Night Markets in Sarawak
Sarawak is just as adventure-packed at night as it is during the day. As the sun sets, Sarawak’s famed night markets come to life, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience filled with food, entertainment and culture. In this list, we have narrowed down a few of Sarawak’s most iconic night markets for your next outing.
A 15-minute drive from Kuching’s city centre would bring you to the Metrocity Night Market in Petra Jaya. The Metrocity Night Market is open every Wednesday to Saturday from 4 pm to 12 am. It is one of the largest and busiest night markets in Kuching, attracting large crowds comprising both tourists and locals. On special occasions like Sarawak Day, this market will transform into a lively stage with music and entertainment showcasing local talents and traditional tunes.
Siniawan Night Market is another popular destination for food hunting and sightseeing. This market is located in a small quaint town in the Bau District, about 25 minutes from Kuching City Center. It is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm. Siniawan Night Market is known for its picturesque iconic old wooden townhouses, wall graffities and Chinese lanterns hung in zig-zag patterns that line the street. It is a true photographer’s paradise at night when it comes to life as the lanterns light up and illuminate the street in an ethereal glow. A culinary journey awaits you at the hawker stalls that sell varieties of local delicacies such as Bamboo Chicken, kueh, satay, kolo mee, laksa, grilled fish, barbeque chicken wing, ‘ais kacang’, ‘rojak’, ‘char kueh’ and more.
Sibu Night Market, otherwise known as the vibrant night market, is one of Sibu’s oldest markets that has been around since the 1960s. Unlike the other night markets, this market is open daily from 5 pm to 10 pm. Here, you can treat yourself to a variety of local delicacies like cakes, steamed buns, dim sum, satay, pastries, dumplings, barbecued pork parts and others. You don’t want to miss out on the half-moon pancakes, a Sibu all-time favorite. You can also find all types of household items, collectibles and fashion pieces to bring home with you.
Located in Miri, the Senadin Night Market was opened in 2022 and operates every Tuesday to Sunday from 4 pm to 12 am. This night market is Muslim-friendly and is divided into 2 zones, separating the halal zone from the non-halal zone. Miri locals visit this market for its barbeque delights sold at the ‘rumah asap’ barbeque stalls, along with the food and drink stalls.
Miri’s Saberkas Night Market is another popular night market that brings in visitors from around the area. It opens every Tuesday to Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm and is situated near Taman Bulatan Miri and Boulevard Commercial Centre, a strategic location making it a convenient go-to for Miri locals. You can shop for a variety of goods such as local handicrafts, clothes and local products to bring home as a keepsake. Discover an incredible range of local delicacies unique to this region like Nasi Lemak, murtabak, grilled chicken wings, apam balik, tender and juicy satay and colorful layered cakes.
Sarawak’s night markets are more than just places to shop and eat; they act as a hub that draws communities from all over together to experience Sarawak’s culture to the fullest. To learn more about Sarawak’s food culture scene, visit www.sarawaktourism.com for more information.
