Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to Borneo, Malaysia. Beyond its stunning natural beauty, a major attraction for travelers is the vibrant shopping experience at local markets and malls.
From classic ‘Sabah tea’ and ‘sea cucumber soap’ to tropical fruits rarely found in Japan, and high-quality traditional handicrafts unique to Borneo, there’s a dazzling array of souvenirs you can only get here.
This article carefully selects and introduces genuine shopping information that travelers truly want to know, ranging from lively night markets where you can feel the local buzz, to government-certified shops for safe purchases, and comfortable, air-conditioned large malls.
We also cover tips to avoid crowds and unique local street food options, so be sure to use them as hints for your stay.
Gaya Street Market
📍 Address: Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
This immensely popular market, brimming with energy and excitement, is held only on weekends along Kota Kinabalu’s main street, ‘Gaya Street.’
Its greatest charm lies in enjoying two completely different faces depending on the day and time you visit.
[Friday & Saturday Nights: Night Market]
On weekend evenings, it transforms into a ‘Night Market’ primarily featuring local food stalls. Kota Kinabalu nights are surprisingly cool, perfect for street food. Amidst the savory aroma of satay (Malaysian-style skewers), you absolutely must try ‘RUJAK BUAH’ (fruit salad).
This local sweet allows you to choose tropical fruits rarely seen elsewhere, which are then mixed with a special spicy-sweet sauce, creating a perfect balance of fruit sweetness and sauce kick. We also recommend pairing it with a refreshing ginger beer (low alcohol). Since there are few places to eat right in the street market, taking it back to a nearby hotel to enjoy at your leisure is a traveler’s secret tip.
[Sunday Mornings: Sunday Market]
From Sunday morning until early afternoon, the street becomes a pedestrian paradise, hosting the ‘Sunday Market’ with an array of clothing, daily necessities, and local handicrafts. Malaysian fruits like mangosteen and durian are also abundant, making it exciting just to browse.
Along the street, you’ll find popular local laksa (spicy noodle soup) eateries and shops selling delicious pineapple buns, making it perfect for a breakfast stroll. Shopping here is primarily cash-based, so it’s wise to have plenty of small denominations like RM1 and RM5 for smooth transactions.
Handicraft Market
📍 Address: 7, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Located on the waterfront, this enormous handicraft market, also commonly known as the ‘Filipino Market,’ buzzes with a chaotic and energetic atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo’s ‘Ameyoko.’ It’s an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to fully immerse themselves in the local vibe.
Inside the long, covered market, you’ll find not only standard magnets and keychains but also a myriad of handmade accessories featuring ‘pearls’ – a specialty of Borneo. Each stall offers uniquely designed handmade items, and you might get a better deal if you buy in bulk. Beyond clothes, watches, wallets, and other goods, it connects directly to a fresh produce market selling seafood, dried goods, vegetables, and mangoes. Stepping inside, you’ll be enveloped by various scents and the lively calls of vendors.
However, there are a few things to note about this authentic local market. Under the corrugated iron roof, countless shops are packed together, making it incredibly hot and stuffy during the day. Extended stays can be exhausting, so visiting in the relatively cooler morning or evening is recommended. Also, on heavy rain days, drainage can be poor, leading to muddy ground, so wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
With many stalls selling similar items, the key is to first survey the entire market to gauge prices and then enjoy the thrill of friendly bargaining (haggling) with a smile.
Kadaiku – Sabah Souvenirs & Handicrafts
📍 Address: DBKK No. 1-0-15, Lot 1/G 15 Ground Floor, Api-api Centre, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
For travelers who are uncomfortable with bargaining at local markets or prefer to choose high-quality items in a relaxed setting, ‘Kadaiku’ located in Api-api Centre is highly recommended.
While the selection isn’t as vast as a huge market, they meticulously curate only authentic souvenirs made in Sabah, ensuring products of ‘unquestionable quality’ suitable for anyone.
Inside the shop, you’ll find classic ‘Sabah tea,’ Kota Kinabalu coffee, the highly popular and moisturizing ‘sea cucumber soap’ beloved by women, as well as colorful handmade basket bags and traditional handicrafts crafted by Borneo’s indigenous people, all beautifully displayed.
