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Shopping
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Malaysia is a premier shopping destination in Southeast
Asia. Malaysians love shopping, which explains the vast number
of luxury malls, stores and street-side stalls in the capital,
Kuala Lumpur. If you are a shopaholic, the best time of the
year to visit is during The Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, around
August – September when the entire country offers great
discounts. Please check our listing to find out when the next
Mega Sale Carnival is on.
From the antique and the exotic to modern electronic and
audio-visual equipment, the constantly changing product range
available in Malaysia includes an extensive collection of
designer labels from the fashion capitals of the world. The
exemption of duty on a range of items has resulted in more
competitive pricing and makes shopping in Malaysia an even
more attractive option. Malaysian duty-free zones are the
islands of Labuan and Langkawi. There are also some duty-free
shops in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, international airports and
city centres. Duty-free items like cameras, watches, pens,
cosmetics, perfumes, mobile phones, computers, cigarettes
and liquor are among the cheapest in the world. Cash is accepted
at night markets while major credit cards are accepted in
most shops in the malls and shopping complexes.
Local regulations ensure items are price-tagged and prominently
displayed, particularly at department stores in shopping complexes
where prices are fixed. Sophisticated shopping malls where
everything is designed for shopper convenience, contain banks,
foreign currency exchange counters, restaurants, supermarkets
and hundreds of shops offering a tremendous variety of goods.
For light, casual shopping, there are roadside stalls, bazaars
and night markets in towns throughout the country. A major
attraction is the colourful, bustling night market or 'pasar
malam' - found in most neighbourhoods on certain days of the
week - which stocks a bewildering variety of goods, local
foods and fruits. Shopping at one is an experience to be enjoyed.
Despite the low prices, bargaining at nights markets is acceptable.
It can be quite a humorous exercise as the traders are generally
enthusiastic and friendly. For delightful shopping at the
best prices, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.
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 Key
Tips
The rule of thumb is that anything with a price tag on it
cannot be bargained, generally street stalls are meant for
fierce haggling.
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Shopping
Attractions
 Desa
Craft
The Desa Craft is an interesting handicraft centre which
showcases songket weaving, brassware, traditional and
current batik designs. |
 Pasar
Payang
This popular market offers a variety of traditional handicrafts
and locally grown fresh produce. |
 Jalan
Temenggong
A street filled with wonderful craft shops with everything
from gold to fine silks to wooden decorative objects. |
 Petronas
Twin Towers, KLCC
These world-renowned Malaysian twin icons pierce the city
skyline and are truly an awesome sight by day and majestic
by night. |
 Padang
Besar
This border town is a great place for bargain hunting. |
 Jonker
Walk
A quaint, little street lined with arty boutiques, cafes,
historical houses and antique shops. |
 Petaling
Street
Right in the heart of Chinatown, Petaling Street is the
best spot in the city for fantastic bargains. |
 Langkawi
This cluster of 99 islands offers beautiful beaches, world-class
infrastructure, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating
legends. |
 Siti
Khadijah Market
Also known as the central market, this lively market is
considered the most colourful and active in Malaysia. |
 Central
Market
This award-winning Art Deco building is now a lively market
for Malaysian arts and handicrafts. |
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