Kuala Lumpur is a marvelous place to shop for sentimental and thoughtful souvenirs to provide a glimpse of the Malaysian culture to your loved ones. Whether you are looking for unique jewelry, silverware, beautiful fabric or Malaysian snacks, Kuala Lumpur has it all!
It can be difficult to know what are the best things to buy when you visit a new place. Fear not! This article has you covered. Read on for the top 10 truly Malaysian souvenirs to buy in Kuala Lumpur! And don’t worry, all of them are easily transportable.
Image credit: Royal Selangor
Malaysia is quite well known for their wide selection of Pewter goods. These goods are molded from a mix of metals, comprising of mostly tin. Selangor Company is the largest manufacturer of pewter ware in Kuala Lumpur, and has a reputation of supplying high quality goods.
From delicate jewelry to tableware, drinkware, wine accessories, and dainty home decorations and wacky practical goods, you will surely find something to catch your eye! These carefully handcrafted goods are created with such precise and beautiful detail to capture what the Malaysian culture is all about!
BEST GIFTS FOR
Anyone that loves jewelry or unique silverware that will stand out on the dining table! Pewter goods can be the perfect gift for a loved one, co-worker or boss!
PORTABLE LEVEL
Easy to travel around with if you choose jewelry.
PRICE RANGE
Prices start from $8 for jewelry, and increase if you opt for larger items.
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: 123_456
Explore the gorgeously painted silk fabric that lines the stalls at Central Market. Gaze at the hand-decorated vibrantly colored pieces of high quality Batik. Usually covered in floral prints, Malaysian Batik is an extremely unique gift that can be used in multiple ways.
Let your creative side come out, and create gorgeous pieces of clothing and accessories using these beautiful prints. You can even simply hang the fabric on the wall to revamp that living room. Feel like the hand-brushed pieces of cloth are too expensive? You can purchase block-printed batik for a very unbeatable price!
BEST GIFTS FOR
Crafts lovers, mothers, grandmothers, anyone who is into fabric and unique prints!
PORTABLE LEVEL
Batik fabric is quite light to carry and can easily fit into your suitcase!
PRICE RANGE
Block-printed batik is inexpensive at $3 per meter, whereas hand printed could cost $62 per meter.
WHERE TO BUY
Koleksi Melayu, M15, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: Fadzly Mubin
This extravagant fabric is a mix of interwoven silk and gold threads, creating beautifully unique symmetric patterns. Originating from a trade between China, Malaysia and India, this fabric intertwines the Asian culture.
Create gorgeous crafty projects that will wow your friends and family! You can make it into anything from an authentic tablecloth, a gorgeous dress, a unique handbag, or simply hang it on the wall as décor.
BEST GIFTS FOR
Crafty friends and family, or to revamp your home for that formal party coming up!
PORTABLE LEVEL
Very easy and light to travel with.
PRICE RANGE
Prices start from $13 for short length cloth.
WHERE TO BUY
Peninsular Arts & Borneo Crafts, KB09, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: hkycollections
Whether it is a small woven handbag, place-mats, or cute woven hats, Kuala Lumpur has it all! These super lightweight and unusual gifts will surprise anyone! Bring back home one of these unique Malaysian gems, created from coconut shells, bamboo, rattan, and pandan leaves. You will find all shapes, sizes, colors and designs. Pick your favorite!
BEST GIFTS FOR
Any women in your life or for you! You will find beautifully hand-crafted handbags that will stand out and become a fashion staple in your closet.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Very lightweight and easy to manage.
PRICE RANGE
$2 upwards for cute handbags and small items.
WHERE TO BUY
Central Market Annexe, Ka50, G23, Jalan Hang Kasturi
Image credit: Faizal Riza MOHD RAF
For something truly Malaysian, wear this extremely unique and glamorous brooch to your next occasion!
