by Ian Fan 
Last Sunday (02 December 2023) which was also the first weekend of The Exchange TRX’s life, we joined “1 million people” there or so, as my friend enumerated it.
Walking over from Lot 10 in Bukit Bintang (yes it’s walking distance from there despite the Malaysian humidity); it was a short 10 to 15 minutes walk, minus the somewhat long waiting time at the Jalan Gading-Jalan Imbi-Jalan Barat pedestrian crossing.
Then, upon reaching The Raintree Plaza. It was a far cry from just weeks ago when we went to Hai Kah Lang TRX for lunch. The plaza then, was void of people. But today, it was crowded and filled with people.
But you know what’s even more amazing as we approached The Exchange TRX – Raintree Plaza Entrance? It was the cool mall aircond breeze. Not more than 20 meters away from the entrance and we could feel the cool air, like it was autumn-winter coolness. Thumbs up for strong AC!
Upon entering, the mall feels very familiar. Too familiar. It’s like The Gardens Mall at Mid Valley! It had that luxurious vibe and feel all around. I’m not talking about the branded outlets like LV but the expensive-looking interior design and colour all around. The floors, ID touches, and the slightly-crossed diagonal bridges.
It was noon and we were hungry, so we proceeded to the lower ground floor where all the food were.
As my friend jokingly quoted “1 million people”. Yes, you could feel the entire of KL was down in The Exchange. The mall crowds from Pavilion, Lalaport, Lot 10, and KLCC seemed to converge at The Exchange.
Every restaurant had a long queue. Some not 1 lot long but 2 to 3 lots long! The safest was the food court. So our first meal and lunch in The Exchange was at the Food Exchange. Some stalls were not yet opened, so I had BBQ hot plate for lunch.
After lunch we explored the luxurious Japanese department store – Seibu.
On the LG level is where Kenny Hill Bakers and the food section of Seibu. We walked up every floor in Seibu.
Our self-walking tour took us to Taman Bandar TRX. The famous rooftop garden. Here we’ve the Play Space, Events Lawn, Forest Walk, The Exchange TRX Office, and Apple store Malaysia!
The Exchange’s rooftop garden reminds me of Lalaport, but better! The green space is filled with flowers, slightly akin to those at Gardens By The Bay in Singapore.
In the middle of it all is Malaysia’s Official Apple Store. In this photo below, you can see that the store is not yet officially launched and opened yet.
The Apple store’s exterior is so tightly covered and sealed that you can’t even have a peak of the interiors.
Even though the garden is surrounded by office buildings but you don’t feel batophobic as there is ample separation and space around.
From the garden you can walk to and explore the TRX office. Only the lobby area on the ground floor and beneath. The lower level of the TRX office connects to The Exchange. So we crossed back to the mall.
It’s like a beautiful and luxurious White Christmas in The Exchange.
By now, it’s enough for the day. We’ll be back when Shake Shack officially opens for a shaking burger meal!
