Pasar Tengah
Pontianak's historic Pasar Tengah: a bustling traditional market by day, transforming into a vibrant street food paradise by night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest goods & fewer crowds
Pasar Tengah
Best Time
Freshest goods & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pontianak's historic Pasar Tengah: a bustling traditional market by day, transforming into a vibrant street food paradise by night.
"It's stinky and muddy but it's a traditional pasar with amazing price, go early no later than 7am."
🎯 Go Early for Best Buys
Arrive before 7 AM for the freshest produce and widest selection of goods. :clock1:
🌙 Night Market Foodie Fun
Don't miss the evening transformation into a vibrant street food paradise. 🍜
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 2,215 reviews
Type
Market
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Market Treasures
Daytime market stalls
Discover everything from textiles and household goods to traditional salted fish and even engine parts. A true treasure trove for bargain hunters.
Nighttime Culinary Delights
Pasar Tengah at night
Experience a unique night market vibe with diverse street food options, offering a taste of local Pontianak flavors.
+1
Vintage Thrifting Finds
Flea market sections
Hunt for unique second-hand items, from clothing and gears to vintage knick-knacks. A paradise for thrifting enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bustle
Night Market Transformation
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Best Buys
Arrive before 7 AM for the freshest produce and widest selection of goods. :clock1:
🌙 Night Market Foodie Fun
Don't miss the evening transformation into a vibrant street food paradise.
💰 Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Haggling is part of the experience! Be prepared to negotiate for great prices. :moneywithwings:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Best Buys
Arrive before 7 AM for the freshest produce and widest selection of goods. :clock1:
🌙 Night Market Foodie Fun
Don't miss the evening transformation into a vibrant street food paradise.
💰 Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Haggling is part of the experience! Be prepared to negotiate for great prices. :moneywithwings:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
👃 Embrace the Local Scents
The market has a distinct aroma; it's part of its authentic charm. 👃
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pasar Tengah is a dynamic market offering a dual experience: a bustling traditional bazaar by day and a vibrant street food haven by night. Visitors appreciate its historical charm, wide variety of goods, and affordable culinary delights. However, some find the market can be crowded and occasionally pungent due to its traditional nature.
"As oldest market, this renewable market still offer wide variety stuffs. From flea used clothes, gears, engine, knives, bumper to traditional salted fish. On some corners you'll meet odors either from the ditch across or from the chicken coop sale for the meat. Talk about used stuffs, you can find anything here. Literally anything."
Muhammad Khusyairi Permata
"This used to be the main market in the city centre, where you could shop for meat, fish, vegies to clothing and shoes. People from remote areas would flock to central market either by their sampans/boats (cause it's by the Kapuas river) or trucks and filled them up with goods for resale. Nowadays, it has become somewhat less crowded because the local govt built new markets all across town. Recently after a big fire, the govt built newer blocks of building for the merchants and hawkers here. Unfortunately, people prefer to hawk their goods by the street. The area is now filled with these street hawkers and shops that do not do retail. The market is walkable if u don't mind the crowd. Interestingly, some of the shops are built durinfg Dutch occupation and of u search hard enough, some shops still has chinese character written on its walls."
Hedytono Hedytono
"It's stinky and muddy but it's a traditional pasar with amazing price, go early no later than 7am. Totally worth it to look around and see all varieties of food and vegetables."
Jay Chai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pasar Tengah is centrally located on Jl. Tanjung Pura. You can reach it easily by local public transport like 'angkot' or by taxi/ride-sharing services. It's also accessible by boat on the Kapuas River, reflecting its historical significance.
Parking can be challenging due to the bustling nature of the area. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or public transport if possible. If driving, look for designated parking areas nearby, though they can fill up quickly.
Besides walking, 'angkot' (minibuses) are a common way to navigate the city. For longer distances or more comfort, taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available.
Depending on your starting point, it might be walkable. It's located in the city center, so if you're exploring nearby historical sites or shopping areas, walking is a good option.
Historically, the Kapuas River was a major transport route, and Pasar Tengah was a key hub. While less common now, some local boat services might still operate, offering a unique perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pasar Tengah is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore its stalls and vibrant atmosphere.
The market operates in two main shifts. The traditional market is busiest in the early morning (around 5 AM to 12 PM). The night market culinary area typically opens from 5 PM to 11 PM.
Similar to the daytime market, there is no admission fee for the night market. You only pay for the food and drinks you purchase.
For the traditional market, aim for very early morning, before 7 AM. For the night market, arriving shortly after it opens at 5 PM can help you avoid the peak rush.
While not a regular occurrence, the market area sometimes hosts local events or cultural activities, especially during festive seasons. It's best to check local Pontianak event listings.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Goods
You can find a vast array of goods, including fresh produce, meats, fish, textiles, clothing, household items, traditional snacks, and even used goods like car parts and tools.
Yes, especially if you explore the less conventional stalls. Look for local handicrafts, traditional snacks, or unique vintage items from the thrifting sections.
Absolutely! Haggling is a common practice in traditional markets like Pasar Tengah. Don't be afraid to negotiate for a better price, especially for non-food items.
The textile and clothing sections are extensive. Explore different stalls and compare prices. The thrifting areas also offer very affordable clothing options.
Definitely! Pasar Tengah is renowned for its fresh produce, meats, and traditional Pontianak delicacies. The early morning is the best time for these.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
The night market offers a wide variety of local street food, including roti canai, grilled meats, seafood, traditional snacks, and refreshing drinks. It's a great place to sample Pontianak's culinary scene.
While many dishes are meat or seafood-based, you can often find vegetarian-friendly options like various types of 'gorengan' (fried snacks), fruit salads, and some noodle dishes. It's best to ask the vendors.
Roti canai is a popular choice, often enjoyed with curry. Also, look for grilled satay, various types of 'kue' (traditional cakes), and local beverages.
Yes, street food at Pasar Tengah is generally very affordable, offering great value for money. It's a budget-friendly way to experience local cuisine.
Yes, the night market usually has communal seating areas where you can enjoy your food. Some vendors might also have small tables and chairs.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Pasar Tengah offers a rich tapestry of local life, vibrant colors, and interesting characters, making it a fantastic spot for street photography.
Early morning captures the authentic hustle of the traditional market, while the evening offers the atmospheric glow of the night market food stalls.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, always be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors.
You can capture vendors at work, the diverse array of goods, the architecture (especially older sections), bustling crowds, and the vibrant food scene at night.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide scenes and details. A fast prime lens (like a 50mm f/1.8) is excellent for low-light conditions at the night market.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit