The Exchange TRX shopping mall is one of Kuala Lumpur’s latest additions to its burgeoning retail scene, strategically located within the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) financial district. As part of Malaysia’s effort to establish a world-class financial hub, the mall is located at the center of this prestigious urban development. Opened to the public in November 2023, The Exchange TRX Kuala Lumpur promises a luxury shopping experience, elevated dining, and world-class entertainment, with features and design aimed at redefining how visitors perceive malls in Kuala Lumpur. I recently visited The Exchange TRX to get a firsthand look at this new luxury icon and was genuinely impressed.
Design and Ambience
The Exchange TRX’s design exudes modernity and sophistication. The mall’s architecture, both exterior and interior, is sleek, clean, and futuristic, complementing its financial district setting. With a combination of glass facades and contemporary finishes, it stands out against the skyline while maintaining harmony with its surrounding environment.
The interior layout is thoughtfully designed to provide spacious, wide corridors and high ceilings that give the space an open, breathable feel, even when bustling with crowds.
Lighting plays a significant role in the mall’s aesthetic, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Natural light floods in through expansive skylights during the day, while at night, ambient lighting adds a sense of intimacy and luxury.
The Exchange TRX Kuala Lumpur incorporates green spaces in its design, offering visitors a chance to step into open air terraces and enjoy lush greenery amidst their shopping experience.
Raintree Plaza TRX is an urban oasis in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, offering a unique blend of tranquility and dynamism. An inviting space for calm, reflection and interaction. It serves as the main entry point into the mall from the Bukit Bintang area.
Nestled within the Raintree Plaza TRX, the majestic Rain Tree (Samanea saman) stands as a living testament to Malaysia’s path to independence. Known as the “Merdeka Tree”, this historic tree has been rooted here since before the country’s birth in 1957, embodying resilience and endurance. Its presence in the midst of a bustling financial district offers a striking contrast to the modern world around it, serving as a gentle reminder of Malaysia’s rich history.
Retail Mix and Brands
The Exchange TRX houses an impressive mix of international and local brands, offering a curated selection to satisfy a broad range of tastes and budgets. High-end luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Chanel have flagship stores here, catering to Malaysia’s affluent clientele and international visitors seeking premium shopping experiences.
Beyond luxury, the mall also offers mid-range brands, ensuring there is something for everyone. Fashion giants like Uniqlo and H&M are represented alongside local designers and niche boutiques, providing a more diverse shopping landscape.
The Exchange TRX introduces several new-to-market stores in Malaysia, including luxury Japanese department store Seibu, fashion brand Maison Kitsuné, Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster, British fragrance brand Molton Brown, and Californian athleisure brand Alo Yoga. These international names make their brick-and-mortar debut, adding a fresh and exciting retail mix to the Kuala Lumpur shopping scene.
The retail mix is further enhanced by the presence of tech giants like Apple (its first retail store in Malaysia), homeware stores such as Muji, innovative appliance brand Dyson and beauty brands like Aesop and Sephora, ensuring that the mall is a one-stop destination for fashion, lifestyle, technology, and beauty products.
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Malaysia has one of the lowest prices worldwide for Apple products, such as MacBook, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.
Visitors can access the Apple Store through the rooftop entrance located at the rooftop park on Level 3.
The mall showcases a range of international athleisure and sportswear brands, including Lululemon, Adidas, Nike, Under Armour and Foot Locker, offering an impressive selection for fitness enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike.
The Exchange TRX is also home to the largest Hoka store in Malaysia.
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For tourists visiting Malaysia, head to the Concierge Counter to register and pick up your Tourist Rewards Card and enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts from participating stores in The Exchange TRX.
The Concierge Counter is located on Ground Floor, Central Exchange, directly opposite Christian Louboutin and Gentle Monster stores.
In addition to shopping, The Exchange TRX offers premium beauty services for both men and women, including Saw Salon and the world’s oldest barbershop, Truefitt & Hill.
Dining Experience
The Exchange TRX is as much about culinary indulgence as it is about retail therapy. Its extensive food and beverage options cater to both those on the go and those seeking a leisurely dining experience. Visitors can savor a diverse range of local delicacies and international cuisines, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate.
A highlight is the Park Dining precinct, where visitors can enjoy alfresco dining at Kenny Hills Bakers On The Park and Amazonas, while taking in views of the city skyline.
Shake Shack, the popular American fast-casual restaurant chain, has launched its first outlet in Malaysia at The Exchange TRX.
