Main Bazaar
A bustling waterfront street in Kuching, famous for its vibrant craft markets, delicious local food, and unique Sarawak souvenirs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shops close by 5 PM
Main Bazaar
Best Time
Shops close by 5 PM
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling waterfront street in Kuching, famous for its vibrant craft markets, delicious local food, and unique Sarawak souvenirs.
"The most-visited place in Kuching, find the best Sarawak souvenirs, layer cakes, art, and antiques here."
Taste Before You Buy :cake:
Sample the delicious 'kek lapis' from different shops before making your purchase. You'll find many varieties!
Shop for Souvenirs :gift:
Main Bazaar is the best place for Sarawak souvenirs, crafts, and clothing. Prices are often better than India Street.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kek Lapis Sarawak
Various shops along Main Bazaar
Indulge in the vibrant, multi-layered Sarawakian cake. Sample generously before choosing your favorite flavor!
Sarawak Crafts & Souvenirs
Main Bazaar stalls
Discover unique handmade crafts, textiles, and local art that capture the spirit of Sarawak.
Local Delicacies
Food stalls and eateries
Savor authentic Kuching flavors like Kolo Mee and Pork Porridge from long-standing local eateries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Souvenir Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Taste Before You Buy :cake:
Sample the delicious 'kek lapis' from different shops before making your purchase. You'll find many varieties!
Shop for Souvenirs :gift:
Main Bazaar is the best place for Sarawak souvenirs, crafts, and clothing. Prices are often better than India Street.
Arrive Early :clock:
The bazaar closes around 5 PM, so aim to arrive earlier in the day to explore all the shops.
Explore Nearby :world_map:
It's conveniently located near India Street and the Waterfront, perfect for a full day of sightseeing.
Tips
from all over the internet
Taste Before You Buy :cake:
Sample the delicious 'kek lapis' from different shops before making your purchase. You'll find many varieties!
Shop for Souvenirs :gift:
Main Bazaar is the best place for Sarawak souvenirs, crafts, and clothing. Prices are often better than India Street.
Arrive Early :clock:
The bazaar closes around 5 PM, so aim to arrive earlier in the day to explore all the shops.
Explore Nearby :world_map:
It's conveniently located near India Street and the Waterfront, perfect for a full day of sightseeing.
Try Local Eats :food:
Don't miss out on local specialties like Kolo Mee and Pork Porridge from the eateries here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Main Bazaar is a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere and wide selection of Sarawak souvenirs, especially the famous 'kek lapis'. Visitors appreciate the variety of crafts, clothing, and local food options, often finding better prices here than elsewhere. While it closes relatively early, it's a great spot for a day of shopping and sightseeing.
"Where you can find alot of kek lapis. Please taste all before decide where to buy. As every shop is nice to eat 😆. Found some sarawak clothes and souvenir here is cheap compare to India street."
Monica Liau
"Great place to shop, materials, spices shops of all sorts. Also near India street and the Waterfront. Great place to spend a day shopping and sight seeing."
Borneodaya
"The most-visited place in Kuching is the main bazaar, and it is here where you can find the best Sarawak souvenirs, layer cakes art, and antiques. I've been coming here for years and seen some of the businesses still thriving while Covid19 shuttered some of them.
Anyone visiting Kuching will definitely come here, and just to walk from one end to the other will take you about an hour, considering you stop to buy things. The place closes at around 5.00 PM, so please come early if you want to do shopping along Jalan Main Bazaar."
David “The Explorer” Hogan Jr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Main Bazaar is centrally located in Kuching, Sarawak, and is easily accessible by Grab (ride-sharing app) or local taxis. It's also a pleasant walk from many hotels and attractions along the waterfront.
Yes, Main Bazaar is very walkable and is situated right next to India Street and the Kuching Waterfront, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
The bazaar is a street lined with shops. Simply walk along Jalan Main Bazaar to explore the various stalls and eateries. It can take about an hour to walk from one end to the other if you stop to browse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Main Bazaar is a public street market and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore the area.
Most shops in Main Bazaar typically open in the morning and close around 5:00 PM. It's best to visit earlier in the day to ensure you have enough time for shopping.
There are no entrance fees for the shops themselves. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Main Bazaar is renowned for Sarawak souvenirs, including 'kek lapis' (layer cake), handmade crafts, local textiles, art, and antiques.
You'll find numerous shops selling 'kek lapis' along Main Bazaar. It's recommended to taste samples from different vendors before deciding on your purchase, as each shop offers unique flavors and quality.
While some vendors might be open to negotiation, especially for larger purchases, it's generally a fixed-price market. However, it's always worth a polite inquiry.
Yes, Main Bazaar offers a good selection of Sarawakian clothing and accessories, often at competitive prices compared to other tourist areas.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
You should definitely try local Kuching specialties like Kolo Mee and Pork Porridge. There are several long-standing eateries serving these dishes. +1
Yes, many of the popular local eateries, especially those serving pork dishes like Kolo Mee and Pork Porridge, are non-halal. +1
Expect casual eateries and food stalls offering authentic local flavors. It's a great place to experience the local food scene. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant stalls, colorful 'kek lapis' displays, and the general bustling atmosphere of the bazaar make for great photo opportunities. The proximity to the waterfront also offers scenic views.
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the general atmosphere and products. However, it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up shots of vendors or their specific displays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the bazaar can get crowded, so holding hands and keeping a close eye on children is advisable. The closing time of 5 PM means you can easily fit a visit into a family's daytime schedule without it being too late for younger ones.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
Don't miss the opportunity to try affordable and delicious local food like Kolo Mee and Pork Porridge from the street eateries. Sampling 'kek lapis' is also a budget-friendly way to taste local delicacies, as many shops offer free samples.
foodie Travelers
Don't leave without trying the famous 'kek lapis'. Take your time to sample various flavors and textures from different shops – it's a delightful way to discover the diverse tastes of Sarawak.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Kuching's Commerce
The bazaar's enduring appeal lies in its authentic local experience. Many businesses here have been operating for generations, showcasing a rich heritage of trade and craftsmanship. You can find unique items that reflect the culture and traditions of Sarawak, making it a prime location for finding meaningful souvenirs.
Beyond shopping, Main Bazaar offers a glimpse into the daily life of Kuching. The bustling atmosphere, the friendly vendors, and the aroma of local delicacies create a sensory experience that is quintessentially Kuching. It’s a place where history, culture, and commerce converge, offering a memorable visit for all.
Culinary Delights of Main Bazaar
Many of these food stalls are non-halal, catering to a diverse palate. Visitors are encouraged to sample the various offerings, as each vendor may have their own unique twist on these classic dishes. The casual dining atmosphere adds to the charm, allowing you to savor the local flavors in a relaxed setting.
Beyond these signature dishes, you can also find other local snacks and beverages. Exploring the food options at Main Bazaar is an adventure in itself, providing a delicious way to immerse yourself in the local culture and culinary traditions of Kuching.
Shopping for Authentic Sarawakian Treasures
A must-try and must-buy item is 'kek lapis', a visually stunning and delicious layered cake unique to Sarawak. The variety of flavors and designs is astounding, and it's highly recommended to sample from different shops before making a purchase, as each vendor offers a distinct taste and quality.
Compared to other tourist spots like India Street, the prices for souvenirs at Main Bazaar are often more competitive, making it an excellent place to find gifts and mementos. The experience of browsing through the stalls, interacting with local vendors, and discovering unique treasures makes shopping at Main Bazaar a rewarding part of any Kuching visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit