Handicraft Market (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Handicraft Market?
What makes it 63% Kids-Friendly: School-age children enjoy spotting bright batik and learning simple haggling, yet evening crowds, narrow walkways, and lack of play or rest areas may tire them quickly.
Positives:
- Hands-On Learning: Bargaining teaches kids basic numbers and local phrases.
- Sensory Exploration: Bright colors and varied textures keep children interested.
- Flexible Pace: Open-air layout lets you pause or leave early if kids tire.
Challenges:
- Crowded Aisles: Stalls can be tight at peak times; watch younger kids closely.
- Limited Seating: Few benches are available; bring a light foldable stool if needed.
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 kids?
- Kids learn haggling by buying small local crafts.
- Vibrant stalls hold batik, wood carvings and beaded toys.
- Easy waterfront setting offers sunset views and photos.
- Affordable snacks let children taste fresh fruits and ice cream.
- Open layout lets families set their own pace.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Short walk lets kids explore stalls and try snacks without getting tired.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Handicraft Market
Browse Colorful Handicrafts:
Stroll rows of woven baskets, wood carvings and batik textiles.
Tip: Let kids point out favorite shapes and colors to keep them engaged.
Practice Haggling:
Teach simple Malay numbers and phrases at each stall.
Tip: Turn bargaining into a game: who gets the best deal?
Choose Kid-Friendly Keepsakes:
Pick small coin purses, beaded keychains or toy blowpipes.
Tip: Set a modest budget per child (RM5–20) and let them decide.
Sample Local Street Food:
Try ice cream, fruit skewers or grilled seafood snacks.
Tip: Share portion sizes so kids can taste more without waste.
Capture Waterfront Views:
Take family photos with sunset light reflecting on the water.
Tip: Find a low wall or ledge for kids to sit safely while you shoot.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Handicraft Market
- Early Evening Visit: Arrive around 5 PM to avoid the busiest crowd and heat.
- Hydration Pack: Carry water bottles and small snacks to keep energy up.
- Pocket Budget Game: Give each child an envelope of cash to manage their own spending.
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 on clear evenings after 5 PM for cooler weather and vibrant lights. Avoid heavy rains from November to January.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Kid keychain souvenir | MYR 10 |
| Adult batik sarong | MYR 60 |
| Ice cream or fruit skewer | MYR 6 |
| Total Estimated | MYR 164 |
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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