Because so much is available on Main Bazaar Street, we’ve divided shopping into two components, Main Bazaar Street, and Kuching Proper...
Main Bazaar Street
Crafts and antiquities represent crossover shopping opportunities in Kuching, so many shops have both. Many of the most impressive shops are found along Main Bazaar Street. The best shops are found between Jalan China on the west at GPS N01°33.544’ E 110°20.790’ and Jalan Temple on the east, at GPS N01°33.448’ E 110°20.915’. Most of these are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm or so.
We found the following shops among the most compelling, along the above-mentioned strip on Main Bazaar, working east-to-west, the way most people approach Main Bazaar.
Number 104, Atelier Gallery Tel: 082-243-492 Here, contemporary Malaysian art and design are melded, in a nicely-designed store appealing to interior décor fans. There is a gallery of contemporary art upstairs
Number 100, Borneo Magic Tel: 082-413-677 Here, you’ll find splices (that’s sandalwood you’re smelling, straw mats, and contemporary crafts)
Number 84, Nelson’s Gallery Tel: 082-411-066 Owner Nelson Tan is a real riot, and is informative as well, always happy to educate the customer. Some of the best older tribal pieces on the street are here.
Number 58, John’s Gallery Tel: 082-253-088 There’s some wonderful old stuff here, and a helpful crew, including Corina Ng, who was friendly and informative. More classic tribal pieces are upstairs, so don’t be afraid to ask. Don’t mistake this shop for John’s furniture shop a few doors down, which feature new furniture and no antiquitie. GPS N01°33.491’ E110°20.077’
Number 56, Fabriko Tel: 082-422-233 www.fabriko.com.my This boutique specializes in natural-dye silk and cotton fabrics and weavings, leaning toward high design. Their larger shop is around the corner at 19 India Street.
Number 34, Arts of Dayak Tel: 082-232-894 Owner Nick has been collecting for years, and he’s straightforward, friendly, and informative. Be sure to visit the back room, where some of the real treasures are. GPS N01°33.532’ E110°20.813’
Number 27, Bong Gallery Tel: 082-425-255 You can easily get lost in this place, which seemingly has everything, although no real pattern is discernable. If you’re looking for something special, Bong may have it, buried under this pile or that (just ask).
Number 14, Nelsons Antiques and Jewellery Tel: 082-248-077 www.shop8rom.com Owner Angelia Tan yet another of the legendary antiquities family of Kuching, (she’s the younger sister of John and Nelson), and she’s just as engaging and informative as her brothers. Her shop is just west of Jalan China.
Kuching Waterfront Bazaar Housed in the old Steamship building on Main Bazaar Street are a dozen or so shops selling crafts of all sorts, and there is an internet spot open upstairs. Open until 10 pm. GPS N01°33.584’ E110°20.752’
Sarawak Kraf Council Round Building, Old Court House complex Tel: 082-425-652 Open Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, 2 pm – 5:00pm; Weekends 8:00 am – 12 pm www.sarawakhandicraft.com GPS N01°33.527’ E110°20.693’ Here, you’ll see ongoing demonstrations of tribal crafts, and can buy in their shop as well.
Sarakraf Pavilion Lot 78, Section 43, Jalan Tabuan Tel: 082-258-771 www.sarakraf.com.my GPS N01°32.590’ E110°21.256’ Sarakraf is one of the great experiences in Kuching, where you can see demonstrations of how the crafts are made, take classes, and buy crafts in their on-premises shop.
Sunday Market Lorong Satok Number 9 Open Saturday from 2 pm, and Sunday all day GPS N01°33.137’ E 110°20.067’ Although best known for its jungle produce, animals, and foods, there are a number of crafts dealers here at the Sunday Market as well. For antiquities, our advice is to stick with the shops we’ve described on Main bazaar Street.
