Chinatown KL
Rich lights and even richer characters …
I had always been intimidated when walking around KL Chinatown. The last time I was there was during one of the Kelby Walks and I did get some stares. After talking to a few friends, they gave me some tips. The important thing was to always come during peak times - meaning afternoons on Saturday or public holidays. Morning walks were a definite no no, and it is best to walk in a group.
One thing I noticed here was how cheap the flowers were. And there were plenty of them …
An easy-going afternoon
I decided to take my chance last Saturday as the weather was really nice and the place was packed with tourist.
I think the place should be changed from Chinatown, as most of the vendors there now were foreign workers from South Asia. But the Chinese business that were left still retain the charm, as well as the small boutique hotels and shops in and around the area. The main bazaar now had been replaced by shops selling cheap imitation products and gifts. Not too keen on those and the vendors were also not too keen to have either themselves or their wares photographed.
The durians here doesn’t come in cheap …
I did get some nice photos and if only I have stayed there a bit longer. I was in a rush to get to Dataran Merdeka though as not to waste the Golden Hour lights. I might return next time, but definitely with a less intimidating setup or better still, in a group. But from a photographer’s point of view, a gem of a place for snaps still ...