Recently, local homemade jams (around RM14) have also become popular and are exquisite with biscuits or bread. Rather than getting tired searching for souvenirs across a huge shopping mall, focusing on this one shop allows you to efficiently find quality items.
The owner and staff are very friendly and attentively explain the background and materials of the products. There’s no need for the hassle of bargaining like in local markets, and they offer traveler-friendly services such as packing purchased items neatly into boxes for airline check-in.
Please note that their operating hours close a bit early, at 5 PM, so plan your shopping trip accordingly.
TREE HAVE GOLD 树上黄金 (Sabah)
📍 Address: Lot 26, Wisma Twb, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Drawing attention as a new landmark in Kota Kinabalu is ‘TREE HAVE GOLD 树上黄金,’ a specialty durian souvenir shop marked by a giant orangutan statue on its exterior.
The entire building, from the 1st to 4th floor, is a shop, creating an entertainment space where you can fully enjoy durian, Malaysia’s ‘King of Fruits.’
While it boasts an irresistible lineup for durian lovers, there’s no need to worry if you’re ‘not quite a fan of the durian smell.’ Beyond durian chocolates, the store offers a wide variety of souvenirs, including mango and coconut sweets, cute Sabah-exclusive socks, and local pure cocoa powder.
They also offer various snack samples, allowing you to carefully choose your favorite flavors without making a mistake.
After enjoying your shopping, head to the cafe space on the 4th floor. The ‘Special Durian Cendol,’ made with Musang King (猫山王), the finest durian variety, is an exquisite dessert featuring finely shaved, smooth ice. For durian beginners, trying the mildly sweet and easy-to-eat ‘Durian Choux Cream’ or ‘Durian Soft Serve’ is recommended.
The staff provide excellent service, and the clean, cool interior makes it a perfect spot for a break during your city stroll.
Suria Sabah
📍 Address: 1, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
‘Suria Sabah’ is a modern, large shopping mall in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, boasting exceptional convenience. Frequently used by locals, it’s a reassuring spot for travelers to find just about anything they need.
In addition to familiar brands like Uniqlo and Muji, there’s also a Japanese ‘DAISO’ in the basement, providing peace of mind that you can quickly procure any daily necessities or travel goods you might need during your stay.
For souvenir hunting, the large local supermarket ‘BATARAS’ on the 4th floor is absolutely unmissable.
Here, you can find Malaysian local snacks, seasonings, and instant noodles at local prices, making it perfect for buying bulk ‘shareable souvenirs’ for colleagues or friends (※Note that the supermarket has separate entrances and exits).
Furthermore, a branch of the famous ‘FATT KEE’ restaurant, typically found outside the city, is located within the mall. While a bit pricier, you can easily enjoy their specialty dishes in a cool, comfortable environment.
As a minor tidbit, word-of-mouth has it that the men’s restrooms in the mall offer beautiful views of the sea and mountains (!). Also, when using the cinema within the mall, be aware that the air conditioning is set to ‘freezing,’ so warm clothing like long-sleeved shirts and trousers is essential.
Local Tips for Successful Shopping in Kota Kinabalu
・Always carry small change (low-denomination banknotes)
While credit cards are accepted at large malls and government-certified shops, cash (small bills from RM1 to RM10) is essential at Gaya Street stalls and the Handicraft Market. High-denomination notes might be refused if vendors don’t have enough change, so break them at your hotel or a convenience store.
・Bring your own bag (eco-bag)
In Malaysia, due to environmental protection initiatives, supermarkets and convenience stores are increasingly charging for plastic bags or not providing them at all. If you plan to buy many souvenirs, it’s smart to keep a slightly larger, sturdy eco-bag in your personal bag.
・Etiquette for ‘Haggling’ in Local Markets
When buying multiple items at the Handicraft Market, try asking the vendor ‘Discount, OK?’ with a smile. The trick is to enjoy it as part of the communication, aiming for a slight reduction when buying several items, rather than trying for an unrealistic 50% off from the start.
