Wondering What to Buy in Malaysia? 10 Things to Look Out for and Buy During Your Visit to Malaysia (2020)

Wondering What to Buy in Malaysia? 10 Things to Look Out for and Buy During Your Visit to Malaysia (2020)

Malaysia offers so much ethnic, food, clothing and historical diversity that choosing souvenirs can be a bit of a challenge. The markets and malls of Malaysia are filled with an incredible range - here are the ten things that are worth spending on! Read on and be alert to good deals on these while you're in Malaysia.

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Going Shopping in Malaysia? Here are Some Things to Keep in Mind

Largely known as a food destination, Malaysia is also a famous for its shopping. Many people travel far and wide to experience shopping in Malaysia. When considering what to buy here, there are some things that you should consider. Similar to going shopping anywhere, deciding on what to buy in Malaysia requires preparation and some decisions to make prior. However, that should not stop anyone from making a long list of things to buy from Malaysia because there are a lot of great things one will find here. The following are some tips to guide you for making the decision on what to buy in Malaysia.

  • What Types of Things to Buy
    It is important to first identify the kinds of things you intend to purchase. This saves time and also narrows things down. Malaysia provides a market pool with all sorts of things, some cheap, others affordable, while there's also a market for some fine and expensive items. Identifying what you want to buy helps you focus and avoid buying irrelevamt things. Impulse buying can be a huge problem because the market is huge and you are spoilt of choice, therefore you might end up buying many things, most of which you do not require.

  • Set a Budget
    A budget is an outline that lays out an estimate of one’s expenditure or a specific period of time. For those that have money advisors, this is the point where you seek their advice. Some people tend to spend almost all their money when they want to buy something and they end up with nothing. If you have an estimate of how much you are willing to spend in Malaysia, it will help eliminate the problem of underspending or overspending. For those who are really good at bargaining, then there is the opportunity of identifying the places where you can bargain and stick still to your budget.

  • Mode of Shopping
    One may be aware at some level that most things are now available online, however, it is vital when it comes to deciding on what to buy in Malaysia. Before deciding on what to buy, it is important to identify the method of buying you are willing to use and what is more convenient to you in terms of speed, money, and also satisfaction. If you are visiting on holiday you will want to buy a few things to take back with you, but make note of things which are not absolute essentials and keep those for buying later. Check prices online and what it would cost to have them delivered to your country, and if feasible, buy them online. This will also save you luggage space.

  • Quality of Products You Want to Buy
    Quality is a variable that actively changes based on many other factors. Therefore, based on these factors, it is important to fully decide what quality of products your situation allows you to buy. Some of these named factors include the budget, self-involvement in the actual buying, and also the method used in the buying. It is commonly known that if you are willing buy high quality goods, then be willing to spend a lot of money. Luckily, Malaysia provides a platform that all-inclusive. This simply means that things available for purchase serve all people with quality products, however, your decision on how much to spend and what quality you want. There is also the option of bargaining, whereby through bargaining, you get high quality products at a lower price.

10 Suggestions of Things to Buy in Malaysia

In addition to the many names given to Malaysia, a shopping destination is one of them. Malaysia avails a variety of things to buy. Also, it is no bias based on the things it avails for purchase. This is because it addresses all needs including the extremely rich shoppers, those willing to buy things on a budget, and also those willing to go an extra mile and bargain for what they want. Besides, Malaysia has a number of shopping places including malls, shopping centers, and also free market. To many, a problem comes in when they have to decide what to buy, therefore, here is a list of some of the things you could buy in Malaysia and be totally worth it:

Myriad Spices from Around the Globe

The population of Malaysia is made up of a diverse community. This simply means that the population is not made of people from one tribe or place, but it is rather made up of people from all over the world. Each of these individuals prepare food differently from the other, also the kind and type of spices they use is different. As a result, they end up selling diverse spices.

One of the major market places to acquire these spices is Kuala Lumpur. It is always interesting to try out new spices and Malaysia avails this in variety. In addition, you can also request for spices used in hotels for a meal you had and buy the same to have the same experience. Therefore, depending on what is you want, you can be able to access it.

Sabah Tea

Source shopee.com.my

This is mainly for tea lovers. In West Malaysia at the foot of mount Kinabalu, lies the region of Sabah. This tea is acquired from the tea plantation in that area. Sabah tea has various benefits associated with its consumption for example stress relief and relaxation. Therefore, this is a must buy product from Malaysia in spite of one’s attitude towards the consumption of tea.

However, it is advisable for one to try a cup of hot Sabah tea before making the purchase. This is essential to establish if your body is in line with this unique tea from Malaysia and if you'd enjoy drinking it. Mostly, its price ranges from about $1.20 to higher prices. We suggest you at least try this tea as it is always interesting to try out new drinks.

Instant Noodles

Over time, noodles have become a famous type of food in many countries due to various reasons. For example, because of how easy and fast it is to prepare them. In Malaysia, noodles are available in almost all stores and supermarkets. To make it even better, the quality is exceptional and these noodles are available at very affordable prices. Specifically, their prices do not exceed $2 per packet.

For those who love noodles, you can try buying Malaysian noodles and enjoy the high quality at affordable prices. Besides Malaysia is one of the major manufacturers of noodles, housing some of the major brands including Mykuali Penang White curry noodles.

Clothes for Everyone in the Family

Fashion is almost always unique in different states globally. Some of the differences may be based on the different communities. Therefore, one would be missing out if they do not buy clothes from the many malls in Malaysia. The quantity to buy fully depends on what you want. However, it is important to note that in Malaysia, you can buy clothes in bulk and at very good rates.

For those interested in buying cheap clothes, there are specific places that make that available for example Sungei Wang Plaza in Kuala Lumpur among other places. Besides, buying clothes can add up to your collection from other states. Malaysia is diverse in this sector with specific cloths availing clothes for a specific gender. For example, UniqAcces is a store that avails trendy fashion including gowns and dresses.

Local Fabrics

Malaysia has a variety of fabrics, especially their traditional fabrics. Due to their unique colors and textures, Malaysian traditional fabrics attract both foreigners and the local people. Examples of these fabrics include Malay garments such as ‘Kain Songket’. Some of these garments are very colorful and have a silk like feel. For example, Malay brocade which is made up of silk with gold and silver, has a wonderful satin like feel.

Those attracted to various fabrics and also designers, it is bold to design clothes using some of the traditional fabrics from Malaysia. A good example to get good fabrics and at affordable prices is Kamdar in Penang. Other places that you can find fabrics is in China Town in Kuala Lumpur.

Rice Wine

Many people would confuse rice wine and rice vinegar. Famous in Malaysia, rice wine is made from the fermentation of glutinous rice with the aid of yeast. It is sweet and aromatic because the sugars in the rice are dissolved, thus forming the alcohol. Used also in the preparation of various meals as an ingredient, rice wine is associated mainly with the traditional aspect of Malaysia specifically Asian culture.

Similarly, to what is locally available in India, rice wine is different in the sense that it is wine while what is available in India is rice beer. In addition, what is available in India has low alcohol concentration. It is always interesting to try out new drinks and new cooking ingredients. This is one of the products that you cannot afford not to buy.

Fruit Chocolate

Malaysia is known for its diverse offerings of tropical fruit. It's location in the tropical belt means Malaysia has a vast collection of local fruit, which are additionally combined with what they import, and the outcome is a mind boggling variety of fruit that is available in its many markets. Seeing this diversity, a company by the name Harriston decided to utilise them in the making of chocolate. This is because before the invention of the tropical fruit chocolate, Malaysia used to import Western flavored chocolate. As a result, through Harriston, there is the chocolate fused with the wild tropical fruits of Malaysia. Famous for the tropical fruit chocolate, Harriston company provides this chocolate all over Malaysia. Chocolate is loved by almost everyone globally, which comes mainly in the common flavors. Trying out new flavored chocolate would be an adventure for the taste buds.

