The Donggongon in the Penampang District, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is an important town where the ethnic Kadazan-Dusun community makes up the majority. In the Kadazan language, Donggongon means “Shelter” or “Rest Area” and it is the major stopover place for the indigenous people of Sabah who journey down the hillsides to trade.
Thus needless to say, the Donggongon Market which opens on Thursday and Friday is a must-see destination for any visitors to Kota Kinabalu. This market sells mainly fresh and dried seafood,meats and vegetables and you can certainly get them at greatly discounted prices and an opportunity to mingle with the native Kadazan Community. Come early before the items on sale are sold out.
One of the many entrances to Donggongon Market
Vegetables, Melon, Durian, Corn, Pineapple and Lemongrass
Coconut
Mushrooms
Pineapple, Ginger, Lemongrass, Sweet Potatoes, Soursop and Palm fruit
Huge heap of Ginger
Local Vegetable – Sayur Pakis
Baby Radish
Dried Shrimps and Dried Anchovies and White Baits
Areca Nuts (aka Betel Nuts) or locally known as Pinang
Bambangan Fruit – A Mango Species which is big and very sour.
Oysters in the Bag
Lukan Shellfish
Traditional Herbs
Dried Salted Fish
Conch Meat and some other shellfish
Mud Crabs
Conch
Calms
Roast Pork and Charsiew
Fried Snacks
Tobacco
Big Meat Pau
Kailan with Flowers
Kadazan Delicacies
Needless to say, my trip to the Dongonggon Market was memorable. Bought a couple of interesting items to cook. I did buy several kilograms of Dried Shrimps and Salted Fish back home as it is really expensive here in Singapore. They are also a lot fresher in Sabah.
