1. What is the best way to get to Gaya Street Sunday Market from the city center?
The best way to get to Gaya Street Sunday Market from the city center is by taking a taxi or using public transportation such as buses. The market is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu and is easily accessible from most parts of the city. Alternatively, if you are staying in a hotel near the market, you can also walk there.
2. Is there any public transportation that goes directly to Gaya Street Sunday Market?
Yes, there are a few public transportation options that can take you directly to Gaya Street Sunday Market.
1. City Bus: You can take city bus No. 13 or 17 from various locations in Kota Kinabalu, such as Wawasan Plaza or the Waterfront area, to Gaya Street. The bus stop closest to the market is located near Wisma Merdeka shopping mall.
2. Grab/ride-hailing services: You can also use ride-hailing services like Grab to get to Gaya Street Sunday Market. Simply enter ‘Gaya Street’ as your destination and a driver will pick you up from your location.
3. Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Kota Kinabalu and you can easily catch one at any designated taxi stands or hail one on the street. Just tell the driver you want to go to Gaya Street and they will drop you off at a nearby location.
4. Hop-on hop-off bus: The Sabah Tourism Board offers a hop-on hop-off bus service that stops near Gaya Street (Stop No. 10). This is a convenient option for tourists as it allows them to explore other attractions in the city before heading to the market.
Note: Due to road closures during the market hours, some buses may not go all the way down Gaya Street. In this case, you may need to walk a short distance from the nearest drop-off point.
3. Are there any bike rentals available near Gaya Street Sunday Market?
Yes, there are several bike rental options near Gaya Street Sunday Market. Some of these include:1. Kota Kinabalu Bike Rentals:
Located just a few minutes’ walk from the market, this rental shop offers a variety of bicycles for rent, including mountain bikes and city bikes.
2. Borneo Biking Adventures:
This rental shop is located about 10 minutes away from the market and offers guided bike tours as well as bicycle rentals.
3. Uncle Tan Bicycle Rental:
A popular budget option, this rental shop is also located about 10 minutes away from the market and offers cheap bicycle rentals for exploring the city.
4. Sabah Adventure Tours:
Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, this rental shop offers both guided bike tours and bicycle rentals for those looking to explore the city on their own.
5. KK Holiday Rentals:
Another nearby option, KK Holiday Rentals offers a wide range of bicycles for rent, including electric bikes and tandems.
It is recommended to book your bike rental in advance or arrive early to secure a rental during busy times such as weekends when the Gaya Street Sunday Market is operating.
4. Can I walk from my hotel to Gaya Street Sunday Market or do I need to take transportation?
It depends on the location of your hotel. If your hotel is located within walking distance from Gaya Street Sunday Market, then you can walk there. However, if your hotel is far from the market, it would be more convenient to take transportation such as a taxi or bus.
5. Is it easy to find a taxi or ride-hailing service at Gaya Street Sunday Market?
Yes, it is easy to find a taxi or ride-hailing service at Gaya Street Sunday Market. There are usually many taxis waiting outside the market and there are also designated pick-up points for ride-hailing services. It is recommended to book a ride in advance to avoid long wait times during peak hours.
6. How long does it usually take to travel from the airport to Gaya Street Sunday Market by car?
It usually takes around 20-30 minutes to travel from the airport to Gaya Street Sunday Market by car, depending on traffic conditions.
7. Are there any designated parking areas for those driving to Gaya Street Sunday Market?
There are several designated parking areas near Gaya Street for those driving to the Sunday Market. These include:1. Kota Kinabalu City Hall car park
2. Wisma Merdeka car park
3. Asia City car park
4. KK Plaza car park
5. DBKK multi-storey car park on Jalan Tugu (opposite Gaya Centre Hotel)
6. Sinsuran Complex car park
8. What is the traffic like around Gaya Street Sunday Market during market hours?
The traffic around Gaya Street Sunday Market can be heavy during market hours, especially on the roads adjacent to the market such as Gaya Street itself and Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens. Many vendors set up their stalls along the roadside, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through. It is recommended to use public transportation or walk to the market to avoid any traffic congestion.
9. Can I rent a car or motorbike in Kota Kinabalu and use it to drive to Gaya Street Sunday Market?
Yes, you can rent a car or motorbike in Kota Kinabalu and use it to drive to Gaya Street Sunday Market. However, parking may be limited near the market area so it is recommended to arrive early or take public transportation instead.
10. Are there any boat trips or river cruises available at or near Gaya Street Sunday Market?
Yes, there are several boat trips and river cruises available at or near Gaya Street Sunday Market. Some popular options include a sunset river cruise along the Kota Kinabalu waterfront, a Mangrove River Cruise through the mangrove forests of Kota Kinabalu, and an island-hopping tour to various islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. These tours can be booked at local tour agencies or through the concierge desk at your hotel.
11. How accessible is Gaya Street Sunday Market for individuals with disabilities?
Based on observation and online research, Gaya Street Sunday Market may not be very accessible for individuals with disabilities due to various challenges such as uneven terrain, limited ramps or elevators, and narrow walkways.
