Tamu, Pronounced as “tah-moo”, tamu is a place to sell and buy, but mostly exchange goods and food, a natural market where farmers and artisans gather around to market their products. From the youngest to the oldest inhabitants of Sabah, everyone has been at least once at these open air markets. A custom regulated by the British during the times North Borneo was a colony, the tamu is also a social gathering, Importance announcement and special celebration are held at Tamu as it is a most effective tool for distributing news to the distant interior, and to receiving reports from those far outposts.
One of the oldest Tamu in Sabah is Donggongon Tamu. Traders start setting up their stalls on Wednesday and by Friday afternoon, most of their produce are sold out. The whole Donggongon area will be jammed up by traffic going to the Tamu from Wednesday to Friday and it is advisable to take public transportation or Grab as it is also hard to find parking spot.
Fresh Produce at Donggongon by farmers from the surrounding villages.
You can also find many local fruits at Tamu. These wild Durian of Sabah are widely sold at Tamu Donggongon when they are in season.
local villagers with their gong making music while selling the hand made souvenirs.
Local Tenom Coffee can also be found at Tamu
Tobacco and sirih
Souvenirs and woodworks are also available at Tamu
Tamu Donggongon
Opening days: Wednesday afternoon to Friday Afternoon
Joanne Lee
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