If you love a good deal and don’t mind a bit of digging, KL’s carboot sales are seriously underrated. These little pop-up markets are where you’ll find everything from secondhand gems to random-but-cool knick-knacks—and half the fun is not knowing what you’ll stumble across. Whether you’re into vintage stuff, trying to stretch your budget, or just want a different kind of weekend activity, these carboot spots are worth waking up (or staying up) for.

From the more relaxed setup in Kota Damansara, the trendy student crowd at SS15, to the late-night buzz of Tapak in SS13, here are three carboot sales around KL that deserve a spot on your weekend to-do list.

1. Kota Damansara Carboot Sale

Set in an open parking lot behind Sunsuria Avenue, the Kota Damansara Carboot Sale has that old-school flea market feel. It’s chill, super laid-back, and packed with stalls selling retro tees, preloved shoes, random toys, books, and even the odd vintage camera or kitchen gadget. You’ll see regulars who know what they’re after, but also curious first-timers just browsing. It gets pretty packed by mid-morning, so if you want to find the good stuff, try to show up early. If you get there early, parking is typically manageable, and many merchants are willing to haggle—just be kind and kind. It feels less commercial and more like a local hangout because of the spirit of camaraderie that permeates the place. Some people visit once a week, not just to purchase but also to see old acquaintances.

Bonus: some sellers are open to a bit of friendly haggling.

Open: Saturdays & Sundays, 7:00AM – 12:00PM
Location: Jalan Teknologi 3/6C, behind Sunsuria Avenue, Kota Damansara, PJ

2. SS15 Carboot Sale

This one’s right in the middle of SS15, and the vibe is exactly what you’d expect—young, fun, and very online. Think Y2K fashion, secondhand books, anime merch, enamel pins, and cute handmade things. It’s a little more curated than most carboot sales, so if you’re after aesthetic finds or Instagram-worthy bits, this place is solid. You’ll usually spot a snack stall or two too (roti john or nuggets, anyone?).

And since it’s SS15, you’re never far from good coffee or bubble tea once you’re done thrifting. This is the ideal location for a laid-back Saturday plan because of the surrounding cafes and bubble tea shops. Arrive early to shop, then stop by for brunch or a cup of coffee. It’s a great opportunity to support local vendors and update your wardrobe on a budget, and the setting makes it communal and walking.

Open: Saturdays & Sundays, 6:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Jalan SS15/4D, open-air car park across from Bubble Tea Street, Subang Jaya

3. Tapak Urban Street Carboot – SS13 (Night Edition)

Now this one’s a little different. The Tapak Urban Street Carboot Sale in SS13 happens at night—so if you’re not a morning person, this one’s got your name on it. Tapak’s food truck park sets the scene right next to Mydin Mall, filling the space with music, lights, and the mouthwatering smell of grilled satay. You’ll find all kinds of stuff here—preloved clothes, collectibles, vintage electronics, crafts, and more. The vibe really kicks off after 10PM, so bring some friends, grab a snack, and thrift into the night.

The sheer variety of things you’ll find at Tapak is what makes it special. Some sellers specialize in carefully chosen vintage clothing, while others sell books, souvenirs, or even candles produced by hand. Unexpected things happen all the time. You might arrive for a snack and depart with a rare coin or a denim clothing from the 1990s.

Open: Thursday to Sunday, 6:00PM – 1:00AM (busiest after 10PM)
Location: Jalan SS13/1K, Tapak Urban Street Dining carpark, next to Mydin Mall, Subang Jaya

Morning or night, there’s something super satisfying about wandering through a carboot sale. You get to chat with sellers, discover random treasures, and enjoy the kind of market culture that feels uniquely Malaysian. These places aren’t just about secondhand stuff—they’re about people, stories, and the joy of stumbling on things you didn’t even know you wanted.

So the next time you’re looking for something different to do, skip the mall and check out one of these markets instead. You never know what you’ll find—but chances are, it’ll be cheap, cheerful, and come with a good story.

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