Handicraft Market (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Handicraft Market?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Pairs can browse colorful crafts together, bargain as a team, photograph sunset over the waterfront, and share grilled seafood, though tight lanes limit leisurely hand-holding strolls.
Positives:
- Romantic ambiance: Waterfront lights and sounds create an intimate night market setting.
- Local interaction: Vendors welcome friendly bargaining and share craft stories.
Challenges:
- Evening crowds: Narrow lanes get busy after 7pm, making it hard to linger at stalls.
- Limited seating: Outdoor seafood stalls offer basic plastic chairs only.
What is Handicraft Market?
- A waterfront market of adjacent stalls offering a curated selection of Sabah handicrafts, textiles and jewelry
- A showcase of artisanal products including elaborately carved wood figurines, hand-dyed batik fabrics and cultured pearls
- An open-air bazaar lining the Kota Kinabalu coastal promenade, organized into themed sections for crafts, clothing and accessories
What is so special about Handicraft Market for couple trip?
- Stroll vibrant stalls lined with local handicrafts.
- Photograph sunset views over the seafront market.
- Bond through playful haggling with friendly vendors.
- Sip grilled seafood plates together at rustic stalls.
- Bring home matching batik sarongs or pearl jewelry.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can browse stalls, haggle, and taste street food without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Handicraft Market
Browse craft stalls:
Walk between rows of vendors selling baskets, wood carvings, and batik sarongs.
Tip: Start early to see goods at their freshest and avoid peak crowds.
Practice bargaining:
Haggle in English or basic Malay to secure better prices.
Tip: Use the phrase “boleh kurang?” (can reduce price?) to start negotiation.
Capture sunset shots:
Photograph vibrant stalls against the evening sea skyline.
Tip: Aim for golden hour (about 6pm) for the best light.
Buy matching batik sarongs:
Choose lightweight pareos from RM 30 as colorful keepsakes.
Tip: Inspect fabric patterns under daylight before buying.
Share grilled seafood:
Order prawns, fish, or squid from waterfront food stalls.
Tip: Ask for “pedas” (spicy) version if you like heat.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Handicraft Market
- Arrive early: Get there by 5pm to explore with fewer people and cooler temps.
- Carry cash: Bring small denominations for quick payments and smoother haggling.
- Learn key phrases: Use simple Malay like “boleh kurang?” to negotiate prices playfully.
Reviews of Handicraft Market
Richard goldman
This market was mindnumbingly packed with an eclectic mix of everything. The energy in this market was electric. By far one of the best markets we had been to on our 5 week journey through Malaysia. We ate several different seafood choices and. Fought back about ten pounds of the most delicious mango’s we’ve ever had. Several varieties, all slightly different and bursting with flavor. That was an ...
Zafirah Zabidin
Had a great experience when buying dried fishes and snacks here in particular when dealing with the shopkeeper, Khabib. His service was second to none! He was friendly and easy to deal with. He gave good discounts and free gifts if buy more ! One of the best experience I've had when did my shopping here. Definitely a nice place to buy sabahan snacks and dried seafoods because of the choices they o...
Shapiai Mohd Saiful
My opinion is, know what you want to buy, study the price and try to nego with the sellers as low as you can. Item such as amplang, kerepek cincin, ikan bilis, pearl brooch, you can buy here. But for item such as T-shirt, kaftan etc just go to normal shop around KK or accross this market. For the sellers, I think they’re all so friendly & can nego. They Even can packup your bought item in a box.
Bridgitte *
We leisurely meandered through the KK (Kota Kinabalu) Handicraft Centre, also referred to as the Filipino Market or Anjung Kinabalu, on a Saturday. The market boasts a vast array of souvenirs, including Sabah pearls in various shapes and sizes. We even bought a T-shirt for RM 40. There were stunning batiks for sale, along with fresh fruits, vegetables, dried snacks, and everything else you'd expec...
DR. ALVIN TUNG
We came to visit the Filipino market during the day and there were lots of vendors selling various dried seafood and snacks! They are super friendly and offered samples to try! Of course we could not resist and ended up buying several bags of snacks!
When is the best time to visit Handicraft Market (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia)?
Visit after 5pm in dry months (March–October) for cool evenings. From November to February, carry a small umbrella to guard against sudden rain.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Batik sarongs | MYR 120 |
| Pearl necklace | MYR 100 |
| 2 grilled seafood plates | MYR 30 |
| Total Estimated | MYR 250 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Handicraft Market
Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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About Handicraft Market
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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