Why Shopping in Malaysia? - How to Shop Till You Drop in Malaysia


kuala-lumpur-malaysia-lights | Image by Mac Benli from Pixabay
Malaysia is considered a bargain hunter's paradise, and the shopping experiences in this country are not limited to travellers on a budget. Malaysia is home to some of Asia's largest department stores, and those with a taste for the finer things in life can also find what they are looking for during a shopping spree in the country. From hitting Kuala Lumpur's famous malls to exploring the local markets with big bargains, here's your guide to shopping like a pro during a trip to Malaysia.

Start with Pavilion KL

Occupying pride of place in trendy Bukit Bintang, Pavilion KL is one of the Malaysian capital's top retail hotspots for luxury shoppers. Those with a penchant for international brands and the latest fashion items off the runways of Paris and Milan will find their pick of designer wear and brands inside this massive mall. Boasting several spas and home decor stores, the Pavilion KL electronic shops are also some of the best in the country. One can not only stock up on games and cameras at the venues as the stores also specialise in laptops and smartphones.

Drop by Berjaya Times Square

Those who are based at Ascott Kuala Lumpur or any other centrally located serviced apartments in KL must also pop by Berjaya Times Square. Spread out across 48 floors, this mega department store also contains an indoor theme park and an indoor rollercoaster. With over a hundred stores under its roof, Berjaya Times Square is considered the best place to stock up on silks, jewellery and leather products while an array of luxury labels have also set up signature outlets at the venue. Berjaya Times Square is open from 10 am to 10 pm, and it is best to head over to this venue during the morning hours as the Cineplex and other entertainment hubs in the mall attract more locals and travellers towards the evening.

Sungei Wang Plaza

Located in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Sungei Wang Plaza is a unique shopper's paradise in the country's capital as it is a Japanese mall. Those who are on the lookout for East Asian products and souvenirs will be spoiled for choice at this massive complex where one can buy everything from charming handicrafts and home decor items to Korean stationary and Japanese toys. It's not uncommon to see live shows and other performances by local artists take place in the evening at the mall's arena.

Grab the Bargains down Petaling Street

Discover the enchanting Chinatown neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—an official haven for bargain hunters, where you'll unearth some of the most irresistible deals, just like in many bustling cities across the globe. Petaling Street is regarded as the ideal place to buy Chinese clothes, souvenirs, wall hangings, handbags and spices, and the Chinese lucky charms and jewellery for sale in this area are also to die for. What's attractive about shopping in Chinatown during a trip to KL is that the shops in this precinct are open around the clock and that there are plenty of Chinese restaurants and food stalls where shoppers can grab a bite.

Head to the Central Market

When it comes to Malaysia's top local markets, there's no venue that enjoys the popularity of the Central Market. Located on Jalan Hang Kasturi, this bustling thoroughfare is open from 10 am to 9:30 pm. Dubbed the perfect location to buy sarongs, Malaysian clothes, bags, shoes, hats and accessories, the market also offers visitors the chance to hobnob with locals and haggle down the price of items. Although it was once an open market, it is now housed in an air-conditioned structure so tourists need not fear braving the heat and humidity to enjoy a shopping spree at the venue.

Find Antiques at Lorong Kulit Flea Market

Located in George Town, Lorong Kulit Flea Market is one of Penang's busiest thoroughfares. With dozens of stalls selling vintage wear, rare books, toys, hunting knives, pewter dishes and other antiques, it is a thrift shopper's dream destination.