Malaysia is a wonderful country filled with diverse experiences and a charming ambiance that’s easy to love. I know because when I first visited the country a few years ago, I was so smitten that I almost missed my flight back (a story for another time, I assure you!).
While not everyone has a chance to travel frequently to Malaysia, you can certainly satisfy your wanderlust or make lasting memories by bringing home some unique souvenirs from Malaysia to remember your trip.
Not sure what to get? I’ve got you, fam! Check out these 26 best souvenirs from Malaysia to bring home with you after your trip!
Table of Contents
1. Batik
When it comes to souvenirs from Malaysia, my personal favorite to bring home for my friends and family is batik, a traditional fabric adorned with colorful patterns suitable for both casual and formal outings.
While batik isn’t exclusively a Malaysian souvenir — you can also find these artfully-designed fabrics in many countries in Southeast Asia — I personally prefer Malaysian batik because of the larger, more colorful patterns on the fabric, a result of the unique brush painting technique that is used in its production. Most batik fabric uses canting, a precision pen-like tool.
You can buy batik either in its original form (a large piece of cloth) or look for batik-print clothing.
2. Kebaya
Full disclosure, kebaya is one of the Malaysian souvenirs that I’ve never personally bought before (for obvious reasons you’ll discover as you read on). However, every time I see it, I can’t help but be bewitched by its elegance.
For the uninitiated, kebaya is a traditional long-sleeved top for women (hence why I’ve never bought it) that is characterized by the top cinching at the waist to accentuate the figure of its wearer. It is often made with either lace or cotton and adorned with vibrant prints and embroidery.
Despite being a fashion trademark of Malaysia’s Malay and Peranakan communities, kebaya is something that is worn by all races in Malaysia and is even the uniform of the country’s national airline!
Fun fact: It’s easy to spot which style of kebaya is a modernized version and which is a traditional one. Traditional kebaya often features deep, jeweled colors while modern ones use a lighter, pastel tone.
3. Songket
If you DO manage to buy a kebaya, then another souvenir from Malaysia you should get to pair with it is the songket, another one of the unique things to buy in Malaysia.
The songket is a handwoven fabric that consists of a piece of silk or cotton cloth interwoven with silver and gold threads, giving it an elevated, majestic appearance. It is often worn by Malay men and women in Malaysia together with other pieces of traditional clothing for formal and ceremonial occasions, like weddings.
4. Nyonya beaded slippers or clog
Apart from beautifully striking tops, traditional Malaysian clothing also includes fashionable slippers!
Made famous for the Peranakan community, beaded slippers are exactly as their name sounds — a pair of slippers that are adorned with intricately hand-beaded designs. They are colorful and extremely pleasing to look at but are better suited as indoor footwear.
Similarly, you can also purchase a pair of wooden clogs, a fading piece of traditional clothing in Malaysia that used to be worn in the bathroom to avoid slippery surfaces.
5. Pua kumbu
As I write this article, I am comfortably wrapped up in my pua kumbu, arguably my favorite Malaysian souvenir (not counting the edible ones, of course!).
Commonly found in East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), pua kumbu is a woven textile that is mainly made of colorful cotton threads. Supposedly, the designs on the fabrics are inspired by the dreams of the weavers and traditionally, the pua kumbu is used as ceremonial cloth by indigenous tribes.
That said, it can also double up as a blanket and — I can confirm, it is extremely cozy!
6. Keris
If you love cultural history and martial arts, I’m pretty sure this is going to be one of your favorite souvenirs from Malaysia.
The keris is a traditional, ceremonial dagger often wielded by Malaysian kings and those of high social status but is also common enough that many Malay households have one. It features an asymmetrical blade and is often associated with the cultural history and heritage of the Malays, often being passed down from one generation to the next.
While they are certainly beautiful to look at, a keris is still an actual dagger, hence you may find it difficult to bring it home with you. Instead, opt for a wooden decorative keris instead.
7. Wooden handicrafts
Speaking of wooden decorations, did you know that Malaysia is home to some of the best timber wood in the world? That’s what I found out when I first visited the country. To put it frankly, I was stunned by the vast amount of wooden furniture pieces I saw everywhere I went!