Kerongsang is typically worn by Malay women with their traditional Kebaya or Baju. This brooch usually holds the dress together in a decorative fashion. Embedded with colorful beads and stones, this is the perfect present for anyone that likes pretty little things! You usually buy Kerongsang as a set of three separate pieces, where each one is a different size.
BEST GIFTS FOR
Mother, grandmother, any woman in your life! That friend that is obsessed with colorful stones, and whoever wants to add an authentic touch to their dress!
PORTABLE LEVEL
Very small and easy to carry
PRICE RANGE
Costs start at $5
WHERE TO BUY
Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: Sadiq Alam
This traditional kite is like no other! Back in the day, Malay men used to compete in Wau Kite competitions in the state of Kelantan. Resembling a moon-like crescent shape, the Wau kite’s print is usually based on the symbols of the Malaysian Airlines (Wau Bulan). However, you can find various types of colorful and unique prints to suit your style! This intricately decorated kite will catch everyone’s eye, even while fluttering high in the sky.
BEST GIFTS FOR
Your younger brother, nieces, nephews, or anyone that enjoys collecting traditional pieces!
PORTABLE LEVEL
Very lightweight, however the large kites may be difficult to carry home. Try a miniature kite!
PRICE RANGE
Costs from $7 for a miniature kite
WHERE TO BUY
Ka50, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: Boh Tea
This world-renowned tea is unique to the Malaysian culture, with tons of interesting flavors and textures to tantalize your taste buds. Embrace the spice-infused tea for a cup of healthful bliss. You can find Boh tea pretty much anywhere in Kuala Lumpur. If you would like to learn more about Boh tea, visit the plantation site at Cameron Highland for a daytime excursion!
BEST GIFTS FOR
The person in your family that drinks tea more than water, your organic-loving friend, or someone that appreciates exploring cultural food and drinks.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Very lightweight and compact
PRICE RANGE
Around $1 for 25 tea bags
WHERE TO BUY
Supermarkets in Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: antonkurniawan
Durian is a traditional fruit that is well-known and eaten in Malaysia. This hedgehog-shaped delicious fruit is extensively incorporated in Malaysian sweets, truffles, cakes and chocolates. If the smell of raw Durian puts you off, take it slow with infused candies or indulge in Durian covered chocolate for a taste you have never experienced before! The marriage of the cocoa and tangy Durian fruit is a wonderful blend of flavors.
BEST GIFTS FOR
The chocoholic in your life, anyone that has a sweet tooth, or even a treat for yourself to enjoy! This is an authentic treat that will surely surprise your friends.
PORTABLE LEVEL
Compact and easy to carry
PRICE RANGE
$4-5 per box of chocolate
WHERE TO BUY
Image credit: Old Town White Coffee
Why is Old Town White Coffee different, you might say? Old Town White Coffee is Malaysia’s largest restaurant chain, and has been creating instant coffee mixes since 1999. Since then, it has been distributing the famous coffee product to 13 different countries worldwide. Old Town has perfected their coffee with a tested blend of 3 different premium coffee beans, and freshly roasted to create a rich flavor. You can purchase Old Town White Coffee in various flavors, such as hazelnut, cane sugar, mocha and more!
BEST GIFTS FOR
The co-worker that is never seen without a coffee mug, your coffee-addicted dad/mom, or anyone that enjoys a caffeine kick with authentic flavor!
PORTABLE LEVEL
Very easy to carry around
PRICE RANGE
Around $3 for a pack of 15 sachets
WHERE TO BUY
Kuala Lumpur is recognized for selling Chinese herbs and medicines to remedy multiple health conditions in a traditional and safe way. Visit Jalan Petaling to experience market stalls stacked with colorful brown bags of herbs and spices. Whether it is a remedy for a flu, headache, sinuses, or other health issues, your sales merchant will guide you for the best choice to aid your wellbeing!
BEST GIFTS FOR
The holistic guru in your life, your health-obsessed mother, or anyone that needs a home remedy!
PORTABLE LEVEL
Very portable and easy to transport
PRICE RANGE
Around $3 a bag
WHERE TO BUY
Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur
