We visited Hin Market at Hin Bus Depot in Penang recently. 30 December 2023. This, of course, was not our first visit. We’ve been to the market multiple times throughout the years, even before tangankraf was born.
Let’s talk a bit about Hin Bus Depot, where Hin Market is located. So, after World War II, the colonial government issued motorbus licenses to private companies, including Hin Company Ltd, to help rebuild George Town.
In 1947, the Hin Company built a bus depot on Brick Kiln Road (now Jalan Gurdwara), near their main operational hub in town. This depot was used for housing and maintaining their buses. By the 1970s, it had become the trendiest bus station in Penang.
However, in 1999, the depot closed down, and the well-known Blue Bus discontinued its services in the early 2000s due to the planned overhaul of Penang’s struggling public transportation system.
Over the years, the depot stood resilient but eventually succumbed to tropical weather when left empty. Fast forward to 2010, a company owned by three families took possession of the space.
It wasn’t until Ernest Zacharevic’s 2014 exhibition titled “Art is Rubbish is Art” that the space began evolving into the vibrant art collective it is today. You can learn more about this on the Hin Bus Depot website.
Fast forward to today, Hin Bus Depot is currently managed by a dedicated creative collective. They work in collaboration with the community to maintain the space, aiming to support and promote emerging artists, artworks, events, and various art forms.
Situated on the premises of Hin Bus Depot is Hin Market. It serves as a platform for entrepreneurs, small business owners, artisans, and musicians to express and showcase their creativity and products.
As you can see in the pictures, we saw many makers of all kinds selling their products. Not forgetting the food. On our recent visit, we saw many vendors selling all kinds of food and drinks and they looked delicious!
The market is open every Saturday and Sunday, from 11 AM to 5 PM, and admission is free. Additionally, they host events, exhibitions, and workshops from time to time. Be sure to check their Instagram for the latest updates.
Parking is limited. We parked on the roadside, but you can explore other options nearby, like private carparks at GAMA Supermarket, Penang Times Square, and Hotel NEO+. Please note that Penang Island City Council (MBPP) parking rules apply to street parking.
To reach Hin Market by bus, take Rapid Penang Bus routes: 11, 102, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 206, 301, 304, or 502, and get off at the GAMA Supermarket bus stop.
Our trip to Hin Market was fun, and it became even more awesome as the visit coincided with an ongoing solo exhibition by Thomas Powell.
We enjoyed Suka Ngirup coffees and laksa. The previous evening, we dined at Rumah Kacha. And, of course, at Bricklin Cafe Bar, where we had our delicious hot latte in the morning. Can’t wait to be back again at Hin Market!
