Gaya Street Market: A Sunday Morning Adventure in Kota Kinabalu 🌿✨

#kotakinabalutrip The moment I stepped into Gaya Street Market, my senses were hit with a whirlwind of colors, chatter, and the *amazing* smell of sizzling street food. 🍢 Every Sunday, this stretch in Kota Kinabalu transforms into a bustling open-air bazaar—think handmade crafts, tropical fruits, and quirky souvenirs, all under one (very sunny) sky. ☀️ **Unexpected Highlight?** I accidentally haggled for a *giant* durian plushie (yes, you read that right) while trying to ask the vendor for directions. 🤦♀️ He laughed, I laughed, and now I own a fuzzy durian I didn’t know I needed. 🎉 **Must-Try Food:** The *hinava* (Sabah’s tangy raw fish salad) at a tiny stall near the antiques section—spicy, citrusy, and *so* fresh. I hesitated at first (raw fish? 😳), but the auntie running the stall grinned and handed me a sample. Zero regrets. **Hidden Gem:** Tucked behind the main stalls, I found a quiet corner selling *bunga telur* (traditional beadwork jewelry). The artisan let me try on a handmade bracelet while sharing stories about the designs. 💫 **Quick Itinerary:** ⏰ **8:00 AM:** Arrive early to beat the heat + crowds. ⏰ **8:30 AM:** Fuel up with *kuih* (local sweets) and iced *teh tarik*. ⏰ **10:00 AM:** Hunt for souvenirs (pro tip: haggle playfully!). ⏰ **11:30 AM:** Escape to the shady side streets for photo ops. 📸 **Final Tip?** Wear comfy shoes, bring cash, and *don’t* leave without trying the mangoes. 🥭 Trust me. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Gaya Street is messy, loud, and absolutely delightful—just like any good adventure should be. 😍 **#gayastreetfinds #sabahsundayvibes**