Top 15 meaningful Malaysian souvenirs for your loved ones and friends

Batik Fabric

If you’re unsure of what to bring back from Malaysia as a gift for your loved ones, Batik fabric is an excellent choice. This gift carries the unique cultural essence of the country. Batik fabric is printed with beeswax and features natural colors derived from flowers, leaves, and diverse patterns. Popular products made from Batik fabric include everyday clothes, scarves, wallets, handbags, and hair accessories.

• Reference Price: 20 MYR - 100 MYR (approximately 113,000 - 567,000 VND) depending on the product.
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Batik Boutique in Desa Sri Hartamas, Koleksi Melayu at Central Market Annexe Kuala Lumpur, or fabric shops throughout Malaysia...

Choosing Batik fabric as a gift when traveling to Malaysia (Photo: @indiehand)

Cashew Nuts from Malaysia

Cashew nuts are a popular Malaysian specialty for gifts, often chosen by many travelers. Malaysia is the world leader in cashew production, with the nuts grown in highland regions, making them especially fragrant, delicious, and nutritious. Cashew products are elegantly packaged in boxes or gift bags, making them a meaningful and luxurious choice for gifts when visiting Malaysia.

• Reference Price: Approximately 25-30 RM (141,000 - 170,000 VND) per box depending on weight.
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Stalls at Central Market Annexe, Kuala Lumpur, candy shops, local supermarkets, or Temoyong markets...

Malaysian Handicrafts

Malaysian handicrafts are an excellent choice if you’re unsure of what to buy as a gift in Malaysia. These handcrafted items are made with great craftsmanship, such as rugs, handbags, wallets, rattan hats, mengkuang items, decorative lamps, and bamboo crafts. You can also consider art paintings and nature-inspired artwork that represent the essence of Malaysia as meaningful gifts.

• Price Range: 5-10 RM (approximately 28,000 - 56,000 VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Asli Kraft at Central Market Annexe or various local stores in Malaysia

Durian Chocolate

When it comes to Malaysian gifts, durian chocolate is a must-try. This delicious treat is not only flavorful but also carries deep significance. Malaysia is renowned for its durian and chocolate, both of which have a delightful and sweet taste, making this an ideal gift to bring home for your loved ones after a visit.

• Estimated Price: 20-25 RM (approximately 113,000 - 141,000 VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Local candy stores, supermarkets, or Pak Lang Dodol at Central Market Annexe, Kuala Lumpur

What to buy in Malaysia - Try the famous Durian Chocolate (@enen)

Teh Tarik Milk Tea

Teh Tarik milk tea is a beloved Malaysian specialty that makes for an excellent gift, offering a smooth, creamy flavor from the milk. When joining a comprehensive Singapore-Malaysia tour, visitors will have the chance to watch skilled tea artisans demonstrate their brewing craft. Malaysia features a variety of Teh Tarik brands such as Malaysia Old Town, Malaysia Royal, and Boh Malaysia. The tea comes conveniently packaged in boxes, making it easy for tourists to bring back as a thoughtful souvenir.

• Estimated Price: 10-15 RM per box of 25 tea bags (approximately 56,000 - 85,000 VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Supermarkets, specialty stores in Malaysia, or Bukit Bintang...

Mykuali Penang White Instant Noodles

Mykuali Penang White Instant Noodles are a popular Malaysian specialty often chosen by travelers as a gift. This noodle variety ranks among the top 7 spiciest instant noodles in the world, appealing to spice lovers and adventurous eaters seeking unique global dishes. While the noodles are mass-produced, they retain a delicious flavor. Each pack of Mykuali Penang White comes with 4 individual noodle sachets.

• Estimated Price: 7 RM (approximately 39,000 VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Stores and supermarkets in Malaysia

Malaysian Souvenir - Mykuali Penang White Instant Noodles

Herbs

Many travelers are uncertain about what to buy as souvenirs from Malaysia, and one option worth considering is herbs. The Malaysian Chinese community has a longstanding tradition of using herbs for health care and as spices in everyday meals. These herbs make for a meaningful gift, especially for the elderly after a trip to Malaysia. It's advisable to ask the sellers for guidance on proper usage and recommended dosages to ensure the best results.

