Malaysia is a shoppers’ paradise owing to the country's excellent craftsmanship visible in traditional textiles, handicrafts, pottery and jewellery. The confluence of Malay, Chinese, European, and Indian cultural influences makes for a splendid shopping experience. Plus, it is relatively affordable compared to most countries in the West. Many duty-free zones add to these savings, without having to sacrifice on the quality.
Must-have Crafts From Malaysia
Batik Fabrics
One of the most exquisite traditional crafts in Malaysia is batik, a bright fabric dyeing technique renowned for patterns featuring large floral and geometric motifs. This textile art form finds its origins in the Malay archipelago and has been thriving there for centuries.
Batik comes in a plethora of options, but keep an eye out for fine, authentic, and well-defined pieces. One can buy scarves, dresses, and a variety of home decor items from local markets.
Where to Buy: Terengganu and Kelantan are well-known for their Batik handicrafts.
Songket Weaving
Songket is a luxurious handwoven fabric made from silk or cotton, with gold or silver threads intricately woven into the design. The weaves are traditionally worn during special occasions or royal ceremonies. The motifs and patterns that feature in Songket usually represent the cultural symbols of the Malay world, such as flowers, geometric shapes, and traditional motifs. The prices vary from RM 300 (INR 6,150 approximately) for simpler designs to RM 12,000 (INR 2,23,200) for more elaborate pieces.
Where to Buy: This craft is particularly associated with the Malay community in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.
Perak Silverware
Perak is known for its exquisite silver crafting techniques that have been passed down for generations. Perak artisans craft intricate silver jewellery, home decor items, and even traditional ceremonial pieces, which often feature motifs such as flowers, animals, and intricate geometric patterns.
Where to Buy: Ipoh and Kuala Kangsar in Perak offer a variety of places to buy the silverware from.