Originally named Bond Street, Gaya Street located in the Kota Kinabalu Central Business District has been the centre of business for over a hundred years.
Gaya Street Market is loaded, loud and sultry, but still the best place to be at while in KK during a weekend. What can be a better way to start a Sunday morning than shopping in a market where you can buy almost anything and everything? The market is the best place to spend the weekend morning.
Every Sunday morning, the whole stretch of Gaya Street is closed off to traffic to make way for the street fair. A must visit market while in KK, you will be fascinated by the various items and goods sold at this fair. From arts and crafts, batik sarongs, footwear, fruits and flowers, local snacks and cakes, antiques and souvenirs, to even pets and herbs, this is the best place to experience the culture and lifestyle of the locals. The street fair starts as early as 6.00am and ends at 20pm.
Tourists as well as the locals enjoy local produce and food and try pastries and drinks. It is a nice weekly market with reasonable prices open to bargaining. Some excellent artists can also be seen in the street, like customizing wooden boards with messages or names. One should also secure key-chains and other gifts for friends and family while getting back home.