Maddie at Gaya Street Sunday Fair

It was during the Chinese New Year in February this year when I last visited the Gaya Street Sunday Fair with Serene and her family (Read here). Being in Chinese New Year season then, the atmosphere was festive and full of life, with the vibrant sounds of chatter, laughter, and music mingling in the air. The entire Gaya Street, closed to traffic for the day, was transformed into a bustling open-air market.

The open air market, stretching along the heart of the city, features rows upon rows of colorful stalls selling an eclectic array of items - local handicrafts, souvenirs, batik fabrics, antiques, plants, flowers, traditional herbs, and of course, street food unique to Sabah. Beyond shopping, however, the fair offers something much richer: a window into the local way of life. Visitors can engage with friendly vendors, savor regional delicacies, and admire the artistry of some traditional crafts being made before their eyes.

Since Sam and Maddie were in Kota Kinabalu on a Sunday (19.10.2025), it seemed the perfect opportunity for them to experience this lively celebration of community, culture, and commerce before returning to Singapore that afternoon. A stroll through the Gaya Street Sunday Fair would give them an unforgettable morning that beautifully captures the city’s vibrant spirit.

I was certain that Maddie would enjoy the stroll - not so much because of the merchandise or souvenirs on display, but because of the many stalls that feature adorable animals. Alongside the usual market fare of crafts and snacks, several vendors were selling puppies, kittens, small fishes and colorful birds, each drawing curious crowds of onlookers. As I had anticipated, Maddie was immediately captivated.

When we stopped by one of the puppy stalls, her face lit up with delight. Looking into the cage, she watched the pups, then, with a bright grin, she turned to me and said, “Can we buy one of these puppies? My dog, Newton, needs a companion - he needs a friend to play with!” Her innocent enthusiasm and affection for animals made the moment all the more heartwarming, a simple reminder of how much joy children find in life’s little encounters.

Our visit to the Gaya Street Sunday Fair concluded on a delicious note with breakfast at Khen Wan Hin, a long-established local eatery founded in 1984 and beloved by both residents and visitors for its traditional Chinese-style breakfast. The outlet is known for their steamed bao and baked buns.

The restaurant is usually bustling with customers, and long queues are a common sight, especially on weekends. That morning, however, luck was on our side - we managed to find a table the moment we walked in. We ordered some of their signature dishes: baked buns and plates of noodles topped with slices of barbecued pork paired with bowls of soup with dumplings.