The Best Souvenirs to Get from Malaysia

As a frequent traveler, I admit that I get stumped every now and then when it comes to buying souvenirs for my friends and family back home. As a certified shopaholic, this may be hard to believe about me, but there’s only so many times that I can bring home a key chain, a fridge magnet, a mug, or another t-shirt before my loved ones start getting tired of getting all these things. Sure, it’s the thought that counts, but I feel like I have to step up my game when it comes to souvenir shopping.

Souvenir shopping in Malaysia

This time around, I vowed to get only the most authentic and the most unique items that are somewhat indigenous to the country that I’ll be visiting. As I’m back in Malaysia, I figured that I probably would be toting home a batik-heavy collection to give to my friends. As it turns out, it’s not only this unique fabric that’s going to make it on my must-buy list. Who knew that there were so many unique items that I could find in Malaysia?

Here’s a list of totally worth it souvenirs to bring home to your family and friends:

1. Malaysian Snacks

Best for: friends with kids; your preteen brother or nephew; basically for anyone who loves to eat

Cost: about $1.00 for a sealed bag of snacks

Bring home curry puffs

Malaysians love their snacks, and they make about a hundred different ones to suit anyone’s tastes. Craving something sweet, salty, spicy, or all three at the same time? They have it all. From traditional rice cakes, candies, water chestnut cakes and sweet bean cakes, these yummy eatables offer a break from potato chips which will be much appreciated by the avid snacker.

For Indian snacks such as cassava chips, jalebi (deep fried sweet batter), puffed rice, roti, and samosa, head on over to Kuala Lumpur’s Brickfields area. For traditional Malay snacks like rice sweets or curry puffs, check out Chow Kit.

2. Traditional Chinese medicines and herbs

Will be appreciated by: your hippie friend; your aunt who’s into healthy and organic living

Cost: From $3.00 to $7.00, depends on what you buy

Buy Chinese herbs for your health conscious friend

With its large Chinese population, Kuala Lumpur has many shops and market stalls selling traditional Chinese medicines and herbs. There are herbs used as traditional remedies to cure asthma, stomach aches, headaches, and incontinence, and there are also herbs used for cooking. One of the best places to shop for herbs is Jalan Petaling in Chinatown, as it has some of the best herbal medicine stalls in Kuala Lumpur.

Don’t know what kind of herbs to get? Try assembling an herb kit for common ailments. To treat a cold, get some cinnamon twig, apricot seeds, and licorice. For a cough, some ginseng would help. And for a headache, nothing beats Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan along with a cup of green tea.

3. Batik Fabric

Best for: your mom; your best friend; anyone who loves fabric and making things out of fabric

Cost: block printed batik at $3.00 per meter; hand printed batik at $62.00 per meter

Buy Batik fabric for your friend

This is one of Malaysia’s most important and unusual handicrafts. Batik is a fabric on which wax is used to create patterns on the cloth. Afterwards, the cloth is dyed with different colors, and the end result is a gorgeous piece of cloth that is truly unique. Malaysian batik is different from the ones made in Thailand and Singapore. Most of Malay batik has flowers, leaves or trees on it. Under traditional law, batik should not incorporate the images of animals or people on the design. That’s how you’ll know that what you have is the real thing.

There are two kinds of batik in Malaysia: the hand drawn batik, where the designs are drawn on the fabric with hot liquid wax using a metal object called a canting, and then the dyes are brushed on by the artist; and the block printed batik, wherein a block that has been carved with designs on the bottom is dipped into wax and printed on the fabric, and dip-dyed. The hand drawn batik is more expensive and more intricate, and is usually available in 2-meter or 4-meter bolts. The block printed batik can be bought in 20-meter bolts and are more affordable.

Malaysian batik can be bought in bolts, pieces, or even made into clothing and accessories. The exquisite fabric can be bought at markets, handicraft stores, or shopping malls. Just don’t buy your batik while you’re on a factory tour—it’s a guaranteed way to buy batik at almost five times the recommended price.

If you decide to buy some bolts of batik for yourself and you’re wondering what to do with the fabric, you can make pillow cases, throw pillow coverings, or even dresses out of the fabric. A nice piece of hand drawn batik can be framed and hung on the wall in lieu of a painting. I once saw a tablecloth made out of batik, it was very nicely done and it brightened up an ordinary kitchen table. You can even use it as a spread on the ground for a picnic lunch, or as a beach towel.

4. Pewter Ware

Best given to: co-workers; your best friend who loves collecting unusual things

Cost: starts at $8.00, depending on what kind you’ll get

Pewter Ware – a must buy souvenir in Malaysia

Another must-buy in Malaysia is local pewter ware. You’ll see it all over Kuala Lumpur in craft stores, shopping malls, souvenir shops, local markets, and also at high end specialty shops. You can get wine accessories, pewter beer mugs, key chains, boxes, picture frames, coasters, and even cuff links made out of pewter.

