Serikin Weekend Street Market
Serikin Weekend Street Market
3.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.5
66 reviews
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4
Very good
29
Average
28
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Jessica Lee
Ipoh, Malaysia132 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
There are many items sold there such as cotton pillows, bolsters, clothes, souvenir items, fruits, chips and many more. Most of the things sold there are brought in from Indonesia and bargaining is allowed. Hence, if you buy in large amounts, do bargain with the vendors as they might offer cheaper prices at times. There are also several hawker shops which sell bakso, ayam penyet and other food. Would recommend renting a car or taking a tour to the market as it is approximately 2 hours away from Kuching town.
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chandra G R
Bali, Indonesia404 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
This was my second time to PASAR SERIKIN; unfortunately, it rained this time, as well !
The trip from Kuching is to near the Kalimantan (Indonesia)-Kuching (Sarawak) border, approx 50Km, and can easily take 1.5 hr, if going by bus, which alone can be a bit of adventure!
The start is with bus #2, at the bus terminal near the Saujana Car Park Complex, downtown Kuching. This is about an hour-long ride, ending at the town of BAU. While waiting for the bus onward, one can walk around Bau-- which also has a food market on the weekend. At the bus terminal, there is a wait for bus 3A, going to SERIKIN -- or close to it!
The first time I went, the bus stopped right at the edge of Serikin; this second trip, the driver warned the stop would be outside town, with a walk of 10-15 minutes !! This, due to the numerous drivers going to the Market, creating a continuous, constant, barely-moving traffic jam !!
The Market is a weekend venture for many vendors, coming from nearby villages, as well as many coming from nearby Indonesia. The market is stall-after-stall-after-stall, approx a mile long. The wares range from ALL manner of Souvenirs, as well as LOTS of food, drinks, and snacks to .... herbs, potions, creams, salves, and powders to flip-flops, sandals, sneakers (Converse, too), pumps+heels to school,uniforms, bridal dresses, Muslim-appropriate dasters, dresses, skirts, and tops to sundresses, crop-tops, pyjamas, and pants to all sorts of fabric, yard-goods, and sarongs to lamps, floor mats, baskets, placemats, napkins, curtains, and bed linens to hubcaps, hand-tools, PVC, roof tiles-- and then, there's still the fruit and vegetable part of the market, which is alllllll the way at the end, just before the turn-around. Of course, price-negotiating is expected.
I found the prices to be less than in Kuching, whether along the waterfront on Main Bazaar (most expensive) or on India Street (less expensive) --and more,than in Indonesia, where a large portion of the goods are made (tho many do come from China, as well).
When it rains, umbrellas sprout, and business goes on as usual, just a little slower as buyers and gawkers navigate the many puddles.
Returning to Kuching the first time was a looonnnng wait for a minvan, to Bau, complete with an open battery which was jump-started to get the van going. The bus ride from Bau to Kuching was quite uneventful. The second trip from the market to Bau, during the rain, I asked a young couple for a ride to Bau, which was readily given : )
Having gone two times to the market, I would say that one time does indeed suffice !
>>IF one uses the bus, do pay heed to the connecting bus times in Bau, to minimize the wait.. and notice the "last bus" departure times, to make it safely back to Kuching !
The trip from Kuching is to near the Kalimantan (Indonesia)-Kuching (Sarawak) border, approx 50Km, and can easily take 1.5 hr, if going by bus, which alone can be a bit of adventure!
The start is with bus #2, at the bus terminal near the Saujana Car Park Complex, downtown Kuching. This is about an hour-long ride, ending at the town of BAU. While waiting for the bus onward, one can walk around Bau-- which also has a food market on the weekend. At the bus terminal, there is a wait for bus 3A, going to SERIKIN -- or close to it!
The first time I went, the bus stopped right at the edge of Serikin; this second trip, the driver warned the stop would be outside town, with a walk of 10-15 minutes !! This, due to the numerous drivers going to the Market, creating a continuous, constant, barely-moving traffic jam !!
The Market is a weekend venture for many vendors, coming from nearby villages, as well as many coming from nearby Indonesia. The market is stall-after-stall-after-stall, approx a mile long. The wares range from ALL manner of Souvenirs, as well as LOTS of food, drinks, and snacks to .... herbs, potions, creams, salves, and powders to flip-flops, sandals, sneakers (Converse, too), pumps+heels to school,uniforms, bridal dresses, Muslim-appropriate dasters, dresses, skirts, and tops to sundresses, crop-tops, pyjamas, and pants to all sorts of fabric, yard-goods, and sarongs to lamps, floor mats, baskets, placemats, napkins, curtains, and bed linens to hubcaps, hand-tools, PVC, roof tiles-- and then, there's still the fruit and vegetable part of the market, which is alllllll the way at the end, just before the turn-around. Of course, price-negotiating is expected.
