Picturesque views set against a backdrop of rolling hills, infringed by lush greenery and mist capped mountains, Kundasang is truly postcard perfect from every angle.
The cooling climate and sometimes freezing weather by Malaysian standard dips to as low as 13’C early in the morning.
I fell madly in love with Kundasang for its simplicity, charms and weather. And you will too.
If you’re not sure on what to do in Kundasang, here are 17 amazing things to do in Kundasang for an unforgettable holiday!
1. Sosodikan Hill Kundasang
Located in Ranau and 5 minutes’ drive away from Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Sosodikan Hill provides a leisurely hike with moderate ascents.
Averagely, it takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete this 400m hike to the breezy peak that overlooks a gorgeous valley of greenery with rolling mountains as its backdrop.
Its graveled path and cemented slabs mean the hike can be done children and even elderly of all fitness levels.
The air is moist and there is constant mist that shrouds the hill, giving you an impression of walking in the clouds!
(Left to right: Sosodikan Hill is a 400-m beginners trail that can be climbed by kids & senior citizens. The trail comprises of steps and undulating ungravelled paths. There is an "unofficial" time limit of 5 minutes to be spent at the peak, which we did not adhere to ;) )
The native community use to set a traditional trap to capture small animals here in the past. Thus, the hill is named after the Dusun word “sodik" which means trap.
Should you choose not to drive to Sosodikan Hill, you can also rent ATV machines here for a guided ATV tour to the hill. Exploring Sosodikan Hill via ATV machines or hiking is one of the things to do in Kundasang with kids.
Don’t forget to register at the counter of Sosodikan Hill during operational hours from 6am to 5pm daily, before you start hiking.
Entrance Fees
· Malaysians : Adult (13 years and above) RM 5, Child (7-12 years) RM3
· International visitor: Adult RM 10, Child RM 5
· Free admission for children 6 years old and below.
Address: Kg Kauluan Peti Surat 873, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
Operating Hours: 6am – 5pm daily
Contact: 013-851 0329
Links: Website
2. Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm is the poster boy of Kundasang, and is an iconic attraction synonymous with Kundasang,
However, if you’ve been to Farm Fresh UPM in Selangor, Desa Cattle Daily Farm can feel like a tourist trap.
The good part is the entrance fee is reasonable, and there isn’t any aggressive promotion to purchase merchandise.
Nevertheless, apart from the scenic hills that surrounds the entire farm and lots of Instagram worthy shots, the activities here are not as engaging as I expect it to be.
For starters, you can climb up the stationary tractor and pose for a picture.
Next, for RM3 you’ll get to purchase either a bunch of grass or a bottle of milk to feed the calves.
Should you come in the afternoon, you can witness the milking of female cows through glass panels from an enclosed upper deck.
Then, take a sneak peak on how the extracted milk is processed, pasteurized and packaged for commercial sale. Here, the manufacturer can do better by providing either a guided tour or playing an audio narration detailing the process.
Don’t forget to head to the back of the farm and take gorgeous pictures against the fence with the majestic mountains as a backdrop.
Ticket Price:
Adults (age 13 years & above) : RM5
Children (age 7 – 12 years) : RM4
Child below 7 years old / Disabled / OKU: Free
Address: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilau, Sabah
Operating Hours: 8am – 5pm (daily)
Contact: 088-888 531
3. The Alpaca Club
The Alpaca’s are notorious for spitting at guests when annoyed, or even butting with their hind legs. But this bunch at The Alpaca Club in Kundasang are prim and proper, thanks to good crowd control.
With its entrance perched on a hill top facing the majestic Mount Kinabalu, The Alpaca Club opens at the whims and fancy’ of the weather. When the sun is out, so are the alpacas. But when it rains, the animals are ushered into their enclosure to keep their thick fur dry.
You’ll get to feed the camel-like creatures with hay, treats and even stroke them up close and personal, if they're in the mood. There’s a safety briefing by the caretakers on do's and don'ts and how to make the most of your 30 minute mingle with the alpacas. You’ll also get to access to rabbits, fish and hang out with the hedgehogs.
The ticket errs on the high side for RM20 for 30 minutes. But the view and weather is simply breathtaking, and so are these furry friends.
Address: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
Business Hours: 9am – 5pm (daily)
Contact: 011-5868 3622
4. Poring Hot Spring
Located within the Kinabalu Park, the Poring Hot Spring in Ranau is a dedicated world heritage site prized for its outstanding biodiversity.
Ranked as one of the top six biodiversity centers in the world thanks to its diverse habitat types, the Poring hot spring is a nice retreat to soak your weary feet and muscles, after a long hike.
Known for its hot sulphur spring bath, Poring hot spring was developed by the Japanese during World War II. Here, you’ll find 5 hot spring sections with hot waters piped into open-air baths, ranging from between 49 and 60 degrees Celsius.
