4 Best Shopping in Malaysia

For a little local flavor, the city's Central Market is your best bet. In this bustling bazaar-like setting on the far left of the waterfront, you'll at least find gifts, crafts, souvenirs, sarongs, jewelry, a large food market with all the local food specialties, fresh fruit, and spices, along with discount shoes, bags, and cosmetics on the main floor and authentic food stands on the second floor.

Considered Chinatown's main drag, Jonker is a bustling street of small shops and food stands in historic, architecturally detailed buildings. Architecture buffs will be particularly taken with the variety of design elements that adorn the street's buildings. Besides the usual souvenirs, you'll also find handicrafts and antiques. There are plenty of snacks to be had, including durian in a puff pastry, a good introduction to one of the most popular fruits in the region. If you don't mind crowds, stop by for the weekend night market, every Friday and Saturday from about 6 pm to midnight; besides clothes, jewelry, and food, there's usually karaoke and other entertainment.

You'll find this lively night market within walking distance of many hotels, and it's a great place to browse the more than 150 stalls hawking everything from clothing to electronics to toys. You can also get a quick and affordable dinner here. Pasar Malam is open every night.

These busy covered markets are side by side in the center of town and are a great place to interact with the locals. Look for local delicacies, including belachan (salted shrimp paste), cincaluk (fermented shrimp paste, made with vinegar and salt), fruit, and other treats at the food stands. There's also a "wet market" in Pasar Utama where fish and seafood are traded.