Shopping in Kuala Lumpur {2/2}

Check out part 1 here.

Many eager shoppers are aware of Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Singapore, but Kuala Lumpur is another contender for those seeking to spend their shopping money overseas. Kuala Lumpur benefits enormously from reasonable accommodation costs when compared to the more expensive Hong Kong and Singapore – thus freeing funds for purchases. 

Pavilion's elegant entrace all lit up

The inner suburb of Bukit Bintang bordered by Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi is home to many malls that remain open until 10pm every night. This area, filled with malls of differing quality and size and restaurants serving a variety of cuisine, has much to tempt the visitor. 

The spacious Pavilion is the newest mall in Bukit Bintang. With a huge food court in the lowest level, the upper floors are filled with designer brands that cater to the refined shopper who does not mind paying a premium. Another similarly priced option is the massive Berjaya Times Square. Home to a staggering 1000 outlets, these include a myriad of retail and service options, but also cinemas and an indoor amusement park. 

Older malls such as BB Plaza and the adjoining Sungei Wang Plaza house smaller shops within narrower and crowded corridors, but they provide a significantly cheaper range of items. Bargain hunters or those not loyal to specific labels or brands are likely to head here. 

S&M Shopping Arcade (Photo byJoanne Lane)

Plaza Low Yat is one of the best-value malls in Asia dedicated to electronic items – including photographic, telecommunication and computer products spread over seven lively floors. Shoppers here can be confident in finding genuine products and not less reliable copies. 

If traveling to Kuala Lumpur, ensure your suitcase is only party filled on arrival, for one can easily depart with luggage exceeding your free baggage allowance.

Happy shopping in KL, Malaysia! ;)

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur {1/2}

Hello everyone! Our entries have dwindled since the start of December because we are currently on vacation. Eyecandy and I are in the Philippines for the holidays while Shoegarfreeruby and Sampaguita Pride are very busy with work and their families. You have to forgive us for the lack of posts until the first week of January. However, we'll sneak in once in a while to publish articles because hey, The Pink Tarha thrives on! ;)

For now, we're publishing entries from Tourism Malaysia. We all know how popular Malaysia is as a tourist destination for Saudis. As for Southeast Asians like us, Malaysia is also very accessible from our home country so it is one of the first countries we visit when we want to go out of the Philippines for shopping and leisure (something new!). So, here's more of the shopping-scape in Malaysia... (Travel + Shopping = Happy Pink Tarha ladies!)

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur can be very rewarding. You’ll find a mall, market, or night market (pasar malam) in practically every corner of the Malaysian capital, almost all of them accessible by monorail or LRT. The KL shopping scene is such a big draw, the government sponsors a three-month sale season from June to September. In this article, we’ll show you what you can buy in Kuala Lumpur, and where you can find what you’re looking for. 

What To Buy

Kuala Lumpur is the crossroads for practically everything made in Malaysia – pottery, wood carvings, food products, and traditional fabrics from far-flung Malaysian states can all be found here. Closer to the city, the adjoining state of Selangor is also known for its high-quality pewter craft, which can be purchased at almost any market stall, or right at the factory itself. 

If you’re in the market for unique Malaysian fabrics, look for shops that sell kain songket: silk or cotton woven cloth brocaded with gold or silver threads. The metallic threads create a shimmering pattern against the non-reflective fabric, and the patterns created by the master weavers are very Malaysian in character. Normal people wear songket fabric only on special occasions; rich garments made from songket are more frequently worn by Malaysian royalty. 

Kain songket fabric and clothes come in many textures, colors, and styles; simple designs are cheap and readily found almost anywhere, but more intricate songket weaves may cost thousands of Malaysian ringgit per yard, reflecting the effort and thought that goes into their manufacture. To buy kain songket, go to Wisma Yakin in KL’s Masjid India. Wisma Yakin is known for its many tailors and fabric shops; Malay mothers typically go to Wisma Yakin to get clothes made for Eid ul-Fitr. 

The Malaysian state of Selangor has long been known for its fine pewter craft; pewter is a tin-based metal that finds common usage in drinking implements, tableware, and desk accessories. Selangor long prospered due to its tin mining industry, in fact Kuala Lumpur started out as a trading post serving tin miners. 

Today, the finest quality pewter is produced by Royal Selangor, Malaysia’s foremost pewterware maker. Royal Selangor creates pewterware fine enough for the Sultan of Selangor’s use, thus the “Royal” in the name. While their work can be found in most shopping malls around Kuala Lumpur, you can best explore the history and craft of pewterware at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak Jaya, around 8 km northeast of the city center. Closer to the city, you can visit Royal Selangor’s main outlet at level one of Suria KLCC. 

Kuala Lumpur’s Shopping Malls 

Of course, there’s far more to Kuala Lumpur than just pewter picture frames and beautiful fabrics. The many shopping malls in the city are filled to bursting with electronics, modern designer clothing, books, and perfumes. 

The Golden Triangle is ground zero for KL’s shopping scene: this is where you go to buy a wide range of merchandise from one of the many malls in the area. Suria KLCC, at the feet of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, is perhaps Kuala Lumpur’s most popular shopping stop, with trendy clothes, footwear, and accessories stores sharing space with the entrance to the Twin Towers tours. 

Bukit Bintang Plaza, one of the first shopping centers in the city, is still going strong with shops selling fashion accessories, sporting goods, footwear, and clothes. For electronics, visit Low Yat Plaza to get the lowest prices possible on laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. The world’s finest shops – Dior, Kenzo, Valentino and more – can be found at Starhill Gallery next to the Marriott. Also not to be missed is the Times Square mall. 

Times Square Mall in Kuala Lumpur (Photo by Shane Dallas)

For a more traditional Malay shopping experience, go to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, whose many buildings dating back from before World War II represent some of Kuala Lumpur’s best-preserved historical structures. Among these buildings, you’ll find a wide array of shopping centers like the Sogo Department Store and Pertama Complex. 

Kuala Lumpur’s most famous night market occurs along this stretch – every Saturday evening, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic and becomes crowded with stalls and hawkers selling all sorts of goods, from local products to cheap tourist souvenirs to excellent halal street food. Near Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Masjid India – the city’s Indian enclave – sells Indian merchandise like bangles, silverware, gold jewelry, and saris. 

Indian bangles (Photo by Joan Lane)

Finally, Chinatown is your best place for cheap bazaar-style shopping. The iconic Petaling Street stretch, covered by a green awning, is lined with shops and hawkers selling all sorts of affordable goods, from fake branded items to delicious local cuisine. Bargaining is highly encouraged for shoppers visiting Petaling Street, if you want to get the best value out of your purchases in this area. Chinatown’s Pasar Seni, or Central Market, is a former wet market and currently a bazaar selling Malaysian products like kain songket, batik, and handicrafts.

It's refreshing to know how the shopping-scape in other countries are like. We can't wait to travel more and shop more! ;) ~ Sundrenched

The Roti Family Feud

A few months ago, Pappa Roti opened in Riyadh. Followed by Rotiboy. And finally, MammaRoti. (Actually, I'm quite not sure which came first... Pappa Roti or Rotiboy?!) We'd like to think it's one big happy family because they offer just one thing: roti buns. But it turns out, they're of different companies. Is there a family feud brewing? Who has the best roti bun? What makes them unique from one another? Which brand is The Pink Tarha's favorite? Which one is yours?

Let the taste test begin!

Before I give the verdict, let's define what a roti bun first. A roti bun is simply a 'coffee bun,' a round bun with melted butter inside and a crunchy coat of coffee-flavored sugar on top. When you take a bite, a trio of tastes burst in your mouth. Sweet, salty, bitter in one go! The combination of the three creates a perfect harmony once it hits your taste buds and soon enough, you'll be craving for more. You're hooked! 

Which is which?!
(From left clockwise: Pappa Roti, Mammaroti, Rotiboy)

The inevitable addiction to roti bun is the reason why roti bun shops are confident of selling just this one product. Imagine going to the shop and ordering just the roti bun. You come for the buns and nothing else. No more perusing the menu for a long list of items. You get confused with the drinks more than the food. Oh well, that's the magic pull of a roti bun. Riyadh is now addicted.

Rotiboy ("The Breadboy") was founded by Hiro Tan in Penang, Malaysia in 1998. The Rotiboy in Malaysia is known for its freshly-made cakes and high quality bread. Their Signature Rotiboy Bun, described as crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, brought them the popularity they are enjoying now. Apart from the original roti bun, Rotiboy has introduced Buttermilkboy, a bun with vanilla topping with a special buttermilk filling which is an alternative to those who are not into anything caffeine.

The oldest with the youngest name.

Golden brown with extra crispy edges

Fluffy, fluffy!

Pappa Roti ("The Father of All Buns") was established in Malaysia in 2003 and has flourished all over the world with branches in Malaysia, United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia... and now, in the Middle East. Their signature bun starts with the creamy bun with a topping of concentric circles which becomes a glazed caramel-coating  after a quick stay in the oven.

Here comes papa.

Dark brown with extra edges

Flaky inside

MammaRoti ("The Bun Emperor"), or MammaBunz in Malaysia, started in 2004. This casual franchise serves authentic coffee-coated buns with a sweet buttery-rich taste named "Mexican bun." They describe their bun as crispy, soft, rich, and fluffy. And this catapulted them to branches all over Malaysia and franchises all over the Middle East.

The mother which is titled the 'emperor'?! Haha.

Pale brown with a smooth top

Fluffy and flaky.

Now, there's no need to list down the qualities and taste of each roti bun from each brand. They do taste the almost exactly the same. With just a few, almost unnoticeable, difference.

My favorite!

MammaRoti takes my vote for the best roti bun in Riyadh. Its bun, while not far from PappaRoti’s and Rotiboy’s in taste, has a consistency that I like. Fresh from the oven, the top coating is a little bit crunchy and the butter melts all around the inside lending its slight saltiness to the bun. The coffee flavor is there; almost milky in taste and the sweetness is tempered by a tinge of bitterness. Harmonious delight! Wait for a while and the bun, when bitten, becomes a little bit chewy making it irresistible to take one bite after another until the last morsel drops into an empty paper bag. When left at room temperature (do not refrigerate), the bun retains its flavor and texture; still perfect for a cup of milk tea or simply brewed coffee. 

The first brand I've tried is Pappa Roti. And while it smells good from a few meters away (Eyecandy said it smelled like adobo. Haha!), the buns lack flavor. It's less pronounced and not as tasty. I do love how they set up their cafes though. The aroma from their ovens envelops a part of Panorama Mall that you can't help but wonder and stay. For Rotiboy, it's the same crisp coating but the better wasn't well-rounded. I even like the buttermilk bun better with its melted chocolate chip cookies and sweet vanilla filling. I also like their iced milk tea. It's sweet and refreshing.

Now tell me, what is your favorite roti bun?

Whatever your choice is among the roti buns in Riyadh, we cannot deny its allure and how in a matter of days, it got the whole city hooked. While the price of SR11 per bun is quite expensive, it’s an indulgence that should be taken lightly. You wouldn’t want to get suya after a while, yes? Sometimes, waiting for another week or so to taste the coffee bun makes the wait worthwhile. You’ll find yourself ordering a bunch of it the next time and you’ll take bite after bite after bite. Don’t forget to share. To me. Haha. ~ Sundrenched

Pappa Roti

Branches: Panorama Mall | Tahlia Street

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Papparoti-KSA/

W: www.papparoti.com.my

Rotiboy

Food Court, Sahara Mall

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RotiboySA

W: http://rotiboyarabia.com

MammaRoti

Branches: Food Court, Kingdom Mall | Tahlia Street

W: www.mammabunz.com

Tax-Free Shopping {A Feature on Malaysia 4/4}

The tourist centers of Malaysia aim to cater to tastes of all kinds, with sports culture and relaxation being the top draws. One area that is continually being expanded and improved upon is shopping –  especially, duty free shopping. 

However, shoppers, you should know the difference between "duty free" and "free of duty" as both can be quite confusing. “Duty free” goods are those exempted from import duty only in designated shopping zones in Malaysia, whilst items which are designated as “free of duty” are goods that are free from import duty nationwide, all year round. 

