What are the must-buy items in Sabah? White coffee, mango candies, and Sabah black tea.

Text & photos /Mika's Food Adventure Journal

What are the absolute must-buys in Sabah? Actually, it's pretty similar to the top things to buy in Malaysia—some brands are just cheaper in Malaysia, such as The Body Shop. As for local Malaysian brands, there's Padini. Aside from Vincci, their other sub-brands also offer bags, clothes, accessories, and more at very affordable prices. It’s really rare to find such reasonably priced department store brands. Don’t think you can’t get these on the island of Sabah—they have department stores and malls here too, where you can find these brands. So, the top two stores to visit in Sabah, we highly recommend these. Then, for supermarkets, don’t miss out on white coffee, mango candies, Sabah black tea, and more.

This Suria Sabah department store in Sabah not only has a great Jari Jari Spa but also features international luxury and local brands—it’s really a fun place to shop.

The one we strongly recommend visiting is Padini. While most people usually recommend Vincci, a sub-brand of Padini, I found that bags from their other sub-brands are also really nice, and the clothes are quite affordable.

Padini’s brands include: Vincci, SEED, P&CO, and more.

Their bags are mostly designed for office ladies. The prices are considered mid to low range, which is very affordable compared to department store brands.

Vincci’s shoes are really affordable and comfortable, with many stylish options, priced around 600 to 1,000 Taiwanese dollars.

Too bad I didn’t have enough time to shop—I would’ve bought several pairs.

Their bags have a simple, classic style.

The Body Shop
Everyone says The Body Shop is a must-buy in Malaysia because it’s super cheap, with a huge price difference. I heard it’s because the manufacturing is done in Malaysia, which is why it’s so affordable.

You really must buy from The Body Shop here—you’ll regret it if you don’t. There are local discounts, plus the price difference makes it almost like buying at half price compared to Taiwan.

Even though I don’t really need skincare products, I still couldn’t resist the prices.

Makeup is not expensive either.

The most worthwhile item to buy is tea tree oil, which is very effective for treating pimples or acne. Apply it to the affected areas morning and night, and they’ll clear up quickly. Right now, they have a buy-four-get-one-free deal. If you buy four on the spot, it’s like getting one for free—it works out to about 200+ Taiwanese dollars per bottle.

I also bought foot scrub and lotion, and they gave me two bottles of essential oil shower gel for free.

The colorful streets of Sabah.

When in Sabah, be sure to visit supermarkets to buy famous Malaysian coffee and mango candies!! These mango soft candies are super rich in flavor and really delicious.

Coffee is definitely a must-buy. The 3-in-1 blend might be too sweet for us, so the 2-in-1 version is a better choice.

I haven’t tried Yih Chang before—might as well buy a pack to try.

Afya is a well-known brand. Their white coffee is a must-buy in Malaysia. I heard it’s best to go straight for the extra strong version—it’s rich, fragrant, and delicious.

A friend told me this is the coffee flight attendants love to drink, and it contains collagen, which is good for women.

The hotel gave us Sabah black tea, and I found it smooth and easy to drink—not an unusual flavor, just fragrant and smooth. I like this lightly fragrant yet mellow black tea, so I brought back a pack.

There’s also boxed Sabah black tea.

The biggest purchase is still coffee. Malaysian coffee is a must-buy—it’s super tasty. I’m not even a coffee person, but I drank a lot while in Malaysia and loved it. That’s my personal list of must-visit and must-buy items in Sabah—I hope it helps everyone!!

padini Vincci
http://www.padini.com/
The Body Shop
http://www.thebodyshop.com.tw/6_store/index.asp
For more details, please refer to:
AirAsia:https://www.facebook.com/AirAsiaTaiwan
Malaysia Tourism Board:http://www.promotemalaysia.com.tw/default.aspx
Sabah Tourism Board:http://www.sabahtourism.com/
(Thanks to AirAsia and the Sabah Tourism Board for the invitation)

Sabah Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah via AirAsia -> Learn to cook Malaysian cuisine at Peak Market ->
Stay at The Pacific Sutera -> Take a boat ride to enjoy the sunset and sea view -> Dinner at Fu Wah Dragon Grouper Hotpot -> Durian popsicles

Day 2: Volcanic mud bath and lunch on Pulau Tiga (Tiga Island) -> Snorkeling at White Sand Island ->
See proboscis monkeys and fireflies along the Klias River -> Breakfast at Fuyuan Kaya Toast

Day 3: Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village -> Relax at Ka'andaman Massage Spa ->
Watch the sunset and enjoy freshly blended avocado juice at Tanjung Aru Beach -> Dinner at Tanjung Garden Seafood Restaurant

Day 4: Spa treatment at Jari Jari Spa -> Shopping for must-buy items in Sabah at Vincci and The Body Shop ->
Try street food on Gaya Street ((Yi Feng Teahouse, Golden Sand Garden, Wei Ya)) -> Swim and relax at Pacific Sutera Sabah pool and beach -> Attend the Sea King City dinner banquet

Day 5: Fly back to your country via AirAsia

Traveling is about returning to where you came from with a deeper understanding
MIKA’s Foodie Travel Journal