Things to See & Do in Kundasang Sabah: Travel Guide & Itinerary

If there’s one place in Sabah that makes you feel as though you’ve accidentally driven into another continent, it’s Kundasang.

With its cool mountain air, rolling green hills, vegetable farms, and cows grazing against a backdrop of mist-covered mountains, this little highland town has earned itself the nickname “New Zealand of Borneo”.

Kundasang is best known as the gateway to Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia, but you don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy this part of Sabah.

I visited Kundasang on a road trip from Kota Kinabalu, renting a car so we could explore at our own pace.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Kundasang, including the best things to do, how to get there, where to stay, and suggested itineraries.

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Kundasang at a glance

• Location: Ranau District, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
• Elevation: Approximately 1,900 meters above sea level
• Nearest airport: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
• Main attraction: Mount Kinabalu and Kinabalu Park
• Known for: Mountain scenery, cool weather, dairy farms, vegetable farms, and nature tourism

Geography

Kundasang is a highland settlement in the Ranau District of Sabah, situated on the slopes of the Crocker Range near Mount Kinabalu. Its elevated location gives it a considerably cooler climate than the coastal areas of Sabah.

The landscape is characterized by steep hills, agricultural terraces, vegetable farms, and mountain scenery. On clear days, Mount Kinabalu dominates the horizon, although clouds and mist can obscure the mountain, particularly later in the day.

History & culture

Kundasang developed as an agricultural settlement, with its fertile highland environment supporting the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and other crops. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, alongside tourism.

The wider Ranau area is predominantly associated with the Dusun people, particularly the highland communities whose traditional livelihoods and cultural practices are closely connected to the surrounding land.

Kundasang’s agricultural landscape, local markets, and traditional food offer visitors a glimpse into this part of Sabah’s rural life.

Bahasa Malaysia is widely spoken, while the local Dusun language is also commonly used. English is understood in many tourism-related businesses. Christianity and Islam are the two main religions in the district.

Best time to visit Kundasang

Kundasang can be visited year-round, but the relatively drier months between March and September are generally better for outdoor activities, hiking, and sightseeing.

The wetter period typically falls between October and February, although rain is possible throughout the year.

I’ve visited Kundasang twice, both times outside the usual rainy season, and it still rained during my visits. If you’re planning to hike, check the weather and trail conditions beforehand, as rain can make the paths slippery.

💡 My recommendation: If seeing Mount Kinabalu is a priority, stay at least two nights. This gives you more opportunities to catch a clear view rather than relying on a single day for good weather.

How to get to Kundasang

Kundasang doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, which serves domestic and international flights.

🚗 By car

The most convenient way to get there is by renting a car. The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang is approximately 90 kilometers and takes around two hours, depending on traffic.

The journey is quite scenic as you leave the city behind and make your way into the mountains, passing small towns and villages.

💡 You can also consider making a detour to Tamparuli Suspension Bridge, a 200-meter-long pedestrian suspension bridge associated with a local legend.

🚌 By public transport

If you’re not driving, there are public buses and shared minivans traveling between Kota Kinabalu and Ranau. These generally depart from the Inanam Bus Terminal in Kota Kinabalu.

💡 You can ask to be dropped off in Kundasang, but make sure to let the driver know in advance and remind him again as you get closer. I learned this the hard way on my first visit!

🚐 By tour or private transfer

Alternatively, you can book a private transfer or join an organized day tour from Kota Kinabalu.

How to get around Kundasang

Kundasang isn’t a particularly large town, but its attractions are spread across a fairly wide area. Some are near the main town, while others require driving along winding mountain roads.

➤ Renting a car

Self-driving is the most convenient way to explore Kundasang. You can visit attractions at your own pace and easily combine several places in one day.

A standard car is generally sufficient for the main tourist attractions, although you should be comfortable driving on winding roads and steep inclines, particularly when it’s raining or foggy.

👉 Check out my guide to driving in Malaysian Borneo for everything you need to know before hitting the road.

➤ Private drivers & tours

If you don’t want to drive, you can hire a private driver or book a guided tour from Kota Kinabalu. Many tour operators offer day trips covering Kinabalu Park, Desa Dairy Farm, and Poring Hot Springs.

➤ Public transportation

There is no dedicated public bus service within Kundasang. E-hailing availability is also less reliable than in Kota Kinabalu.

Taxis are available around the main town, but it’s best to hire one for the entire day (and agree on a price beforehand), rather than hoping to flag one down whenever you need it, especially in more remote locations.

Best things to do in and around Kundasang

1. Explore Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kinabalu Park is undoubtedly one of the main reasons people visit Kundasang. Established in 1964 as Sabah’s first national park, it covers approximately 754 square kilometers and protects an extraordinary range of habitats around Mount Kinabalu.

The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 because of its exceptional biodiversity. Its different elevations support several types of vegetation, from tropical rainforest to alpine vegetation near the mountain summit.

One of the highlights is the Botanical Garden, which showcases some of the fascinating plant life, including orchids, pitcher plants, and species found nowhere else in the world.

