Siniawan Old Town Night Market
A historic town transformed into a lively night food market on weekends, offering local delicacies amidst charming old shophouses.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market buzz and food galore
Siniawan Old Town Night Market
Best Time
Market buzz and food galore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic town transformed into a lively night food market on weekends, offering local delicacies amidst charming old shophouses.
"This cowboy-looking town with its pretty street and old wooden shop lots offers a nice old-school atmosphere."
🚗 Car is Key
Getting to Siniawan is easiest by car, about 35 mins from Kuching. Parking fills up fast on weekends! :car:
💸 Prices Can Be High
Some visitors find food prices a bit steep, and there's a lot of deep-fried options. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Ironwood Shophouses
Main Street
Wander through charming, century-old wooden buildings that whisper tales of a bygone era.
Bustling Night Food Mall
Main Street
Indulge in a wide array of local delicacies and street food from numerous hawker stalls.
Riverside Charm
Near the river
Discover a small jetty offering a change of scenery and picturesque views of the river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Food Stalls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car is Key
Getting to Siniawan is easiest by car, about 35 mins from Kuching. Parking fills up fast on weekends! :car:
💸 Prices Can Be High
Some visitors find food prices a bit steep, and there's a lot of deep-fried options. :moneybag:
📸 Great for Photos
The old town's atmosphere is perfect for photography, especially as dusk settles. 
🚫 Not a Produce Market
Despite the name, it's more of a food mall than a place to buy fresh produce. :shopping_cart:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car is Key
Getting to Siniawan is easiest by car, about 35 mins from Kuching. Parking fills up fast on weekends! :car:
💸 Prices Can Be High
Some visitors find food prices a bit steep, and there's a lot of deep-fried options. :moneybag:
📸 Great for Photos
The old town's atmosphere is perfect for photography, especially as dusk settles.
🚫 Not a Produce Market
Despite the name, it's more of a food mall than a place to buy fresh produce. :shopping_cart:
☔ Check the Weather
Bad weather can impact the crowd and stall openings, so check the forecast! :cloud_rain:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Siniawan Old Town Night Market is praised for its historic charm and vibrant food scene, offering a unique cultural experience. Visitors enjoy the atmospheric old wooden shophouses and the variety of local delicacies available. However, some find the food prices a bit high and the market can get very crowded on weekend evenings, making seating difficult.
"Siniawan Bazaar has come a long way since 2008 when a grass root movement began documenting this mining outpost for fear of complete destruction by king tide floods. Water line can reach as high as roof top of these ironwood-built shophouses. Theirs and the community's efforts eventuated a flood mitigation and drainage project by the government. Fast forward to 2025, the new Waterfront public space became the newest addition (circa Sept 26th, 2025) to an once abandoned historical place (circa 1840). The Sarawak Heritage Society Executive Committee for 2010-2012 gets a special mention for their work here.
Siniawan has two annual anchor events to highlight. The 'chap goh meh' (15th day of Chinese New Year) street parade is rooted in cultural (hakka) traditions. The other is the transplated root in the Siniawan Country Music Festival (since 2016).
The main street is now a mall where the pedestrain only stretch teems with street food stalls from Fridays to Sundays.
P/S Siniawan Night Market is a misnomer. Save for the odd fruits for additional revenue stream, one cannot buy fresh produce there. A better label would be 'Siniawan Night Food Mall'."
Michael Work
"We drove to this place on a Sunday evening thinking it was a night market. It was in fact a food street market in a cowboy looking town. It was rather small. The stalls were interesting and we had some delicious food there. It is 35 mins from Kuching city so you can only get here with a car. I would only recommend it if you had nothing else plan as it was quite out of the way."
Sharon T
"Pretty street with wooden, old shop lots giving it a nice old school atmosphere. Prices for most stalls were a bit on the high side and too much deep fried food for my liking. Was slightly difficult to find a place to seat on a late Saturday evening. Towards the river there’s a small jetty if you want a change of scenery. The street itself isn’t very long.