Currently there are over 300 items in the country that are totally exempt from tax, so there are already plenty of opportunities to grab bargains. There are plans to expand this number even further so that all good fall into the free of duty category. Malaysia will then truly become "the duty free shopping destination."

Let’s start with a list of the places where you can shop and not pay any duties and then we’ll take a look at some of the shoppers' favourites. 

Duty Free: 

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) 

• Bayan Lepas International Airport (Penang) 

• Langkawi International 

• Airport (Kedah) 

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Sabah) 

• Kuching International Airport (Sarawak) 

Duty Free Ports: 

• Port Klang (Selangor) 

• Tanjung Belungkur (Johor) 

• Pengkalan Kubur (Kelantan) 

Free Duty Goods shops are clearly signed throughout: 

• Kuala Lumpur 

• Georgetown (Penang) 

• Melaka 

• Kuching (Sarawak) 

• Johor Bahru (Johor) 

Border Towns with Free Duty shops: 

• Padang Besar (Perlis) 

• Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah) 

• Pengkalan Hulu (Perak) 

• Rantau Panjang (Kelantan) 

• Kuala Baram (Sarawak) 

Domestic Designated Duty Free Islands: 

• Langkawi 

• Labuan

• Tioman 

Most shoppers tend to favour Langkawi for duty free shopping and recommend that you head to Kuah town in the central district of the island. Rows upon rows of stores selling electronic gadgets, household goods, branded products, cosmetics and fragrances, chocolates, cigarettes and liquor welcome you with prices that will make you think if you had the exchange rates right. 

Jewelries at tax free prices. Photo by Tourism Malaysia. 

Also highly-recommended is a stroll along to the Langkawi Mall, the Fair Shopping Complex and the Jetty Point Duty Free Complex, as these tend to compete very hard with each other on price. If you’re looking for more “touristy” items, like crafts, delicacies and clothes, in addition to the usual duty free merchandise, head down to the tourist beaches of Cenang and Tengah. 

For items like pewter, crystals and glassware, visit the duty free mall next to the Langkawi Underwater World or the smaller outlets at the Oriental Village. If you're into Burberry raincoats and Mont Blanc pens, you can buy these in the outlet inside the KLIA. 

Cities such as Kuala Lumpur pride themselves on their retail experiences and designer outlets such as those in the extraordinary region of Bukit Bintang. The Suria KLCC at the Petronas Towers boasts an extraordinary and unbelievable range of top names from Jimmy Choo and Prada to Gucci and Versace. Yes, these are expensive, but they are still at a lower cost here than anywhere else. 

Fashion Walk Shopping Centre. Photo by Tourism Malaysia.

 Malaysia has always been welcoming of foreign custom and this is clear in the convenience and opportunities that are offered when shopping in any of the countries great retail-friendly shops and malls. 

The worlds’ largest choice of silks? Photo by Tourism Malaysia. 

The local currency is the Ringgit (RM) and is still fondly referred to as the Malaysian Dollar by some – currently enjoys a good exchange rate against the US Dollar and British Pound. That means you really get a lot of RM for your money. In addition to this, the country also accepts a number of Western credit cards and is full of ATMs to give you easy access to your money. 

If all of Malaysia becomes tax free it will allow increase retail-based tourism significantly in the region. This is certainly the aim of the Malaysian government and the main reason why this concept of a blanket tax exemption is given such a high regard. The thought behind expanding this duty-free tag to cover all goods is to not only increase tourist spending by offering more chances for appealing deals but to also boost the economy and GNI by an impressive RM9 billion. 

Beautiful designer clothing at duty free prices. Photo by Tourism Malaysia. 

The premier shopping destination of the future? 

In short, tax-free shopping across the country will not only make the goods more accessible at more appealing prices, it will also enhance the image of the country for prospective visitors because this combination of bargains, top names and the unique experiences of the Malaysian complexes is something that cannot be experienced anywhere else. If all these proposals go ahead and the rest of Malaysia follows the examples of the designer stores in Kuala Lumpur and the duty free centres of Langkawi then this Asian nation could really become a world-class shopping destination!

And you know how it goes shopaholics like us, right? We'll scour all the fantastic places... and might even go to other countries just for the shopping experience. Malaysia will be a good country to start our shopping rampage all over the world. Haha! ;)

Best Artisanal Buys {A Feature on Malaysia 3/4}

Welcome back to our feature on the shopping scene in Malaysia! 