What is pewter anyway? It’s actually a form of metal alloy comprising about 85 to 99 percent tin, along with small amounts of copper, antimony, bismuth, and lead. Before you think that what you’re getting is just an ordinary tin ashtray or mug, think again. The quality of the wares here are simply spectacular, and the designs are intricate and shows the Malaysian people’s mark of excellent craftsmanship.

The biggest pewter company in the country is the Selangor Company, which has a long history of making pewter ware. The company was founded in 1885 in Kuala Lumpur, and was a favorite of British colonials. In fact, the Brits bought a lot of ash trays, tankards, and tea services which were all in demand in the United Kingdom back then. Today, Selangor Company is the most prestigious among the many pewter ware makers in Malaysia, and if it’s quality you’re after, check out their shop in Kuala Lumpur.

5. Miniatures

Best for: kids, like your favorite nephew or niece; your friend who collects anything kitschy

Cost: Starts at $5.00

KL’s twin towers

You know how that miniature of the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and Big Ben all look so good on that shelf that you had expressly made just to display such tiny wonders? I don’t know about you, but I like to collect miniatures of famous landmarks. It makes me remember the places where I’ve been and the adventures that I had. And besides, they’re all so freaking cute, and my kids sometimes borrow them when they’re playing Barbie Goes Around the World.

For me, I bought a miniature of the famous KL Towers. There are also miniatures of the Penang Bridge, mosques, and other places of worship, but to me, the KL Towers symbolized everything that Malaysia is. Elegant, standing tall and proud, it is both a feat of architecture and a sight to behold.

There you go, all the best souvenirs you should get the next time you go to Malaysia. Make sure to shop around and buy only from highly recommended vendors or shops to make sure that you’re getting the genuine article.

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The Best Places to Go Shopping in Malaysia

When visiting another country, there are three things that every tourist must do: go sightseeing, eat, and shop. It doesn’t matter if one has allotted a modest budget for travelling expenses, but for me, I think it’s important to take home a little piece of any country I visit. My own home has become a wasteland of souvenirs. There are the Matryoshka dolls I got in Russia, the miniature clogs from Holland, the figurine of a sumo wrestler from Japan, and a miniature of the Buckingham Palace sitting side by side on my living room shelves. Maybe I’ve got a mild hoarding problem, or maybe I just like to shop. Whatever it is, I make sure that wherever I go, I only go to the places where I can afford to buy the merchandise.

Shopping in Malaysia

I’m no Paris Hilton, that’s for sure, so whenever I get the urge to blow all my money on a single item, like that one time that I had the strongest urge to splurge on a ridiculously expensive bag from the Louis Vuitton flagship store in Paris, I tell myself to calm down and suppress my inner madam so I can think things through. And more often than not, prudence rules over impulse, so my credit cards make it through my trips without suffering too much.

In Malaysia, I knew that I had to exercise the same amount of caution because I know that here, there are so many ways that I could overspend. With its variety of shopping malls and markets, Malaysia is a shopaholic’s dream come true. And when Mega Sale season comes, prices go really low, so I scheduled a visit in time for this annual event. Just like what I always do, I decided to travel light and all I brought with me to the country fit in one backpack. To be honest though, I’m saving all my luggage allotment for the great finds that I know I’ll get here.

These are the places that I went to for some great bargain hunting in Malaysia:

1. Petaling Street Market

Chinatown Petaling Street is the place to be for bargaining for cheap clothing and accessories. Day and night, visitors keep coming to this place to dine on the famous street foods or to do some shopping. There’s almost everything here, and I almost got whiplash from looking at one stall to another to ogle the goods. Clothes, souvenirs, and electronic items are really cheap here, and if you’re looking for knock-off handbags, shoes, and watches, then this is the place to be. I wondered if I could find the cheaper version of the bag that I lusted over in Paris, so that became my mission at Petaling.

Dine and shop in Petaling Street Market

I was surprised at the massive number of knockoffs here. One stall was crammed with Adidas and Nike sneakers, another was filled with Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Calvin Klein bags. Another had different styles of Rolex watches on display. I wandered around, and though I was skeptical at first, some of the goods were rendered so flawlessly that it was quite hard to tell if it was a fake, or if I was looking at the real thing. There were some discrepancies with the prices, as one stall would sell the same bag at about 50 percent lower than another stall.

When I asked the owner of the stall with the more expensive goods about that, she shook her head and told me that her bags were of better quality and “Class A”, and to prove her point, she took a lighter and ran the flame up and down the bag’s surface. Apparently, a bag that is made of real leather will not burn, and those that were made of imitation leather will disintegrate faster than you can say uncle. A real Louis Vuitton bag costs about $1,500 for one of the classic styles, but I was able to buy the Class A knockoff at only $150. If I told my friends that I got the real thing, they wouldn’t even suspect a thing due to the exquisite craftsmanship. But only time will tell just how long this bag will last. I had to admit, it was a good buy though.

I resisted buying a fake Rolex, because I had to draw the line somewhere. And besides, no one would believe me anyway if I said that it’s an original. Did I mention that I’m not Paris Hilton?

2. Plaza Mont Kiara

This market is a favorite of expats and tourists for its specialty goods and calmer, somewhat more posh atmosphere. It’s a flea market, but not so crowded and chaotic in the true flea market sense. This market is also known as the Arts, Bric-a-brac, and Crafts (ABC) Market, and here you’ll find a lot of specialty items such as toys, vegetables, shoes, perfume, books, fabric, food, and even small animals. Though the toy dogs were cute, I had no intention of getting a new pet, so I walked around to find something that I could place on my mantle beside my other souvenirs at home. I was feeling a bit peckish, so I bought a karipap, which is a savory pastry filled with meat and potatoes, and it was really good. At another stall, I bought a bottle of cold coconut water to wash it all down, and it was so refreshing, and that made me perk up a bit because the heat in Malaysia can be somewhat stifling.

Go shopping in Plaza Mont Kiara

I found some pretty flat shoes at 4 RM or about $15, which was such a steal that I bought three pairs. There was even a onesie that I absolutely had to get for my 2-month old nephew, and I got that for $5.00. Not bad. My last purchase here was a small bottle of aromatherapy oil for $1.50. I hadn’t found anything fit to display yet, but that’s ok. I still had one more market to visit, and I knew that I would find something there.

3. Central Market

I was on the hunt for a souvenir item that embodies what Malaysia is all about, and upon asking around, the locals told me to check out Central Market. Here, I was told that there are lots of handicrafts around, and there are antiques, pewter, pearls, and other handmade items that I could buy. Central Market sounds like a legitimate place to go to for souvenirs, so after a hearty breakfast of kaya toast and coffee, I got on the Free Go KL City Bus and made my way there.

Shop at Central Market

The covered market is a pleasant surprise. It’s clean, varied, and it has a food court upstairs, which is good news for me since I have the tendency to get hungry whenever I shop. The antique shops were truly amazing, but I realized that I had to be an heiress or a lottery winner if I wanted to take home any of the things in it, so I quickly moved on and went to the other shops. There was one stall that made personalized 3D crystal paperweights. I was told to give the guy who was making them a picture and he’d make it into a paperweight. I selected a snapshot of myself standing between the Petronas Towers. For about $20, it was a good souvenir. But I was looking for something else.

I finally chanced upon a shop selling portraits of Asian landmarks and landscapes, carved out of wooden veneer and layered to create a 3D effect. I bought one in the form of a pencil case, and I even bought two yards of batik fabric which I’ll make into throw pillows once I get home. Now I’m all set!

Of course, my shopping adventure isn’t done yet. Stay tuned for part 2 next week!

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Part II: Gotta-Have-It Gadgets from Celcom

Last time, we learned all about some of the must-have phones and tablets from Celcom. This week, we’re going to know about other gadgets from Celcom, particularly about their advantages and special features.

Latest smartphones and gadgets

Choosing a smartphone or a gadget should be done with care, paying special attention to things such as features, memory, security, and battery life, which can surely contribute to extending the life of your phone. It sucks to drop major bucks on a gadget, only to find out that it’s not worth it. It doesn’t really matter what brand it is, or how pretty and shiny it looks on the outside—it’s what’s inside the device that really matters. You might be surprised that sometimes, a phone from a lesser known brand will perform the same way as those brands that are highly praised by gadget fans.

Here are other things to consider before you fork over your hard-earned cash for a new phone or tablet:

Security

Data security is a big concern for anyone who stores personal information on their phone or buys things online using a gadget. All smartphones have security features in one form or another, with most providing PIN-protection when the handset is turned on. On Android smartphones, a swipe pattern to unlock devices is common.

However, it’s not only would-be thieves that could gain access to your bank or personal information. The apps you install and the social networks you use could definitely be security risks. Apps such as Lookout can help check the integrity of items downloaded to your phone, but location tracking apps and messaging apps can also pose a threat in their own way. When it comes to security, iPhone and Blackberry handsets are more secure than the open-source Google Android platform, but even if you’re using these phones, you should still exercise caution and be wary of sites or apps that could access data from your device.

In case your Blackberry or iPhone device gets stolen, it can be remotely tracked and can also be remotely wiped, which keeps your personal info safe.