Nutmeg Oil

Known for its health benefits, nutmeg oil is quite common in various parts including India and Malaysia. Even if you find nutmeg oil readily available in India, try the Malaysian version because the different environment in which it is grown will affect the oil's properties. It may even be better than the version you have. Some of the benefits of nutmeg oil include relief from muscle pains, stomachaches, and also headaches. Besides when travelling may result to headaches, the use of this oil would greatly help in the relieving of pain.

Dodol, a Local Candy

A dodol is a candy like sweet characterized by its sticky feel, and it is one of the most famous dishes from Malaysia. Made of a combination of ingredients like rice flour, coconut milk, and brown sugar, dodol is also available in other areas especially around Asia. However, dodol from Malaysia is available mainly in triangle shapes and in different flavors. Also found in India, dodol goes by different name and also the ingredients used differ a little.

Therefore, this is one of the main things suggested for you to buy from Malaysia. It is adventurous to try out similar products to what you have tried out before in order to have a variety to choose from. For example, if you are from India where dodol goes by a different name and different ingredients, trying out Malaysian dodol would create new ideas and options of what to like more. Besides, dodol is available all year round in Malaysia.

Wau Kite

Made out of colorful patterns and flowers, Wau kite, is a type of kite famous in Malaysia since a very long time. It gets its name Wau from its shape which resembles a wing and its similar to an Arabic letter pronounced ‘wow’. Everyone, irrespective of their age, is amused by the beautiful colors displayed by the Wau kite.

For those seeking souvenirs, this is a very good example of one, more so if you have kite flying enthusiasts back home. You can purchase this unique kite from various shops including Wau Tradisi in Kuala Lumpur. Besides, there are different types of the Wau kite including Wau Bulan, Wau Jala Budi, among others. Therefore, based on your choice, it is a good souvenir to take back home.

Best Places for Shopping in Malaysia

Malaysia is popularly known for its variety of shopping places and stalls. Based on what type of product you want to buy, the amount of money you are willing to use in the buying of things and other considerations. Malaysia has places to meet each of your considerations. However, here are some of the best places to go shopping and looking for things while still deciding on what to buy in Malaysia;

Kualar Lumpur

Source www.agoda.com

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia; here you find everything and anything you can think of can be found in Malaysia. This is the major hub of shopping in all over Malaysia. Some of the things you will find in Kuala Lumpur include; clothes, machinery, fabrics, foods, spices among others. Housing major stores such as Suria KLCC a luxury mall, Berjaya Times Square, Plaza Low Yat, and other more budget accommodating stores along the Bukit Bintang area. Anything you want to buy in Malaysia, here is the first place to begin shopping.

Penang

Penang is an Island in Malaysia that has some of the most pocket friendly places to go shopping in Mlaysia. The reason is because bargaining in this place is a culture. The biggest mall in Penang is Queensbay Mall which is located a few minutes from the Penang Bridge. The good thing about this place is that it is not extensively expensive, therefore, most people can afford what is sold in this mall. However, for those who love bargaining the best place in Penang to go shopping is along streets located off Jalan Penang, Jalan Burmah, and Lebuh Campbell.

Langkawi

Langkawi is tropical Island which is a tourist destination for both Malaysian locals and also foreigners from all over the world. It has a concentration of shopping malls for both whole sale and retail products ranging from foods, spices, clothes, and also fabrics. In addition, Langkawi does not only avail modern products but also traditional products including handmade souvenirs. Furthermore, these products are normally fresh and have the local touch when referring to the delicacies that they sell. Some of the shopping venues include Teow Soon Huat which is a massive shopping complex which open on a daily basis from 10:00 to 22:00.

Bonus Tip: Perfect Time to Go Shopping in Malaysia

Although you can go shopping in Malaysia throughout the year, there are specific periods when it is most advisable to go shopping. This is because at this time the prices go down and traders avail the latest of their products. Malaysians hold an annual event known as the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival which starts all the way from June to September. During this time, you get to purchase variety of things at discounted prices. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy discounts?

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