Pearls and crafts
Gifts from Borneo.
Eric in SF — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Aliceinthealice — CC BY 4.0 · Tofeiku — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bahnfrend — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bahnfrend — CC BY-SA 4.0
A popular market on the waterfront in central Kota Kinabalu, officially the Handicraft Market but known as the Filipino Market for its many traders of Philippine origin. It is one of the liveliest and busiest places in the city. By day its covered lanes are crammed with gifts and crafts: cultured pearls and jewellery, Borneo beads, woven baskets, wood carvings and textiles, with stalls of fruit, vegetables and dried fish alongside. Bargaining is part of the experience. At sunset the square next door becomes a night food market, where fresh fish, squid, prawns and shellfish are grilled in front of you, along with juices and local dishes. Many stalls are run by Muslims, but ask about halal before ordering, and agree the price before cooking, as seafood is sold by weight. The market is crowded in the evening, so watch your belongings. It stands beside the central fish market and Jesselton Point, a short walk from most central hotels.
Gifts from Borneo.
Pick it and watch it cook.
The city's liveliest spot.
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, on the waterfront in central Kota Kinabalu
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Sabah Islamic Civilisation MuseumA two-storey museum opened in 2002 close to the Sabah Museum, telling how Islam 25 minutes walkAsk the price per kilo before choosing, have your pick weighed in front of you, and agree the total with the cooking charge before it is grilled.