Sabah, a beautiful state in Malaysia, is not just a haven for nature lovers but also a paradise for shoppers. For Muslim visitors, the convenience of having Muslim-friendly amenities in shopping malls makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Here’s a guide to some of the top shopping destinations in Sabah that cater to Muslim shoppers.
Image Credit: Imago Shopping Mall
Imago Shopping Mall is a premier shopping destination located just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. This mall is well-known for its wide array of Halal eateries and snacks, making it a perfect spot for Muslim visitors. You can enjoy delicious meals, snacks, and milky tea at various outlets.
For those looking to perform their prayers, Imago Shopping Mall has a prayer room conveniently located on the basement floor, next to SenQ. Additionally, the mall is exceptionally stroller and baby-friendly, featuring a spacious and comfortable nursery room. This nursery room is equipped with facilities for breastfeeding, preparing baby milk, and changing diapers, ensuring that mothers and their babies have a comfortable shopping experience.
This award-winning mall offers a range of fun activities, including watching movies and shopping at high-end retail stores like Chanel, Kate Spade, and Coach. Magunatip dance, which is Sabah's famous traditional dance performances, are held at scheduled times, providing a cultural experience for visitors. Nearby, you can find several Muslim-friendly resorts, such as Shangri-La and Sutera Harbour, as well as boutique hotels like The Cara Hotel and The Luma Hotel.
Image Credit: Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
Suria Sabah is a modern, one-stop city center shopping mall designed with both locals and tourists in mind. It features a Surau (prayer room) located on the 5th floor, L10, at the parking area, ensuring that Muslim shoppers can comfortably perform their prayers during their shopping trip.
The mall is home to the Hotel Grandis, which is located within the same building and boasts a Halal restaurant that serves authentic Halal dishes, making it a convenient choice for Muslim travelers. Additionally, Suria Sabah is just a 2-minute walk from Jesselton Point, a jetty and ferry terminal where you can catch ferries to various islands in Kota Kinabalu.
Image Credit: City Mall
City Mall is another great shopping destination for Muslim visitors. The mall has a Surau located on the first floor, and many Muslim-friendly restaurants are available throughout the complex.
Recently, a new kids' indoor playground called Royal Kids has opened, making it an excellent spot for families with young children. City Mall also features a movie theater, a supermarket, and a variety of other shops, ensuring a comprehensive shopping experience for all visitors.
Image Credit: Xichuan562, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikipedia Commons
Jesselton Quay is a mixed development project that includes shopping, entertainment, hotels, and offices. Although it is not a traditional shopping mall, it offers a unique shopping experience reminiscent of Vietnam’s Café Apartment concept. The development is characterized by vibrant cafes with colorful entrances, making it a great spot for Instagram-worthy photos.
While there is no Surau within the complex, the nearby Likas Mosque provides a place for prayers. Jesselton Quarter’s eclectic design and fun atmosphere make it a must-visit location for those looking to explore beyond typical shopping malls.
Image Credits: ITCC
The ITCC (International Technology and Commercial Centre) is a versatile shopping destination that houses two Suraus, one on the third floor and another within the D’Bundle Mania shop. D’Bundle Mania is a bundle shop selling various second-hand items imported from Japan and Korea at affordable prices.
One of the must-try desserts at ITCC is the famous Ice Dream Factory, founded by local influencer Adam Shamil. This eatery is known for its finely shaved ice and is Muslim-friendly, as it contains no alcohol or pork.
For accommodation, the Manhattan Suite Hotel is located within the building, or you can opt to stay at Hotel N5, which offers Halal local food and traditional dishes.
Sabah offers a rich and diverse shopping experience for Muslim visitors, with numerous malls providing Halal food, prayer facilities, and family-friendly amenities. From high-end retail stores and cultural performances at Imago Mall to the unique shopping concept at Jesselton Quay, there is something for everyone.
Whether you are in town for a quick shopping spree or a longer stay, these Muslim-friendly shopping malls ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience while exploring the vibrant retail scene in Sabah.
If you enjoy this post and crave for more Muslim-friendly information or local guides of Sabah like this article, visit HalalTrip or download the mobile app here!
Cover Image Credit: Erik Mclean on Unsplash
