There is nothing quite like time travelling through the Klang Valley, discovering old and new spots and making a memorable day out of it. (Left: Image by @adwafiq. Right: Image by @its_andrea.yng.)
In the densely populated city of Kuala Lumpur (KL) and the surrounding Klang Valley, the sight of new hangout spots popping up like mushrooms rarely raises eyebrows anymore. Safe to say, city folks are never short on choices to entertain themselves. However, routine mall and café hangouts can get boring sometimes.
That’s where we come in! Why not make the most out of your day by time travelling? Well, not quite literally, but it’s close enough. With a well-crafted plan for the day, it can feel like you’re being taken on a trip through time as you bounce around town.
Breakfast at Chong Kok Kopitiam, Klang
This Muslim-friendly spot has had an 83-year-long grip on kopitiam lovers’ hearts. Since the 1940s, it has retained its charms in all its classic glory. Stepping into this famed all-day breakfast spot will easily make your tummy rumble, which is why Chong Kok Kopitiam’s Roti Goyang and Hainan Coffee, among other tasty menu items, are here to save the day. A wholesome breakfast here to start your day of time travel will help prepare you for what the day entails.
P.S. We know it’s all the way in Klang, which is a bit far for some, but there’s a reason why this kopitiam is so well-known. Why not make it an early breakfast road trip? Go early or you might have to wait in line.
Address: 5, Jalan Stesen, Kawasan 1, 41000 Klang, Selangor
Roller skate at Rollerwa, 1 Utama Shopping Centre
A brief look-through on Pinterest for all things 80s will present you with images of neon signs, roller skates, and even Stranger Things-inspired outfit inspirations. This makes Rollerwa a good spot to relive in the famously romanticised part of 80s aesthetics.
However, because Rollerwa is Korea’s No. 1 indoor quad roller-skating rink, the music blasting on the speakers may slightly dampen the 80s experience, especially if you are expecting more Madonna than NewJeans. The environment, however, should make up for an immersive time nonetheless. It also doesn’t hurt that you have the flexibility to choose Rollerwa’s other branches if you so prefer. Their other branches are in LaLaport and IOI City Mall Putrajaya.
Address: Lot F603A-F613, Level 1, 1 Utama Shopping Centre (District K), Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Lunch and unwind at Vintage Kissa Café, Kota Damansara
Rollerskating for a few hours should be enough to get you in the mood for a good lunch place like Vintage Kissa Café. A dreamy place for music and coffee lovers, this husband-and-wife passion project located in the heart of Kota Damansara is imbued with nostalgia. The audio café is no ordinary eatery—it is dripping in retro vibes.
Unwinding here goes beyond enjoying a cuppa. During the weekends, you can indulge yourself by listening to vinyl in their exclusive listening space as you lounge at the café.
Address: 18-2, Jalan PJU 5/9, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Send present memories to future you at Mew Movement, SS2
This art and stationery store in SS2 offers so much more than a vibrant space for curious visitors. As a unique twist on a regular photo booth, you can get hand-illustrated portraits here at RM15 a piece. The process is as brief as under 15 minutes!
One of the most interesting parts of the store comes in the form of 12 red mailboxes adorning one of their walls. By simply purchasing an artsy postcard from them, you get to mail it to your future self. Doesn’t this add a nice memorable aspect to your time travel-themed day? In the future, you’ll receive something to remind you of the time you got as close as you can to riding a time machine.
Address: No. 28-1 (2nd Floor), Jalan SS2/61, SS2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Thrift and munch away at Shimokita Space, SS15
For something relaxing, let’s shop and munch at this special spot in SS15. Thrifting can’t get any cooler than this. The atmosphere at Shimokita Space makes you want to stay for as long as you want, basking in the retro feels. With thrifting already established as a popular activity, their lip-smacking smash burgers and bespoke beverages elevate their reputation further as a youth hangout spot.
Not to mention the numerous Instagrammable spots that add to the appeal of Shimokita Space, from the box TVs to the neon lights adorning every corner.
Address: 94, Jalan SS 15/4b, SS 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Watch classic films at Pasar Seni Picture Show
Trade your usual moviegoing experience at the big-name cinemas for this independent one nestled in Pasar Seni. As an independent revival house cinema, Pasar Seni Picture Show dedicates itself to screening classic and artistic films of years past, reinvigorating interest towards older cinematic masterpieces.
Sit back, relax, and experience the wonder of discovering films you have never thought of seeking out for yourself, while appreciating the art of moviemaking. These films may very well be the peak of cinema at the time they were made. You’re almost literally journeying through space and time!
Take a look at their Instagram before visiting to book a spot at their screenings.
Address: 30, First Floor, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
A speakeasy bar dinner at Suzie Wong
Cabarets? Live bands? DJs? Suzie Wong almost certainly has them all. The bar has a unique charm in all its dimly lit and speakeasy glory, with the ability to whisk you back to the seductive 1950s. Inspired by an enigmatic 1957 novel titled The World of Suzie Wong, East and West blend to make Suzie Wong one of the top speakeasy spots in KL. Naturally, being a much-coveted bar, reservations are required for a dining experience here.
Address: Ground Floor, Wisma Lim Foo Yong, 86, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Get into the jazz and swing at Jao Tim
If a speakeasy bar is not quite your scene, the jazz of Jao Tim could be something up your alley. Functioning as a café, an event space, and a cocktail bar, there is plenty to enjoy here.
One of the best things is the regular evening Table Lamp Concerts that exude the old-timey city vibes of the 70s. The concerts differ based on the type of music or artists they are paying tribute to. To plan a romantic night of live music and jazz at Jao Tim, pay a visit to their website to see what catches your eye.
Address: 61, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
