Filipino Handicraft Market - All You Need to Know 2024 | Sabah

📍About 

The Filipino Market, also known locally as Pasar Filipino or Pasar Besar, is a vibrant hub located along the waterfront in Kota Kinabalu. This market is well-known for its diverse offerings, including fresh seafood, local produce, and a wide range of handicrafts. Whether you're searching for unique souvenirs or simply want to soak in the lively environment, the Filipino Market is a must-visit spot. It’s a place where you can find everything from traditional snacks to cultural items like pearls and handcrafted goods, all while enjoying the scenic ocean backdrop.

⭐️ What To Expect 

Visiting the Filipino Market is an experience filled with colour, culture, and excitement. The market is always buzzing with activity, with vendors eager to showcase their goods. The aroma of dried seafood mingles with the sights of colourful handicrafts, creating a vibrant and immersive environment. You’ll find friendly locals, a variety of unique items, and plenty of opportunities to engage in friendly bargaining as you explore the market's many stalls.

🛍️ What to Buy & Recommendations 

• Souvenirs: Look for cultured pearls alongside wooden bowls, fibre shirts, and traditional Indonesian remedies.
• Handicrafts: Explore stalls filled with handcrafted items, including faux gemstones and woven products.
• Local Delicacies: Stock up on dried seafood such as salted fish, anchovies, and small shrimps—these are popular choices and are often priced more affordably here.
• Snacks: Local treats like tea leaves, coffee powder, and chips are also available and make for great edible souvenirs.

✨ Tips for visitors 

• Best Time to Visit: The market is cooler at night, so it’s best to visit after sunset as it can be quite hot during the day.
• Negotiate Prices: Bargaining is common here, so feel free to negotiate politely to get the best deals.
• Dining Advice: When dining at the food stalls, walk around and ask for the weight and price before confirming your order.
• Check Freshness: If buying dried seafood, make sure the items are fresh and well-preserved.
• Toilet Access: There are no toilets inside the market, but you can use a nearby public toilet or the facilities in the lobby of Le Meridien Hotel.
• Bring Cash: The market primarily operates on a cash basis, so ensure you have enough cash on hand.

👚What to Wear 

• Light Clothing: The market can be warm and crowded, so wear comfortable, breathable clothing.
• Good Walking Shoes: As you’ll be on your feet for a while, make sure your footwear is comfortable.
• Sun Protection: A hat and sunglasses are helpful since parts of the market are open to the elements.

📷 Nearby Attractions 

• Gaya Street Sunday Market: Just a short walk away, this market offers a variety of local products and street food.
• Jesselton Point Waterfront: Perfect for a leisurely stroll with views of the sea, and a starting point for island trips.
• Signal Hill Observatory Tower: A great spot to take in panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu and capture some memorable photos.

⏳ Recommended Sightseeing Time

• Spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the market to fully enjoy its offerings and find some great deals.

💥Don’t Feel Like Creating Your Itinerary and Walking So Much? 

➰ KKday offers tours that cover the Filipino Market and more! You can opt for a private charter to visit all your chosen attractions without the hassle of getting a taxi or walking. Enjoy a stress-free experience while exploring Kota Kinabalu!

➰Check out the below package:

1) Kota Kinabalu Shared Tour

2) Kota Kinabalu City Sunset Tour

3) 3 Hours Private Charter

4) 4 Hours + 1 Hour Free Private Charter

5) 6 Hours Private Charter

❗️Check Out More Latest Photos from Pasar Filipina (Filipino Market) Here!