I found the prices to be less than in Kuching, whether along the waterfront on Main Bazaar (most expensive) or on India Street (less expensive) --and more,than in Indonesia, where a large portion of the goods are made (tho many do come from China, as well).
When it rains, umbrellas sprout, and business goes on as usual, just a little slower as buyers and gawkers navigate the many puddles.
Returning to Kuching the first time was a looonnnng wait for a minvan, to Bau, complete with an open battery which was jump-started to get the van going. The bus ride from Bau to Kuching was quite uneventful. The second trip from the market to Bau, during the rain, I asked a young couple for a ride to Bau, which was readily given : )
Having gone two times to the market, I would say that one time does indeed suffice !
>>IF one uses the bus, do pay heed to the connecting bus times in Bau, to minimize the wait.. and notice the "last bus" departure times, to make it safely back to Kuching !
Written 23 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam Majid
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia407 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
Take a 90 minutes drive from Kuching to the border of Sarawak and Indonesia to see the produce on sale by traders from Indonesia and Sarawak. Come in early morning (before 9am) to beat the crowd and the humid hot weather but do take your time to walk all the way to the end of this market where the local vegetable sellers congregate. This market has interested hand-made and antique items on sale and they would expect you to bargain for items that interests you.
Written 26 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wolfisin
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia172 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
I think it's important to know why yo would want to come here.
This is an Indonesian market in Malaysia. The goods the food the crafts are all Indonesian. The fact that it is on this side of the border is a convenience and an attraction. Serikin is very close to the border of Kalimantan, Indonesia.
For what it is, its a very good market, for the casual tourist and the local bargain hunter. It is also not yet a full blown tourist spot so still retains its charm.
This is an Indonesian market in Malaysia. The goods the food the crafts are all Indonesian. The fact that it is on this side of the border is a convenience and an attraction. Serikin is very close to the border of Kalimantan, Indonesia.
For what it is, its a very good market, for the casual tourist and the local bargain hunter. It is also not yet a full blown tourist spot so still retains its charm.
Written 31 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelina19-49
Melbourne, Australia113 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
It is only available during the weekends (Saturday & Sunday). You get to see different stalls and there are lots of unique foods and goods. Do be careful with snatch thieves. And the weather will be really warm after 0916am. Bring lots of water and umbrella.
Written 21 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Surendaran
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia204 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
My first lesson learnt is that I will need to be here very early in the morning. The heat around 11am is enough to turn me into a red indian.
This place is about an hour drive from Kuching town. Before you leave for the market, please bear in mind, that there is no toilets along the journey so you must ensure all your bladder and bowel movements are handled prior to the travel. There is also no fuel station for a long while so your transport needs to be well fed as well.
Most of the items sold here are textiles and local wooden items brought in from Indonesia. This is a place where you can really try your haggling skills and bargain your way thru. Most sellers are friendly and will try to accomodate to your price. I felt that I was back in the Thailand market/indonesian market when I was here haggling. It is a great experience and fun to be.
This place is about an hour drive from Kuching town. Before you leave for the market, please bear in mind, that there is no toilets along the journey so you must ensure all your bladder and bowel movements are handled prior to the travel. There is also no fuel station for a long while so your transport needs to be well fed as well.
Most of the items sold here are textiles and local wooden items brought in from Indonesia. This is a place where you can really try your haggling skills and bargain your way thru. Most sellers are friendly and will try to accomodate to your price. I felt that I was back in the Thailand market/indonesian market when I was here haggling. It is a great experience and fun to be.
Written 24 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Serten S
12 contributions
You've got nothing there what you can't buy in kuching. They sell a lot of clothing but they don't sell any souvenirs. It's not worth your money and time!!!!
Written 10 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yatt hassan
Sepang, Malaysia5 contributions
Jan 2019
its a lot of item that u can find here especially for those who love those handmade items and it is cheap! but please come to this place as early as u can in the morning because around 11am to 12 am onwards the weather is so hot hahahahaaa :P
Written 7 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Desmond Wong
Sibu, Malaysia139 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
I mentioned worth the visit as I had things I wanted to get from this market. If you are into jungle produce, like the honey, the woods, traditional medicine and even gemstone, then this place can be rather interesting for you. Nevertheless there are many stalls selling clothings too (Batik Sarawak and Indonesia, Sarawak natives costumes etc)
Just rent a car to this market as there are much things to see and do in the area. From this market you can visit the two popular caves nearby, namely Fairy Cave & Wind Cave. Bau town is in the area too, so is the much unique Siniawan Night Market.
