The Best Souvenirs To Buy In Sabah
As you wander through the bustling markets of Sabah, it's hard not to be captivated by the vibrant colours, intricate patterns and unique designs of the locally made products on display. Each item tells a story, weaving together the rich tapestry of Sabah's culture and heritage. From stunning jewellery and handmade bags to aromatic coffee and nourishing skin care, these unique souvenirs from Sabah are a true testament to the skill and creativity of its people. By choosing locally-made products as souvenirs, you are not only supporting the local economy and preserving traditional crafts, but also promoting sustainable practices that benefit the environment, community, and future generations.
Let's discover the must-buy local products and unique souvenirs waiting for you in Sabah!
FOOD & DRINKS
Uinah
Taste the taste of Borneo with Uinah! They produce premium craft beverages, including their popular Ginger Land, Roselle Paradise, and Honey Meadow. These beverages are carefully created using the finest ingredients, with each flavour having its own unique twist on traditional favourites. Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day or something special to serve at your next gathering, Uinah's craft beverages are sure to impress.
Uinah drinks are also available on North Borneo Cruises. Click here to book your tickets!
Sabah Tea
From its humble beginnings in 1984, blessed by the hands of former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad himself, Sabah Tea has blossomed into a symbol of quality. In 1997, a new chapter unfolded when Yee Lee Corporation Berhad meticulously nurtured the legacy, propelling Sabah Tea to new heights of excellence.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Borneo's sole organic tea farm at Sabah Tea Garden. Wander through rolling emerald hills with carefully hand-picked leaves and indulge in the authentic taste of Borneo. The tea garden invites everyone to engage in various recreational activities such as hiking at the plantation, a tea factory tour, and the option for an overnight stay.
Sabah Tea has a wide variety of great teas for you to enjoy! They have classic, flavoured and special blends like cinnamon, geranium, and misai kucing. And now, they've added lemongrass, Tongkat ali, and ginger tea to give you even more choices that suit different preferences and tastes.
Hoko
Meet the visionary founder of Majulah, Datuk Seri Panglima Hong Teck Guan. This distinguished entrepreneur laid the foundation for Majulah, a cornerstone in the cocoa industry for over 25 years, supplying premium cocoa products to international giants like Nestle and Novartis under the globally recognised Majulah brand.
Hoko Cocoa proudly inherits this legacy of excellence. Crafted with the same dedication to quality, Hoko, a prominent brand from the Majulah family, ensures that the rich and flavourful cocoa experience continues to delight consumers worldwide.
Enjoy a variety of delicious Sabahan delights from chocolates from Hoko, such as 3-in-1 cocoa drinks, Hoko Cocoa Syrup, Cocoa Spread, cereal, Cocoa Sticks, and tasty truffles and chocolates. In addition to these treats, discover sensory delights with Hoko Cocoa Shower Gel and Cocoa Soap for a luxurious cocoa experience. Join Hoko on a delightful journey where each product brings you the indulgence and quality of premium cocoa varieties.
Social Links: Facebook
Eat's Ok
Introducing a must-try souvenir when visiting Kudat, Sabah - Crispy Peanuts! This cherished traditional snack, passed down through generations, has now been given an innovative twist by Eat’s Ok with two delightful flavours: garlic and salted egg yolk crispy peanuts. Crafted by hand every day using the freshest ingredients, these delectable treats consistently sell over 250 servings daily. Whether you're a loyal fan of these irresistible snacks or trying them for the first time, rest assured that you will savour the local flavours in every satisfying crunch!
Aramaitica
Aramaitica, a local brand in Sabah, is the proud distributor of Mount Kinabalu Coffee, which is sold in various forms, such as whole beans and ground coffee. The coffee is carefully hand-picked and processed to ensure the highest quality, and it is roasted in small batches to bring out the rich, complex flavours and aroma.
The coffee is named after the majestic Mount Kinabalu, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The coffee beans are grown in the mountain's highlands, where the cool climate and rich soil provide the ideal conditions for growing high-quality Arabica coffee beans.
Naga Tapai
Naga Tapai offers a range of coffee liquor and rice wine products that are made with the finest ingredients and crafted with care. Naga Tapai's products are perfect for any occasion, whether you are looking to relax with a glass of wine after a long day or to entertain guests with a unique and flavourful drink.
Apai Coffee
Apai Coffee produces high-quality coffee products grown in the highlands of Ranau. Sabah is known for its unique climate and soil that contributes to some of the best-tasting coffee beans. Apai Coffee's products include different types of coffee, such as black, whole bean, 2-in-1, and 3-in-1. If you fancy other coffee flavours, they also got hazelnut and cappuccino flavours for your choosing!
Tenom Asamboi
Quench your thirst with Tenom Asam Boi! Made with locally-grown organic calamansi lime, sour plum, and brown sugar, it provides many health benefits, including improving your digestion and boosting your energy. There are many ways to enjoy Tenom Asam Boi—mix with water or sparking water to create a refreshing drink, or include them in your cooking for a sweet and sour flavour.
