Rope Walk at Taman Selat

Curios, novelties and everyday items in one flea market

Cosy, colourful and full of surprises, this is a truly unique  flea market. Hidden within the commercial complex of Taman Selat, some 600m north of the ferry terminal, Rope Walk reveals a fascinating spectrum of offerings, both mundane and exotic.  

Scores of petty traders like silversmiths, cobblers, watch repairers and foot massage therapists ply patiently next to stalls teeming with a rich variety of wares – antiques, costume jewellery, jeans, perfumes, handicrafts, mobile phones, traditional medicines and supplements, and many other goods both imported and local.

Though little known to the outside world, this flea market seems to be a secret haunt for many people from Butterworth and the surrounding villages and townships. Hundreds of folks patronise the shops here every weekend and during public holidays.

Indeed, Rope Walk, which is managed by a cooperative, features many novelty products that are rare and unique, and available at few other places in Penang.

One remarkable example is Wahab Herbs which features dozens of rare medicinal roots – many of which are obtained from jungles in Kelantan and Terengganu with the help of the aboriginal Orang Asli – with varieties of the famous Tongkat Ali which is said to provide boost for health and physical energy.

Antique shops like Encik Makmur’s are also fascinating, as they abound with curios like old swords, lanterns, clocks, antique deco, paintings, historic coins and currency notes from the British and Japanese colonial eras, and many other items.

Rope Walk, Pasar Aneka Taman Selat, Butterworth
Opens: 11:00am to 3:00pm daily
T: +604-323 3788