Sabah, the third-largest island in the world, boasts a vibrant culture that one shouldn't miss. Whether you're here to climb the iconic Mount Kinabalu or admire one of the world's most beautiful sunsets, this land of ancient rainforests offers countless reasons to visit. And when you do, don't forget to take a piece of it home with you. Here are our top five must-have souvenirs when visiting Sabah.
Image Credit: Thomas Quine, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Borneo bead handicraft is one of the must-have souvenirs when visiting Sabah. You can find them in a variety of forms, such as keychains, necklaces, and earrings, to name a few. But one of the most popular bead forms is called Pinakol, a unique ornament of a shoulder band worn by Rungus girls and women to adorn their traditional outfits, which is worn in pairs and crisscrossed on the shoulder.
In the olden days of Sabah, beads were symbols of tradition, status, and luxury. They were used as currency, in wedding ceremonies, as personal adornments, and even as funeral items. Pinakol can be expensive and is often a hereditary piece passed down from mother to daughter. If you feel the Pinakol is too big to bring home, opt for the modern and smaller version, which can be worn as a single necklace called Litai.
Image Credit: Sabah Tea on Facebook
If you ever visit Sabah, you definitely need to try these two types of famous beverages loved by locals: Sabah Tea and Tenom Coffee. They are the go-to caffeine choices for locals. What makes these products special is that they are locally produced here in Sabah, with one being in the cool foothills of Mount Kinabalu and the other in the interior division of Sabah, Tenom.
Sabah Tea offers a wide variety of teas for you to enjoy, including classic, flavored, and special blends. The handpicked leaves from the emerald hills of Ranau will captivate you with their flavor at first taste. So be sure to try them and share the taste you love with your friends at home by getting Sabah Tea as your must-buy souvenir when visiting Sabah.
Image Credit: Yit Foh Official Website
Tenom Coffee, founded by Yit Foh Coffee Factory, the oldest coffee company in Sabah, is the most iconic coffee loved by Sabah's older locals from one generation to the next.
Did you know that in the olden days here in Sabah, most of the locals engaged in the agricultural area as hunters, farmers and fishermen? Since Tenom Coffee was a common drink during their younger years, sipping it today reminds them of their youth, evoking nostalgia with every sip. This coffee has been in Sabah for more than 60 years, so its aroma brings back classic memories of yesteryears.
Both products are certified Halal, which is perfect for those seeking out Halal beverage products as souvenirs!
Got time to explore Sabah and enjoy the view? Read more on "Discovering Aesthetic Cafes with Breathtaking Views in Sabah" for a cup of coffee in stunning surroundings.
Image Credit: IKS Mart Souvenir Shop Sabah
If there's one local snack here in Sabah that will keep you munching non-stop once you start, it's Amplang. Amplang is a small, crunchy ball with a savory flavor, available in three different flavors: fish, prawn, and squid. It's a popular local snack in Sabah, especially in the Tawau district. Made from mackerel fish, flour, starch, oil, garlic, egg, salt, and sugar, this delightful snack is a perfect souvenir for anyone who loves savory snacks.
If you're looking for a sweet and tasty souvenir treat, be sure to try Kuih Cincin, a special traditional local cookie that's famous and commonly found in the Papar district. Fun fact: to ensure they have a crispy texture, Kuih Cincin is fried twice! Halal Amplang and Kuih Cincin are widely available in Sabah.
Image Credits: Arwin Neil Baichoo on Unsplash
If you're seeking a healthier alternative souvenir, consider stingless honey, known locally as "madu kelulut." Sourced locally in the west coast division of Sabah, beekeeping is a growing industry in the countryside. Each honey is produced by small honeybees that thrive in warm climates, resulting in a uniquely sour-sweet flavor profile. It's claimed that this type of honey offers superior medicinal properties, as it's rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can boost our immune systems. While Sabah stingless honey can be pricier than regular honey, purchasing it from local farmers in Sabah's countryside as a souvenir when visiting Sabah not only supports them but also helps boost their income.
Complete your experience in Sabah by checking out the "Top 5 Things to do in Sabah, Malaysia".
I mean, everyone should grab an "I LOVE SABAH" souvenir when visiting the region. It's practically a global must-do! But jokes aside, there are plenty of souvenir shops in Sabah offering apparel and accessories adorned with Sabah graphics.
Among them, Sabah Batik stands out the most. These pieces are dyed and painted with native motifs on colorful apparel such as shawls, scarves, sashes, fabrics, and more. It's the perfect souvenir if you're unsure of what to buy but still want to bring a piece of Sabah home with you.
Sabah is a destination where there will always be countless reasons to visit, and bringing a piece of your memory of Sabah is definitely a must-do. The best way to get it is by visiting local establishments or souvenir shops that are endorsed by the Sabah state government to support local entrepreneurs, such as the IKS Mart.
There are countless souvenirs you can bring back home from Sabah—adorable plush toys of orangutans, freshwater pearls, bamboo baskets, fridge magnets, salted fish, fridge magnets, and the list goes on! However, we hope that these top five souvenirs serve as a helpful guide for what to buy in Sabah.
For more Muslim-friendly information or local guides of Sabah like this article, visit HalalTrip or download the mobile app here!
