The main shopping centres in Sabah are located in Kota Kinabalu City. Most shopping centres offer a variety of different retail outlets, whereby each each shopping centre has its own uniqueness. You will be astonished at the wide choice offered! You can find almost anything you possibly could need, from souvenirs and antiques, over books to camping equipment, designer clothes, electronic goods and computers, and fresh foods. In shopping malls you also find pharmacies, food courts, one-stop photo labs and money changers, recreational facilities, hair dressers and centres for therapeutic massages as well as foot reflexology.

In other major towns in Sabah (Sandakan, Tawau, Keningau, Kudat) you will find smaller malls that cater mainly to the local population and you might not find the same variety as in Kota Kinabalu. However, you will always find everything should you suddenly run out of films, batteries, food provisions and mineral water, and even basic medical supplies.

Overall there are 5 large and 2 medium shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu. The largest is Centre Point, located on a 4-acre site in the centre of of KK and adjacent to the regional bus terminal. It has been operational since the early 90s and offers the largest choice. The second largest is the Karamunsing Complex. Amongst the newest malls is the KK Plaza Mall, which has only opened in 2001. It is located adjacent to the Kota Kinabalu City Central Market. Other smaller malls are Wawasan 2020 Mall, and the Likas Square Mall, which is slightly out of the downtown  area, and Wisma Sabah, located next to the Wisma Merdeka Complex. At Wisma Sabah you find most tour operators and dive companies. 

Antiques

Antiques shops are very popular amongst tourist and you'll be surprised of what you find. Old grandfather clocks, watches, colonial hats, irons, potteries, and much more. Please be sure that you have some prior knowledge of antiques before shop around and decide to buy something. A good place to get an idea about what is typically Sabah antique is the Sabah Museum. The Merdeka Complex has the most antique shops, located on the second floor.

Books and Magazines

For the largest collection of books, and if you are particularly interested in natural and scientific publications of books on Borneo, we recommend a visit of Borneo Books book store and the Irawase book store, both on the ground floor of the Merdeka Complex. Books for sale include culture, wildlife, nature, flowers, plants and many tropical design and gardening books (inspire yourself on topics at the Natural History Publications website). Most of the books are well designed and contain spectacular photographs. On the third floor of Centre Point there is Eton's, a very well appointed general book and stationery store, with a large dictionary section, magazines, local cooking books, maps and post cards.  

Branded Fashion Wear

Most branded goods such as Calvin Klein, Dockers, Guess, British India, Timberland, U2 and others are located on the Palm Square floor, Centre Point. It is best to catch them on sale during the Mega Sales Festivals (refer to the Sabah Calendar of Events).

Cell Phones and Telecommunications

Cell-phone shops are abundant in all shopping malls. KK Plaza presently has the largest number of hand phone shops under one roof. If you are here for a long stay and you wish to use a cell phone, the best is to buy a prepaid cell phone card to get immediate access. Presently, Celcom has the widest coverage. GPRS access is presently only available from TimeCel but will be available with other telephone companies very soon. Prepaid phone cards can be purchased from most hand phone outlets at denominations of RM50 and  RM100. RM130 will start you up with a local cell phone number and RM50 worth of air time.

Computer and Accessories

The most complete variety of computer hardware and accessories is found at the Karamunsing Complex, where you also will find some of the cheapest prices in the city. In Malaysia, where IT skills are heavily promoted computers and accessories are very affordable. However, if you are interested in Pocket PC or PDAs you will find them still rather limited.

Electronics Items

In Sabah, VCD's, DVD's, and Hi Fi's are amongst the cheapest in Malaysia. If you are interested in purchasing these items visit Karamunsing Complex and Centre Point, or Likas Square. 

Factory Outlets

Factory outlet stores are available at Centre Point, Wawasan 2020 and Likas Square. They are very popular amongst visitors and locals alike as they offer many brands at bargain prices. Some of the outlets also offer good wind breakers and winter clothing for those who are interested in climbing Mt. Kinabalu.

Handicraft

Most malls have many handicraft shops, but if you are interested in exploring Borneo's true handicrafts, arts and souvenirs you must visit the Borneo Trading Post - a newly opened souvenir shop with a difference on KK's waterfront. Another one-stop handicraft centre that is worth while visiting is on the third floor of the Karamunsing Complex. Even some Sabah artists have an outlet in that interestingly designed section.

Sports Gear

Sports wear such as runners, hiking boots and much more are available at most of the malls. Centre Point presently has the largest choice with Nike, Adidas, Fila and Reebok outlets. Do check out some of the offers as you may get to purchase a pair of good runners at at bargain. There are also some good fishing gear outlets in Centre Point and Wisma Merdeka.

Watches and Jewellery

Watches are offered at competitive prices in Sabah and most of the famous brands are available at malls. Centre Point and Wisma Merdeka have the largest variety of branded and sport watches. These two malls also have the most variety of jewellery on display. If you wish to purchase pearls and diamonds you will find an astounding choice at Wawasan 2020.