A Malaysian shopping expedition

By Donna Yuen

Shopping is definitely my favorite pastime! While New York and Hong Kong are obvious shopping destinations, Malaysia does not readily come to mind as one. However, since I am returning to Malaysia during their year-end sale, I am thrilled at the prospect of completing all of my Christmas shopping in one trip.

The number of luxury malls and high-end stores in Kuala Lumpur is growing rapidly.

The Sunway Pyramid is a mega mall complex, focused on fun, shopping, and entertainment. With an Egyptian style pyramid and sphinx at the entrance, it also boasts an outdoor amusement park and scads of restaurants.

Retail outlets carrying designer brands fill the Starhill Gallery and the Suria KLCC mall. I saunter among the upscale stores intoxicated by the sheer number of options. My eyes dart back and forth from Versace to Fendi, to DKNY and Chanel. The chic clothing scream out to me “Buy me, Buy me!” I ignore the voices in my head and after a small purchase, my wallet protests that it is time to move on.

My guide suggests that I try the Central Market. What was previously a wet market; the old art deco building constructed in 1888 now houses numerous shops with Malaysian handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles. My guide, who is also an avid shopper, informs me that the prices are reasonable by comparison and that bartering is discouraged here unlike most markets. I select items, which are representative of Malaysia, like the vibrant hand-made Batik clothing and a Kris (a Malaysian weapon symbolizing strength, status, and nobility), and I barter despite my guide’s advice.

She is astonished when I obtain another 25% off the sale price quoted, and states that I have taught her something about shopping in KL. I gather my purchases and proudly wander off, determined to complete my Christmas list. After a brief sojourn at KL’s Pudu wet market and the popular Chinatown Night Market I make my way towards Malaysia’s western islands to explore even more shopping opportunities.

Langkawi can be a bargain hunter’s paradise, as it is a duty free island. Tobacco, alcohol, and luggage are particularly inexpensive, while fragrances are similar in price to most duty free stores worldwide. I buy a gigantic suitcase to accommodate all of my recent purchases.

I stop briefly in Penang to satiate my desire for more bazaar shopping. The night market here is filled with stalls selling knock-offs of every kind. ‘Coach’ bags hang from little hooks draping the stalls. Colorful beads are plentiful and creatively strung into necklaces, anklets, and bracelets. Walls of silky ‘Fendi’, ‘Gucci’, and ‘YSL’ scarves oscillate in the humid breeze. Shopkeepers yell out to catch my attention as I walk along the dozens of stalls lining the beachfront. Row upon row of ‘designer’ wallets are neatly arranged on the tabletops. Displayed alongside the costume jewelry are hundreds of knock-off high-fashion watches. I purchase a few ‘Rolex’ watches for a mere 30 ringgit each.

I wander among the stalls selling reproduced ‘DKNY’ and ‘Chanel’ items. I notice a stall selling underclothes. In the dim evening light, I reach for the children’s sized ‘Calvin Klein’ underwear. It is a steal to get ‘designer’ underwear at a mere three ringgit per pair, so I buy ten. Upon my return to the hotel, I remove all my purchases to savour in the enjoyment of my shopping expeditions. I pull out the underwear and upon closer examination; they are not actually ‘Calvin Klein’ underwear, but rather Calvin Kleen underwear. I laugh at my oversight, quickly pack all my items, and rush to the airport.

I am grinning as the luggage handler hauls my overstuffed suitcase off the ramp belt. He shakes his head at me smiling, “You did some shopping didn’t you?”

I beam with pride and I reply, “I did. I actually managed to finish all of my Christmas shopping; but I know that I must now be directed to the oversized luggage area.”

He nods in agreement. I walk away laughing and dragging my heavy suitcase filled with enormous amounts of clothing, curios, jewelry and of course, my Calvin Kleen underwear!

Access:
2007 is Visit Malaysia Year as the country celebrates its 50 years of independence and nationhood. Its biannual Mega Sales Carnival and Year-End Sale runs from mid-June to early September and December respectively.

Hotels:
Kuala Lumpur: The Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur: After an extensive enhancement project the guest rooms and suites now combine soft luxury with modern elegance.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KualaLumpur/Default.htm

Penang: Traders Hotel, Penang: Conveniently located in downtown Georgetown
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/penang/traders

Langkawi: The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa: Breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and comfortable guestrooms with modern entertainment systems.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=283

For reasonably priced and frequent service to the islands, visit Malaysian Airlines at
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com

For more information: visit Tourism Malaysia’s official website at http://www.tourism.gov.my/

Tel (604) 689-8899
Toll free 1-888-689-6872
www.malaysiatourism.ca