Where once you could find a variety of products, from pirated DVDs (but the copyright laws have put a stop to that), to old-fashioned hair accessories and clothes for babies; these stalls are a rare find now.

Chinatown has lost some of its flavor since the facelift. Though cleaner, pushcarts nowadays sell mainly imitation branded t-shirts, handbags, shoes, and local snacks; products tailored towards the tourists.

Nevertheless, Chinatown is still a worthwhile place to visit for the food. If you wander into the side lanes, you will still be able to glimpse the old Chinatown, from the lane that sells funeral wreaths to the almost hidden wet market selling live poultry, seafood, and fresh vegetables.

Bargaining is allowed; in fact mandatory unless you do not mind being ripped off. Prices are usually quoted 10 to 15% (or higher) more than what they should be.

Copyright pirating is rife in Asia and every now and then the police have to make it look they are making an effort to stamp it out. They concentrate on one area of the city at a time. When we were there it was Chinatown so there was not a DVD in sight, but ask around and you will be taken to a storage area where they are all kept. You may think that you are about to be mugged or robbed as it seems you need to climb up a rickety flight of stairs to the third floor to get there. You normally receive buy 10 get one free and they are less than 8-10 ringitt each. If that particular store doesn’t have what you want, just try the next one.

This is also the place to come and buy your expensive looking but fake Rolex watches.

The shopkeepers are very obliging and will show you a genuine catalogue to prove that it is just like the real thing. Don't be fooled into falling for their first really low price, as this is to get your attention. If you refuse to budge on price and take this offer, you will receive a cheaper, nasty version.

You are expected to bargain. The good copies are heavy and made of metal and don't require batteries. Buy two and you will get a super bargain.

My partner received such a good price that when we were taking a taxi one night, we started talking to the Chinese driver who had the same watch. He had paid more for his watch two years ago. He was devastated. All he could say was "We Chinese, very, very good businessmen." We had to tip him, poor fellow.

Ok, so the bargaining-- no matter what they offer, just cut the price in half and counter-offer. I have bought CDs for less than RM$10, which is about $2.50 US.

The vendors also sell a lot of items unique to the area e.g. wooden carvings, tie dye clothes, etc.

Wear comfortable shoes. It gets to be rather dirty at times. But the people watching, food and cheap goods are totally worth braving the crowd. If you really want to see where the locals go, this is it