Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival until August 31, 2011

Shopaholics unite! In case you haven’t noticed, this quarter is the season of great shopping discounts among some of our neighboring countries… Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia!

The latter, particularly, will be holding the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival. It will run for 11 weeks ending August 31, 2011. Participating are outlets and stores all over the country, including big shopping complexes in Kuala Lumpur like Fahrenheit 88, Low Yat Plaza, Pavilion KL, Lot 10, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square – all located in Bukit Bintang. Suria KLCC, One Utama, Mid Valley Megamall, The Curve, The Gardens and Sunway Pyramid provide exquisite shopping experiences as well. Visitors can get Tourist Privilege cards upon presenting their passport at the concierge or information counter of selected malls.

Please see some of my related posts about Malaysia:

Kuala Lumpur Street Scenes
My first trip to KL in 2006 was a cheap one, in the style of Lonely Planet!
Food tripping in KL…. no regrets!
Our day trip to Sunway Lagoon Pyramid

In the words of Masrina Mohd Bakri, Director of Tourism Malaysia – Philippines: “The mega sale carnival lasts for about 11 weeks and Filipinos will definitely enjoy fantastic performances, fashion shows and mall contests throughout the country.”

“Filipinos can also indulge in a wide variety of gastronomic delights and pamper themselves by visiting various spas after a full day’s worth of shopping – this is what makes the shopping experience in Malaysia more fulfilling,” she added.

In Malaysia, one can find almost all the major brands, from the luxury ones to the great bargains. Familiar labels include Jimmy Choo, Uniqlo, Kinokuniya, Vincci, Ikea, and the homegrown Beryl’s Chocolates which I featured before.

Other must-sees in KL include Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, which was originally built as a wet market in 1888. It has been classified as a Heritage Site by the Malaysian Heritage Society and has beautifully evolved into a one stop shopping center for signature Malaysian products such as souvenirs, handicrafts, antiques and a variety of delectable Malaysian cuisine.

Also located in the capital city is Petaling Street, popular for its traditional atmosphere and bargain shopping. Filipinos will definitely enjoy Malaysia’s Chinatown as it transforms into a busy night market (or Pasar Malam) at sundown where they will experience Malaysia’s unique sights, sounds and energy while bargain hunting for special goods.

A two-hour drive from KL is Malacca which is Malaysia’s haven for antique collectors. Filipinos can wander among the many shops located along Jonker Street, globally known for its vintage finds. The antique shops along the narrow street is where visitors will experience Malacca’s signature dish – the Hoe Kee chicken rice balls, taste Durian Cendol, find the local wooden slipper called Terompah and Nyonya Beaded Shoes, as well as discover artifacts from different periods of colonial rule, as well as unique and valuable antique products ranging from Chinese porcelain, cast iron beds, coins and money notes, to priceless Buddha statues.

Aside from these signature shopping places, visitors can also relish the sun, sea and sand, as well as enjoy duty-free shopping at the beautiful islands of Langkawi, Tioman and Labuan, where Filipinos can find myriad of goods from gadgets to cosmetics, chocolates, cigarettes and liquor – all tax free!

Get hold of special travel packages as Tourism Malaysia holds the “Tara na sa Malaysia!” Travel Fair at the Main Atrium of SM Mall of Asia on July 15-17, 2011. Be sure to catch all the exciting offers and promos that you won’t find anywhere else

For more information, visit Toursim Malaysia page and connect on Facebook by liking the “Tara na sa Malaysia” Facebook page