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
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