Gaya Street Night Market Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu's vibrant Friday & Saturday night market, buzzing with diverse street food, live music, and local culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & food
Gaya Street Night Market Kota Kinabalu
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & food
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kota Kinabalu's vibrant Friday & Saturday night market, buzzing with diverse street food, live music, and local culture.
"The avocado milk drink is a standout, worth every cent for its rich flavor and generous portion!"
🎯 Go on Fri & Sat Nights
The market is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan your trip accordingly!
🚗 Use Grab for Transport
Parking is tough; Grab is the easiest way to get here and avoid the hassle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Street Food Galore
Indulge in a vast array of local delicacies, from satay and Roti John to unique Sabah dishes like Kelupis.
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Vibrant Busking Scene
Enjoy live music from talented buskers as you stroll and savor your food, creating a lively concert-like atmosphere.
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Avocado Milk Drink
Don't miss the surprisingly rich and creamy avocado milk drink, a standout treat worth the price.
Local Favorites
Try the famous Penang Char Kuey Teow and grilled chicken wings, often with long queues of eager diners.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Operating Days & Hours
+1Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go on Fri & Sat Nights
The market is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan your trip accordingly!
🚗 Use Grab for Transport
Parking is tough; Grab is the easiest way to get here and avoid the hassle.
💰 Prices Can Be Higher
As a tourist spot, prices might be a bit higher than other local markets.
🥤 Try the Avocado Drink
Don't miss the amazing avocado milk drink – it's a must-try!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go on Fri & Sat Nights
The market is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan your trip accordingly!
🚗 Use Grab for Transport
Parking is tough; Grab is the easiest way to get here and avoid the hassle.
💰 Prices Can Be Higher
As a tourist spot, prices might be a bit higher than other local markets.
🥤 Try the Avocado Drink
Don't miss the amazing avocado milk drink – it's a must-try!
🗑️ Bring Your Own Bag/Trash Bag
Consider bringing a bag for purchases and a small bag for trash, as bins can be scarce.
🎶 Enjoy the Buskers
The live music adds a fantastic vibe; enjoy the performances while you eat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gaya Street Night Market is a popular Friday and Saturday night destination in Kota Kinabalu, praised for its extensive food choices and vibrant atmosphere, especially the busking performances. While some find prices a bit high and trash bins scarce, the unique food offerings like the avocado milk drink and the overall lively vibe make it a highly recommended experience for locals and tourists alike. +1
"Decent night market. Has a lot of food choices to choose from. Very friendly locals. Would recommend. Take note they are only open on Fridays and sometimes they open a bit late depending on the weather conditions."
Josh
"Stumbled upon this stall at the pasar malam, and they sell avocado milk drinks. This cup, priced at RM16, might seem a bit pricey at first, but it’s absolutely worth every cent!
The aroma of the avocado is incredibly rich, and when combined with the milk, it creates a smooth and refreshing taste. The texture is creamy yet light, with just the right level of sweetness that doesn’t feel overwhelming. Every sip is packed with the natural flavor of avocado, making it feel like you’re drinking pure health in a cup. This kind of drink is rare at pasar malam, making it a standout find.
The portion size is very generous, and the large cup really surprised me. For RM16, the quality and quantity are completely justifiable. The packaging is also fun and unique, featuring the quirky “Cool Mama” design, which adds an extra charm to the overall experience.
If you happen to visit this night market, don’t miss out on this stall’s avocado milk drink! From the flavor to the portion and quality, it’s highly recommended. This is a drink that leaves a lasting impression, and I’ll definitely come back for more next time!"
Yue Aan
"It is near to Airport KK. Choices of food you can get at the night market. It opens from Friday to Saturday only. It is advisable for people to take grab because the place is crowded and hard to find parking.
The night market is different from pasar malam in semenanjung. They got better option to find food. However, not all food were delicious. i think 90% of my purchase taste so so. I really like the vibes with busking all along the night market and the people who came to lepak lepak there. Plus, the price is mahal sikit maybe due to one of tourism spot.