The mall is also home to numerous cafes such as Café Kitsuné, % Arabica, Starbucks Reserve and Bacha Coffee, perfect for those looking to relax over a cup of artisanal coffee or freshly baked pastries.
Visitors can explore G’RAI and Nanyang Cafe for authentic local dining experiences,
Discover Malaysian favorites at Food Exchange, a food court that brings a modern twist to the traditional hawker experience.
Lavender, the popular Malaysian homegrown bakery and pâtisserie has an outlet at The Exchange TRX.
For a delightful post-meal indulgence, visitors can enjoy delectable gelatos from Venchi, the renowned Italian confectioner and gelateria.
Complementing the vast array of dining options on the Concourse Level, The Exchange TRX features Mercato, an upscale supermarket chain offering delectable dining options to an abundant array of fresh produce, artisanal meats, gourmet cheeses, and bakery delights from around the world. Visitors can also explore their curated collection of wines, beers and premium spirits.
Entertainment and Leisure
Cinema
The Exchange TRX is not just a retail and dining haven, but a lifestyle destination. It hosts a variety of entertainment options that make it stand out among Kuala Lumpur’s shopping malls. Aurum Theatre, a state-of-the-art cinema complex provides moviegoers with an immersive experience, complete with the latest audio-visual technologies and luxurious seating.
TRX City Park
For families, kid-friendly play zones and interactive attractions offer entertainment for children, making it a great destination for parents looking to entertain the whole family.
Events and Seasonal Decor
One of the most interesting features of The Exchange TRX is its art installations and pop-up exhibitions. These events showcase both local and international artists, adding a cultural and creative layer to the shopping experience. With temporary exhibits and seasonal displays, the mall keeps its offerings fresh and dynamic, ensuring repeat visitors always have something new to look forward to.
Alice Saves Wonderland Exhibition
Alice Saves Wonderland is an immersive experience inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, written by Lewis Carroll. In this exhibition, visitors join Alice on a mission to save the Wonderland – with a central theme of environmental sustainability which highlights even the smallest positive actions can lead to significant impacts, both within this immersive journey and in our everyday lives. The event is currently running until December 29, 2024. Alice Saves Wonderland tickets can be purchased on Klook.
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Get a discount and save money on Alice Saves Wonderland tickets when you signup for a Klook account using this link.
Accessibility and Connectivity
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s new financial district Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), The Exchange TRX shopping mall is highly accessible by public and private transport. Directly linked to the Tun Razak Exchange MRT station, the mall offers convenient access via public transport, especially for locals and tourists staying in central KL. The MRT connectivity allows seamless travel to and from various parts of the city, enhancing the overall convenience.
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Enjoy unlimited travel on the LRT, MRT and KL Monorail with the KL TravelPass (Metro Card). The pass includes tickets for KLIA Ekspres airport train, the fastest way to travel from KLIA to Kuala Lumpur city center.
Driving
For those driving, The Exchange TRX offers ample parking space with cashless smart parking systems for an easy, hassle-free experience. The mall is accessible from Jalan Tun Razak, directly via the SMART Tunnel or straight from Maju Expressway (MEX) and Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE) from the elevated roadway. If you need a vehicle for your visit, check out car rentals on Klook for competitive and transparent pricing.
Green Features
The Exchange TRX is committed to sustainability as part of its environmentally conscious urban development, aiming for LEED and GBI accreditation across its 17-acre lifestyle precinct. It incorporates climate-resilient infrastructure, high-performance building materials and zero waste principles to enhance energy efficiency and minimize landfill dependency.
A highlight is the 10-acre TRX City Park, which promotes biodiversity and provides essential green space in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, the development emphasizes water-saving measures and community engagement to encourage sustainable practices among residents and visitors, positioning The Exchange TRX as a model for future urban developments focused on environmental sustainability.
Final Thoughts
The Exchange TRX is an ambitious project that successfully combines luxury, lifestyle and sustainability, all while setting a new benchmark for retail and entertainment in Kuala Lumpur. Its strategic location in the heart of the TRX financial district ensures it will become a key shopping and leisure destination for locals, expatriates, and tourists alike. The balance of high-end and mid-range retail options, coupled with its dining and entertainment facilities, makes it a versatile space where anyone can enjoy a holistic shopping experience. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking to explore a new mall, The Exchange TRX Kuala Lumpur offers something for everyone.
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