If Grab car is your option to get to this market, I believe they do drive you there, and it's best you ask the Grab driver to wait for you, else returning to Kuching city can be a big problem, unless someone is willing to drive all the way from the city to the market to pick you up.
About an hour from Kuching city by car.
Just rent a car to this market as there are much things to see and do in the area. From this market you can visit the two popular caves nearby, namely Fairy Cave & Wind Cave. Bau town is in the area too, so is the much unique Siniawan Night Market.
If Grab car is your option to get to this market, I believe they do drive you there, and it's best you ask the Grab driver to wait for you, else returning to Kuching city can be a big problem, unless someone is willing to drive all the way from the city to the market to pick you up.
About an hour from Kuching city by car.
Written 31 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krazeybender
Melaka, Malaysia81 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
So we took a transport for over an hour from Kuching to come to this place.
This place apparently is well known for its border trading market from both the Malaysian and indonesian side.
And i'm in full mode of haggling and buying some really local souvenir here.
But once i'm here, the hype is way overrated.
While there's some traditional clothing, weaving/beads bags, ratan based handcraft.
Various foods such as the buah salak, avocado, tradition bitter chips are also common sight with good pricing.
And of course there's also sundry shop selling basic necessities for the local, but however, the places is also littered with imitation goods from jeans to fashion clothing to mass produced handicraft that have nothing to do with the local culture and tradition.
These trader probably just taking the opportunities to make a living, but with their presence, I can't help but feel like this is some imitation market like petaling street, and jonker street.
So I suppose some restriction and regulation would have make this a more cultural experience.
One more thing is the availability of fnb outlet for tourist. They seriously lacks the ability to cater to a large crowd as many were seen standing outside shops waiting for their transport and no place for them to sit and rest or have a drink.
Since this place is promoted as a tourist spot, maybe some improvement is needed.
This place apparently is well known for its border trading market from both the Malaysian and indonesian side.
And i'm in full mode of haggling and buying some really local souvenir here.
But once i'm here, the hype is way overrated.
While there's some traditional clothing, weaving/beads bags, ratan based handcraft.
Various foods such as the buah salak, avocado, tradition bitter chips are also common sight with good pricing.
And of course there's also sundry shop selling basic necessities for the local, but however, the places is also littered with imitation goods from jeans to fashion clothing to mass produced handicraft that have nothing to do with the local culture and tradition.
These trader probably just taking the opportunities to make a living, but with their presence, I can't help but feel like this is some imitation market like petaling street, and jonker street.
So I suppose some restriction and regulation would have make this a more cultural experience.
One more thing is the availability of fnb outlet for tourist. They seriously lacks the ability to cater to a large crowd as many were seen standing outside shops waiting for their transport and no place for them to sit and rest or have a drink.
Since this place is promoted as a tourist spot, maybe some improvement is needed.
Written 7 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
May I know what time the market will be closed on Sunday? Is it still available if I reach there in the afternoon?
Written 18 October 2018
Sorry for the late reply, I was told that the vendors will starts to pack up after noon on Sunday, probably not a good idea to reach there in the afternoon.
Written 9 November 2018
How to get to pasar serikin from Kuching?
Written 28 April 2018
Pedusi2003
Singapore, Singapore
Hi, Pedusi2003. What would you like to know about this attraction?
What is the operation hours for this Pasar Serikin?
Written 11 March 2017
Hi Pedusi2003,
It is best to visit on weekend, Saturday and Sunday, leave early from Kuching City, as it will get very humid/hot when it comes to noon! bring along hat/cap/umbrella, sunglasses/shade, and use sunblock.. makesure standby lots of luggage allowance on flight as items are very cheap and dont forget to negotiate!
Written 11 March 2017
This coming Christmas Holiday the market (Serikin) open or not. Thinking of visiting there. Need to check first coz we're purposely coming all the way from Kota Kinabalu just to go there.
Written 16 December 2016
Don't bother going there, nothing special..scorching hot, almost all stalls are selling the same thing, mostly clothes, handicraft, leech oil, & weird stuff. And it's about 1.30hrs from centre of city..not worth your journey...
Written 16 December 2016
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