Malaysia Shopping: A Guide To Best Souvenirs & Markets In The Country

Malaysia is a well-known tourist destination in Asia which is a tropical paradise boasting of its stunning beaches, quaint islands, rich heritage sites and a skyline brimmed with modern skyscrapers. Going to Malaysia and not indulging in shopping would not do any justice to your trip. Shopping in Malaysia is so much fun as the vibrant markets of this place are full of traditional pieces, food items and a lot more that can be brought back as a piece of souvenir. Check out this blog to find out the best things to buy from Malaysia and also the best places to shop to bring out the shopaholic inside you.

Malaysia Shopping: Buy These 5 Famous Products

Malaysia is a great place that is true to its traditions and customs. You will find a great variety of products to shop from in the local markets of Malaysia. Here is a list of the best souvenirs to buy from Malaysia.

1. Pewter Products

One of the best things to buy in Malaysia are pewter products as Malaysia is one of the largest producers of tin in the world, hence one can find good quality pewter products in the shops of Malaysia. Pewter is a product that has a composition of 5-10% antimony, 85-90% tin, and 2-5% copper, silver or bismuth. There are various things that are made using pewter-like coffee mugs, pen stands, decorative items, wall hangings, vases, cigarette cases, food containers and many others. These are great souvenir options not just to bring for yourself but also as gifts for your friends or family.

Where to Buy: Kuala Lumpur International Airport and KL Pewter, 34, Jalan Mewah

2. Batik

While exploring the best places in Malaysia, do not forget to check out some local shops here where you will find some amazing pieces of batik which is a kind of print on fabric done using beeswax and colors extracted from flowers and plants. You will find batik fabric and clothes at almost all the textile shops in Malaysia as these are quite popular in the country and also considered traditional clothing. Batik comes in different shapes, designs, patterns and colors mostly vibrant as they look much more attractive. Batik can be seen in products like shawls, bags, hats, and blouses.

Where to Buy: Penang Batik Factory and almost all textile shops in the country

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3. Dodol

Your Malaysia shopping would be incomplete without buying some dodol. Dodol is a locally sold chewy toffee that comes in different colors and flavors. The two most popular flavors that come in Dodol are durian which is South-east Asia’s tropical fruit that is similar to a jackfruit and the other flavor is pandang which is a kind of leaf with a different smell. Dodols are sold loose or in fancy boxes at almost every market in Malaysia. What makes dodol a great souvenir to bring back from Malaysia is its unique texture, flavor and also the fact that it can be stored for a longer time.

Where to Buy: Central Market Annexe, Chowrasta Market, Tan Kim Hock Product Centres

4. Sabah Pearls

One of the most treasured items to bring back from Malaysia are Sabah pearls which are found off the shore of Sabah and are light pink in color. As these are originally found in Sabah, Sabah pearls are sold at cheaper prices than any other place in the world. Some gold shops in Malaysia also sell Sabah pearls but it is recommended to buy these from authentic sellers as the real ones have a great treasure value. You can get these loose or in different jewelry items like rings, pendants, and bracelets that look chic and also serves as a great souvenir to gift to friends or family.

Where to Buy: Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah and Borneo Pearls, Central Market Annexe

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5. Handcrafted Items

Every place is known for its specialty in art and tradition which is reflected in the local handcrafted products found at that particular place. Some of the local products used in handcrafted items in Malaysia are coconut shells, bamboo, pandan leaves, mengkuang and rattan which are used to make various products like hats, wall décor, dreamcatchers, baskets, mats, coasters, bags and purses. These handmade items can be best purchased from the local shops in Malaysia where you will find them at great prices. These products are made by the local artists and craftsmen of the country and the people of local tribes.

Where to Buy: Shops in Central Market Annexe

Go Shop In Malaysia From These 5 Best Markets

Get traditional hand-crafted items, sweets, jewelry and a lot more from these local markets in Malaysia.

1. Petaling Street

One of the best shopping markets in Malaysia is Petaling Street where you can shop for almost all the famous things in Malaysia. Petaling Street is located in Chinatown and has everything from bags, accessories, flowers, electronics, clothes and others. Bargaining is the key to shopping in this market, the more you have good bargaining skills the more chances of you getting the product at the bargained prices. Once the sun sets down, the market comes to life as it is one of the most famous night markets in Malaysia. Not just shopping but you will find several local food vendors and restaurants here where you can relish great food.

Location: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Timings: Open 24 hours

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2. Central Market

The best shopping in Malaysia can be done from Central Market which is an air-conditioned market and is divided into different zones based on the product specialities like all the Chinese stalls are located in Straits Chinese, Malaysian stalls at Lorong Melayu and Indian stalls at Lorong India. One of the most intriguing attractions of this market is its art lane which is based on art concept with painted pictures and prints. You will find products like batik prints, beadwork, metal crafts, paintings, songket fabric, pewter products and many other products which are unique to different zones. Near Central Market, you will find some of the best hotels in Malaysia.

Location: Lot 3.04-3, 06, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Timings: Saturday to Friday: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm

3. Taman Connaught Night Market

Famed as the longest night market in Malaysia, Taman Connaught Night Market is a 2 km long market in Malaysia that is brimmed with retail shops and food outlets. Come here at night for shopping or a casual outing with your friends or family. You will find everything here from the best Malaysian souvenirs to clothes, bags, shoes and home décor. Not just shopping but you will also find many food outlets here selling different cuisines like Thai, Malay, Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese.

Location: Jalan Cerdas, Malaysia

Timings: N/A

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4. Kasturi Walk

If you are not a fan of crowded markets and like to shop from places where there is peace, then Kasturi Walk Market located beside Central Market is an ideal place for you to enjoy shopping in Malaysia where you will get copy of renowned brands, handbags, watches, clothes, shoes and a lot more. You will also find local vendors here selling local street food items that are quite popular in Malaysia along with freshly cut exotic fruits. The entrance to this market is quite fascinating as it features Malay kite that looks like a butterfly.

Location: 32, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Timings: Opens 24 hours

5. Kampung Baru Market

One of the best shopping places in Malaysia is Kampung Baru Market which is a great place to shop for all the authentic Malay products as the whole market is dominated by Malay sellers. From apparels to Malay souvenirs and traditional handicrafts, you can shop for almost everything and anything here. Not just shopping but this market is also great for relishing Malay cuisine and popular Malay street food items. The market is dotted with many local food stall vendors selling street food at very cheap prices.

Location: Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kuala Lumpur

Timings: Saturday evening to Sunday morning

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Malaysia is a great place to enjoy a perfect family vacation or a honeymoon. You just need to book your flights to Malaysia to marvel at its great skyline, exotic beaches, delve into adventures and explore various heritage sites. Also, if you visit this place do not forget to go for some Malaysia shopping excursions to find some unique pieces at great prices. We hope this guide to shopping in Malaysia would be of little help to you, giving you an insight into the local markets there and what to shop for.

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