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Where
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Where To SPA
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Malaysian
Brand
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Lifestyle |
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Duty Free Islands |
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Langkawi Island |
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Langkawi is the regional shopping hub for duty-free goods, offering both international and local products. Most of the island’s shopping opportunities are found in its central commercial area – the town of Kuah. Here, you will find many stores and malls dedicated to providing the lowest prices of tax-free goods. |
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Kuah |
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Although the varieties of brand names are limited, (you’ll have a better range in places like Kuala Lumpur and Penang) the shops and stores in Kuah does stock a decent selection of items. The largest shopping mall is the Langkawi Fair building which has some 100 retail lots. Other shopping complexes include the Jetty Point Shopping Complex, Saga Shopping Centre and Zone Shopping Paradise in Pantai Cenang. |
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Modern Goods |
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The most sought-after goods are of course, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. There’s a wide range of beer and hard liquor such as spirits, whisky, rum and cognac on sale. Perfumes and fragrances are another popular choice along with cosmetics, leather, fashion accessories, clothes, shoes and confectionary. You can also purchase the latest cameras, watches and other electronic goods for a song on the island. |
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Handicrafts |
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Not to be missed out are cultural souvenirs such as batik; a type of Malay garment from the east coast, ornamental objects crafted from pewter, crystals and traditional pottery. Besides Kuah, the airport in Padang Masirat is another good place to check out as well as the popular beaches such as Pantai Cenang. |
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Restrictions |
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There is a limit on the amount of tax-free goods you can bring out. Foreign nationals visiting Malaysia for 48 hours or less receive a duty exemption for the purchase of souvenirs, gifts and items intended for personal use up to a limit of RM500. There is a duty-free limit for certain types of items: booze (up to one litre), tobacco (up to 225g, or 200 cigarettes), one pair of leather footwear, new clothing (up to three pieces), as well as cosmetics and personal hygiene items (not including powder or hair products). |
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Labuan Island |
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There are many stores around the island and they carry a wide range of goods, both local and imported. One may choose to shop in the comfort of cool air-conditioned premises, or be more adventurous and seek out the smaller shops downtown. |
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Textiles are very popular with both foreign visitors and domestic tourists looking for heavy lace material and baju kurung material. Ready-to-wear garments, ranging from shirts and trousers to casual wear and party frocks and jeans and t-shirts will make any shopper spoilt for choice. Bags, shoes, accessories can all be found alongside these goods. |
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One can also find locally-made and imported chocolates, candy and biscuits. There are some stores that deal in all things Filipino, too - from handicraft to foodstuff to cosmetics and even cigarettes. |
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Stores dealing in electric and electronic goods carry numerous brands and the choice is endless. The items range from blenders and irons, hair-dryers to kettles and microwave ovens to bigger items like television sets, air conditioners and refrigerators. Prices are competitive and it pays to shop around for prices. |
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Almost everywhere in town there is some place to shop especially along Jalan OKK Awang Besar. One can find embroided linen, teakwood furniture, chinese ceramics and jade carvings. |
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There are also carpet shops, jewellery shops, and stores selling ethnic Indian goods like sarees. wines, liquor, beer and cigarettes are all very inexpensive here in duty-free Labuan. |
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Duty-free outlets also carry perfume, cosmetics, cameras, audio equipment, pens, watches and lighters as well as leather goods at attractive prices. |
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It is wise to compare prices before purchasing to ensure you get the best bargains. Prices in bigger store are fixed (meaning there can be no bargaining) but they hold regular sales and these are the best times to buy. |
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Smaller retail outlets still practise bargaining and one should also explore the roadside stalls. |
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Restrictions |
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Tourist who stay not less than 24 hours are entitled for tax exemption on the following items: |
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Wine, spirit or malt liquor not exceeding 1 litre in all. |
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Tobacco not exceeding 200 cigarettes. |
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Talc, soaps and dentrifices to a total value not exceeding RM200.00. |
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Wearing apparel not exceeding 3 pieces. |
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Footwear not exceeding one pair. |
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Portable electrically and battery operated appliances for personal care and hygiene not exceeding 1 unit each. |
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Dutiable food preparations to a total not exceeding RM75.00. |
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Souvenirs and gifts on any dutiable items except item 1, 2, 4, 5, tyres and tubes to a total value not exceeding RM500.00. |
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Portable goods and equipment brought in by tourist/foreign journalist for personal use during the stay in Malaysia and to be re-exported. |
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Tioman Island |
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Tioman, which has a population of 3,000 people and covers more than 13,000ha is the newest duty-free island in Malaysia, receiving the status on September 2002, after Langkawi and Labuan. |
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Many items including cigarretes, chocolates and liquor is cheaper than those sold at the mainland. |
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