One of the things we miss about travelling to Bangkok and Hat Yai is the bustling floating markets. Besides taking photos of the wooden boats lining up along the river, it's also fun to visit each boat and see what they have to offer, which can be anything between fresh fruits and grilled seafood!
If you miss this shopping experience, there are a few floating markets in Malaysia that are worth visiting someday! Some of these floating markets are pretty underrated, but it's certainly enough to relive this famous Thailand experience.
1. Pantai Suri Floating Market, Kelantan
Update: As of January 2021, Pantai Suri Floating Market is temporarily closed and scheduled to reopen in February 2021.
The uniqueness of Pantai Suri Floating Market is mostly known among the locals in Kelantan, which ultimately makes it an underrated shopping experience for many Malaysians. Opened since 2016, you need to take a 15-minute boat ride from Jeti Kuala Besar or a 40-minute boat ride from Jeti Kok Majid to reach Pantai Suri Floating Market.
Since Kelantan is famous for its delicious street food, you're bound to find local desserts, fruits and snacks to enjoy here! Opens every Saturday, the floating market largely consists of Muslim vendors, so you can enjoy yummy treats before participating in other activities ranging from kayaking to batik making.
Address: Pantai Suri, 15350, Kelantan
Opening hours: Every Sat, 8AM-3PM
2. Floating Market Pengkalan Datu, Kelantan
There's another floating market you should visit in Kelantan and it's called Floating Market Pengkalan Datu, also known as Pasar Terapung Sungai Pengkalan Datu. It also opens every Saturday and much closer to Kelantan's capital city, Kota Bharu. Similar to Pantai Suri Floating Market, visitors can find Kelantanese street food and grilled seafood to enjoy at affordable prices.
Address: 2617, Jalan Raja Sakti, Kampung Kedai Lalat, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Opening hours: Every Sat, 8.30PM-2PM
3. Pasar Terapung Kolam JPS Perlis
If you're travelling to Perlis, the northern state of Peninsular Malaysia, make your way to Pasar Terapung Kolam JPS Perlis. Situated in Pengkalan Assam, this floating market may not be as thriving as the ones in Thailand but it has less than 10 boats selling fresh fruits and grilled fish that are perfect for snacks.
Since it has a lakeside location, it's the perfect place for a relaxing picnic with your loved ones. Besides that, you can also go kayaking, fishing and enjoy other leisure activities.
Address: Kompleks JPS Perlis Pengkalan Asam, Kampung Telok Kachang, 01000 Kangar, Perlis
Opening hours: Sat; 9AM-10PM, Sun; 9AM-7PM (Closed on Mon-Fri)
While we're waiting for borders to reopen again, there are many ways we can relive the overseas experience in Malaysia. For more travel inspirations, check out these scenic places in Malaysia that look like they're overseas!
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