Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to Malaysian Borneo, offers not only stunning natural beauty but also vibrant local markets and shopping malls that are a major attraction for travelers.
Beyond the classic ‘Sabah Tea’ and ‘Sea Cucumber Soap,’ you’ll find an abundance of unique souvenirs that can only be found here, including tropical fruits rarely tasted in Japan and high-quality traditional handicrafts unique to Borneo.
This article carefully selects and introduces real shopping information that travelers truly want to know, from 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 please use this as a hint for your stay.
Gaya Street Market
📍 Address: Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Gaya Street Market is a hugely popular, vibrant market held exclusively on weekends on Kota Kinabalu’s main street, ‘Gaya Street.’
Its biggest appeal is that you can experience two completely different atmospheres depending on the day and time you visit.
【Friday & Saturday Nights: Night Market】
On weekend evenings, the market transforms into a ‘Night Market’ primarily featuring local food stalls. Kota Kinabalu nights are surprisingly cool, making it perfect for street food exploration. Amidst the fragrant aroma of satay (Malaysian-style skewers), we highly recommend trying ‘RUJAK BUAH’ (fruit salad).
This local sweet allows you to choose tropical fruits rarely seen in Japan, which are then mixed with a special spicy-sweet sauce, creating an exquisite blend of fruit sweetness and sauce kick. Pairing it with a refreshing ginger beer (low alcohol) is also a great idea. Since seating is limited at street markets, a unique traveler’s tip is to take your food back to a nearby hotel to enjoy at leisure.
【Sunday Mornings: Sunday Market】
From Sunday morning until early afternoon, the street becomes a pedestrian paradise, hosting the ‘Sunday Market’ with a wide 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 famous eateries serving locally popular laksa (spicy noodle soup) and shops selling delicious pineapple buns, making it perfect for a breakfast stroll. Shopping here is primarily cash-based, so it’s advisable to prepare 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 is a massive handicraft market, also known as the ‘Filipino Market.’ It exudes a bustling and energetic atmosphere, much like Tokyo’s ‘Ameyoko,’ making it an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to fully experience the local vibe.
Inside the long, covered market, you’ll find a packed array of items, from classic magnets and keychains to handmade accessories featuring Borneo’s specialty ‘pearls.’
Each shop crafts its unique designs, and bulk purchases often come with a discount. Beyond clothes, watches, wallets, and other goods, an adjacent fresh market sells seafood, dried goods, vegetables, and mangoes, enveloping you in a mix of aromas and the lively calls of vendors the moment you step inside.
However, there are some unique considerations for a deep local market experience. Countless stalls are clustered under a corrugated roof, making it very 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, making the ground muddy, so wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
With many shops selling similar items, it’s best to first survey the entire market to gauge prices, then enjoy friendly bargaining (haggling) with a smile – that’s the real charm of this market.
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 say, ‘I’m not good at bargaining in local markets…’ or ‘I want to calmly choose quality-assured items,’ we wholeheartedly recommend ‘Kadaiku,’ located within Api-api Centre.
While the selection isn’t as vast as a huge market, it carefully curates only authentic souvenirs made in Sabah, ensuring products of a quality that ‘you can’t go wrong with for anyone.’
Inside the shop, classic ‘Sabah Tea,’ Kota Kinabalu coffee, and the highly moisturizing ‘Sea Cucumber Soap’ (very popular among women) are beautifully displayed, alongside colorful hand-woven baskets and traditional folk art made by Borneo’s indigenous people.
Recently, locally produced homemade jams (around RM14) have also become popular, perfect with biscuits or bread. Rather than getting tired from searching for souvenirs across a huge shopping mall, focusing on this one shop allows you to efficiently find high-quality items.
The owner and staff are very friendly and will carefully explain the background and materials of the products. There’s no need for tedious bargaining like in local markets, and services catered to travelers, such as packing purchased items in a nice box for airline check-in, are a major draw.
Please note that their closing time is 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 first to the fourth floor, is a shop, creating an entertainment space where you can fully savor durian, Malaysia’s ‘King of Fruits.’
While it’s an irresistible lineup for durian lovers, those who say ‘I’m not too fond of the durian smell…’ need not worry. Beyond durian chocolates, the shop is filled with a variety of souvenirs, including mango and coconut-based sweets, cute Sabah-exclusive socks, and local pure cocoa powder.
They also offer various confectionery samples, allowing you to carefully choose your favorite flavors without making a mistake.
After enjoying your shopping, head to the café space on the fourth floor. The ‘Special Durian Cendol,’ made with the premium Musang King (猫山王) variety, is an exquisite dessert featuring finely shaved, smooth ice. For durian beginners, we recommend trying the mildly sweet and easy-to-eat ‘Durian Cream Puff’ or ‘Durian Soft Serve.’
The staff provides excellent service, and the clean, cool interior makes it an ideal 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 excellent convenience. It’s frequented daily by locals and is a reliable spot for travelers to find everything 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 not to be missed.
Here, you can find Malaysian local sweets, seasonings, instant noodles, and more at local prices, making it ideal for buying ‘bulk souvenirs’ for colleagues and friends (※Note that the supermarket has separate entrances and exits).
Additionally, a branch of the famous restaurant ‘FATT KEE,’ which is usually found outside the city, is located within the mall. While slightly pricier, you can easily enjoy its specialty dishes in a cool environment.
As a little tidbit, it’s a quiet topic of conversation in reviews that the men’s restrooms in the building offer beautiful views of the sea and mountains (!). Also, when using the cinema in the mall, 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 Bills (Low Denominations)
While credit cards are accepted at large malls and government-certified shops, cash (RM1 to RM10 bills) is essential at Gaya Street stalls and the Handicraft Market. High-denomination bills might be refused if vendors don’t have change, so it’s advisable to break them at your hotel or a convenience store.
・Bring Your Own Bag (Eco-Bag)
In Malaysia, for environmental protection, 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 carry a slightly larger, sturdy eco-bag in your personal bag.
・The Art of ‘Haggling’ in Local Markets
When buying multiple items at the Handicraft Market, try asking the vendor with a smile, ‘Discount, OK?’ The trick is to enjoy it as part of the communication, asking for a slightly lower price for buying several items, rather than attempting an unreasonable negotiation for half price from the start.
