Shopping in Peninsular Malaysia – West Coast
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Penang Pewter
Something you'll see in many shops, particularly along Jln Penang, is Penang Pewter. This is a small shop but has a large array of Penang Pewter direct from the factory. As Malaysia's second-name Pewter company, Penang Pewter can be a real bargain compared to the picture frames, goblets, vases and the like produced by its upscale compatriots. The company's newest claim to fame is its gold-plated pewterware, which it happily adds to its 600 or so available items.
If you're not fussed about great quality or brand names, even cheaper pewter items, many of which you can get custom engraved, are available in small shops around Komtar shopping complex. Pewter was once made with…
reviewed
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Jln Hang Jebat & Jln Tun Tan Cheng Lock Antique Shopping
Taking time to browse Chinatown's eclectic mix of shops is an activity in itself, even if you hate shopping. Start with the antique shops along Jln Hang Jebat (Jonker's St) and Jln Tun Tan Cheng Lock where you'll see dusty old junk, polished ancient relics and everything in between. Unless you really know your antiques, be very cautious about spending money in these shops. Rumour has it that some folks build new furniture out of old, discarded wood to make 'antique' pieces.
Prices are high and haggling is essential.
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C
Mydin's Wholesale Emporium
Mydin's Wholesale Emporium is part of a nationwide chain that sells everything from toothpaste to watches and DVDs at rock-bottom, no-need-to-bargain prices. Penang is a fun place to shop with plenty of outlets for local crafts and antiques, as well as cameras and electronics at competitive prices (although Kuala Lumpur has a wider range). Bargaining is usually required, except in department stores like this. Jln Penang is the best shopping street in Georgetown.
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Gurney Plaza
The most chic mall, with international chain stores like The Body Shop and Esprit. Mac users will find an Apple store here, and there's a massive music store, bookstore and several electronics outlets. The state's biggest cineplex, Golden Screen Cinemas is here, as well as a mini theme park, fitness centre and a health spa. Shop all day, then dine at the colourful hawker centre in the evening.
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Orangutan House - Lorong Hang Jebat
Having mushroomed to an impressive three outlets, this hip and brightly painted T-shirt shop adds its own brand of zest and colour to Chinatown's multifaceted personality. All shirts are the work of local artist Charles Cham and have themes spanning from Chinese astrology animals to rather edgy topics (at least for Malaysia) such as 'Use Malaysian Rubber' above a sketch of a condom.
reviewed
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Top Spinning Academy
If you enter this shop, be prepared for a very enthusiastic traditional top-spinning lesson by gasing extraordinaire Simpson Wong. You aren't expected to purchase anything although you probably will if you get the hang of the spin - a top is only around RM2. Mr Wong is a charming fellow who genuinely appears to just want people to play tops with him. Go in and make his day.
reviewed
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Tile Shop
Intricately beautiful mini-replicas of the fine European tiles that grace some of Melaka's fine colonial buildings can be found here. You'll also find flat ceramic pictures of teapots and Chinese household items in stylish frames. A tile or art piece will cost around RM30. While here, peep into the shop next door that makes papier-mâché temple offerings.
reviewed
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Midlands Park Centre
This huge shopping-cum-recreation complex (an 8-storey building) has everything from a myriad of shops and fast-food places, to a bowling alley and Adventure Island, to a water theme park on the roof. The water park is the main draw. It has a giant pool, plenty of thrill rides and views of Pulau Tikus and the northern beaches.
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Bee Chin Heong
This interesting outlet sells a colourful, bewildering assortment of religious statues, furniture and temple supplies; if you’re after a huge Chinese couch, a household shrine or have RM55,000 to spend on a 2m-tall carved wood Buddha, this is the place to come. Even if you’re not buying, it’s still worth a look round.
reviewed
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Orangutan House
Also at 96 Jln Tun Tan Cheng Lok and 12 Jln Hang Jebat, these brightly painted T-shirt shops display the work of local artist Charles Cham. Themes span Chinese astrology animals to rather edgy topics (at least for Malaysia) such as ‘Use Malaysian Rubber’, above a sketch of a condom.
reviewed
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Sam’s Batik House
When the late Mr Shamdas was dubbed ‘Sam’ by American soldiers, a legend was born. This is the best place in town for buying sarongs, batik shirts and Indian fabrics and fashions; where else are guys going to find tops that could fit them in on a Bollywood video set?
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Fuan Wong
This small gallery showcases the exquisite fused-glass creations of Penang artist Wong Keng Fuan. Also in the same building is Studio Howard (www.studiohoward.com), which showcases excellent photography of Penang street scenes, architecture, etc.
reviewed
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Lean Giap Trading
This jumbled-up little store sells a miscellany of goods, including silverware, Oriental furniture, porcelain and glass. It’s got some high quality stuff among the shelves, but you need to poke around with a fair bit of background knowledge.
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Wan Aik Shoemaker
Raymond Yeo’s beaded Nonya shoes are considered Melaka’s finest and begin at a steep but merited RM300. Tiny silk bound-feet shoes (from RM90) are also available, although nowadays they are just a curiosity rather than a necessity.
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Body in Balance
Traditional Malay, Thai and aromatherapy massages are offered here. Sweet, soothing smells emanate from the curtained hut-like room that would look quite at home on a tropical beach. It's a simple set-up but charmingly Malay.
reviewed
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O
Jln Penang Street Market
On the last Sunday of every month, the pedestrian section of Jln Penang hosts a street market selling Malaysian arts and crafts such as dolls, batik, pottery, T-shirts and painted tiles, as well as items like bottled chutney.
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Prangin Mall
Adjoins Komtar and houses a huge number of shops and restaurants, including smarter chain stores such as Parkson Grand, with a wide range of clothes, cosmetics, household goods and suchlike.
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Royal Selangor Pewter
The top name in Malaysian pewter. This outlet stocks the current range, and pewter-making workshops can be arranged here, costing RM50 for about one hour. Book at least two days in advance.
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Multicrops Central Market
The best place to pick up local produce is the Multicrops Central Market, which sells teas, fruits, strawberry jam, honey, potted plants and numerous other things.
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Dataran Pahlawan
Melaka’s largest mall, it has a collection of upmarket designer shops and restaurants on the ground and upper floors and a craft and souvenir market in the basement portion.
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HS Sam Book Store
One of the best for secondhand books, the ‘most organised used bookshop in town’ has a fair range of popular paperbacks. Organises car and bike rental, and luggage storage.
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Chowraster Bazaar
This shabby old market hall is full of food stalls downstairs, with lots of fruit on display. Upstairs there are clothes stalls, secondhand-book stalls and simple cafes.
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Yung Seng Souvenir Shop
Yung Seng Souvenir Shop has a good, if rather expensive, selection of Orang Asli woodcarvings, as well as cheaper artwork from across Asia.
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Hong Giap Hang
If you’re looking for pewter products, this place has one of the best ranges in town. It also sells woodcarvings, jewellery, porcelain, crystal and batik.
reviewed
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Lim Trading
Busy Mr Lim is a second-generation craftsman (his apprenticeship began at the age of six) who also fashions gorgeous handmade Nonya bead slippers.
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