PASAR Karat or flea markets are fascinating spots to visit and spend a few hours at.
Compared to ordinary street markets, flea markets have a nostalgic and quirky charm, thanks to their its collection of antiques, vintage and used items that often time remind visitors of the country's cultural past.
The proverb "One man's trash is another man's treasure" rings true at these flea markets.
Here are five popular Pasar Karat in Malaysia to visit for some treasure hunting.
PASAR KARAT PETALING STREET
Located at the backlane of bustling Petaling Street in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this flea market has a notorious past and was once even known as the Thieves Market because many of the items were thought to be stolen.
It's been said that the reason behind the market's early-morning operating hours was to let the sellers to avoid the authorities.
Although nowadays most of the sellers are simply traders selling used items, the market still retains its less than gentrified atmosphere and plenty of the items on sale are quite cheap.
BAZAR KARAT JOHOR BAHRU
Known as the biggest flea market in Johor which is perhaps why its named a bazaar, the flea market is located near Jalan Segget within the city centre of Johor Bahru.
The bazaar is a mix of a night market and flea market with traders selling new and used times.
Open daily from 8pm till midnight, visitors can also grab some bites at the many old pre-war shop houses along the street that have been converted into cafes and restaurants.
PASAR KARAT LORONG KULIT
Located near the entrance to Penang City Stadium in Georgetown, the flea market is the place to go to search for items reflecting Penang's rich cultural history.
From old horse shoes that were used at the Penang Turf Club to vintage tailoring scissors that were used at old Georgetown tailoring shops, the market is a heaven for vintage enthusiasts and history buffs.
Open daily in the morning, the market is a must-visit spot to kick start your Penang heritage tour.
LOKEN MARKET IPOH
Operating weekly on Sunday morning, the Loken Market or Memory Lane is located on Jalan Horley in the city of Ipoh, Perak.
What started out as a nostalgic flea market selling only used and antique items, the market has somehow shot to fame and became a tourist attraction for out-of-towners. It now has all manner of wares and electrical appliances sold together with fruits and even pet fish.
However, thanks to its popularity, words have it that some of the vintage items are a bit pricey. But then again where else could one find a selection of vintage bicycles from the 60s on sale.
PASAR KARAT RENGIT
The flea market of Rengit in the district of Batu Pahat, Johor is not like other flea markets. Here, the traders operate from private homes and shops along a street in Kampung Bumiputera.
Instead of browsing items displayed on mats, visitors peek into shops looking for the types of things they might be interested in.
Among the second-hand goods on sale are furniture, electrical goods, toys, home appliances, home decor and clothing.
Make sure to come with plenty of space in the car and some bargaining skills since there is almost always something you will want to buy when visiting the flea market.