Handicraft Market (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Handicraft Market?
What makes it 36% Baby-Friendly: Babies are allowed, but there are no nursing rooms, changing tables, or stroller-friendly paths, so parents must carry the infant and may need to exit to nearby malls for basic care.
Positives:
- Engaging Senses: Vibrant colors and textures at stalls can captivate the baby’s attention.
- Waterfront Breeze: Open-air layout by the sea keeps temperatures comfortable.
Challenges:
- Narrow Aisles: Stroller access is difficult; use a baby carrier instead of a stroller.
- No On-Site Baby Facilities: There are no nursing rooms or diaper-changing stations at the market.
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 with baby?
- Colorful stalls of woven, batik, and carved crafts suited for visual engagement.
- Hands-on bargaining game teaches simple Malay phrases to child.
- Fresh fruit shakes and snacks by the sea offer quick refreshment.
- Compact layout allows a brief, 1–2 hour visit without tiring the baby.
- Close to malls with baby facilities for breaks or emergencies.
Note: Handicraft Market is 36% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to browse stalls, sample snacks, and enjoy the waterfront without tiring the baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Handicraft Market
Browse Colorful Handicrafts:
Stroll through stalls of woven baskets, batik textiles, and wood carvings.
Tip: Use a baby carrier and go on weekday mornings to navigate narrow aisles easily.
Practice Bargaining:
Learn simple Malay haggling phrases with vendors for souvenirs.
Tip: Turn it into a game by letting the baby watch you count numbers in Malay.
Sample Local Snacks:
Try fresh fruit shakes, kuih, and grilled seafood at the street stalls.
Tip: Share a fruit shake with the baby and sit by the waterfront for a breeze.
Capture Waterfront Views:
Enjoy sunset light on the sea and colorful stall displays.
Tip: Keep the baby in a sling and use soft morning or late afternoon light for photos.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Handicraft Market
- Timing Your Visit: Go on weekday mornings to avoid evening crowds and heat.
- Plan a Mall Break: Combine the visit with Suria Sabah mall for nursing rooms and diaper stations.
- Pack Light: Buy small, lightweight souvenirs to avoid carrying bulky items with the baby.
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 during Malaysia’s dry season (March–October) to avoid rain. If you come in November–February, bring a compact umbrella.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Fresh fruit shake | MYR 4 |
| Cartoon-style beaded keychain | MYR 10 |
| Small woven basket | MYR 20 |
| Grilled seafood plate | MYR 15 |
| Total Estimated | MYR 49 |
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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