Was in Kota Kinabalu in September 2009. The public bus to Mt Kinabalu is located at “Long Distant Bus Station” opposite Gaya Street.
The public transport to Mt Kinabalu is actually a mini van with NO AIRCON !
Each person has to pay RM15 for one way. The van will only take off at a certain timing. [...]

In Kampung Air of Kota Kinabalu, a night market is set up from 6pm. But in the day, you could find the same place with vendors selling 2nd hand used clothing.

Small airport in Kota Kinabalu. Flat rate for Taxi fare to town: RM30 as at September 2009. Book from the taxi counter and get your ticket.

This is how Kota Kinabalu town looks like. It is a very small town. Shopping malls have not much variety to offer to customers. Extremely hot like an oven in September.
I would rather go to Phuket (Thailand).

This central market is facing the sea and in front of Le Meridien Hotel (Jln Tun Fuad Stephens Road). Just next to the handicraft market.
The BBQ food section & wet market only starts from 5pm. The food is not expensive. But if you order more at one go, you can get a discount.