If you are looking to buy souvenirs and handicraft in Kuching at a cheap and reasonable price, I highly recommend you to visit the market place.
Not only you get to good reasonable prices, but you can also mingle with locals as well.
1. Satok Farmer’s Market
The Satok Market used to be a weekend market located at Jalan Satok, where the name was derived from.
Today, the Satok Market is now located at a brand new location opposite the Tunku Rahman Bridge with more space and comfortable facilities for the local traders.
The market is now open daily and not only on the weekends.
There are many things to look for such as local pepper, palm sugar, souvenirs, and also local pastries.
Just like Gaya Street Fair KK, you should try to come on the weekends when more stalls pop up as local traders from around the outskirts of Kuching gather to sell fresh jungle produce such as bamboo shoots, fern shoots, and some handicrafts.
Location: Jalan Matang, Kuching. Opposite Tunku Rahman Bridge
2.India Street Pedestrian Mall
As the name indicates, India Street derives its name from the many Indian traders along the street area. This would be a great opportunity for you to see traditional Indian custom and rituals.
One of the main attraction there is the Indian Mosque, which is a can’t miss, especially if you are love taking photos. If you are a traveler looking for souvenirs, well get ready to pile up spices, handicrafts, crockery, and textiles, which are sold at cheap prices here.
3. Kuching Main Bazaar
Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront in Sarawak has to be the most visited place in town as it is the number one place to shop for souvenirs, handicraft and also to enjoy the beautiful views of the Sarawak River or simply dine at one of the restaurants or cafes along this place which is also known as the Kuching Esplanade. Known to locals as Kuching Main Bazaar, you can find almost every ethnic handicraft at the shops here along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Kuching Main Bazaar shops
Every tourist that visits Kuching will sure to make a stop at this famous Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman road. Many travel agents who specialize in Eco-Tourism trips, Adventure tours and the most popular which is the Longhouse Visits are found in this street which is dominated by the two storey old pre-war colonial buildings.
Kuching Main Bazaar Handicraft Shop
Apart from the tour services offered here, there are a number of other interesting shops to visit along the Main Bazaar which are the Handicraft Shops, Souvenir Shops, Restaurants and even at one end, the famous Goldsmith Row. This place attracts all sorts of travelers as from my many visits here, I have noticed local travelers right up to backpackers and foreigners who are seen exploring the area. Chinatown is just around the corner if you should know.
The beauty about the Kuching Main Bazaar is that the place remains as original as it can be with not much modern development on the main street thus showcasing some of the best and finest ethnic crafts found in Borneo. A number of art shops, collectible shops and handicraft shops make you visit worthwhile if you are into this sort of thing. I for one, always spend a good 3-4 hours here just browsing for additional pieces to feed my ethnic collection of weapons. All sorts of strange wood carvings and wooden masks are found here too.
Kuching Main Bazaar old goldsmith shop selling craft
Some of the older shops have been converted into souvenir shops selling a mix of items. There was one shop which sold raw Sarawak Pepper while half of the shop sold interesting curios. The best times to explore this place would be mornings till afternoon as they start to close by about 6pm.
Main Bazaar shop arch painted in ethnic motifs
Back on the main street, if you walk along the old shop house five foot walkway, you will be greeted with various types of archways cleverly decorated and painted to attract potential business. Most of them are painted to the Iban or Orang Ulu traditional motives. Seeing them would mean a shop selling ethnic items would be there and one could find something really worth getting. Do not worry if the items are too big to carry as most of these shops do postal delivery back to your country for a minimal fee.
Kuching Main Bazaar souvenir shops
One thing I always make a point to stop and get are local handicraft souvenirs. There are a ton of them around and many with unique choices. Most of the beaded items come in form of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Key chains are popular especially those in the shape of the traditional Sarawak Iban Warrior Shield.
... Must Visit ... 