Malaysia is known for its wonderful bright batik fabrics printed on cotton and silk. If you can find a tailor, for men the most luxurious buy is a silk smoking jacket in bright silk with an elegant batiked motif. For ladies, a piece of living art is the figure hugging delicate Nyonya kebaya blouse patterned with floral or mythical animal designs and worn with a sarong but you will need to visit Penang or Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur to find it.

In Langkawi head for the Komopleks Kraf Langkawi (handicrafts centre)  near the Pantai Pasir Hitam beach on the northern coast. You can watch demonstration of traditional crafts and buy batik, pewter, basketware and woodcarvings.