Why everyone leaves Malaysia with an extra bag

FEW travellers leave Malaysia without buying an extra bag. From bargain-packed night markets to sprawling malls, shopping has become as much a part of the country’s appeal as its beaches or food.

- BY DIVYA THOTAWATTE

It could be the bargaining shops lining the red-washed walls of Melaka’s Old Dutch Quarter, or the ever-busy maze of malls in Kuala Lumpur. Maybe it is the Premium Outlets in the Genting Highlands where you could purchase a suitcase-full of branded items at significantly discounted prices. Whatever the reason, most travellers to Malaysia leave the country only with their bags a little fuller and more than a few hours of their journey spent shopping.

In Malaysia’s urban centres, expansive malls feel like miniature cities, some so vast that you could not explore them fully in a single day. So, stepping inside means surrendering a significant amount of time and your resolve to “stick to the essentials” as well. The endless glittering storefronts, each with different deals to tempt you, make sure of that.

But bargains are only part of what makes Malaysia’s shopping scene so magnetic. It is also a glimpse into Malaysia’s culture, history, style and the daily life that you find while shopping. You might find hand-printed batik scarves hanging beside K-pop-inspired keychains, artisanal soy candles sold near traditional kopitiam coffee blends, and anime merchandise stacked alongside racks of sequined dresses.

The sheer variety could feel overwhelming at first, but knowing where to go for what you want changes everything. If you are wondering what to treat yourself to, and what to bring home for friends and family, these picks will make your Malaysian shopping experience unforgettable.

Street food and rattan at the Pahlawan Night Market, Melaka (Malacca)