The best fashion and gift stores Borneo

Timetable

Small, traditional stores generally open in the morning around 8am, and close in the early evening, around 7pm. Shopping centers in urban areas have longer opening hours, from 10am to 10pm on weekdays, with extended hours at weekends. Local markets open at dawn and close in the early afternoon. Supermarkets have more regular opening hours, generally from 8am to 9pm. Timetables may be influenced by various factors (public holidays, religious or local festivals).

Budget & Tips

The malls of Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu or Kuching offer a variety of shopping options, from international brands to local products, at prices roughly equivalent to those you'd find in Europe.

VAT (value-added tax) is 10% in Malaysia and Indonesia. It is generally included in the prices quoted. There is also a flat-rate import tax of 7.5% on all taxable goods in Indonesia.

Sales

Sales periods in Malaysia run from January to the end of February. The Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, which allowed retailers to offer discounts three times a year, has not taken place since 2020.

What's very local

Dayak handicrafts (woven baskets, tapestries, fabrics, carvings, jewelry) can be found in traditional markets and some souvenir stores. Batiks, fabrics with unique printing techniques from Java, are also part of the culture of Borneo and Malaysia. Spices and other food products are also worth considering for connoisseurs.

You can haggle over prices in markets, but not in stores. Give preference to local artisans and producers, as not only are prices often more attractive, but you're also helping to provide an income for local people. If you're tempted by an item, don't hesitate to pick it up straight away, as you're unlikely to find the same piece on your next trip!

Tourist traps

To recognize a real batik, all you need to do is pay attention to a few visual details. Batiks are never perfect: stitches don't line up, lines vary in thickness and opacity, colors can bleed through, and wax residues are often visible. A simple but useful tip is to take a look at the reverse side of the fabric. As most batiks are hand-dyed, the colors should be uniform on both sides. On the other hand, if the fabric is digitally printed, the reverse side may be opaque, as the printing is usually done on one side only. To ensure that your souvenir is original, visit a workshop where artisans create masks, batiks, pottery or jewelry before your very eyes.

Beware of counterfeit goods, which are strictly forbidden in France: clothing, shoes, handbags, luxury goods...