Trifter

Malaysian like to shop and that is why the shopping scene in Malaysia has always been a lively and exciting affair, with multitudes of activities and sales happening nationwide throughout the year. Added to that is the amazing range of merchandise on offer, from sophisticated electrical equipment and hip accessories to ultra modern fashion, unusual knick-knacks and souvenir items.

The shopping landscape here has also evolved to incorporate a mixture of small “mom and pop” stores, shop-lot bazaar and night markets, with the more spacious and modern shopping malls the size of football fields or bigger like the mush touted. Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall or Berjaya Times Square. One can opt for the comfortable environment of the air-conditioned malls on one hand or the unpredictable and exciting atmosphere of the sidewalk bazaars and night markets on the other. Whatever your cup of tea, the shopping experience here is satisfaction guaranteed.

Penang

Right from the island of Penang, the Pearl of the Orient in the north to the southern jewel state of Johor, Malaysia is awash with shopping excitement all year through, In Penang, the main attraction lies in the many quaint bazaars and open markets that are strewn all over the island. At places like the evergreen Chowrasta Bazaar or the lively Ferringhi night market, you can test your bargaining skills at stalls that sell a multitude of goods ranging from watches to clothes, footwear, accessories and food to name a few. For those who want to shop in comfort, Penang is not short of swanky departmental stores or malls either. Duty free shopping is the top attraction in Langkawi Island further up north. Foreign and local tourist throng to this sunny island to purchase electronic items, imported chocolate, liquor, perfumery and many other branded goods. On the other hand, the state of Perak offers gorgeous handicrafts in the form of ceramics and pottery.

This is also a prime destination for those looking to buy silver jeweler and ornaments.

Kelantan and Terengganu

Over at the east coast, Kelantan and Terengganu offer a shopping experience of the most unique kind. Open markets that sell handicrafts and exotic foods by the village and little towns make a rare and interesting sight. Delicate jewelers and find “batik” prints and clothing are common buys here. Johor Bahru down south is a great shopping destination as well with its many shopping complexes that are packed with items ranging from trendy knick-knacks to posh branded goods. The district of Ayer Hitam in Johor is an ideal place to shop for fine ceramics and pottery while the little town of Tangkak is famous for its endless choices of textiles. Antique lovers have to include Malacca in their must visit list, for the antique and curio shops at the Jonker Street will charm just about any visitor. The “Peranakan” crafts like handmade clothes and beaded shoes are star items in this area. On the other side of the peninsula, in Sabah and Sarawak, one can get hold of colorful beaded handbags and purses, handcrafted souvenir items and hand woven mats from the many sidewalk bazaars.

Kuala Lumpur of course is the all time favorite shopping destination in Malaysia. With the many new and modern shopping complexes as well as more traditional craft houses, the city brims with shopping excitement. While malls are spread all over the city, the shopping belt of the Bukit Bintang district will easily rival that of many Asian countries. Called the Golden Triangle, the district covers a massive part of central Kuala Lumpur and is well known for its exuberant and entertainment. Other places that are just as popular are the charismatic Sunway Pyramid that replicates the sphinx and pyramids of Egypt, the curve and 1 Utama to name a few.

From the housewife to gadget maniac, teenyboppers and young children, the stores have something for everyone. The young and trendy can choose to stick to branded leather goods and apparels sold at the numerous malls or appreciate the many colorful facets of products made from the home-grown textile industry of batik and songket. At the craft centers and complexes, more authentic Malaysian gifts can be purchased.

To top it all, the Malaysian Mega Sale Carnival sets the scene for the ultimate shopping party three times a year. Aimed at establishing Malaysia as a leading shopping destination similar to Dubai, Hong Kong or Singapore, the carnival has done in attracting tourists from neighboring countries and setting new shopping trends amongst the locals. The staggering discounts and bargains that flood the country during this season combined with the excitement and color of fashions shows and contests to create a frenzied shopping mood. The Mega Sale fever which sweeps through the country thrice a year, has certainly become a much-anticipated event.