Hope that majlis perbandaran can provide tong sampah(s) as there are many people coming there eating while strolling at night market."
Amirah Ibrahim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gaya Street Night Market is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. Many visitors recommend using ride-sharing services like Grab for convenient access, as parking can be challenging due to crowds.
Parking near Gaya Street can be very limited and difficult to find, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to opt for Grab or other public transport options.
Yes, the Gaya Street Night Market is relatively close to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), making it a feasible stop for travelers arriving or departing.
You can use Google Maps or Waze and search for 'GAYA STREET Night Market' or 'Api-Api Night Market' to get precise directions.
If you are staying in the central Kota Kinabalu area, walking to Gaya Street Night Market is definitely an option and a great way to experience the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Gaya Street Night Market is free. You only pay for the food and drinks you purchase.
The market is typically open on Fridays and Saturdays from around 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. It's always good to check local listings for any changes.
No, Gaya Street Night Market operates only on Fridays and Saturdays.
During Ramadan, it transforms into a vibrant Bazaar Ramadan, offering a special selection of festive foods.
The market might open a bit late depending on weather conditions, so it's worth checking if you're unsure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find an incredible variety of street food, including local Sabah specialties like Kelupis, grilled chicken wings, Roti John, Ramly Burgers, and popular dishes like Penang Char Kuey Teow.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find options like fried noodles, vegetable stir-fries, and fruits. It's best to ask vendors directly about ingredients.
Many visitors rave about the avocado milk drink, the Penang Char Kuey Teow, and the Sabah-style grilled chicken wings. +1
Prices can be a bit higher than in other local markets, as it's a popular tourist spot. However, many find the quality and portion sizes justify the cost, especially for unique items like the avocado drink.
Absolutely! You can find a wide range of beverages, including fresh fruit juices, sugarcane juice, and the highly recommended 'Air Balang' (flavored iced drinks).
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant food stalls, the lively busking performances, and the bustling crowds. The colorful drinks and unique packaging of items like the avocado milk drink also make for great shots.
It can be challenging due to the density of people. Try to find slightly less crowded spots or be patient to get your shots. Early evening might offer slightly fewer people.
The market truly comes alive after sunset, offering great opportunities for low-light photography. The ambiance with the lights and activity is best captured in the evening.
The vibrant colors of the 'Air Balang' drinks, the char-grilled chicken wings, and the creatively packaged avocado milk drink are all very photogenic.
It's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls. Most are friendly and accommodating.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Keep in mind that it can get crowded, so holding hands and keeping a close eye on children is important. While there are many food options, consider bringing a small bag for any trash, as public bins might be limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
Sharing dishes with travel companions can also help manage costs. The free entry is a big plus, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere without spending a fortune. Focus on local vendors for potentially better value compared to more commercialized stalls.
couples
The ambient music from buskers adds a charming soundtrack to your evening. Find a spot to sit together, enjoy your food, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a casual and memorable date night in Kota Kinabalu.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Culinary Delights of Gaya Street
+3Beyond the savory, the market also boasts a fantastic selection of drinks and desserts. The avocado milk drink, often praised for its rich flavor and generous portion, is a standout item that many visitors seek out. You'll also find refreshing sugarcane juice, colorful 'Air Balang' (flavored iced drinks), and various local cakes and fruits.
While the variety is impressive, some visitors note that not every dish is a hit, and prices can be slightly higher due to the market's popularity. However, the overall experience of exploring diverse food options and enjoying the lively atmosphere often makes it worthwhile.
The Vibrant Atmosphere and Entertainment
+2The market buzzes with energy, attracting both locals and tourists. The friendly interactions with vendors and the shared enjoyment of food and music contribute to a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. It's a place where people gather to socialize, eat, and simply enjoy the evening.
This lively environment makes Gaya Street Night Market a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the authentic social and cultural pulse of Kota Kinabalu. The combination of delicious food and engaging entertainment creates a memorable evening out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit