Shopping in Malaysia

The shopping paradise is Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia: the most current brands, fashion trends, glamour are everywhere in this city so distinctly oriented towards shopping, so much so that it has been elected as a city hobby, a pastime much loved by the locals and tourists on vacation in Malaysia.
If the shopping experience in the boutiques of Kuala Lumpur hasn’t tired out the most avid shopaholics, there is always the possibility to get lost among the stalls of local markets: local craftsmanship offers magnificent original products such as batik, simple fabrics or printed dresses in cotton, silk, satin or rayon, decorated and very colorful; the sarong, a kind of pareo to wear around the waist. They are found everywhere, but especially on the east coast they are very common. More refined and expensive is the songket, the traditional Malaysian brocade, woven with gold or silver threads and sold in cuts for making ceremonial dresses. For those who have no space problems in their suitcase, they can give in to the temptation of the magnificent kites found in the Kota Bharu region. The Malaysian kriss, a kind of large knife with a wavy blade, is sold – new or antique – by antique dealers or in shops. In the state of Perak, it is possible to find many pewter items – statuettes or vases – thanks to the presence of the most important deposits in the country. Other typical products are cotton or leather puppets from Sarawak and carved masks from Borneo.
In Kuala Lumpur the Central Market is the ideal place to look for souvenirs, crafts, and antiques and to watch the making of handmade objects. A completely different atmosphere is breathed in the large and modern shopping centers, similar to the big American malls. The most recent and most luxurious is the Pavilion, inaugurated in 2007 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence. Located in the heart of the Bukit Bintang district – which also hosts trendy cafés and nightlife venues – this shopping center will allow you to indulge in the wildest shopping thanks to over 430 fashion, furniture, entertainment, and gastronomy stores. At the entrance to the shopping center is the famous Pavilion Crystal Fountain, now a national icon, which with its 3.6 meters makes it the tallest Liuli Crystal Fountain in the country. Three times a year in Malaysia you can experience the frenzy of shopping thanks to the Great Sales Carnival in Malaysia held in March (Malaysia GP Sale), between July and August (Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival) and in December (Malaysia Year-end Sale Carnival). During this period of frenzied sales, a wide variety of items are offered throughout the country, and it is possible to make excellent deals. Duty-free destinations like airports, Langkawi, and Labuan then offer great products at good prices all year long.