Storage or Memory

Memory Cards

When it comes to storage or internal memory, think big. Even if you’re not planning to keep lots of pictures, music, or videos on your device, it’s nice to have lots of space for apps. This is especially important for those who plan to buy an iPhone, which can’t be expanded with memory cards. Try to choose a device with at least 16GB memory. However, if you choose a handset with a MicroSD slot, then storage capacity won’t be an issue for you. Check your gadget’s manual to see up to what amount of external storage it can accommodate. Your 32GB MicroSD card might not be appropriate for a phone that recommends up to 16GB external memory only.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, it’s best to look it up online or ask around. The difference between a phone with a good battery life and a phone that lasts only a few hours after charging can mean a world of difference. It’s advisable to pick a phone with a long battery life to start with, because battery life can only get worse with time. If possible, get a phone with a removable battery so you can swap out a defective battery.

It’s a good thing that Celcom has a wide range of cellphones and tablets to choose from to fit your needs and lifestyle. Whether it’s an iPhone, an Android, a Blackberry, or a Windows phone that you’re looking for, you can find it among their latest offerings bundled with their postpaid plans. Here are other phones and devices that you can get from Celcom:

1. Windows Phone

Windows phones probably have the most attractive homepage display among all of the smartphone platforms. Windows uses Live Tiles, which are half icon, half widget, so everything on your homepage can display moving information or graphics. Celcom offers three windows phones, which are the Nokia Lumia 920, Nokia Lumia 520, and the Nokia Lumia 1020. So how can one tell one Nokia Lumia from another?

Let’s begin by comparing the Lumia 520 with the 920. As you can see in pictures online, they almost look exactly the same. They both run on Windows Phone 8, but that’s where the similarities end. The 520 has a screen that measures exactly 4 inches, while the 920’s screen is slightly larger at 4.5 inches. The 520 is lighter at 124 grams, compared to the 920 which weighs 185 grams. The Lumia 920’s resolution is better, which is 768 x 1280 pixels, making it ideal for viewing videos. However, the 520’s resolution is not too shabby by comparison, which at 480 x 800 pixels gives you great picture quality, though images can be quite grainy, depending on the lighting.

Nokia Lumia 920

The 920 has a far bigger storage at a whopping 32GB, compared to the 8GB of the 520. For a basic Windows phone, you can get the Lumia 520 starting at RM 188, or you can opt for the much upgraded Lumia 920, which starts at RM 1,058.

As for the Lumia 1020, in most aspects it comes thisclose to being the Lumia 920’s twin. It has the same weight, same screen size, and same internal memory. The one thing that makes the 1020 stand out though is its superb image quality when compared to the 920. The 41-megapixel sensor found on the 1020 does a tremendous job of capturing a ton of light, detail and color, and putting that all together results to stunning photos. So if you’re fond of taking pictures with your smartphone, your best bet is to get the Lumia 1020, which is available starting at RM 1,638.

2. Other Devices from Celcom

Aside from the usual tablets and phones, Celcom has two brand new devices that will surely pique the interest of a lot of tech enthusiasts.

One of these devices is the Samsung ATIV Smart PC. This is what you get when you combine a good tablet hardware with a decent tablet software. This is Samsung’s first Windows 8 3G tablet, and for the price of one device, you actually get a tablet that transforms into a laptop with the addition of a keyboard dock. Though the Smart PC can be used solely as a laptop, the reason why most people buy this is because of its unique features as a tablet.

Without the keyboard, the gadget weighs less than two pounds, and it has an 11.6 inch display which is bigger than any other tablet in the market. It also comes with an S Pen, a stylus that can also be found on other Samsung Galaxy Note devices. You can use this stylus to take notes and make drawings.

The 1080p resolution makes everything on the screen look good. You get high definition videos, sharp pictures, and an overall pleasant experience using the Smart PC, and you can get it for only RM 1,758.

Samsung Galaxy Camera

Another special device from Celcom also comes from Samsung, the Samsung Galaxy Camera. At first glance, people get confused about what it really is. It is an actual camera? What it is—an innovative smartphone/camera hybrid. It looks like a point and shoot camera, but it has lots of special features that will make selfie addicts rush to the stores to get one of their own. For instance, it’s a WiFi-enabled camera that reacts quickly to the touch or swipe of a finger. It also has the capability to connect, upload, and share to an endless lineup of social media sites. It has a 4.77 inch screen, and its coolest feature is its ability to function through voice activated commands. Simply tell the camera to zoom in, zoom out, set the timer, or take the picture, and it does that. Amazing, right? It’s available for RM 1,499.

The next time you’re thinking about getting a new phone or a cool gadget, look no further than Celcom. You’ll get great service from Malaysia’s leading telecoms company, and you’ll have the latest device, right at your fingertips, for a very affordable price. Check out Celcom today for their latest offers.

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