• Estimated Price: 12-13 RM (approximately 68,000 - 73,000 VND), depending on the type of herb
• Recommended Places to Shop: Shops in the Chinatown area

Electronics in Malaysia

In addition to the various local specialties, electronics are another popular choice for souvenirs in Malaysia. The country is renowned for its wide range of high-quality electronics. Prices are often half of those in Singapore, and if you're lucky enough to shop during a sale, you can grab even better deals. You can choose from items like headphones, music players, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, and more.

• Estimated Price: Prices vary depending on the item, ranging from 50-500 RM (approximately 283,000 - 3,000,000 VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Jaben Network Malaysia, Amplified, Harvey Norman, Machines, URBAN REPUBLIC, iTworld...

Clothing

Purchasing clothes as souvenirs in Malaysia offers great value for money, with excellent quality and stylish designs. A t-shirt typically costs around 20 RM, while a good quality pair of shoes may cost about 100 RM. There are also various children's clothing options from well-known brands, along with a range of sizes to choose from. The friendly and English-speaking staff are happy to assist, making it easy to ask about prices and receive helpful recommendations for selecting the perfect Malaysian souvenirs.

• Estimated Price: 20 - 100 RM (approximately 113,000 - 567,000 VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Suria KLCC, Petaling Street Market, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Jonker Street...

Clothing Shopping as Souvenirs in Malaysia

Souvenirs

Souvenirs are another excellent option to consider if you're unsure about what to buy in Malaysia. In nearly every street, you'll find souvenir stalls offering a wide range of items for visitors to choose from, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keychains, and lighters featuring iconic Malaysian designs.

If you're looking to buy a gift for a loved one, you can opt for gold or silver items, which come in a variety of styles. According to Malaysia travel tips, many stores offer great discounts when purchasing in bulk, making it an even more attractive option for shoppers.

• Estimated Price: 10-25 RM (approximately 56,000 - 141,000 VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Batik Boutique, Jadi Batek Gallery, Harriston Boutique... or souvenir stalls on any street in Malaysia.

Leather Wallets

Once you've selected your ideal Malaysian souvenirs, consider leather wallets as a gift for family or friends. Malaysian leather wallets are stylish and durable, made from high-quality materials that last for years without peeling or cracking. Though they are a bit pricey due to their fine craftsmanship, you can choose from renowned brands like Prada and Marc by Marc Jacobs for a top-tier gift option.

• Estimated Price: 100-250 RM (approximately 56,000 - 1,400,000 VND)
• Suggested Shopping Locations: Stalls at Suria KLCC, Berjaya Times Square, Plaza Low Yat... or local souvenir shops in the area.

Leather Wallets from Malaysia make excellent gifts (Photo: @palm.authentic)

Kuih Cake

This traditional cake, brought to Malaysia by Chinese immigrants, has become a favorite treat for many visitors. Kuih is made from sticky rice, coconut water, grated coconut, and natural plant-based coloring. What stands out about this cake is its vibrant colors, sweet taste, and soft, fragrant filling that makes it irresistibly delicious.

During major festivals, the people of Malaysia typically enjoy Kuih cakes and offer them to visiting guests. Therefore, if you travel to Malaysia, purchasing Kuih cakes as a gift would be a meaningful choice.

• Estimated Price: 10-15RM (approximately 56,000 - 85,000VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Local markets, cafes, or specialty stores... or Ritz Coconut Bakery in Kuala Lumpur.

Milk Coffee

If you haven't yet decided on the perfect Malaysian souvenir, you might consider purchasing milk coffee. Malaysian coffee is roasted with vegetable butter, giving it a unique taste that is completely different from Vietnamese coffee. Therefore, milk coffee from Malaysia will be a meaningful and essential gift to pack in your luggage after your trip. There are various brands to choose from, including Aik Cheong, Ah Huat, and Old Town.

• Estimated Price: 12-15RM (approximately 68,000 - 141,000VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Specialty stores, supermarkets in Malaysia sell milk coffee.

Milk coffee is extremely popular in Malaysia

Spices from Malaysia

Traditional spices are one of the must-try Malaysian souvenirs that you shouldn't miss when visiting Malaysia. These include varieties like pepper, saffron, turmeric, chili, curry powder, and Satay sauce. You can purchase a complete set of Malaysian spices to gift to loved ones or to use when cooking traditional Malaysian dishes.