Most travelers are into buying souvenirs... especially us Filipinos! It's one of the first few things that we look for when visiting a new place. In Malaysia, it'll be nice to know what signature arts and crafts are available. They're the perfect gifts for family and friends back in your home country. 

Given the diversity of ethnic groups in Malaysia, these vary from place to place. Because of this, many resort to going to Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market at the end of their trip to fill their suitcase with items from all around Malaysia. However, you should always be on the lookout whenever you're out and about the places in Malaysia. One huge tip is to find artisans and buy directly from them so you’ll get better prices and you're assured that your money goes to the creators directly. 

Craft stalls in markets like Kuching, Sarawak are good places to pick up locally made products.
Photo by Joanne Lane.

 Here are five main crafts to look out for during your travels:

Batik and other fabrics 

Yes this is inherently an Indonesian craft, but batik is also prevalent around Malaysia and somewhat different in style to its neighbor's. Batik is basically created by drawing or printing a pattern on fabric with wax. It is then dyed. This design is often reproduced on anything from clothing to tablecloths or cushion covers, but you can equally find it simply as wall hangings or art works. 

The best places to find batik crafts are on Malaysia’s eastern coast in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu but you can also find it in Penang. In Malaysia most of the batik designs are floral motifs and quite colourful and the patterns tend to be simpler. 

The Malaysian government is actively promoting the development of batik patterns and promoting it as a national dress. There’s also a biennial convention, Kuala Lumpur International Batik (KLIB) Convention and Exhibition, that brings in anything related to batik. The last event was held in December 2011. 

Another kind of fabric to keep an eye out for is kain songket. This textile with hand woven silver and gold threads was once reserved for members of royalty only. Now anyone can wear it but it’s usually only used for special occasions. Kelantan, Terengganu and Khota Bharu are where you’ll still find small cottage industries making this product. A songket factory is located at Kampung Penambang north of Khota Bharu. Try the Buluh Kubu Bazaar, also known as Bamboo Fort Bazaar, for a variety of other textile products in Khota Bharu. 

Malaysia is renowned for its many fabrics and woven materials. Photo by Joanne Lane. 

Metalwork 

If silverwork is your metal of choice you may want to look out for the silversmiths of Kelantan where their work is generally considered intricate and of superior quality. They use two techniques here – filigree and repousse – and you’ll find everything from tea sets to brooches and bracelets. Visit the silvercraft factory at Kampung Sireh, Kota Bharu. 

If brasswork is more what interests there are ample industries producing various work in Kuala Terengganu. Silverwork, textiles, woodcraft and kites are also produced here, particularly in the waterfront district of Kampung Cina. 

Woven products 

Various weaving methods are used around Malaysia to produce an array of gift boxes, mats, bags, hats, shoes, fans and more. You’ll see many of these practiced as a cottage industry all around the country. 

Pua kumbu weaving is common in Malaysian Borneo amongst Iban people for producing ceremonial items for use in birth, marriage, funeral and other rituals. For example a child may be cleaned when first delivered and then laid on apua kumbu, or a corpse may be screened with such a cloth. Pua kumbu are also used to veil structures. To produce the pua kumbu a special dyeing process called ikat is used by which the designs are dyed onto the threads before they are woven. 

Mengkuang is the practice of weaving the strands of the pandanus tree that grows in mangrove forests and jungles. The leaves are stripped, split into strands, soaked, dried, boiled and dyed with vegetable colours. The colourful woven fragments are then used to make various products. This practice still thrives in the eastern states of Peninsular Malaysia. 

Woodcarving 

The Kenyah and Kayan peoples of Malaysian Borneo are generally considered very skilled carvers. In places like Semporna you’ll also find designs of lepa boats, a traditional wooden-hulled single-mast boat. 

A carved lepa boat in Semporna, Sabah. Photo by Joanne Lane. 

Woven baskets 

Woven baskets are commonly found in Malaysian Borneo and produced by a variety of ethnic groups including the Iban, Kayan, Kenya and Penan. Here you’ll find baskets, mats, seats and other materials made from rattan, bamboo, swamp grass and pandanus. These are commonly sold in markets around Borneo such as in Kuching but you’ll also find them in longhouses where they maybe available for purchase.

