Overview
Being at the cross roads of Asia with such a diverse blend of culture and where so many talented craftsmen have had access to an extraordinary wealth of raw materials with which to work makes Malaysia richly endowed artistically. And that makes for some great shopping. Below is a short list of some of the popular arts and artifacts that make interesting, unique and valuable gifts and souvenirs. Most can be found in various shops around Kuala Lumpur but for some items going to the source is always better (and more adventurous).

Smart Shopping Tips

	For electronic goods, have a good idea of what you want to buy and the manufacturer's recommended retail price (check the internet) before you set out. Be aware that model numbers and features may vary from your home country to reduce the price.
	Check on the voltage and cycle of all electronic and electrical products - this is especially true if you will be using the product in America.
	Check prices at several stores before buying.
	Test the good(s) before purchasing - make sure it works as advertised - especially important for electronic goods.
	Make sure what you buy is what is in the box before you leave the store.
	Keep the sales receipt in case you need to return the merchandise.
	Make sure that what you buy is allowed to be imported into your country.

Royal Selangor Pewter
Description: Remembering that Kuala Lumpur was first settled by tin miners is it any wonder that the world's best pewter ware is produced in Malaysia (by Royal Selangor)? With several showrooms around Kuala Lumpur to whet your interest, Royal Selangor has a visitor centre just a few minutes from the city centre and it is well worth the visit. You'll be surprised by the unusual and absolutely beautiful items the pewter smiths at Royal Selangor create. You'll learn how to take care of your purchase and if your are so inclined you can even make your own pewter ware dish in the appropriately named 'School of Hard Knocks'. Certainly one of the best buys you can make during your visit.

Silver
Description: Like many places in Asia, silver smithing is an art. Years of training, painstaking attention to detail, patience and talent go into each piece. Malaysia silversmiths excel in Filigree (silver objects with thin silver wire that is lace like) and Repose (a relief on a thin piece of metal wherein the relief is made by pounding the design up from the underside) as well as more traditional rings and bracelets.

Brass
Description: In addition to tin, Malaysia also has quite a bit of copper the main ingredient (with zinc) needed to make brass. Whilst not as sought after as silver or pewter, you can certainly find any number of attractive home furnishings, curios and souvenirs in the shops around town.

Batik / Songket / Pua Tekatan
Description: Although batik is more often associated with Indonesia there is also a thriving batik production in Malaysia. For the uninitiated batik is the process of applying wax to cloth (cotton or silk) and then dying the cloth. Once dyed, the wax is removed by soaking in hot water and the pattern, now that the wax is gone, is visible. This process can be repeated several times depending upon the intricacy of the design and number of colors.

In days gone by the process of applying wax was done either with a metal stamp or by hand with a tool resembling a smokers pipe. For the most part batik is now manufactured by large factories using automated equipment (that however does not make it any less beautiful - in fact with automation and new dyes the number and intricacy of designs as well as products and colors available is greater than ever).

Songket and Tekatan
Description: Once the exclusive province of royalty, Songket and Tekatan both use gold thread woven into the fabric or garment. The difference is that Songket is silk or fine cotton interwoven with gold thread while Tekatan is gold thread embroidery. In days gone by Tekatan embroidery also included sequins. Nowadays Tekatan is widely used for wedding apparel and high end home furnishings like decorative pillow covers.

Pottery
Description: Pottery making is a traditional Malaysian craft and each area has developed its own unique vessels that make looking for, identifying and collecting the different styles and colors fun and educational. The state of Perak for instance is known for glazed black water jars that look like gourds while Kelantan has the more common reddish earth tone Mambong Pottery and Sarawak Pottery, decorated with tribal designs, is easy to spot. All make great gifts for the home.

Wood Carvings
Description: Most Southeast Asian countries have long used wood for housing, tools and furnishings and as such developed wood carving skills over the years, as has Malaysia. Malaysia has a few indigenous products and items with motifs not readily found elsewhere like blow guns, tribal masks and shields. If you like collecting tribal art, woodcarvings and basket weaving are probably your best bets.

Weaving
Description: Traditional grass weaving has expanded to include a wide range of items targeted towards western needs. Beautiful baskets, handbags and place mats are all on offer, many handmade. As well there are nice (and useful) items for the home that make splendid gifts.

Kites
Description: In many places of Asia kites are serious fun. One such place is Kelantan where large kites measuring 2 meters or more are flown competitively. Known as Wau Bulan or 'moon kite' the kites are made of bamboo strips with a thin paper covering strong enough to withstand very high winds. So popular is the distinctively shaped Wau Bulan that a stylised one is used as the corporate logo for the national air carrier, Malaysian Airlines, and can be seen proudly adorning the tail section.