Social Link: Facebook
Lihing Nilyn
Experience the authentic taste of Sabahan rice wine with Lihing Nilyn. Made from glutinous rice mixed with yeast and left to ferment for at least one month, Lihing is a sweet and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed on its own or included in local dishes, such as chicken lihing soup.
This Penampang-based brand was founded by Honilin Pudin, who has more than 50 years' worth of experience in making lihing. The recipe was handed down from her grandparents, which is the secret behind the distinctly delicious taste that sets them apart from other brands. The sleek design of Lihing Nilyn's bottles makes them perfect as souvenirs, so you can bring home a piece of Sabah with you.
Social Link: Website
PACE'AVOI
Unwrap the natural goodness of Pace'Avoi stingless bee honey! Sourced from diverse kelulut farms – durian groves, herb gardens, forest lands, and even pineapple plantations, Pace'Avoi offers a symphony of flavors and unique aromas in every jar. Their honey is not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits. Driven by a passion for environmental conservation, founder Ms. Marianah aims to create awareness of a healthy balance between people and nature.
DumoWongi
DumoWongi brings the fresh, authentic flavors of Sabah's locally grown herbs straight to your kitchen! Elevate and enhance your cooking with their range of herb salts, including chili garlic herb salt, and the intriguing coriander salt. Be adventurous and try out their edible flowers like marigold and xenia! They incorporate them into chocolates for a delightful visual and culinary experience. Whether you're looking to add a touch of spice or experiment with edible flowers, DumoWongi has everything you need. Check out their other unique products like flower-dyed bags and hand-woven rattan bags, adding a stylish touch to your wardrobe.
Borneo Spiced Mulberry Wine
Indulge in a one-of-a-kind twist on local beverages: Borneo Spiced Mulberry Wine by Lena's Home Remedies! This Tambunan-based mulberry wine boasts a delightful sweet and tangy flavor, infused with the fragrant aroma of the locally planted mulberry. This unique mulled wine is a symphony of spices. Cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel simmer together for over an hour, creating a perfect kick that warms your taste buds after a meal.
Social Link: Whatsapp
ARTS & ACCESSORIES
Vuhanut
Vuhanut offers a beautiful selection of handmade indigenous-inspired accessories crafted with care and precision. These accessories are made using traditional methods and techniques by skilled artisans passionate about their craft. Vuhanut's accessories feature intricate patterns and designs inspired by indigenous cultures. By choosing Vuhanut's handmade indigenous-inspired accessories, you can add a touch of cultural richness to your wardrobe while also supporting ethical and sustainable fashion practices.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram
Sang Tukang
Sang Tukang's speciality is creating brass jewellery with exceptional attention to detail and a focus on traditional crafting methods.
Each piece is made with care and precision, resulting in unique, high-quality jewellery that will impress. The raw materials are melted and mixed together, then poured into moulds to create various shapes and sizes of brass pieces. These pieces can then be polished, etched, or oxidized for different textures and colours.
Zoura
Zoura offers a wide selection of beaded crafts and bags, each handmade by skilled artisans using high-quality materials. These products are crafted with love and care, resulting in stunning, stylish, and durable pieces. Beaded crafts and bags are typically made by weaving or sewing tiny beads—this intricate process requires a lot of patience, skill, and creativity to create beautiful and unique designs.
Social Links: Website, Instagram
Mündok
Mündok specializes in curating a diverse range of products that celebrate creativity and individuality. From handmade art and crafts to all-natural beauty products, stylish fashion pieces, and delicious food items, Mündok's collection showcases the best of what makers worldwide have to offer. Each product is carefully sourced and made with the highest quality materials, ensuring that customers get the best value for their money.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram
Jessboubie Craft
Jessboubie Craft specializes in crafting beautiful brass jewellery using traditional techniques. Each piece is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans ensuring that every detail is perfect. With their unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship, their brass jewellery is sure to make a statement and become a treasured addition to any collection.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram
PrudentJane.co
Prudent Jane's collection of leather bags and accessories are handcrafted using traditional techniques and high-quality materials. The attention to detail is evident in the stitching, the selection of leather, and the overall design of each bag and accessory. Whether you're looking for a stylish everyday bag or a unique accessory to complete your outfit, Prudent Jane has something for everyone.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram
My Little Concrete
My Little Concrete specializes in creating unique and beautiful pieces of art and sculpture using concrete as the primary material. Each piece is handmade with precision and care, resulting in a stunning display of industrial design. If you want to add a touch of modern art to your home or office, My Little Concrete is the one for you.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram
1StopBorneo
1StopBorneo creates educational publications and card games designed to engage and entertain learners of all ages. They’re passionate about education and believe learning should be fun and exciting. The games are designed to be easy to use and understand, making them perfect for anyone who wants to learn something new.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram, Website
Dalai beads Ranau
Dalai Beads Ranau's collection features a wide range of beaded crafts and ethnic jewellery, each handmade using the seeds from the dalai plant (Job's tears) by skilled artisans in Sabah. The traditional crafting techniques used to create these beautiful pieces result in unique and stunning designs that celebrate the culture and heritage of the region. With their bold colours and intricate patterns, these pieces will surely add a touch of culture and style to any outfit.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram
Kahyu
If you are looking for eco-friendly and high-quality timber furniture, Kahyu is your answer. They are a Sabah-based upcycled timber furniture brand specialising in using locally sourced hardwood timber to create stunning and unique pieces.
With sustainability in mind, they reduce wastage by repurposing timber materials to make customised products, including furniture, wooden tiles, and children's toys. Using 3D design technology, the team of skilled craftsmen at Kahyu produces innovative and functional designs without sacrificing the classic aesthetics of wooden furniture.
Kelarai
Get your hands on traditional ethnic craftsmanship with Kelarai Kraftangan Batu Lunguyan. Founded by Emily Jeneble, this local brand from Kampung Batu Lunguyan in Keningau is dedicated to producing exquisite bamboo weaving products, each carefully handcrafted from locally-sourced bamboo, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity.
The name "Kelarai" comes from the Malay word meaning "checkered weaving patterns", which can be clearly seen through the stunning ethnic designs that make them perfect fashion accessories for both formal and informal events.
The products, which include sling bags, tote bags, handbags, clutch purses, coin purses, and book covers, are marketed through local social entrepreneurship efforts to empower marginal communities. So, show your support for local businesses and buy one of Kelarai Kraftangan Batu Lunguyan's creations!
Social Links: Instagram
Brutti & Besi
Brutti & Besi is a Sabahan bespoke sustainable furniture maker based in Penampang that offers unique and eco-friendly furniture pieces that will give your space a touch of elegance and warmth. Established in 2020 by husband and wife Lokman and Siti Faznur, the name "Brutti & Besi" means wood and iron, the primary materials they use in their furniture-making process. What's more, they give unique names to each furniture piece based on the local dialect, such as "Sumandak" and "Tanakvagu".
Brutti & Besi caters to customised orders, so you can get a piece tailored to your exact preferences. And the best part is that they are not just limited to furniture; they also do wooden notebook covers and corporate gift boxes, among other things.
Borneo Threads
Elevate your style with Borneo Thread's unique reversible box cardigans! Hand-stitched by the local women's community, these pieces of garment bridge the unemployment gap for women in Sabah while celebrating cultural heritage through fashion. Each cardigan is meticulously designed, where art, culture, and community seamlessly blend to create fashionable resort wear and lifestyle accessories.
The founder, Nicole Lee, with a background in law, discovered a passion for empowering women in rural communities. Borneo Thread provides them with opportunities to generate income and build a sustainable future. With limited-edition designs for each garment, embrace the authenticity of every piece and wear it with pride.
Happi.Kloth
Ditch the paper towels and elevate your cleaning routine with the stylish and sustainable Happi.Kloth! These eco-wonders are not only absorbent, tackling spills and messes in seconds, but they're also quick-drying to prevent odors. Plus, one Happi.Kloth replaces up to 15 paper towel rolls! They're strong and built to last up to 12 months, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run. Use Happi.Kloth anywhere that needs a quick clean – kitchen, bathroom, car, office, you name it! They feature unique designs by local artists, so you can clean happy and support creativity at the same time.
BODYCARE & SKINCARE
Vivify Products
Vivify Products is a company that offers a line of all-natural skincare and personal care products inspired by the incredible benefits of soursop. The fruit is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which can help to nourish and protect the skin. The products offered by Vivify Products are formulated to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it looking and feeling healthy and radiant.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram
Rustic Homespun
Rustic Homespun offers a unique selection of handmade products, including sewing, patchwork, embroidery, crochet, and decoupage items. Each product is crafted with care and attention to detail. These items are perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your home or wardrobe and make great gifts for friends and family.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram
Morolei
Oupus Organic
Oupus Organic brings a selection of cruelty-free, vegan, and natural Borneo Bambangan & Ginger Essentials products. The production process involves meticulous crafting that uses research and scientific-based methods. The result is a line of skincare products that are effective and beneficial to your skin and body. The brand is dedicated to using only natural and sustainable ingredients in its products, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals.
Social Links: Facebook, Instagram
Some Good Love
Step out of the shower feeling spa-fresh with Some Good Love bar soap! These handcrafted soaps, infused with natural essential oils are key to achieving glowing skin. Made with 100% eco-friendly ingredients like turmeric, honey, mulberry, and moringa, their delightful scent washes away the stress of a long day. Some Good Love soaps are crafted with herbal remedies and rich skin nutrients, all without harsh chemicals. They're not just good for you - they're also the perfect gift!
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