There are some great markets Kota Kinabalu, including the Sunday markets and daily wet markets. There are also standard high street shops where you can bargain for goods, as well as large shopping malls you would find in any large Malaysian city.
The Sunday Gaya Street Fair is the 'biggie', being a huge market occupying most of this main street with great souvenir shopping. There is also a handicraft market, while malls in Kota Kinabalu are located on the main streets and generally open all day, every day.
When to Shop and Where
For souvenirs and bargain shopping, Kota Kinabalu markets are the best bet. The Gaya Street Fair, held on a Sunday, and the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market are the main ones. Gaya has the best choice and deals, with local (but mostly other Asian) handicrafts, along with batiks, sarongs, and carved wooden statues. This lively market is open 06:00 to 13:00 every Sunday.
The Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market (previously the Pasar Filipino) is good for local handicrafts, pearls, crystal, and the like, and can be found next to the waterfront. It is better for Sabah produce in general than the Gaya Street Fair.
There are also markets in towns and villages around the city, known as 'tamu', and these are typically Sunday flea markets. Handicrafts, traditional items, orchids and the like can be found at these.
For mall shopping, Kota Kinabalu has a decent choice, with five shopping complexes. They are the Centrepoint (the main mall), the KK Plaza, the Wawasan Plaza, the Wisma Merdeka and the Karamunsing Complex. These malls are good for higher quality items and have air conditioning and food. Sales usually take place here each March, August and December.