There are also nature trails that allow you to explore the surrounding rainforest. And if you’re particularly lucky, you might even come across a Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. I wasn’t lucky enough to spot one on either of my visits, unfortunately.

2. Climb Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia

At 4,095.2 meters above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia and one of the tallest in Southeast Asia.

You don’t need technical mountaineering experience to climb Mount Kinabalu, but it’s far from a walk in the park. The route takes you through tropical rainforest and probably tens of thousands of stairs before opening onto steep, exposed granite slopes.

Plus, there’s the altitude and cold temperatures to deal with at the top. The climb is usually completed over two days and one night.

💡 If you don’t exercise or hike regularly, don’t make the same mistake I did by overestimating your fitness. A little preparation goes a long way. 😉

For those who are more adventurous, consider taking on the via ferrata, currently the highest via ferrata route in the world, reaching elevations of up to 3,776 meters above sea level.

Climbing Kinabalu requires advance booking, sometimes month in advance if you’re visiting during the peak period, as daily climbing quotas are limited.

👉 Find out how I managed to snag a last-minute climbing slot on the day of my visit.

3. Get your dairy fix at Desa Dairy Farm

Apart from Mount Kinabalu and the national park, if there’s another place that has become synonymous with Kundasang, it’s Desa Dairy Farm.

Located in Mesilau this working dairy farm is often compared to New Zealand, due to its green pastures, grazing cows, and beautiful mountain scenery in the background.

Visitors can learn about dairy farming, watch selected parts of the milk production process, and see the animals up close.

Of course, you shouldn’t leave without trying some of the farm’s dairy products. Desa produces fresh milk and other dairy products, including yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.

The gelato is particularly popular, and at RM6 per cup when I visited, I’m not sure why it hasn’t gone national yet. Or perhaps I should keep this our little secret. 😉

Different activities have different schedules, which you can check on the official booking portal. Advance online booking is recommended.

4. Pay your respects at Kundasang War Memorial

Not every attraction in Kundasang is about beautiful scenery.

During World War II, around 2,400 Australian and British prisoners of war were forced to march approximately 260 kilometers from Sandakan to Ranau through dense jungle and difficult terrain. Weakened by starvation, disease, and mistreatment, most did not survive.

The Kundasang War Memorial was established in 1962 to commemorate the Allied prisoners who died during the Sandakan Death Marches, as well as the local people who risked their lives to help them.

The memorial consists of four gardens representing different nationalities and groups, each with its own character, landscaped grounds, commemorative plaques, and spaces for reflection.

5. Relax at Poring Hot Springs

If you have an extra day and don’t mind driving further into the Ranau District, consider visiting Poring Hot Springs, where natural hot sulfur water is channeled into outdoor baths for you to soak and relax in after a day of sightseeing or hiking.

There are several other attractions within the Poring area, including nature trails and an elevated canopy walkway.

Poring is approximately 40 kilometers from Kundasang, so allow sufficient time for the drive.

6. Climb Sosodikon Hill for a mountain view

If you want to enjoy Kundasang’s highland scenery from above without committing to a full mountain hike, Sosodikon Hill in Mesilau is worth considering.

The hike to the viewpoint is relatively short, involving an uphill walk along a grassy slope. The best time to visit is generally early in the morning, when visibility tends to be better.

We had planned to do this hike, but in the end, laziness got the better of us.

7. Browse fresh produce at Kundasang Vegetable Market

Kundasang’s cool climate and fertile highlands support the production of cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, leafy greens, and other vegetables supplied to markets and restaurants across Sabah.

The vegetable market offers a look at Kundasang’s agricultural industry, with stalls selling fresh produce alongside local snacks, food products, and souvenirs. Visit in the morning, when the market is generally livelier.

8. Visit Nabalu Market for souvenirs

Nabalu is a small settlement along the main road between Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang. Its main attraction is the Nabalu Market, where you can browse local handicrafts, souvenirs, snacks, and other products.

There’s also a viewing area with panoramic countryside views and, on a clear day, Mount Kinabalu. If you’re driving from Kota Kinabalu, it’s a convenient place to stop along the way.

9. Meet and feed alpacas at the Alpaca Club

Located in Mesilau, a short drive from Desa Dairy Farm, Alpaca Club is a small petting zoo where you can meet, feed, and take photos with alpacas and some rabbits.

You won’t spend too much time here, but it’s a fun little stop, especially if you’re fond of animals or traveling with children.

10. Walk around the countryside and enjoy the scenery

Sometimes, the best thing to do in Kundasang is simply to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.

Walk around or drive past vegetable farms and small villages, and stop at safe viewpoints along the mountain roads. Or simply relax at your accommodation and take in the cool weather and Mount Kinabalu views.

What to eat in Kundasang

• Bambangan: A type of wild mango that’s commonly pickled and served as a side dish.
• Strawberries: Kundasang is one of the few places in Malaysia with a climate suitable for growing strawberries. Look out for strawberry-infused food and drinks, even in unexpected dishes like stir-fries!

You’ll also find a selection of Malay, Chinese, and Western-style food around Kundasang.

How long to stay in Kundasang

You can technically visit Kundasang as a day trip from Kota Kinabalu, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you have the flexibility to stay longer.

The drive takes approximately two hours each way, which means you’ll spend around four hours on the road alone.

• 1 day: Enough to visit the two or three main highlights, such as Kinabalu Park, Desa Dairy Farm, and Poring Hot Springs, but expect a packed schedule.
• 2 days: Ideal for seeing most of what Kundasang has to offer.
• 3 days or more: Best if you want to explore at a more relaxed pace and have some flexibility if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

💡 If you’re planning to climb Mount Kinabalu, you’ll need to allocate additional time. The standard climbing package involves an overnight stay on the mountain.

You may also want to spend an extra night in Kundasang after the climb rather than immediately rushing back to Kota Kinabalu with your jelly legs (learned this from experience).

Where to stay in Kundasang

Kundasang has a good selection of accommodation, ranging from simple guesthouses and homestays to more comfortable hotels and scenic chalets.

Many properties offer mountain views, balconies, gardens, or hillside locations.

Budget

• Suang Noh Homestay
• Amazing Grace Lodge

Mid-range

• Sutera Sanctuary at Kinabalu Park
• Kundasang Guesthouse
• Wind Valley Farmstay

Luxury

• Spring Garden
• Alawa Kundasang
• Mountain Valley Resort

Suggested Kundasang itineraries

➤ Kundasang day trip from Kota Kinabalu

If you’re short on time, you can cover several of Kundasang’s main attractions in one day. However, you’ll need to leave Kota Kinabalu early, preferably around 6:00–7:00 AM.

• 7:00 AM: Depart Kota Kinabalu.
• 9:00 AM: Visit Kinabalu Park. Explore the nature trails and Botanical Garden.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch.
• 1:30 PM: Visit Desa Dairy Farm or Poring Hot Springs.
• 3:30 PM: Stop at Kundasang War Memorial.
• 4:30 PM: Browse the Kundasang vegetable market or nearby souvenir shops.
• 5:00 PM: Start driving back to Kota Kinabalu.

This itinerary is fairly packed, and the actual timing will depend on traffic, weather, and how long you spend at each attraction. You may also want to skip one or two stops.

DAY 2

• 7:00 AM: Wake up early to catch a glimpse of Mount Kinabalu, weather permitting.
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast.
• 9:00 AM: Visit Desa Dairy Farm. See the cow barn and feed the calves.
• 11:00 AM: Stop at Sosodikon Hill for a short hike and panoramic views.
• 12:30 PM: Lunch.
• 2:00 PM: Browse the local vegetable market, visit a strawberry farm, or go to Poring Hot Springs.
• 5:00 PM: Start the drive back to Kota Kinabalu.

What to pack for Kundasang

• Warm jacket or sweater: Kundasang can get chilly, especially in the evenings and early mornings.
• Long pants: Useful for keeping warm and protecting your legs when exploring nature trails.
• Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for walking around Kinabalu Park and other nature attractions.
• Rain jacket or umbrella: Rain showers can occur throughout the year, so it’s best to be prepared.
• Insect repellent: Helps keep mosquitoes and other insects away, particularly when spending time outdoors.
• Sunscreen: The highland sun can still be strong, even when the weather feels cool.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring the parks and hiking trails.
• Cash in Malaysian ringgit: Handy for small eateries, roadside stalls, local markets, and attractions that don’t accept cashless payments.
• Power bank: Useful for keeping your phone and camera charged throughout the day.
• Personal medication: Bring any essentials, including motion sickness medication if you’re prone to feeling queasy on winding mountain roads.

Additional tips for visiting Kundasang

👉 Start your sightseeing early. Apart from having a better chance of seeing Mount Kinabalu, starting early also gives you more flexibility if the weather changes.

👉 Be careful when driving in the highlands. The roads around Kundasang can be steep and winding, while fog and rain can reduce visibility, so drive slowly and avoid rushing, especially after dark.

👉 Don’t count on good mountain views all day. Clouds can roll in quickly, so if the weather is clear, enjoy it while you can!

👉 Check attraction schedules and closures. Opening hours, activity schedules, and admission fees can change. Certain trails or facilities may close temporarily because of maintenance or weather conditions.

👉 Don’t underestimate distance between attractions. Although everything looks relatively close on a map, mountain roads can make journeys longer than expected.

👉 Be prepared for inconsistent mobile coverage in some parts of the highlands. Download offline maps before setting off, particularly if you’re driving independently and visiting attractions away from the main town.

👉 Respect the local environment and communities. Kundasang is home to many local families, and Mount Kinabalu is sacred to the local Kadazan-Dusun people. Be mindful of local customs and treat the mountain and its surroundings with respect.

Final thoughts: Is Kundasang worth visiting?

The so-called “New Zealand of Borneo” comparison might set your expectations a little too high if you’ve actually been to New Zealand.

However, if you’re interested in what makes this particular corner of Sabah geographically, culturally, and historically significant, I think it’s well worth the trip.

It’s home to Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s tallest mountain and a sacred site for local communities, as well as Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It also carries the memory of the Sandakan Death Marches, with the Kundasang War Memorial serving as a reminder of the lives lost and the suffering endured here during WWII.