Chow Kit takes its name from Penang-born tin tycoon Loke Chow Kit, who made his name and his money at the turn of the 20th Century. The Loke family’s legacy lives on in the beautiful Loke Mansion and Loke Hall, which you can still visit. Up to the 1980s, Chow Kit was a thriving centre of trade in the city. Today, the neighbourhood is best known for two things: its bustling, lively market (the largest wet market in Kuala Lumpur), a sprawling mass of stalls selling everything under the sun, from fresh produce to bootleg movies. Then there’s the neighbourhood’s quietly seedy side, home to the city’s more underground businesses and, most famously, its red light district. Malaysia’s famous mix of cultures is evident here, with all languages and dialects spoken on the streets. Taken together with the characterful streets and residents who’ve been there for generations, it’s KL’s most authentic neighbourhood, untouched by skyscrapers and suits. Get up close and personal with our walking tours.