While wood furniture probably isn’t the easiest Malaysian souvenir to bring home, you can also hunt for plenty of delicate wooden handicrafts in traditional markets, such as cutlery, utensils, and more. There are also decorative plaques that feature intricate paintings!
8. Rattan handicrafts
Another unique type of souvenir from Malaysia that makes for awesome presents is rattan handicrafts.
Made mostly by hand using natural rattan shoots, rattan handicrafts give off a rustic and appealing vibe. In fact, you’ll find plenty of rattan furniture in Malaysia, as well as household items like baskets, woven mats, and more, the latter of which make for memorable gifts.
9. Traditional games and toys
If you took a trip to Kuala Lumpur, you’ll realize that most Malaysians are almost always on their phones. However, before smartphones took over, the people of Malaysia spent their time enjoying traditional games and toys that double up as authentic Malaysian souvenirs to bring home.
Some of the most popular ones include gasing (wooden tops), congkak (a traditional game played with pebbles or marbles), takrwa (rattan ball), and more.
10. Traditional musical instruments from Borneo
One of the reasons why I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Sarawak was because of the rich aboriginal culture and I’m sure many others will agree too. If you’d like to bring a piece of this vibrant culture home with you, then one of the most unique Malaysian products you can buy is traditional musical instruments.
While bringing home bulky instruments is perhaps a tad over-ambitious, you can look for instruments like kiromboi (an instrument made with giant sea snail shells), keringot (a nose flute), or even wooden guiros that produce sounds mimicking the therapeutic music of the Borneon rainforest.
11. Pearls
Believe it or not, even some Malaysians may not immediately think of pearls when speaking about Malaysian souvenirs. That’s because they are mostly found along the shores of Sabah, where there are plenty of pearl farms.
When staying in Sabah, a local friend brought me to some of the jewelry stores and I saw plenty of pieces that featured different hues of pearls. Whether you’re looking for some eye-catching like a bracelet or something more subtle like earrings, you’ll find plenty of these made-in-Malaysia products to bring home for your loved ones.
12. Kerongsang
On the subject of jewelry and fashion accessories, you’ll likely notice some flowery pin-like items when visiting traditional gift shops in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. These are called kerongsang, traditional brooches that are used to dress up traditional Malay attire like the aforementioned kebaya.
Don’t let the kerongsang’s minute size fool you — these unassuming accessories can sometimes cost up to hundreds and thousands of dollars, especially those that are adorned with precious gems. Don’t worry though because if you’re planning on buying one for your friends and family, you can also find more modest ones made of polymer clay.
13. Cucuk Sanggul
Matching the ornate elegance of the kerongsang is the cucuk sanggul, a traditional hairpin accessory commonly used by women of all races in Malaysia to keep their hair in a bun.
As someone from Hong Kong, I have to admit, it reminded me of the old hairpins that empresses in China used to wear, albeit with a much different design. Cucuk Sanggul usually feature flowery or leafy designs and are often made of brass or gold. In the old days, they were reserved for weddings but are much more common these days.
14. Pewter goods
Did you know that the world’s largest retailer of pewter (a metal alloy consisting of copper, tin, and silver) goods is found in Malaysia? Royal Selangor is one of the most famous made-in-Malaysia brands and is known for delivering some of the best quality pewter goods in the world.
You can find these Malaysian souvenirs at several Royal Selangor gift shops in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where you can take your pick from a wide range of products including cutlery, decorative items, and even pop culture collectibles on occasion!
15. Labu Sayong
Looking for a decorative Malaysian souvenir that may also be used for practical reasons? Then on your next trip to Perak (think Ipoh), be sure to look out for the labu sayong.
Simply put, the labu sayong is a traditional gourd-shaped jar made of clay and is traditionally used to keep water cool against the hot Malaysian weather. It is also said to have healing properties but that is largely untested.
These days, however, the jars are mostly displayed in houses as decorative items. If you’re looking for some unique things to buy from Malaysia, definitely include this!
16. Wau
One of the most iconic Malaysian pastimes is found on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, specifically in the state of Kelantan.
I remember seeing a wau, a traditional Malaysian kite, for the very first time. Being from Hong Kong, I barely had any opportunities to fly kites, but even I knew that most paper kites look simple and bland. Not the wau. In contrast, the wau I saw featured a unique design and an extremely elegant design, filled with vibrant colors and motifs. This, as I was told by a local, was the standard look.
While it’s probably difficult to bring a wau back with you without crushing it, you can opt to bring these Malaysian souvenirs home in the shape of keychains or small wall decor. That’s what I did!
17. Medicinal oils (Gamat and nutmeg oil)
Like many other Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia has no shortage of herbal medicinal oils. While they are not for everyone, these oils certainly make great souvenirs from Malaysia for those who believe in their therapeutic properties.
The two most popular oils in Malaysia are gamat (sea cucumber) oil, which is said to be effective in healing wounds and alleviating toothaches; and nutmeg oil which supposedly treats headaches, intestinal discomfort, joint pains, and more.
Gamat oil is most often found in Langkawi while nutmeg oil can be commonly found in pharmacies and some gift shops in Penang.
18. Herbs and spices
Even though I’ve only been to Malaysia a couple of times, I can safely say that Malaysian food is some of the best you’ll ever eat. My friends say it’s mainly because of the rich variety of herbs and spices that go into the cuisine.
If you’d like to bring home some of that Malaysian culinary goodness with you, try getting some of its popular herbs and spices. Most of these are sold either in a pre-cooked paste or as spice packets.
My favorite though has to be Sarawakian peppercorns. Not only do they pack a punch, they’re fragrant and extremely versatile too as an ingredient. Definitely one of the best things to buy in Malaysia!
19. Chinese pastries
If you prefer ready-to-eat souvenirs instead, you’re in luck. Listen, Hong Kong has plenty of amazing pastries and bakeries, but the Chinese pastries in Malaysia really hit different.
There are so many different types of traditional (and those with a modern twist) Chinese biscuits in the country, especially in major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh. Whether you’re looking for tau sar pneah (mung bean paste biscuits) or heong peah (a crispy biscuit with malt filling), you’ll find many Chinese bakeries in Malaysia that sell them in neatly packaged gift boxes that are perfect for gift-giving.
20. Coffee, tea, or mee?
I realize that whenever tourists visit Hong Kong, they like to bring home some of our instant noodle packets and milk tea bags as a souvenir. It was only after arriving for my holiday there that I realized the same can be said of Malaysia!
Malaysia has plenty of Malaysian products and snacks that make for great souvenirs, but what I found most interesting was the wide array of instant coffee, tea, and noodles on sale in pretty much every grocery store and supermarket.
For coffee lovers, you’ll find a variety of fragrant instant coffees, such as the famous Ipoh White Coffee and Nanyang Coffee while those who prefer tea will love the BOH tea bags that come straight from the Cameron Highlands.
For those who enjoy the odd instant noodle supper, I recommend snapping up a few packets of the Maggi Curry Mee, a popular snack among locals.
21. Sarawak layer cake
That said, I feel like my favorite Malaysian snack souvenir, at least up till now, is the colorful Sarawak layer cake.
As the name suggests, this unique Malaysian souvenir is most often found in Sarawak. It is basically a colorful layer cake that is sweet, and savory and often comes flavored with fragrant pandan leaves. Its great taste is matched by its signature bedazzling designs.
Most tourists who visit Sarawak return home with a few boxes of these cakes to share with their loved ones. While there are plenty of flavours to choose from, I highly recommend the original pandan flavor for the best indulgence.
Do take note that the cakes can only be kept for a limited amount of time, so don’t be shy to dig in once you arrive home!
22. Durian-flavored snacks
Some of you might look at me weird after this, but I really like durian, which is a problem because imported durians in Hong Kong cost quite a fortune and, frankly, don’t taste half as good as the ones in Malaysia or Thailand.
While it’s impossible and probably illegal in some countries to bring fresh fruit, especially one that smells like durian, into the airport, you can buy some Malaysian snacks that are durian-flavored!
My favorites include durian-flavored popcorn and chips, durian cookies, and a peculiar type of confectionery called a dodol.
23. Dodol
The reason why I’ve listed dodol as a separate item is that I feel it is unique enough to deserve its own spot. While I love durian-flavored dodol, even in its original form, this decadent confectionery is a Malaysian souvenir that those with a sweet tooth will love.
Simply put, dodol is a sweet and chewy, toffee-like candy that’s made from palm sugar and coconut milk. It is most often found in places with a rich Peranakan heritage, so think of gift shops in Penang and Melaka as your go-to place to find these delectable treats!