Now that you know what to look for when it comes to souvenirs in Malaysia, it won't be difficult to shop your way around.

Discovering Penang's Local Markets {A Feature on Malaysia 2/4}

There is no better way to discover a destination than to rub shoulders with the locals and get some retail therapy under your belt in the same way that they do – at their local markets. Like many places in southeast Asia, Malaysia boasts markets aplenty, selling everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish, to ready prepared local meals, household goods, clothes, shoes, CDs, DVDs and more! What’s more these markets are often also fantastic places to pick up snacks or meals and provide nourishment for more shopping too of course! 

Penang is no exception, and while it may also be famous as a UNESCO world heritage listed city for its architecture and colonial buildings, it’s markets are not to be missed and as much part of the attraction as anything else. Here are a few suggestions for market initiation in the island’s capital of Georgetown. 

The streets of Georgetown, Penang (photo by McKay Savage via Flickr)

Just like anywhere, Georgetown’s Chinatown offers an experience of its own, and shopping is an integral part of that. Retail spills onto the bustling streets and the vendors here have everything you could want to buy – and some you probably won’t – like jade stones, traditional costumes, crystals, herbs, traditional Chinese medicines and even some genuine antiques. Chinese ‘kopitiam’ coffee shops also dot the area and are worth popping into to soak up the local atmosphere; elsewhere you will find traditional temples, antique shops and a real taste of the culture and history of the original Chinese settlers to the Georgetown area, whose pre-war shophouses remain largely intact and as they were. Delve a little deeper and you will find old tradesmen still at work, uninfluenced by modernization – think traditional lantern makers, shoe makers, joss stick makers and signage engravers. Seeing them at work is somewhat of a step into Georgetown’s more ancient past. 

Chowrasta Market (photo by amanderson2 via Flickr)

Well known Chowrasta Market, which runs along Jalan Penang Road, is your destination of choice if you are looking for good, fresh food. Not only are the prices lower than most places in Penang, this market stocks a great selection of true local tastes – from Ghee Hiang biscuits to fresh nutmeg and preserved fruits. A second-hand bookseller is at work upstairs and worth a visit for a browse through his collections. 

If you want to shock your senses with a sudden array of color, head to Little India, a place that’s not too far off the mark of bazaars in India itself. On a number of roads around the Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling road, expect Indian spices, jewelry, saris and more in every shade imaginable. You will certainly get a different kind of shopping experience in the area, and the chance to discover more about the Indian settlers who declared the area home when Penang became a trading post years ago. 

It is quite interesting to note that most Asian countries have their own Chinatown and Little India places. When I went to Singapore, I went to their versions of the two small "towns" and the Philippines has our own Chinatown. It's amazing how interconnected our cultures are.

Little Penang Street Market (photo by Alcuin via Flickr)

Local crafts are shown off at their best at the Little Penang Street Market on Upper Penang Road – but you will have to time it right, since the market only takes place once a month, on the last Sunday. Jewelry, spices, wood carvings, traditional costumes and a whole host of other novelties are all catered for here. The vendors at this market are carefully vetted so you will know you are getting the real deal, something that has been made by hand by a genuine craftsman. Alongside the market stalls themselves you will also find art galleries, live performances, book readings, exhibitions and activities for children like finger painting and learning to make paper bags from recycled items, all in what becomes rather like a carnival atmosphere. 

The whole concept for the Little Penang Street Market was born out of the desire of a group of friends to bring art and ethnic crafts onto the streets and back into the hands of the people, not just limited to the elite who could afford them – and it seems to have worked. Penang is only a few hours by bus or car from Kuala Lumpur. There’s also a train line and excellent flight connections for those really in a hurry.

When you're in Malaysia for a shopping spree, you shouldn't miss Penang!

The 1Malaysia Mega Sale {A Feature on Malaysia 1/4}

And here we are back to our Malaysia entries. A feature on Kuala Lumpur can be found here.

Malaysia is one of the most known destinations of locals. Apart from the religion which Saudi Arabia shares with most of Malaysia's population (Islam is their state religion), the weather is nice and the country has an overall friendly atmosphere that makes it one of the top destinations in Asia. For us Filipinos, it's easy to travel to Malaysia because we don't need any visa to enter for a number of days. Which makes traveling all the more fun and hassle-free. 

Did you know that Malaysia has a super sale season too? Yes! Like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia is a great shopping destination! Malaysia has started their sale season last November 10 and it will run until January 2013. And you know what that means... where the great sales are, you'll probably find The Pink Tarha! But since we couldn't go there right now, here's a rundown of what happens in Malaysia's sale season (hoping that KSA does the same bonanza here in Riyadh)!

Every year, Malaysia hosts country-wide shopping sales during which some of the most popular shopping items are sold for up to 50% below their regular retail price. The next big one to look forward to on Malaysia’s impressive shopping calendar is the M-Yes End of Year Sale.

Malaysia may be famous for its 452-meter Petronas Twin Towers or its religious site Batu Caves, but the annual M-Yes Sale cannot be overlooked. This year the sale runs from November 10 to January 1 2013 and is a veritable haven for bargain hunters. So if you’re in Malaysia for your winter break, it is the perfect opportunity to stock up on bargains.

Shoppers flocking the Pavilion Mall during the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival

The ‘1Malaysia’ brand name is an initiative that was founded by the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in September 2010 in order to emphasize national unity and ethnic harmony between the many races and peoples within the country through a number of yearly initiatives. The 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival initiative was founded so that along with generating much needed income for the Malaysian economy, the many different people would unite through the art of shopping.

Throughout Malaysia, most notably the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, it becomes obvious that the sale event is taking place from the moment you step off the plane. There are large posters at the roadside advertising it, at every bank dealing with MasterCard it is advertised, festivals and cars with loudhailers drive past blaring out messages about the sales, and most impressively, the shopping malls are absolutely full with Asians, Europeans, and Americans shopping their hearts out.

One of the highlights so far of the mega sale carnival this year has been at the Queensbay Mall in Penang State. The theme was Roman and the staff and hired promotional actors all dressed as Roman noble women and gladiators with a Mega Sale twist. The clothing and props were branded items such as MOG Eyewear, tote bags, and Emporio Armani sandals. These served as a peek into what can be purchased. It was quite clever to incorporate this with a little bit of theatre.

Throughout the sales carnival at the Berjaya Times Square shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, there's a special offer up for grabs. For the first 100 spenders on sale items every day, they will will be given a balloon which has a prize inside. Prizes include shopping vouchers amounting to RM10,000! Never has there been a better way to entice people to shop!

Furniture for the home and office, bedding products including actual beds, cabinets and wardrobes, tables ranging from dining tables to work desks, kitchenware such as kettles and cutlery, wallpapers and decorating items, and so many more products from brands including Berlina, Emporio Armani, Samsonite luggage, tote bags, and MOG eyewear are also on sale in most shops in major shopping malls throughout Malaysia.

Of course, we all know about the severe weight restrictions on luggage that is held both in the cabin and in the aircraft hold when flying, but the savings that can be made when shopping in the country will most certainly outweigh the costs of excess luggage, flight tickets, and hotels for the duration of the stay. No other country hosts a shopping sale as large or as popular as the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival and since 2010 the sale has just expanded more and more making it a definite must see experience.

So why not travel to Malaysia and see what great deals and wallet-bursting savings you can make before it all ends this year? Why not indeed? If we have the fulos for this trip, we'll definitely spend it in Malaysia! Sigh.

Kuala Lumpur: A Shopper's Paradise

Good morning, Pink Tarha readers! We've been away from the blog for the first week of November because of the recently concluded second workshop of the Pink Tarha Mornings. It was very, very successful and we'll tell you about it in another entry. For now, we're 'traveling' to one of the favorite destinations in Asia... Malaysia!

It was in 2007 when I first went to Malaysia as a representative of my workplace in the Philippines (that was before Saudi Arabia happened in my life) in a press junket. It was one of the most memorable trips ever because it was my first time to travel outside the Philippines... and alone at that! It was such an amazing experience and I urge everyone to go and travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, where the shopping action is happening! So, let's go!

