The best fashion and gift stores - Malaysia in 2024

Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Malaysia

Timetable

Department stores and shopping centers are generally open from 10am to 8pm, every day of the week, especially in big cities. Smaller stores are more likely to be open between 9am and 6pm, and closed on Sundays. Stores sometimes close between 12.15 and 2.15pm on Fridays, particularly in Islamic states such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Kedah, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, Johor and Negeri Sembilan. In the villages of these states, Friday is often a non-working day for the Malays.

Budget & Tips

The cost of living is much lower in Malaysia, and bargains can be found in electronics, telephony, clothing and wooden furniture. You'll also find a number of very inexpensive handicrafts, such as rattan or bamboo baskets and printed fabrics. Langkawi is a duty-free port. You can stock up on tax-free products (alcohol, tobacco, perfume, etc.) at the island's duty-free shops, and also buy everyday consumer goods at lower prices.

Sales

There are three main sales periods in the country, all of which offer great bargains and almost cover the entire calendar. "The Malaysia Super Sale runs from January¹ to February 28. the "Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival" takes place in summer from May¹ to July 31. Last but not least, the "Year End Sale" offers the chance to do your Christmas shopping at a lower cost, as the sales run from October¹ to December 31.

What's very local

Bamboo and rattan handicrafts, batiks and songkets (precious filigree fabrics) are among the great classics to bring back from your trip. But you might also consider buying some pepper if you're heading to Sarawak. You'll easily find them in the souvenir stores of Jalan Market in Kuching. If you're planning a trip to the jungle, especially to the Ibans, it's best to buy pepper directly from them, as you'll be at the source of production. You'll also want to stock up on tea at Cameron Highlands and why not durian chocolates, just for the pleasure of seeing your friends' faces when they taste them.

Tourist traps

The Malaysian government goes to great lengths to make its country a safe and pleasant destination. As a result, tourist traps are few and far between, and merchants are generally honest. A priori, if a vendor assures you that the batik you're after is silk and handmade, you can believe them. It's always best to buy directly from the artisans, to be sure of the provenance and to offer them your support. Gadget souvenirs such as magnets, key-rings and stuffed toys featuring the country or one of its emblems come from China.

The best fashion and gift stores Malaysia

IMAGO SHOPPING MALL

BON TON THE SHOP

TITI ART GALLERY

CHAUSSURES GOLDEN LOTUS, WAH AIK SHOEMAKER SHOP

SYARIKAT PAPILLON

SYARIKAT EAST COAST

ROYAL SELANGOR PEWTER FACTORY

CENTRAL MARKET

WAH AIK SHOEMAKER

5.4 NORTH

THE STARHILL

SAM'S BATIK HOUSE

NATURAL BATIK VILLAGE

KADAIKU - SABAH SOUVENIRS & HANDICRAFTS

SURIA KLCC

PAVILION KUALA LUMPUR

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