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.

Filipino Market
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).