Kota Kinabalu Shopping Tips by Wild_Orchid Top 5 Page for this destination

Filipino Market by the Waterfront: Treasures from the Sea & from Nature

An interesting market, with stalls lined up in rows, almost like rabbit warrens, but with treasures and souveniors waiting to be discovered.

A wide range of seawater pearls, handicraft, bags handmade from natural fibres, colourful pareos/sarungs, t-shirts, all at different prices & quality so you would need to look around and compare before buying.

Tip for supershoppers: starting prices are always very high and you would need to bargain it down by about 1/2 or even less. Much cheaper than at regular shops, but quality & finishing could be different.

What to buy: I bought a beautiful strand of small salt-water pearls (not perfectly round, but shaped like small seeds, off-white colour). Quoted price was RM60, and at the end, I paid RM50/US$12 for two strands! I can wear them twisted against each other or separately to create a longer strand. They match well with casual tops or with formal office wear. Pearl earrings, marked at RM45, but I paid only RM25/US$6 for the pair. I also bought some wooden household decorations.

I did not drive a hard bargain and was satisfied with my purchases. Everyone's got to make a living.

Downside: It can be quite warm and rather dark inside the markets. This is Asia, do be prepared to sweat a little. :-)

What to pay: Different quality at different prices. Worth looking around a bit before commiting to your purchase. RM20-30 for a pair of salt-water pearl earings, various prices for crystal bracelets, but some could be fakes, so buy them at your own risk.

Address: Filipino Market by the KK Waterfront/Esplanade

Directions: Within walking distance from Promenade Hotel.
By taxi (approx RM12) from Shangri-la Tg Aru. You can also take a bus from near Shangri-la Tg Aru (runs about every 1/2 hour).

Theme: Local Craft