Shopping extravaganza in Malaysia

Summer has officially started. Planning and mapping out the next vacation for this season unveils a threshold of alluring attractions. In recent years, Malaysia has gained popularity and has become one of the top luxury shopping and travel destinations. Cited as the “World’s Fourth Best Shopping Destination” by CNN Travel (2012) and featured again last November by CNN Online, Malaysia moves on the top as the region’s current go-to vacay spot, welcoming tourists from all over the world. Furthermore, the country has three of the top 50 beaches in the world by CNN, one of the Top 10 Most Visited Country in the World by United Nations World Trade Organization (UNTWO), Top 10 Best in Travel 2014 by Lonely Planet with so much more.

2014 is special for Malaysia as it opens its wonders to the world with the much-acclaimed “Visit Malaysia 2014.”  The nationwide celebration, which was launched recently in Kuala Lumpur, revealed an endless list of events and festivals throughout the coming months until the end of December. Themed “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia,” the fourth edition of Visit Malaysia (the last was in 2007) symbolizes the unity of a diverse and multi-racial culture that preserves nature and heritage. This year’s mascot is the endangered proboscis monkey also known as the long-nosed monkey.

“Truly Asia” is now the stylescape of endless shopping. At the top of the list of Malaysia’s attractions are the major sale events, which have created an impact in Asia. This year, the important dates to mark on your calendars are 1Malaysia GP Sale in March and April, 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (MMSC) in June to September and 1Malaysia Year End Sale in November to January, which is a major event that offers the best deals for as low as 50 to 70 percent off on RTW, jewelry, cosmetics, fabrics, bags, shoes and furniture. The 1Malaysia Unified Sale is a collective effort of promoting unique traditional crafts and endless shopping experience for both locals and tourists.

From fashion to home, the impressive wide range showcase of both local and imported products channels a vibe of the contemporary and global lifestyle. Unfolding an extraordinary shopping experience, colossal malls in key cities house top high-end international and local retail brands in what seems to be like one is sitting on the lap of luxury. Indulge in the wonders of retail therapy in luxe settings such as the Pavilion, KLCC, the Gallery, Lot 10, Avenue K, and The Curve etc. Shop ‘til you drop with the countless mid- to low-range fashion brands that will captivate the hearts of the bargain hunter.

In 2013, fashion-forward brand H&M opened a branch at one of Malaysia’s new retail destinations — Avenue K. The trendsetting  brand offers ladies, men’s, teens, kids, baby and underwear. The new shopping mecca has an eye for beauty as it offers an extensive line of noteworthy cosmetics and fragrances brands. From the heart of Kuala Lumpur, one of the prime destinations Malaysia can be truly proud of is the IKEA concept store in Damansara in Petaling Jaya, Selangor (a 45-minute travel from KLCC).  One of the biggest branches in Asia, the massive 290,000-sq.-ft. area store is a paradise for almost anything. The two-story structure is a delightful treasure trove of amazing finds and even has its own signature cafe. One can’t help but be overwhelmed by the sight as one is taken into the world of practical and functional luxury that takes a whole day worth of experiences.

In addition to being a shopping paradise, Malaysia is rich in history and culture. Aside from the modern skyscrapers like the world-renowned Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia boasts key destinations such as Putrajaya and Malacca (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Breathtaking panoramic views and Old World architecture beautifully make every picture perfect.

Cuisine is a delight to the adventurous foodie as exotic spices and flavors unfold a feast for the senses. The spectacular sights to behold and noteworthy cuisine are reflections of a magnificent fusion of cultures. Malaysia is one of the current A-List travel destinations in the world in 2014, a must-go for an ultimate luxury vacation that will take you to a journey to both past and present but more importantly to the heart  of what is “Truly Asia.”

(For more information, visit ww.tourismmalaysia.gov.my and Tara Na Sa Malaysia on Facebook.)