About Sandakan Central Market
Sandakan Central Market is the main municipal market in Sandakan town centre on the waterfront of Sabah's east coast. Housed in a large two-storey building, it is one of the largest markets in Sabah and is known for its extensive fresh seafood, local produce, dried goods and handicrafts. It serves as a daily trading hub for locals and a popular visitor stop to experience Sandakan's coastal food culture and market life.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a busy, covered two-storey market building near the Sandakan waterfront. The ground floor is dominated by seafood stalls with fresh fish, prawns, crabs and dried seafood, alongside vegetables, fruits and local snacks. The upper floor houses hawker stalls serving local breakfast, seafood dishes and drinks with communal seating. Aisles are narrow and lively, with vendors from diverse local communities and views towards the harbour area.
Key highlights
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Large waterfront market considered one of the biggest in Sabah
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Extensive fresh seafood section with daily catch from Sandakan Bay
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Upper-floor hawker centre for local breakfast and seafood meals
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Wide range of local produce, dried goods and traditional snacks
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Central location within Sandakan town near the waterfront and harbour
History of Sandakan Central Market
Sandakan Central Market functions as the principal municipal market for Sandakan, a town that served as the former capital of North Borneo and a major trading port. The present market building supports the town's long-standing role as a commercial and fisheries centre on the east coast of Sabah.
Culture & Context
The market reflects Sandakan's multicultural coastal community, with Bajau, Suluk, Chinese and other local traders selling seafood, produce and prepared foods. It illustrates daily food culture, fishing traditions and local trading practices of eastern Sabah.
Route
| By air | Via Sandakan Airport (SDK), then 10-15 minutes by road to town centre |
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