9 Best Shopping in Malaysia

For a little local flavor, the city's Central Market is your best bet. In this bustling bazaar-like setting on the far left of the waterfront, you'll at least find gifts, crafts, souvenirs, sarongs, jewelry, a large food market with all the local food specialties, fresh fruit, and spices, along with discount shoes, bags, and cosmetics on the main floor and authentic food stands on the second floor.

This is a lively, chaotic market on the waterfront with discount items from China, some local crafts, and tons of hawker stalls and vendors peddling everything from fresh tropical fruit to flat screen TVs.

The largest shopping area by far in Sandakan—part of the Sandakan Harbor renewal project, linking the city and harbor—this bright contemporary mall offers 20,000 square feet of retail space over five floors. You'll find all the usual chain stores, entertainment, and dining.

Considered Chinatown's main drag, Jonker is a bustling street of small shops and food stands in historic, architecturally detailed buildings. Architecture buffs will be particularly taken with the variety of design elements that adorn the street's buildings. Besides the usual souvenirs, you'll also find handicrafts and antiques. There are plenty of snacks to be had, including durian in a puff pastry, a good introduction to one of the most popular fruits in the region. If you don't mind crowds, stop by for the weekend night market, every Friday and Saturday from about 6 pm to midnight; besides clothes, jewelry, and food, there's usually karaoke and other entertainment.

Part museum and part store—not everything's for sale, though many lovely things are—this historic house filled with interesting antiques and replicas has some gorgeous furniture, carvings, and artwork.

With a good range of Western and Malaysian stores (including an Apple Store) and long opening hours (10 am to 10 pm daily), ParkCity Mall is truly a one-stop shopping experience. There’s also a good range of restaurants on the third floor.

You'll find this lively night market within walking distance of many hotels, and it's a great place to browse the more than 150 stalls hawking everything from clothing to electronics to toys. You can also get a quick and affordable dinner here. Pasar Malam is open every night.

These busy covered markets are side by side in the center of town and are a great place to interact with the locals. Look for local delicacies, including belachan (salted shrimp paste), cincaluk (fermented shrimp paste, made with vinegar and salt), fruit, and other treats at the food stands. There's also a "wet market" in Pasar Utama where fish and seafood are traded.

You can't miss the enormous orange orangutan painted on the outside of this fun shop. Inside you'll find whimsical paintings and other artwork along with brightly colored T-shirts designed by local artist Charles Cham. The exterior wall makes a great backdrop for photos.