SHOPPING VISIT


Let’s Shopping 2008

Malaysia is a premier shopping destination in Southeast Asia. Malaysians love shopping, which explains the vast number of luxury malls, stores and street-side stalls in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. If you are a shopaholic, the best time of the year to visit is during the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, around August – September when the entire country offers great discounts. Please check our listings to find out when the next Mega Sale Carnival is on.

From the antique and the exotic to modern electronic and audio-visual equipment, the constantly changing product range available in Malaysia includes an extensive collection of designer labels from the fashion capitals of the world.

The exemption of duty on a range of items has resulted in more competitive pricing and makes shopping in Malaysia an even more attractive option. Malaysian duty-free zones are the islands of Labuan and Langkawi. There are also some duty-free shops in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, international airports and city centres. Duty-free items like cameras, watches, pens, cosmetics, perfumes, mobile phones, computers, cigarettes and liquor are among the cheapest in the world. Cash is accepted at night markets while major credit cards are accepted in most shops in the malls and shopping complexes.

Local regulations ensure items are price-tagged and prominently displayed, particularly at department stores in shopping complexes where prices are fixed. Sophisticated shopping malls where everything is designed for shopper convenience, contain banks, foreign currency exchange counters, restaurants, supermarkets and hundreds of shops offering a tremendous variety of goods.

For light, casual shopping, there are roadside stalls, bazaars and night markets in towns throughout the country. A major attraction is the colourful, bustling night market or 'pasar malam' - found in most neighbourhoods on certain days of the week - which stocks a bewildering variety of goods, local foods and fruits.

Shopping at one is an experience to be enjoyed. Despite the low prices, bargaining at nights markets is acceptable. It can be quite a humorous exercise as the traders are generally enthusiastic and friendly. For delightful shopping at the best prices, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

SHOPPING LINKS

Amcorp Mall
Amcorp Mall is very busy on weekends, especially as there is a wonderful flea market selling all sorts of knick-knacks. It is located near the Taman Jaya Lrt station.

MO Outlet
The MO Outlet is an all-embracing designer outlet offering exclusive reductions on international luxury fashion. At the MO Outlet, you can indulge your great taste without stretching your pocket.

Suria KLCC
A huge range of goods from international designer fashion to affordable local goods. This mall also contains a cinema, salons, a park and several stylish eateries.

Sungei Wang Plaza
Since 1977, Sungei Wang Plaza has been at the heart of the Kuala Lumpur shopping scene. More than 700 retail outlets offer the best selections in fashion wear and accessories, boutiques, bags and luggage, beauty salons, footwear, mobile communications, entertainment, local and international cuisine. It is easy to get here as it is accessible to any city bus, KL monorail or taxi.

Lot 10
This huge shopping mall with its distinctive green and blue striped façade caters to upmarket shoppers. Visitors will have no problem finding their favourite branded designer items. Isetan is the anchor tenant.

Starhill Gallery
Adjacent to JW Marriot Hotel, Starhill Gallery is a stylish building with marble flooring and gilded banisters. Covering an area of 280 000 square feet, this upmarket shopping mall was designed by architects and designers from Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, USA, France, Italy, England and Germany. Starhill Gallery has seven themed floors, each featuring a different experience. The ‘Indulge Floor’ boasts fashion item and luxury brands while the ‘Adorn Floor’ consists of luxury watches and branded fashion accessories. To refresh a tired mind and body, the ‘Pamper Floor’ offers services related to wellness and beauty, and is reputed to be twice the size of Harrod’s Urban Spa Retreat. After an enjoyable shopping spree, stop by at the ‘Feast Village’ for an interesting dining experience.

Plaza Low Yat
The latest in gadgets, computers, software, video games, computer accessories can be found in abundance here.

Berjaya Times Square
Malaysia’s largest shopping mall, sprawled over 3 450 000 square feet, houses over 1000 retail lots as well as entertainment and dining facilities. Shoppers will be spoilt for choice with merchandise ranging from stylish and chic apparels, accessories, eyewear, footwear, home equipment, IT appliances and many more. Top labels include Debenhams, Swatch, Hush Puppies, Levi’s, The Body Shop and Sub & Idx. Don’t miss a trip to the Cosmo’s World Theme Park, Malaysia’s largest indoor theme park. The Imax 2D and 3D theatres here are the largest in Southeast Asia and offer an unforgettable viewing experience.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the newest shopping mall at Jalan Bukit Bintang set to inspire with its fashion, food and urban leisure choices. Located in the Golden Triangle Shopping district, it is spread across 1.3 million square feet. This 7-storey shopping mall has six precincts to cater to every clientele. These are the Couture, Bintang Circle, Gourmet, Home, Connection, and Seventh Heaven precincts. It will have a total of 450 retail shops representing some of the finest brand names around the world. It is inspiration in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Sunway Pyramid
Opened in 1997, Sunway Pyramid is recognisable from its Egyptian inspired pyramids architecture. Located in the heart of Petaling Jaya, it is Malaysia’s first themed shopping and entertainment mall. After current expansions, its retail space of 2.5 million sq feet will grow to 4 million sq ft. It has a skating rink, bowling alley and 10 cinemas for enthusiasts. Its retail outlets will have four new precincts to cater to a growing market of affluent and savvy shoppers. These are Fashion Central, Oasis Boulevard, Asian Avenue and Marrakesh which would be introduced once ongoing construction is completed at the end of 2007. The popular Sunway Lagoon Theme Park and Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel are adjacent to Sunway Pyramid.

Duty Free
Langkawi's designated Duty Free Port status makes shopping here quite fun and very popular. It carries the largest selection. Enjoying duty free status within Malaysia makes Langkawi a great place to pick up some superb bargains during your holiday, although it is neither as cheap, nor is there as much variety as you will find in Kuala Lumpur. There is a large mall called Langkawi Fair, where you can pick up the best bargains, and one of the best places to go shopping for luxury goods is the Langkawi Parade, where you can browse the high-end boutiques. For souvenir hunting, it's a good idea to wander through the markets along the harbour front and pick up locally produced handicrafts such as Langkawi Craft Complex.

 Shopping At Dataran Pahlawan
If you notice the main entrance of Dataran Pahlawan Megamall, you will see 1 stretch of branded boutique, like Mango, Esprit, Levis and etc. Most of travellers do not want to shop in Dataran due to their first impression of the branded boutique.

I will suggest that you spend a little time, browsing in Dataran Pahlawan Megamall, you will find plenty of bargain boutique in it. Affordable bags, clothing, hair accessories, shoes and many more. You might even bargain for a cheap brand new mobile phone!