24. Nasi lemak chips
Okay, I’ll admit, the inclusion of this particular made-in-Malaysia snack is 100% personal bias at work. Look, the first time I tried nasi lemak — arguably Malaysia’s national dish, I absolutely fell in love with the fragrance of the coconut rice and the spicy sambal.
It’s hard to find that in Hong Kong, especially ones that don’t cost a fortune. So when I stumbled upon these nasi lemak-flavored chips from a local Malaysian snack company, I got so addicted to it that I went back and bought a whole bulk to bring back home.
And just to be clear, these aren’t just crinkle-cut ships that are seasoned with nasi lemak flavor. Inside the packet, I also found fried anchovies and peanuts. It really felt like I was eating the proper version of the dish but in chip form!
Also read: 40 Essential Things to Know About Malaysian Food Culture
25. A half-boiled egg maker
Sticking to Malaysian foods that took my heart, a unique Malaysian breakfast that some people take a while to get used to is kaya toast with boiled eggs — crispy coconut jam on toast served with a side of partially cooked eggs.
The way to eat it is to dip the toast into the still-runny eggs, seasoned with soy sauce and pepper. Imagine my surprise when I found out that there was an actual kitchen tool in Malaysia that was created just to make these “half-boiled” eggs!
It is an ingenious invention and it’s so easy to use. Just put in a couple of eggs and add hot water and wait for the water to run out. It’s definitely one of the most unique Malaysian souvenirs I can think of, and one that just gets you closer to the wonderful taste of Malaysian food!
26. Modern artisanal Malaysian souvenirs
Apart from the conventional Malaysian souvenirs I’ve listed so far, I’ve noticed during my most recent trip to Kuala Lumpur that artisanal souvenirs in Malaysia are on the rise.
Whether it be vibrant print T-shirts, organic bath soaps, woven bags, or (more) delicious snacks, there are plenty of stores where you can score one-of-a-kind made-in-Malaysia products to bring home.
I may be wrong in this because I only stuck to these areas when I was there, but the Bukit Bintang area and Pasar Seni is where you want to go to score some awesome local products and souvenirs.
Where to buy Malaysian souvenirs?
Now I’m pretty sure the question in your mind is “where to find the best gift shops in Malaysia?”.
To be honest, many of the Malaysian souvenirs (such as instant noodles, herbs and spices) I mentioned are so popular that you can pretty much find them anywhere. You can easily buy these gifts in supermarkets like Lotus’s, AEON, and Jaya Grocer. Meanwhile, kebaya and songket are so common that they can be found in most Malay clothing stores throughout the country.
However, for some of the more unique things to buy in Malaysia, there are certain locations that are more famous than others. For example, the best batik can be found along the predominantly Malay-majority states of Kelantan and Terengganu. That said, if you’re looking for batik-print clothing, check out batikTEKTURA and Batik Boutique in Kuala Lumpur, and Batek Lah in Penang.
For food souvenirs, drop by Him Heang in Penang and Happiness Confectionery in Ipoh for Chinese pastries, shops along Jonker Street in Melaka for dodol and other confectionery, and Kantin Lab where you can buy those mouthwatering nasi lemak chips.
For other nifty trinkets like wooden or rattan handicrafts, your best bet is to visit traditional markets like Pasar Seni in Kuala Lumpur or clothing stores like Pestle Mortar Clothing.
Final thoughts
And there you have it: 26 best souvenirs from Malaysia to bring home with you and where to look for them!
It’s also important to note that many of the most popular Malaysian souvenirs (save for traditional toys like wau can also be bought online, so you don’t necessarily have to travel to each particular region just to buy something, although that is admittedly more fun!
If you’re in the mood for more shopping, check out the best souvenirs in Switzerland and Greece too!
Best souvenirs from Malaysia – Pin it!
I worked in Malaysia and Sarawak for a few years. I am now retired in Canada. Now I want to buy a car badge to be mounted on a badge bar on my MGB but not having much success. The Malaysian web site asks for a email address which I give but then asks for a password and there is none for email address!! Tried “Lazada” in Malaya with no success. Somehow the web site builders do not realise that people have to be able to use them!!