1. Uneven Terrain:
The market is located on a busy street with bumpy and uneven pavement, which can make it difficult for individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids to navigate.
2. Limited Ramps or Elevators:
While some buildings in the area have ramps or elevators, they may not be accessible to the public during market hours. Moreover, there are no ramps leading up to most stalls at the market, making it challenging for individuals with mobility impairments to shop comfortably.
3. Narrow Walkways:
The walkways at the market can get crowded and narrow at times due to the high number of visitors. This can make it difficult for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers to move around freely.
4. Limited Accessible Parking:
There are limited parking spaces allocated for people with disabilities near Gaya Street Sunday Market.
5. No Assistive Devices Provided:
There are no assistive devices such as wheelchairs available for rent at the market.
6. Lack of Signage:
There is a lack of signage indicating accessible routes or facilities within the market area.
7. No Alternative Payment Methods:
Some stalls at Gaya Street Sunday Market only accept cash payments, which may create difficulties for individuals who cannot handle money easily due to their disability.
Overall, while efforts have been made to improve accessibility in Kota Kinabalu in recent years, more work needs to be done to make Gaya Street Sunday Market fully accessible for individuals with disabilities.
12. Are there any guided tours available specifically for exploring Gaya Street Sunday Market and its surroundings?
Yes, there are some guided tours available specifically for Gaya Street Sunday Market and its surroundings. You can check with local tour companies or online booking platforms for options. Some tours may also include visits to nearby attractions such as Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and Atkinson Clock Tower. It is recommended to book in advance to secure a spot on the tour.
13. Is it safe to travel alone while attending the lively atmosphere of Gaya Street Sunday Market?
While there is always a certain level of risk associated with traveling alone, the atmosphere at the Gaya Street Sunday Market is generally considered safe. It is a popular tourist destination and crowded with both locals and visitors, making it less likely for any incidents to occur. However, as with any crowded market, it is important to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
14. Should I expect heavy crowds when visiting Gaya Street Sunday Market on Sundays, or are weekdays less busy?
Sundays at Gaya Street Sunday Market tend to be very crowded, as it is the main market day. Weekdays may still see some crowds, but they are generally less busy than Sundays.
15. Can I bring my children along with me while shopping at the market?
Children are welcome at the market, but parents should keep a close eye on them to ensure they do not disturb vendors or other shoppers. It is also important to teach children proper market etiquette, such as asking permission before touching products and using indoor voices. Some farmers’ markets may also have designated play areas or activities for children, so it’s worth checking with market staff if this is available.
16. What other tourist attractions are located near Gaya Street Sunday Market and how can we get there?
Some other popular tourist attractions near Gaya Street Sunday Market include:1. Sabah State Museum: This museum is located approximately 1.5 km away from the market and showcases the rich culture and heritage of Sabah. You can easily reach there by taking a taxi or walking for about 20 minutes.
2. Atkinson Clock Tower: This iconic clock tower is only about 1 km away from the market and is a significant landmark in Kota Kinabalu. You can take a taxi or walk for about 15 minutes to get there.
3. Signal Hill Observatory Tower: Located around 2 km away from the market, this tower offers stunning views of the city and surrounding islands. You can hire a taxi or walk for about 30 minutes to reach there.
4. Tun Mustapha Tower (Menara Tun Mustapha): This iconic tower is located about 4 km away from the market and is known for its unique architectural design. You can take a taxi or ride on a local bus to get there.
5. Tanjung Aru Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Beach is around 7 km away from the market. You can take a taxi or ride on a local bus to reach there.
6. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park: Located approximately 17 km away from Gaya Street Sunday Market, this zoo houses various indigenous animals and offers exciting animal shows and activities. You can take a taxi or ride on a local bus to get there.
7. Islands nearby: There are several beautiful islands near Kota Kinabalu that you can visit as a day trip from Gaya Street Sunday Market such as Sapi Island, Manukan Island, and Mamutik Island that you can reach by taking a boat ride from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (around 3 km away from the market).
You can also consider hiring a tour guide or joining a guided tour to these attractions for a hassle-free experience.
17. As a tourist, what payment methods are commonly accepted at vendors’ stalls in the market?
It depends on the country, but some common methods of payments accepted at vendors’ stalls in markets include cash, credit or debit card, mobile payment apps such as Alipay or WeChat Pay (in China), and sometimes traveler’s checks. However, it is always a good idea to have some local currency on hand in case a vendor does not accept other forms of payment.
18.Can I find souvenirs unique to Kota Kinabalu at this market?
Yes, you can find souvenirs unique to Kota Kinabalu at this market. Some popular items include Sabah pearls, traditional handicrafts, batik fabrics, and local snacks and delicacies. You can also find souvenirs specific to certain ethnic groups in Sabah, such as the Rungus or Kadazan-Dusun. 19.What is the market’s typical hours of operation on Sundays?
The market’s typical hours of operation on Sundays vary depending on the specific market. Some markets may be open from 9am to 2pm, while others may be open from 10am to 4pm. It is best to check the specific market’s website or contact them directly for their exact hours of operation on Sundays.