Gaya Street runs through the heart of Kota Kinabalu's central business district, once known as Bond Street, and has been a commercial centre for over a century. On Sundays, from about six in the morning until around one in the afternoon, the whole street is closed to vehicles and turned into a market. Stalls sell arts and crafts, batik sarongs, footwear, fresh fruit and flowers, local snacks and cakes, antiques and souvenirs, herbs, plants and even pets. It is a good place to try local snacks for breakfast, to pick up inexpensive gifts and to watch the city's mix of communities going about their weekend. The market is free to walk around, and prices at the stalls are low, with some friendly bargaining expected on handicrafts. Because it is one of the few things that happens only on one day of the week, plan your Sunday around it if you can.
What to look for
The best purchases are local, such as handwoven items, small crafts and seasonal fruit, and the best snacks are the ones you see locals queuing for. Start at one end and walk the length of the street, as the stalls change character along the way, from plants and flowers to street food, and from clothing to curios. Many of the shops along the street are also open, so you can duck into an air-conditioned cafe when the sun gets high.
Practical advice
Go early, ideally soon after the market opens, when it is cooler and less crowded, and when the produce is at its best. Bring small notes for stalls, a reusable bag and a hat. The street is central, so hotels such as the Hyatt Regency, the Jesselton Hotel and Hotel Eden54 are within a short walk. The pavements are busy, so keep your valuables secure and take your time.
Trade-offs and context
It is a market for residents as much as for tourists, so some stalls will not cater to your tastes, and you are as likely to find a bag of rambutan as a souvenir. It makes a good pairing with a walk to the waterfront and an easy lunch. If you are in town on a weekday, you will miss it entirely, so check your arrival date. Opening times may vary around holidays and events, so confirm with your hotel or the tourism board.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided stroll along a car-free street lined with stalls, with snacks, crafts, plants and produce.
Best time
Sunday morning soon after opening, when it is cooler and the stalls are freshest.
How long
One to two hours, including a snack stop.
Tips
Bring small notes and a bag, go early and bargain politely on crafts. Keep valuables secure in the crowds.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants an easy, free taste of local life and small gifts in the middle of the city.
- Families
- Plenty to look at, from plants to pets, and easy to dip in and out of for snacks.
- Couples
- A leisurely walk with a coffee and a local breakfast snack before the heat builds.
- Pair with
- The waterfront, Signal Hill or the night markets complete a city day.
- Time needed
- About an hour or two.
Good questions
When is the Gaya Street Sunday Market on?+
It runs on Sundays only, from about six in the morning until about one in the afternoon. The street is closed to traffic during that time.
What can I buy at the market?+
Arts and crafts, batik sarongs, footwear, fruit, flowers, local snacks and cakes, antiques, souvenirs, herbs, plants and pets.
Is it free to enter?+
Yes, it is a public street market, and you only pay for what you buy. Bring small notes, as stalls prefer cash.
Is it good for breakfast?+
Yes, local snacks and cakes are sold along the street, and cafes on the side streets are open. Try what you see locals queuing for.
Which hotels are close by?+
The Hyatt Regency, the Jesselton Hotel and Hotel Eden54 are all within a short walk of Gaya Street.