Plenty of parking when I arrived around 5:30pm but it was very full when I left."
Nicholas Chan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Siniawan Old Town Night Market is by car, as it's about a 35-minute drive from Kuching city. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also options. Public transport might be less direct and time-consuming.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can get very full, especially on weekend evenings. Arriving earlier, around 5:30 PM, is recommended to secure a spot.
While possible, visiting without a car can be more challenging. You'd need to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services, which might be less frequent or more expensive for the return journey.
Consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation, or arrange for a round-trip taxi service in advance. This ensures you have a reliable way to get there and back.
Information on direct public transport routes is limited. It's generally recommended to use private transport or ride-sharing services for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Siniawan Old Town Night Market. You can wander through the streets and enjoy the atmosphere freely.
The night market typically operates from Friday to Sunday, from around 4 PM to 11 PM. Some sources mention 5 PM to 10 PM. It's best to confirm closer to your visit.
While the food stalls are the main draw during market hours, some of the heritage shophouses might have their own operating times. It's advisable to check if you're interested in specific shops.
Yes, you can visit Siniawan during the day. However, it will be much quieter, with most shops and food stalls closed. It's a good time for photography and exploring the historic architecture without crowds.
No, tickets are not required for the Siniawan Old Town Night Market as there is no admission fee. It's a walk-in attraction.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a wide variety of local Sarawakian street food, including grilled meats, seafood, noodles, and traditional snacks. It's a great place to sample local flavors. +1
Options might be limited, but you can often find vegetable dishes, fruits, and some noodle-based meals that can be adapted. It's best to ask stall vendors about ingredients.
Some visitors note that prices can be a bit on the higher side compared to other local markets. It's always a good idea to check prices before ordering.
On busy weekend evenings, finding a seat can be challenging. Arriving earlier or being patient might be necessary.
While specific recommendations vary, look for local favorites like grilled seafood, Sarawak laksa, and various traditional snacks. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunset and dusk are fantastic for capturing the atmospheric lighting on the old wooden shophouses. Weekday afternoons offer quiet streets for unobstructed shots.
The well-preserved ironwood shophouses, the vibrant night market lights, and the historic streetscape create a unique and photogenic environment.
The main street lined with shophouses is the primary focus. The small jetty by the river also offers a different perspective.
Yes, daytime visits allow for clear shots of the architecture without the crowds of the night market.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For low-light conditions at the night market, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be helpful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks or drinks for younger children, as options might be limited outside the main food stalls. The historic setting also provides a unique educational opportunity to talk about old buildings and local history in a relaxed environment. Remember to keep a close eye on children in crowded areas.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
If you're a day-tripper, aim to arrive on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening to experience the market at its liveliest. For those seeking a quieter experience or more focused photography, visiting on a weekday afternoon allows you to appreciate the town's historic architecture without the crowds. Remember that most food stalls are closed during the day.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1For daytime shoots, the quiet streets provide a clean canvas to focus on architectural details. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the crowds and have more freedom to compose your shots. The small jetty by the river also presents a unique angle for landscape or atmospheric photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Siniawan's History
Today, Siniawan is known for its vibrant night market, but it also preserves its cultural heritage through annual events. The 'chap goh meh' street parade, rooted in Hakka traditions, and the Siniawan Country Music Festival (since 2016) highlight the town's evolving cultural landscape. Visiting outside of market hours allows for a more intimate exploration of its historical significance and quiet charm.
The Siniawan Night Market Experience
While the food is the main attraction, the atmosphere is equally captivating. The old wooden shophouses provide a unique backdrop to the lively scene. However, it's worth noting that some visitors find the prices to be on the higher side, and the abundance of deep-fried options might not appeal to everyone. Finding a seat during peak hours can also be a challenge. Despite these points, the market offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and savor authentic flavors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit