Skip to main content

Best Souvenirs From Malaysia

Rich in culture and history, as well both architectural and natural beauty, even the shortest of visits to Malaysia is a once in a lifetime experience not easily forgotten.  Even so, if you do want to take a souvenir with you when you leave, you’ll want it to be as authentic and unique to the country as possible.  Whether it’s a memento for you or a gift for a loved one, it should be something to be treasured. These are 4 of the best souvenirs to look out for on your Malaysian travels with a tiny bit of advice about the types of souvenirs to steer clear of. 

 

Kuala Lumpur

 

1. Traditional Malaysian Dress

 

If color is your thing, you won’t be able to resist picking up an item of Malaysian attire.  Malaysia is a multicultural country with influences from several of its surrounding countries, so you’ll have a wide variety of souvenirs to choose from including the Indian saree and kurta, the Chinese cheongsam and samfu or the Malay Baju Kurung and Baju Melayu.

 

2. Pewter Vases & Kitchenware

 

Pewter is one of Malaysia’s most famous contributions to world industry, and there are some stunning designs on offer.  You can pick up full kitchenware sets or a simple vase. If you have the time, it’s well worth a visit to the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre which houses impressive exhibits on the history of pewter in Malaysia as well as live demonstrations of pewter crafting and interactive workshops.

 

3. Hand-woven Bags & Baskets

 

Some of the best souvenirs around the world are handmade by local people, and Malaysia is no exception.  Hand-woven souvenir items like baskets, bags, and purses are hugely popular and make the perfect keepsake for you or a gift for someone back home. Malaysian souvenir items of this kind are often made of bamboo, rattan, Mengkuang, coconut shells and pandan leaves and feature a wide range of colors and designs.  

 

4. Adopt an Endangered Animal

 

There’s a widely upheld philosophy amongst travelers that we should ‘Leave No Trace’ of ourselves on our journey, i.e., take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.  In most cases that is true, but adopting an endangered animal is one instance where you can leave a little of yourself behind.

The Zoo Negara is 5km from Kuala Lumpur and runs an Adopt an Animal scheme so you can contribute to the ongoing care and conservation of their animals. You can choose from butterflies, birds, and reptiles right up to the Malaysian elephants, Malayan tigers and Giant pandas. In terms of a physical souvenir, you’ll only be coming home with a certificate of adoption, but it symbolizes a lot more than that.

 

Malaysia Souvenirs to Avoid

 

Kuala Lumpur

 


Even removing a rock from a place believed to be sacred or a historical site could land you in trouble, so it’s best to leave the place exactly as you found it.  In addition, if you’re searched at the airport and the authorities believe you to have taken something of value you could face serious legal consequences.

Trade-in wild animals and their body parts are regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This is an international agreement designed to species which are endangered because of international trade. If you suspect that your chosen souvenir may be made using animal skin such as crocodile, turtle, tortoiseshell or coral jewelry or ivory or rhino horn, then avoid this at all costs. Aside from the legal consequences, it’s likely that less than humane methods were used to obtain it.

READ MORE

 

‣ Get to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore
‣ Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
‣ Malaysia Itinerary

 

BEFORE YOU GO

 

☑ Book your flight: If your flight isn’t booked yet – check out the flights on Skyscanner or via Google Flights. My top saving tip is flexibility. If you’re flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight.

☑ Book your accommodation: I always use Airbnb and Booking.com. If you’d rather stay in a hostel, you should take a look at the options on Hostelworld. If you click on the Airbnb link and you don’t have an account yet – you’ll get a $30 discount on your first booking.

☑ Protect your cute face: Oh, you may want to protect your cute face with a travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers. Otherwise, you can also take a look at World Nomads.

☑ Pack the essentials: You can consult this list when it’s time to pack your bag! Do not leave without a universal charger, a power bank and your passport!

☑  Do you need a visa? If you aren’t sure if you need a visa, it would be a smart idea to take a quick look before you go. You can use iVisa – it’s super useful and easy to use.

 

SUPPORT US

 

Get your monthly (and funny) dose of adventures! Subscribe now! You may also want to follow us on Facebook.

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a cute commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

30 Things to do in Nuremberg, Germany: The Ultimate List!

Looking for things to do in Nuremberg, Germany? This list has you covered with everything from the touristy musts to quirkier offbeat finds. Enjoy! I’ll be real: Nuremberg is a place that’s   easy to fall for. This world-famous city, located in the north of Bavaria, is every bit the fairytale dream so often linked to  Deutschland : candy cane half-timbered facades, an epic castle on a hill, dangerously munchable gingerbread, and a glittering Christmas market to boot. But as with most amazing cities, the true magic of Nuremberg comes from its dynamic layers. Lurking beneath those photogenic facades is a dark past intertwined with war, genocide, and centuries of tumultuous history. It is precisely this duality that makes Nuremberg one of the most fascinating cities to visit in Germany, and one that you can keep visiting again and again. So, what is there to do in Nuremberg? It turns out, plenty of things. Below you’ll find a roundup of my favourite things to do in ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Globe’s 10 Top Food Cities: Why They’re Worth The Trip

The competition to be one of the world’s top food cities is intense. Many cities are famed for a particular dish, or certain restaurant, or specific experience that delights foodie travelers. But only 10 cities make the cut of the crème de la crème of the world’s food destinations. Here are those culinary metropolises, and why they’re the top food cities in the world.
Post a Comment
Read more

The Boomslang – a Walkway Above the Trees in South Africa

The Boomslang, Cape Town, South Africa. A 130 m (427 ft) long tree canopy walkway is your next most favorite hiking route! The scenic bridge rises above the trees and provides one of the most unique experiences ever. Found in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the walkway attracts visitors to admire the wonderful vista to the mountains and lush greenery. The bridge is a creation by Mark Thomas Architects and Engineers Henry Fagan & Partners. It starts in the forest and then gradually ascents until it reaches the highest point of 12 m (49 ft). It really looks like a magic walkway from a fairy-tale and you should definitely go there once in the city. Why to go there? Visit the park – Kirstenbosch was establish more than a century ago. It preserves rare plants and allows to learn a lot about the flora of the region. When to go there? It is said that the best time to visit the park is August-November. But every season is charming and flowery. Meanwhile the Boomslang is open ...
Post a Comment
Read more