Tamu (Weekly Market) in Sabah
Get ready to dive headfirst into Sabah’s vibrant open-air markets, affectionately known as Tamu, where tradition and modernity intertwine in a delightful tapestry of culture and commerce. But first, let’s unravel the mystery of Tamu itself. In Sabah, Tamu isn’t just a market; it’s a “meeting place” where communities gather to exchange goods, stories, and laughter. It’s a nod to ancient times when Tamu served as the heartbeat of rural life, a place where barter trade thrived, and connections were forged.
Fast forward to today, Tamu remains a pulsating hub of activity, offering a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavours to delight the senses. From the crackling beats of traditional music to the savoury aromas wafting through the air, every corner of Tamu tells a story of Sabah’s rich heritage.
But where to begin? Let’s kick off our Tamu adventure with a visit to some of the nearest Tamu to Kota Kinabalu city centre; Tamu Tamparuli, where the iconic suspension bridge sets the stage for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Tamu Tamparuli
Begin your journey at the starting point of Tamparuli iconic suspension bridge, where the air is filled with the rhythmic beats of traditional music and dance performances. Led by a community of passionate volunteers, this cultural performance offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of Sabah, free of charge. Though, visitors are welcome to leave a tip to show appreciation for the talented performers.
As you cross the suspension bridge and descend into the bustling Tamu area on the other side, prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local culture. But wait! Before you go off and explore, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant mural painting adorning the bridge—a testament to the community’s pride and creativity.
Here, you can wander through the Tamu grounds, where traders set up their stalls openly on the ground or on the pavement. They offer a diverse array of goods, from fresh products to traditional foods, and some visitors might find this shocking but there’s even farm animals being sold right here during Tamu! Tamu Tamparuli offers a shopping experience like no other, where each purchase supports the livelihoods of local artisans and farmers.
Next up, venture to Tamu Donggongon, a bustling market with a history as colourful as its wares. Unlike its counterparts, Tamu Donggongon boasts designated stalls, making it a breeze to navigate the sprawling market grounds. Lose yourself in the sea of stalls offering everything from farm fresh veggies to intricately crafted handicrafts.
The Tamu area is quite big, and if you ever find yourself getting lost in a sea of people just go to the centre of the Tamu and reset your steps. A first timer and don’t know where the centre is? Don’t worry, just follow the sound of music, you’ll find it immediately!
For those in search of Sabah’s traditional food, fret not as you can find them in Tamu, there’s something to tempt every palate. And for the adventurous foodies among us, why not sample the famed Butod—a local delicacy renowned for its creamy coconut-like flavour? It’s a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget!
The area to the Tamu would be quite jammed so it is recommended to take public transportation or even grab as the parking spaces are limited and hard to find spaces to park your vehicles. A gentle reminder to bring cash on hand as most of the Tamu do not support online transactions.
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or a curious traveller, it promises an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, authenticity, and the vibrant spirit of Sabah. Venture beyond Tamparuli and Donggongon! Discover the diverse Tamu markets scattered throughout Sabah, where each district boasts its own unique Tamu day, offering a colourful tapestry of local culture, traditions, and products.
Today, most tamu grounds have sheltered stalls but in Sabah, it is common to see traders setting up their stalls openly literally on the ground or on the pavement.
Different districts has different Tamu days, here’s the list so you wouldn’t miss visiting!
Monday/Isnin
1.Kg.Pukak Kiulu
Tuesday/Selasa
1.Kiulu
2.Kuala Penyu
3.Pandasan
4.Tamparuli
Wednesday/Rabu
1.Ranau
2.Nabawan
3.Tamparuli
4.Kudat
5.Kota Belud
6.Mambakut
7.Dongongon
Thursday/Khamis
1.Dongongon
2.Bingkor, Keningau
3.Tambunan
4.Telipok
5.Sumangkap (Matunggong)
6.Tenghilan
7.Pekan Nabalu
8.Taginambur
9.Papar
10.Sipitang
Friday/Jumaat
1.Sepulut
2.Teginambur Batu 10
3.Beaufort
4.Kundasang
5.Dongongon
Saturday/Sabtu
1.Ranau
2.Nabawan
3.Kinarut
4.Matunggong
5.Putatan
6.Inanam
7.Mansiat Sook
8.Telupid
9.Apin-Apin (Keningau)
10.Beaufort
11.Papar
12. Tamu KPD (Fresh Mart Korporasi Pembangunan Desa)
Sunday/Ahad
1.Tuaran
2.Sook
3.Kota Marudu
4.Kota Belud
5.Kota Kinabalu
6.Tambunan
7.Putatan
8.Keningau
9.Telupid
10.Mambakut
11.Papar
