The Gaya Street Sunday Market has been in operation for over 100 years. It's held on one of Kota Kinabalu's oldest streets that used to be lined with wooden shopfronts. Today, many family-owned businesses continue to sell goods under the shade of ornamental monkey pod trees and colourful umbrellas.
In the produce section, you'll find stalls selling everything from exotic fruits and freshly-cut flowers to wild honey and artisan cakes. You'll also find plenty of stalls loaded with footwear and fashion. Stroll through this lively market and admire the cherry-red Chinese lanterns strung between the lampposts.
The arts and crafts section of the Gaya Street Sunday Market is a great place to stock up on souvenirs, with stallholders hawking traditional batik sarongs, oil perfumes, antiques and handmade trinkets. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, duck into one of the Chinese teahouses along Gaya Street.
Getting there
The Gaya Street Sunday Market is in the Kota Kinabalu Central Business District, a five-minute stroll from the waterfront and just steps from the Sabah Tourism Board Office. The district is well-serviced by taxis and local buses.