Gaya street (29)

Shopping splurge would bring to mind our splendid spree in trendy mega malls of mega cities. In the far-flung Borneo island, shopping might not sound like running errand at home as you may consider the excessive baggage to bring back. However finding some souvenirs for your loved ones and friends while traveling is regarded as an unregrettable tradition. Therefore, some of the ‘jewels’ here are worthwhile to be taken home as remembrance or gifts. Among the popular item on the wanted list of shoppers are toys, bookmarks, postcards, t-shirts, pearls, bags and books.

Major shopping mall in Kota Kinabale (KK), Sabah include Suria Sabah, 1Borneo Hypermall, Wisma Merdeka and Centre Point. If you just want to zoom into souvenirs, try the local handicraft market near central market in KK, Wawasan Plaza and Star City. Examine the unique design of the locally made handicraft such as sompoton (musical instrument) and wakid (basket with straps). On Sunday morning, take a one hour brisk walk along the famous Gaya Street where hawkers and vendors put up a wide collection of items for sale including shoes, clothes, antics, decors, cakes and pets.

Gaya Street
Gaya Street
Locally made bangles
Locally made bangles
Dolls
Dolls

In Kuching, Sarawak, shoppers must visit the Spring and Boulevard Shopping Mall for branded goods. For souvenirs, it is best to shop at Main Bazzar at Waterfront or the historic India Street. Bargain for popular item like batik sarong with the Iban or Orang Ulu designs, key chains, hand woven bags and post cards here. Local fruits and snacks like Kek Lapis Sarawak which is very appetizing are among the hot selling stuffs.

sarawak

The price of products are ranging from cheap to expensive, depending of the materials and scarcity of the products. All in all, the price tags are still considerably cheap. Do ready for small change if you are buying a small number of items and if you are buying expensive goods, credit cards are accepted especially in bigger retail outlets.

Good news for pro environment shoppers, Malaysian retailers has started going green since 2009. In participating shops, there is a policy called No Plastic Day campaign in several states of Malaysia, including Sabah. Buyers are required to pay RM 0.20 per plastic if they opt for it on designated days.

Travellers, are you ready to shop in Borneo? Here we go!