Kuala Lumpur: A shopper’s paradise 

A shopping trip to Kuala Lumpur is a holiday in itself. It presents visitors with some of the best and biggest malls that the region offers, and the best value for money too. Shoppers can shop within the multi-story shopping complexes or at sidewalk stalls, bazaars, and night markets (pasar malam). You should keep in mind that the city is just teeming with shopping opportunities. 

Bukit Bintang 

One of the great shopping destinations in KL is Bukit Bintang/Bintang Walk. The Bintang Walk, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, is one of the most famous shopping centers in Malaysia. At night, you will be spellbound to see the colorful and dazzling array of lights in this area. It’s a perfect place for people watching over a latte between bouts of bargain hunting. 

Bukit Bintang has the highest concentration of malls in Kuala Lumpur. Low Yat Plaza is the place to go if you need any piece of technology. The entire plaza is made up of technology retail outlets and stalls with MP3 players, DVD cameras, computers and etc. Every electrical items and optical product you might ever want can be bought from Sungei Wang. Starhill Gallery specializes in luxury and designer brands such as watches, jewellery, fashion and leather good. In Pavilion KL, you can find designer brands, cosmetics and fashion goods. 

Centre Court at the Pavilion shopping mall 

All the stores are open by 11am and shut around 10pm. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Kuala Lumpur Monorail and stop at Bukit Bintang Station or by hiring a taxi where a good drop off point would be Star Hill Plaza, then you could walk all the way down the street to Low Yat Plaza. 

Ain Arabia 

Ain Arabia or Arab Street is located just a few minutes’ walk from Bukit Bintang. Ain Arabia was designed to recreate the shopping lifestyle of the Middle East, so that Arabs could come to dine, shop and meet. There’s also an Arab barber to cut hair the way Arab men like it; the Hay-al Arab Restaurant, which serves Yemeni cuisine, Naab’s mini market selling Lebanese bread and even dates, and the Al-Khaima souvenir shop stocks perfume oils and incense wood chips and other stuff. 

If you come using the monorail, stop at Bukit Bintang monorail station from where the street is just five minutes walk away. There is an arch with the name “AIN ARABIA” engraved on it as you walk along the street. 

Chinatown 

Your shopping experience in KL will not be complete without a trip to Chinatown. It’s full of stalls and boutiques lining up side by side. It is also known for its jewelry shops with their fascinating variety, in addition to Chinese pharmacies, which sell ginseng and all sort of traditional remedies. Moreover, you can enjoy plenty of delicious Chinese food. You will need to bargain hard for the best prices. 

The night time action in Chinatown

You can walk to Chinatown / Petaling Street from Maharajelela station, or take the Monorail to Maharajalela or MRT to Pasar Seni or Masjd Jamek; then follow the signs to Petaling Street. 

Little India 

If you are seeking an interesting shopping experience then the Little India area is well worth a stroll. All along these streets you will find shops selling everything Indian – from gorgeous silk, cotton and brocade sari materials to stainless steel tiffin carriers. I bought shawls for the women of my family here and up to now, they're still using it. One of them, my grandmother's, is with me here in Saudi Arabia because even if it was my gift for her, she gave it to me to "keep me warm." I love the shawls and scarves from Little India!

Everywhere, you will find colorful shops selling saris, spices, and sandalwood, in addition to some delicious Indian food too. It has some lovely old shop houses, market stalls and the Masjid India, India Mosque, from which the area takes its name. 

To get to Little India from Masjid Jamek station you can take the LRT to either the Star LRT or Putra LRT stations. Little India is just a short walk from the stations. Other choices are buses and taxis, which are easily available. 

Those looking to grab art pieces by local artists can head to Central Market while Chow Kit Market and Kasturi Walk are filled with mini-stalls selling everything from sunglasses and second hand books to clothes and figurines. 

Shopping in KL is sheer fun and exciting as well. The exemption of duty on certain items has also resulted in more competitive pricing and made shopping in Malaysia a much more attractive option. Frankly, a trip to KL is not complete without some serious retail therapy. 

If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more about travelling to Malaysia, please visit the Tourism Malaysia website.