Plaza Arkadia — Attraction in Kuala Lumpur

I recently visited Plaza Arkadia in Desa ParkCity and wanted to share my experience, especially regarding the shopping, dining, and overall atmosphere.

Shopping Experience Plaza Arkadia is a great place to spend an afternoon if you're looking to browse through a mix of shops. The mall has a charming, slightly rustic feel, which gives it a more relaxed and unique vibe compared to larger, more commercial shopping centers. You’ll find a variety of boutiques offering everything from fashion to lifestyle products, and there are also a few specialty stores with local artisanal items. While it’s not as large as some of the bigger malls in the city, the selections are carefully curated, making it a pleasant and less overwhelming place to shop. One of the highlights for me was discovering a few independent brands I hadn’t seen elsewhere. It’s a refreshing change from the usual mall chains.

Dining Experience As for dining, Plaza Arkadia has a nice selection of eateries ranging from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. The variety is impressive, with options for both local and international cuisine. I particularly enjoyed trying out some of the local favorites, with a few newer dining concepts that have popped up in the area. The food is generally good, though some of the restaurants can be a little on the pricier side, which is to be expected in a place like this.

What stands out about the dining experience here is the ambiance. Many of the restaurants have outdoor seating with a nice view of the surrounding area, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal, especially in the evenings when the weather is cooler. Whether you're in the mood for a coffee break or a full meal, there's something for everyone. However, one downside I noticed is that some of the dining options can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation if you're planning to visit during peak times.

Atmosphere The atmosphere at Plaza Arkadia is one of its strongest points. It's a laid-back, community-oriented space with plenty of green areas around the mall, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of shopping. The design of the mall incorporates elements of nature, with lots of open spaces, plants, and natural light, giving it a welcoming, peaceful vibe. That said, it’s also becoming more popular, and with that, the mall is slowly becoming more commercialized. While it’s still relatively relaxed compared to other larger malls, you can tell that it's increasingly attracting a wider crowd, which might take away a bit from the peaceful ambiance it once had.

Overall Thoughts Plaza Arkadia is a solid choice for a day out, whether you're looking to shop, dine, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll. The mall strikes a nice balance between modern convenience and a slightly rustic, neighborhood feel. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option for dining, there are definitely some great places to enjoy a meal if you’re willing to splurge a little. If you're in the area, it's worth checking out, though keep in mind that it can get busy during weekends or holidays. If you're looking for a quieter, more local experience, there are alternative spots nearby that might suit your preferences better.

All in all, Plaza Arkadia offers a pleasant and comfortable experience, especially if you appreciate a slower, more relaxed pace compared to larger, busier...

I had a frustrating parking experience at Plaza Arkadia this morning. While I was trying to tap my debit card to leave the parking lot, the screen showed RM2 but didn't continue to proceed further even when my card was still on the machine. Then it showed a big red cross that payment has failed. The account linked to my debit card definitely has adequate money in it. I inserted my card at the slot of the machine; it doesn't work too. The worst thing I pressed the intercom a few times and called loudly for few times, NO ONE ANSWER the intercom. I tried again with my card and getting no response for my card for that lane. And I switched to another lane to try, the same thing happened too. And I pressed the intercom again and ZERO PERSON ANSWER me. I had to leave the exit lane and I didn't know where to search for car park office. I saw Plaza Arkadia management office signboard near a entrance to lift and stairs in B1. I parked my car to walk to the office to B2. The lady in management office told me usually there will be people answering intercom, and the management office was not in charge of the parking problem. She's kind enough to show me to the car park office at B1. Finally 1 staff came to attend me and asked me to head back to the exit lane and will send security guard to assist me. By the time I walked back to my car, drove to the exit lane and tried my debit card again, lo and behold, this time it managed to scan and deduct the amount from my debit card. And no security guard was seen yet, so I drove off as I had wasted my time making turns in the parking lot. I guessed it's my unlucky day, however, help wasn't there when I needed, which is pretty...

All the main shops are concentrated at the fountain courtyard. The rest of the plaza is pretty quiet. The fountain lights up at night and looks very nice. Certain nights have buskers playing music. There's also a play area for kids. The design of this place is amazing. Plenty of restaurants along the outside walk. Many other services found within the buildings but mostly empty. Lots of good restaurants and weekend markets pop up from time to time. Vendor are needs to have better wiring for power. One needs to be careful of the power lines running along the ground. What is very annoying is people use this plaza as a recreational park. You will see some people riding their bikes or jogging around in here. Way too many dogs and other animals around too. You need to be careful with children at play as well. They are on bicycles, heelys and rollerblades everywhere. Only a matter of time before it gets...