Why everyone leaves Malaysia with an extra bag

The IOI City Mall in Putrajaya

By Divya Thotawatte 

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.

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)

The Pahlawan Night Market remains one of the busiest trading spots, drawing foot traffic from both tourists and locals. It is lined with stalls selling prawn keropok (crackers), banana chips, sticky squares of dodol, crispy murukku, kacang tumbuk peanut candy, and buttery pineapple tarts. You will also find shelves filled with bright blue packets of Mamee Monster, a popular Malaysian snack brand born in Melaka. 

Alongside the food section, you can find rattan baskets, trays, and picnic hampers, stacked up to the ceiling, their handwoven patterns showcasing the craft traditions in the state. For many traders, these goods are steady sellers, appealing to travellers that are looking for souvenirs that are light, durable, and sustainable. 

Fashion and tech at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur 

Berjaya Times Square is one of Kuala Lumpur’s largest malls, and a popular spot for those who seek the thrill of bargain and variety in their shopping experience. With over a 1,000 shops, the shopping complex has entire floors filled with fashion boutiques selling affordable streetwear, casual clothing, occasion wear, trendy clothes, denim, accessories, and shoes at budget-friendly prices. 

The mall is also a go-to place for tech enthusiasts. Many shops specialise in low-cost accessories, like trendy phone cases, power banks, chargers, earphones, and other gadgets, making them more accessible for users who want to upgrade their devices easily and without breaking the bank. 

Designer labels at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets 

Rows upon rows of luxury outlets, each marked with striking discount boards, stretch along the misty mountain walkways. With the cool breeze in your hair and markdowns everywhere, it is an experience any shopping lover will remember. This open-air mall features brands like Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Nike, and Adidas, all at outlet prices, with discounts that can run from 25% to 80% year-round. 

The layout is designed for strolling, with wide walkways, cafés for mid-shopping breaks. Connected directly to the Awana Skyway cable car station, it is as much about the experience of getting there, as it is about the shopping and deals found there. 

Beauty, cosplay, and indie fashion at Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur 

For shoppers looking beyond mainstream shopping, Sungei Wang Plaza has been an iconic shopping destination of Malaysia’s capital since the 1970s, particularly thanks to its bargains and one-of-a-kind finds. Beauty lovers flock here for Korean and Japanese skincare, makeup and haircare products that are available here with prices noticeably lower than chain stores, and endless options for products like sheet masks, lip tints, serums, etc. 

Sungei Wang has also long been a home base for cosplay stores, with little shops overflowing with wigs in every shade imaginable, anime-inspired costumes, armour pieces, figurines, and other props. There are even stores that offer tailoring and custom outfits for fans preparing for conventions. 

Among these specialty shops are also indie fashion stores bursting with loud colour and personality from sequined jackets, rhinestone-encrusted tops, glitter-coated shoes, and other statement pieces full of bling that you might not find in the city’s mega malls. 

A mega mall experience at the IOI City Mall, Putrajaya 

One of Malaysia’s largest malls, IOI City Mall hosts over 800 outlets across multiple wings, along with a cinema and an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink. This overwhelming number of outlets features big brands and small local labels, giving visitors a chance to browse through global trends and more niche Malaysian-made brands in one place. You will even find fine jewellery displayed alongside pop-up stores selling stainless steel rings, showing the mall’s mix of high-end and accessible fashion. 

With these countless shops and pop-up stores, shopping at the IOI City Mall in Putrajaya could easily turn into a full-day shopping affair. The layout of the mall is spacious and many dining options are also available, making it easy to spend an entire day there.