• Estimated Price: 5-20RM (approximately 28,000 - 113,000VND)
• Recommended Shopping Locations: Supermarkets, convenience stores, local markets...

Ties

Ties with traditional Malaysian patterns or modern designs are popular gifts chosen by many travelers after their trips. You can also visit Little India in Penang, a famous place for handcrafted ties, to learn about the production process and find the perfect product.

• Estimated Price: 30-80RM depending on the type (approximately 170,000 - 454,000VND)
• Suggested Shopping Locations: Traditional markets such as Central Market in Kuala Lumpur or Melinda Looi Couture for luxurious tie designs.

Consider buying ties as souvenirs when visiting Malaysia (Photo: @taats)

Some trusted shopping locations in Malaysia

Once you have selected the perfect Malaysian souvenir, it’s important to explore reputable shopping spots to ensure you get quality products at reasonable prices. Below are some recommended locations you can consider:

Pavilion

Pavilion is a large shopping center covering 127,000m2 with 500 stores offering famous brands, food, and beverages. Additionally, it has an exciting entertainment zone. During the Mega Sale events, visitors can shop for high-quality branded items at affordable prices. Pavilion is known for its upscale items, making it ideal for mid-range to high-end shoppers.

• Address: 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Featured Products: Fashion clothing, souvenirs, local specialties, etc.

Mid Valley Megamall

This urban shopping complex is a popular spot among tourists looking to buy Malaysian souvenirs. It offers a wide variety of products at prices that suit different budgets. Mid Valley Megamall covers 420,000 square meters and boasts 430 stores, offering everything from budget-friendly to luxury goods. You can easily find affordable products at Mid Valley Megamall.

• Address: 75, Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Featured Products: Electronics, clothing, personal goods…

China Town

Chinatown is a shopping paradise in Malaysia known for its affordable goods, often offering knock-off versions of famous brands. If you’re skilled at bargaining, you can score great deals—it's suggested to negotiate for half the original price. Aside from picking up Malaysian specialties, Chinatown also has a food court where you can enjoy Vietnamese-inspired dishes.

• Address: Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur
• Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Featured Products: Gemstones, toys, jewelry, fashion, handbags, shoes…

Low Yat Plaza

A popular shopping destination for tech enthusiasts, offering a variety of modern gadgets at affordable prices. At Low Yat Plaza, you can freely choose from a wide range of electronics and accessories, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs or useful items for yourself after your trip to Malaysia.

• Address: 7 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Featured Products: Laptops, cameras, printers, etc.

Reliable and affordable shopping destination for Malaysian souvenirs (Image: @plazalowyat)

A few shopping tips for Malaysia

Here are some useful shopping tips that will help you choose meaningful and high-quality Malaysian souvenirs as gifts:

• Plan your shopping carefully: During sales seasons in Malaysia, discounts are significant, so it’s best to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary spending and buying items you don’t need.
• Bargain while shopping: Always negotiate prices when purchasing Malaysian souvenirs, whether in large shopping malls or local markets. Especially near tourist attractions, prices can be marked up 2-3 times higher than usual.
• Shop early: If you visit Malaysia during a sale season, it’s important to act quickly to purchase the items you need. Popular items tend to sell out fast during this time due to the high volume of shoppers.
• Take advantage of last-minute deals: As the sale season draws to a close, many items may be discounted up to 70-80%. If you’re not too concerned about product styles, consider waiting for these deep discounts.
• Compare prices across stores: Each store may offer different pricing and promotions. Therefore, it’s best to browse around and compare prices and styles before making a purchase decision.
• Make use of membership cards: When you make large purchases, you may receive a Coupon or Membership card, which offers discounts for future shopping trips.
• Buy duty-free items: Many stores in Malaysia offer tax-free shopping policies like ‘Tax Free Shopping’ or ‘Premier Tax Free’. After purchasing, fill out the tax refund form provided by the store to claim your refund at the airport.

Here are some shopping tips for Malaysia

The suggestions above will help you select the most meaningful Malaysian souvenirs to gift to your loved ones and friends after your trip. If you’re planning to book a flight to Malaysia or a tour, contact Mytour at 1900 2083 for personalized advice.

Author: Phuong Thao

Image source: Internet