If you want to experience the true local lifestyle of Kuching, a visit to a traditional market is a must. Among the many markets in the city, Petanak Central Market (also known as Pasar Besar Petanak) stands out as a favourite for both early birds and night owls.
Located just outside the main tourist centre, this large two-storey building sits right next to the Sarawak River.
Whether you are looking for fresh local produce or a late-night supper, this market has a bit of everything. Here is your ultimate guide to exploring Petanak Central Market.
Highlights of the attraction
The magic of Petanak Central Market lies in its two very different floors, offering two completely different experiences depending on the time of day:
- The Ground Floor (Wet Market): In the morning, the ground floor is a bustling wet market. It is a fantastic place to see the raw ingredients that make up Sarawak’s rich cuisine. You will find aisles filled with fresh river fish, meats, and unique local vegetables like midin (wild jungle fern). There are also stalls selling local spices, fruits, and dried goods.
- The First Floor (Food Court): As the sun sets, the upstairs area comes to life. It transforms into a vibrant hawker centre with around 100 food stalls. It is highly recommended by locals for dinner and supper. Food lovers must try the famous Kueh Chap (especially at Stall 34, which has decades of history), local Hakka stir-fry dishes (cha zhi), Hainanese chicken rice, and classic Kolo Mee. You can enjoy your meal in an old-school setting while catching a nice breeze from the river.
Operating time, suggested time to spend & dressing when visiting
Operating Time: Because of its dual nature, the market has split hours.
- Wet Market (Ground Floor): Best to visit between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Many stalls start closing up or running out of stock by mid-day.
- Food Court (First Floor): Most cooked food stalls only open from 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM onwards, and stay open late into the night, up to midnight.
Suggested Time to Spend: Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here. This gives you enough time to walk around the ground floor in the morning, or sit down and enjoy a slow, relaxed meal in the evening.
Dressing: Keep it casual and comfortable. Since it is a traditional wet market and an open-air food court, it can get warm. Light cotton t-shirts, shorts or comfortable trousers, and flat walking shoes or sandals are highly recommended.
Ticket prices
There is absolutely no entry fee to visit Petanak Central Market. You only pay for what you buy. The food here is very affordable, with drinks costing around RM1 to RM3, and hearty meals ranging from RM6 to RM15 depending on what you order.
Getting there (Include directions from Kuching)
Petanak Central Market is located at 110, Jalan Petanak, 93100 Kuching.
Getting there from the Kuching city centre is very easy:
- By Car or E-hailing: It is only a quick 5 to 10-minute drive from the Kuching Waterfront or the main Padungan street. Simply book a Grab ride, which will cost very little from the city centre. There is also a large parking area outside if you are driving.
- By Walking: If you are staying around the Padungan area, you can take a scenic 15 to 20-minute walk to the market.
Photo gallery
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Tips when visiting
- Bring Cash: While e-wallets are becoming more popular, many older hawkers and wet market vendors still prefer cash in smaller notes.
- Come Hungry at Night: Do not eat a heavy dinner before visiting the first floor. You will want to share a few different dishes from various stalls.
- Watch Your Step: The wet market floor on the ground level can be a bit slippery and wet in the mornings, so walk carefully.
- Ask for Recommendations: The friendly stall owners are usually happy to suggest their signature dishes. Do not be shy to ask!
Hotels nearby
If you wish to stay close to the food action, there are several great hotels nearby. Since Jalan Petanak is close to the city’s Golden Triangle, you can easily book a room at:
- Imperial Riverbank Hotel Kuching
- Grand Margherita Hotel
- Riverside Majestic Hotel
- Pullman Kuching
These hotels offer comfortable stays and are just a stone’s throw away from both the market and the main tourist spots.
Conclusion and nearby places to visit
Petanak Central Market is a true hidden gem that offers an honest look at local life in Sarawak. From colourful fresh vegetables in the morning to mouth-watering bowls of hot noodles at night, it is a place that satisfies both the eyes and the stomach.
Once you are done exploring the market, there are plenty of nearby places to visit to complete your day.
Take a short walk to see the famous Cat Statue at the Padungan Roundabout, enjoy a relaxing stroll at the nearby Jubilee Park, or head over to the iconic Kuching Waterfront for a beautiful view of the sunset.
Need to know more about Kuching, or the rest of Borneo Malaysia? Check out the topics below to learn more.
