.
Where: 74, Lorong Hang Jebat, Melaka
When: 8.30 am until 5.30 am.
Contact: +6012-681 3505
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sayyidantiquecafe
Flea Markets in Johor
Johor, the most southern part of the Peninsular Malaysia has some of the quirkiest and unique flea markets.
Pasar Karat Santai
Every weekend, a fruit orchard in Ledang, Johor, will be turned into a flea market yard. The 0.6 hectare flea market by the roadside is easily visible to passers-by travelling on the Ayer Keroh-Melaka-Jasin highway from Muar to Melaka.
There are about 15 vendors selling their valuable bric-a-brac in their simple built-up shack at the orchard. The Santai flea market is most noted for its old earthenware water storage pots, vintage bicycles and tricycles, vintage signs and other collectibles.
Where: Batu 6, Jalan Kesang, Kampung Kesang, Ledang, Johor
When: Saturday and Sunday. 9.00 am until 7.00 pm
Contact: +6010-785 6289
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pasarkaratsantai
Pasar Karat Batu Pahat
The bustling Batu Pahat flea market is regarded by some collectors and vintage lovers in the country as a haven of sorts.
Indeed, it’s laden with vintage treasures, cool collectibles, pre-loved quality clothing, gently-used goods, and an assortment of items sourced from neighbouring Singapore. At a glance, one can easily spot a variety of goods that are still in good working condition ranging from children’s mini bikes and baby strollers to electrical and electronic items that are irresistibly cheap. Kitchenware, crockery, tea sets and glassware are aplenty too.
Where: Jalan Pasar, Batu Pahat, Johor
When: Friday to Sunday. From 7.00 pm until 1.00 pm
Contact: +607-434 1045
Galeri Koleksi Abah
Galeri Koleksi Abah is a private house that is full of vintage goodies. But one has to make an appointment to view and buy from this gallery. What started as a space to display family treasures is now a store house of flea market items of various kinds.
The owner, Shariffudin Mahmood finds it all the more fun to share the memories of the recent past with everyone. In fact, there is something for everyone at Galeri Koleksi Abah, and even if there is nothing that interests you, the vintage collection that fills the gallery are still worth a closer look.
Where: 5, Jalan Mutiara 4, Taman Mutiara, Sri Gading, Batu Pahat, Johor.
When: Visitation by appointment only
Contact: +6012-723 1870
Facebook: www.facebook.com/koleksiabah
KD Antique
For the love of his home state, the owner of KD Antique, Kamaruddin Abdullah who specialises on all-things Johor has some of the best collections of items related to the commemorative events of the Johor royal family stocked at his shop.
His other speciality includes collection of various kopitiam cups, many of which date back to the 1960s, and are emblazoned with the kopitiam’s name.
Where: No. 7, Kedai Masjud Pekan Nenas, 81500 Pekan Nenas, Pontian, Johor.
Contact: +6019-754 4007
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kamaRuDin
Article source: http://blog.tourism.gov.my/feed/