Filipino Market
The market almost opposite the main minibus station next to the Centre
Point Shopping Complex on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens is known as the Filipino
Market, as most of the stalls are run by Filipino immigrants. A variety
of Filipino and local handicrafts are sold in the hundreds of cramped stalls,
along winding alleyways which are strung by low-slung curtains of shells,
baskets and bags. You can find a diverse range of products available at
the Filipino Market - from traditional foods to medicine and toiletries.
You could even find something to amuse you on your travels, such as the
apparatus for Filipino games such as 'Dama', or perhaps more Western board
and bingo games. Even if you're not looking for anything in particular,
a trip to the market can offer a great cultural experience and an enjoyable
excursion when visiting this area.
Filipino Market. © Mike Cadman
The Filipino Market is a good place to buy cultured pearls (about RM5 each) and
has everything from fake gemstones to camagong-wood salad bowls, fibre shirts and
traditional Indonesian medicines.
Just outside the stalls all along the kerb of the road there are makeshift sheds
where Filipino tailors station themselves and their sewing machines. They provide
very cheap stitching services to those who need their jeans altered or patched,
bags or clothing mended - all these for a small sum. You can even bargain for a
cheaper rate!
Getting There
- Walk along Jalan Tun Fuad Stepfens across the road from Sabah Parks office within
Sinsuran Complex. You will immediately see the wave-liked wood roof structure of
the Filipino Market.
- You will be able to see South Chine Sea from behind the Filipino Market.
- The Central Market is just beside the Filipino Market (when facing the Filipino
Market, the Central Market is on your right side).