Gaya Street (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Gaya Street?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Children can see pet stalls and taste tropical fruit; street closure means no cars, yet tight aisles, pushing crowds, and no playgrounds or dedicated toilets reduce comfort after early morning.
![Exploring Gaya Street Market in Kota Kinabalu! | Malaysia 2023 [Ep 2]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2M39RPpwGqg/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Cultural Immersion: Kids see local crafts and foods up close in a lively market setting.
- Affordable Prices: Most items and snacks cost under MYR20 per piece.
Challenges:
- Crowded Aisles: Stalls are close together—hold children’s hands to stay together.
- Uneven Pavement: Wear sturdy shoes and watch toddlers on cracked sidewalks.
What is Gaya Street?
- A tree-lined street in Kota Kinabalu city centre marked by a decorative Chinese-style archway
- A commercial corridor of traditional Chinese restaurants and shops showcasing Nanyang Chinese heritage and local goods
- A bustling outdoor market on Sundays offering fresh produce, cooked food, handicrafts, souvenirs, plants and pets
What is so special about Gaya Street for with kids?
- Explore the Sunday Market stalls together early morning
- Let kids pick and taste fresh tropical fruits
- Sample family-friendly snacks like banana fritters
- Shop small crafts and souvenirs at low prices
- Snap a family photo under the Chinese-style archway
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to browse stalls, sample treats, and enjoy a snack break without tiring young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Gaya Street
Sunday Market Stroll:
Walk along Gaya Street Sunday Market and explore stalls of produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Tip: Arrive by 7:30 AM when crowds are light and temperatures are cooler.
Pick Fresh Tropical Fruits:
Let kids choose fruits like pineapple and rambutans from open-air stalls.
Tip: Set a small budget (MYR3–10) so children learn to compare prices.
Sample Local Snacks:
Share banana fritters, grilled corn, and satay skewers as a family.
Tip: Buy early (8–9 AM) for the best variety before items sell out.
Shop Kid-Friendly Crafts:
Browse small toys, hand-woven bracelets, and batik souvenirs suitable for children.
Tip: Look for stalls offering items from MYR10 to avoid overspending.
Family Photo under the Archway:
Capture a group photo at the Chinese-style entrance gate.
Tip: Use the morning light (8–9 AM) to get vibrant, shadow-free shots.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Gaya Street
- Arrive Early: Come by 7:30 AM to beat the heat and enjoy fewer visitors.
- Set a Meetup Spot: Use the archway entrance as a landmark if anyone wanders off.
Reviews of Gaya Street
Bob LMDN
Gaya Street Night Market is lively with lots of food options and even some busking performances. Prices aren’t exactly cheap, but the atmosphere is fun. Sabah is generally known for being safe with minimal pickpocketing, yet it’s wise to stay cautious here because it can get very crowded.
Jareed
Once you come hier, its gurantee you will get loads of food, clothing and so on for a very affordable price. The vendors and locals are so freundlich. Every Sunday morgen There ist a morgen Markt and its very beautiful. Even got to See the PM of Malaysia. ♥️♥️
Humeiyra MD Tahir
Best place to find local food & drinks. Accompanied with busker at every corner. Good place to hangout with friends/family. One missing star because lack of trash can nearby.
The Foodie Architect
A sensory overload in the best way. So many new sights and flavors—from local specialties to exotic traditional foods blending Chinese, Malay, and Indigenous influences. Locals casually buy food and sit on the ground to eat. Smoke rises from BBQ stalls, and the gentle music of Islamic groups dining together fills the air. Truly atmospheric.
Qystina _B
This place is a great spot to visit with family and friends at night. There are many street food stalls, and all the food is very delicious. The prices are also reasonable. There are also entertainers such as live bands, guitarists, sape players, and groups of children singing. All the songs they played were really nice
When is the best time to visit Gaya Street (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia)?
The market runs Sundays 6 AM–1 PM. From Nov–Mar expect brief showers—bring a light raincoat. From Apr–Oct mornings are sunny—stay hydrated and bring hats.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Fresh local fruit for kids | MYR 10 |
| Street snacks | MYR 20 |
| Small crafts & souvenirs | MYR 50 |
| Cafe snack break | MYR 20 |
| Total Estimated | MYR 100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Gaya Street
Address: Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Gaya Street (Kota Kinabalu)?
About Gaya Street
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+60 10-954 365110 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities