Day 49: 20 Years Back on Memory Lane: 1 Utama

One of the quintessential activities in Malaysia is visiting shopping malls. Unlike in Germany, where malls are primarily for shopping, in Malaysia, they serve as multi-purpose hubs for dining, exercising, entertainment, and more. Malls are also a practical escape from the tropical heat, offering an affordable way to cool down.  

Today, my destination is 1 Utama Shopping Centre—a retail behemoth with 500,000 m² of space, making it one of the largest shopping malls in Southeast Asia. For me, it’s also a nostalgic trip down memory lane.  

Twenty years ago, having internet access at home wasn’t common. I remember dropping my wife off at work in the morning and heading to 1 Utama for a coffee, internet access, and some light shopping. Those simple routines left lasting memories.

Arriving at 1 Utama  

As the hotel shuttle bus approaches the mall, familiar sights trigger a flood of memories. Stepping through the glass doors, the rush of cold air from the mall’s powerful air conditioning sends a shiver down my spine—a stark contrast to the heat outside.  

I walk along the connecting passageway flanked by luxury clothing and watch stores. The path leads to the central hall, where the mall truly unfolds. Seven stories rise above me, and sunlight streams in through the expansive glass roof, creating an awe-inspiring "shopping cathedral."

Entering the "new Wing" of 1 Utama


Christmas is over ...

... Chinese New Year is coming

A Morning Stroll  

It’s late morning, and the mall is pleasantly quiet, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Workers are busy dismantling the Christmas decorations and replacing them with vibrant Chinese New Year motifs. The familiar shops and international brands feel like home, with a few unique ones that stand out and deserve a photo or two.

Can any of the German readers remember Birkenstock's image in the 90s?

A specialty shop in a tropical country.

When housewives' dreams become reality

A shop for Chinese New Year decorations

Entertainment Extravaganza  

1 Utama isn’t just a mall; it’s a world of entertainment. It features:  

  • A cinema complex with 13 halls and a seating capacity of 1,300.  
  • A bowling alley with 24 lanes.  
  • Asia’s largest indoor rock-climbing gym.  
  • A PADI 5-star scuba diving center.  
  • WINDLAB, the first indoor skydiving wind tunnel in the Asia-Pacific region.  
  • FlowRider, where you can surf inside a shopping mall.  
  • A skate park for skating enthusiasts.  

Heaven for kids

The tropical version of Munich's Eisbach:
surfing without sea

An early start for the parachuter to be

At the heart of the mall lies the Rainforest—a lush green oasis complete with koi ponds, suspension bridges, and canopy walks. Visitors can traverse ropes high above the trees or enjoy alfresco dining surrounded by nature. It’s a refreshing pause from the bustling retail experience.



Source: www.1utama.com.my

***

After 90 minutes of walking, I was still far from seeing every shop. The mall’s sheer size is staggering. Feeling tired, I found a peaceful spot in the e-hailing lounge to book a Grab ride (the Asian equivalent of Uber) back to my hotel. A well-deserved nap awaited after my memorable journey down memory lane.  






Location: 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

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