10 things you must definitely buy when you’re in M’sia

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:52 pm

Malaysia is a shopping heaven for many as there are many cheap, unusual and wonderful things to buy. But with the plethora of options available, what exactly would be the best things to buy and bring back home? Here are some of the items that you should buy when you are in this beautiful country.

Batik

Malaysia is famous for its unique handicrafts and one of these is the batik. Batik is made by using wax to produce patterns on the fabric which is then dyed with different colours to create beautiful and intricate designs. Malaysia’s batik only incorporates flora in their designs as animals and people cannot be used. Most batik are readily available in many places such as markets and shopping mall.

Pewter Merchandise

The local pewter industry in Malaysia is a flourishing business and pewter merchandise can be bought in many places. The world’s biggest pewter manufacturer, Royal Selangor is from Malaysia as well. There are many types of pewter ware that you can buy from malls, craft stores, souvenir shops and even markets.

Traditional Medicines, Herbs, Spices
Due to its large multicultural population, there are many types of herbs, medicines and spices that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Fancy an old-fashioned cure for cough, headaches or stomach pains? Just pop in to any herbal or medicine shop that you pass by and ask the shopkeeper inside.

Electronics
Electronics in Malaysia are often cheaper as there are quite a number of it that are made in Malaysia itself, thus cutting its costs. Factor in the exchange rate and you can find a good bargain especially in Low Yat Plaza which sells electronics exclusively.

Snacks
Malaysia has no shortage of snacks that comes in all forms, no matter sweet, savoury or something in between. Every ethnicity has their own one-of-a-kind snacks to offer that are bound to tempt your taste buds. From water chestnut cakes to spicy samosas and curry puffs, you will be spoilt for choice.

Fruits
The local fruits in Malaysia are simply delightful and have many varieties. Come here and try the king of fruits itself, during the durian season or mangosteens, mangoes and many more. Many hotels have already banned you from bringing back the durian due to its pungent smell but there’s nothing from stopping you from enjoying some fresh at the roadside stalls or buying some dried durian snacks back home.

Local Foodstuff
Other than fruits and snacks, Malaysia is also famous for other foodstuff that you can purchase to try and recreate that Malaysian taste at home. For example, you can buy some sambal belacan, rojak sauce or chilli paste in many shops.

White Coffee
While there are plenty of hipster cafes all over Malaysia, you must go to the kopitiams to try the authentic white coffee. Even though many kopitiams are getting more and more modernized, the taste of its signature coffee remains the same. You can take the taste of the delicious coffee back home in the form of instant coffee packs that they have for sale.

Other Handicrafts
Other than batik fabrics, Malaysia also has many other kinds of handicraft items that are elaborately made and simply gorgeous. Items such as beads, pottery and wood-carved products make great souvenirs, much better than generic keychains or magnets.

BOH Tea
Don’t fret if you are not a coffee lover, there’s another beverage that you can buy, the humble tea. From mamak style teh tarik to traditional English tea, there is bound to be something for everyone. Cameron Highlands in Pahang is home to the BOH Tea Plantations where special flavoured teas such as lime and ginger, mango, and passion fruit is also available.