If you are looking for different gifts and souvenirs, then Sarawak is the place to shop. Thousands years of history and richness of culture diversity can be found in the antiques and handicrafts offered for sale. In Kuching, the Main Bazaar, once the main shopping area fronting the port, has been preserved as a colorful reminder of the city's trading past. Now it houses dozens of arts and crafts, curio and antique shops as well as travel agents offering up-country adventures. Similar shops in Sibu, Miri and Kapit also sell indigenous handicrafts and antiques.

There are items to suit all pockets, from budget priced knick-knacks with ethnic motifs to ancient carvings and artifacts from remote longhouses. The Iban Umbu (hand-woven textiles) makes attractive wall hangings or table covers. Examples can be seen on the walls of Sarawak's leading hotels. Another popular fabric is the Malay Kain Songket intricately woven with threads of gold and silver and still worn by Malay men and women on festive occasions. Other popular items include carved hornbills, silver belts and jewelry and Bidayuh basketwork.

The Orang Ulu, or upriver people, are famous for intricate carvings that illustrate their ancient legends and for beadwork, some of it very old that is eagerly sought after by international collectors. The Penan, the last nomadic tribe in Sarawak, produces blowpipes and bracelets. Besides carvings, antique collectors will be attracted to the ornate brass cannon, kettles, and betel nut boxes. Some antiques require an export permit from the Sarawak Museum, but the shopkeeper can usually arrange this, along with shipping of larger items overseas.

Proud of its culture, Sarawak is now producing modern clothes and household items incorporating the state's unique ethnic designs. Other items popular with visitors include books on Sarawak's history; culture and ethnic groups, locally produced pottery, gold and gold and silver jewelry. Also sought after are high-quality edible birds' nests, harvested from local caves, and the famous Sarawak pepper.

Shopping malls in the main towns are well stocked with daily requirements including imported clothing while supermarkets sell Western and Japanese food stuff. All major centers have several camera and video shops offering for sales, service and film processing. Many visitors find that local opticians sell eyeglasses cheaper than in their home countries. If you are going trekking you can find clothes and equipment for your trip in the main towns and pharmacies are well stocked with insect repellant and sun screen lotions as well as proprietary and prescription medicines. You can find all the maps and guidebooks you need in bookshops. There are several banks and moneychangers and most offer better rates than you will find in your hotel. Most banks also provide automatic teller machines that accept most major credit cards. Just look for the sign of your card company on the machine. It is safer than carrying a lot of cash or travelers' cheques.

It is common to bargain on the markets. You cannot bargain in the supermarket or for food. Most of the souvenir shops are situated on the riverside of Kuching. You don't need to get up early for shopping as most stores don't open until 9am or 10am. Furthermore, they will be open until 9 pm at night. If shopping is your thing do the department stores during the day (they are air conditioned) and visit the street shops at night.

The main shopping centers are the Sarawak Plaza which is located centrally next to the Holiday Inn, Saborkas which is a short trip along Jalan Tan Haji Openg, and the Riverside Majestic which has a good cinema complex and ten pin bowling alleys on the top public floors. The food markets are located on the Waterfront where fruit, vegetables, and meats are displayed openly.

Lately indoor aquariums have become popular resulting in a number of fish pet stores opening. As a visitor it is unlikely that you want to buy aquarium fish, however it is worth visiting one. They are similar to aquariums at a zoo with a range of attractive and often large tropical fish.