There is also an Indoor bathtub for better privacy, and a water slide area or kids to frolic and tumble.
In addition, there's also a hot water spring pool to soak just your feet.
Address: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, Sabah
Operating Hours: 8am – 4pm
Contact: 014-695 8577
Link: Website
5. Canopy Walk at Poring Hot Spring
While you’re at Poring, be sure to confront your fears for heights and experience the canopy walk.
To get there, you’ll need to hike approximately 20 minutes up a terrain mixed with wooden stairs and open paths, with an ascend close to 45 degrees.
The canopy walk is not recommended for those who are pregnant, with uncontrollable high blood pressure, dizziness or acrophobia, as the canopy walk comprises of 5 suspension bridges.
There is no backing out midway, and the only way back is to take the same path as you entered.
Nevertheless, the treetop walk is simply breathtaking at 43m height above ground.
Address: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, Sabah
Operating Hours: 8am – 4pm
Contact: 014-695 8577
Link: Website
6. Kipungit Waterfall
Another tourist attraction not to be missed is the Kipungit Waterfall. Located approximately only 400 meters from Poring Hot Springs, a short track with mild undulating terrain will lead you to this breathtaking waterfall.
The open pathways will soon narrow under cooler foliage, and as the air transforms to a colder and crisp temperature, it’s a sign that the waterfall is not far away.
This hidden gem in Kundasang plunges 10 meters high to a serene pool of cascading waterfalls that is chilling yet welcoming. Its rocky surroundings make it the perfect place to soak it its natural beauty.
And as you soak your feet in the calming waters, black little fish extend a complimentary foot spa, as they work tirelessly feasting off the dead skin on your feet.
Kipungit Waterfall is a must visit and be sure to come early as the sky turns dark quickly after 4pm.
Address: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, Sabah
Operating Hours: 8am – 4pm
Contact: 014-695 8577
Link: Website
7. Langanan Waterfall
Across the river from Kipungit Waterfall is another trail for hardcore trackers. This trail leads to the highest waterfall in Poring at a might 120m in height!
The 3.9km track to Langanan Waterfall is leech infested especially during its rainy season. As such, come prepared with anti-leech socks, high socks and some salt to ease removing the suckers.
On the way to this majestic waterfall, you’ll pass a few smaller waterfalls and a bat cave. Visitors are not encouraged to enter the cave as its surface is slippery. The smell of guano from the outside is over powering too.
Upon reaching Langanan Waterfall, the majestic height of cascading water creates a perpetual mist surrounding the area. It’s a sight to behold and worth the 2 hour track!
Address: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, Sabah
Operating Hours: 8am – 4pm
Contact: 014-695 8577
Link: Website
8. Kundasang War Memorial
The Kundasang War Memorial was resurrected to commemorate the Australian and British army who perished as Prisoners of War (POW) in death marches during World War II in Ranau. The memorial also serves to recognize the locals who sacrificed their lives in the course of helping them.
The memorial consists of four gardens. From the Australian Garden, the English Rose Garden, Borneo Garden with wildflowers of Mount Kinabalu and Contemplation Garden, each garden represents the soldier’s different nationalities.
There is also a small souvenir shop at the end of the grounds selling t-shirts, key chains, fridge magnet and other knick knacks at reasonable prices.
Just like any museum, you’ll get the most out of the visit by investing time reading the details engraved near each monuments.
Because it’s an open space with no trees or shady areas, it’s Advisable to bring a cap or umbrella to shied you from the heat or rain.
The entrance fee is only RM5
Address: Jalan Kundasang Kauluan, Kundasang, 89300 Ranau, Sabah
Operating Hours: 8.30am – 5pm daily
Contact: 019-899 2041
9. Sabah Tea Garden, Ranau
While the entrance to the Sabah Tea Garden is free, a guided tour is highly recommended as it is more educational.
At only RM14 per person, the guided tour takes you through the tea factory while showcasing how Sabah tea is planted, harvested, processed and packaged for commercial sale .
A visit to the tea garden is a must, flanked by a maze of tea plantation where shutter bugs can click away happily.
Sabah Tea is one of the world’s few organic tea farms. And the highlight is non-other than savoring freshly made tea pancakes and Sabah Tea Pandan teh tarik. These are uniquely available only at the Tea House and are popular items on its menu.
Address: Sabah Tea Resort Sdn Bhd, KM17, Jalan Ranau / Sandakan, Kg. Nalapak, 89309, Ranau.
Operating Hours: 8am – 7pm
Contact: +60 88 440 882 / +60 88 423 448
10. Kundasang Market
Synonymous to the gigantic cabbage at the center of biggest round about in Kundasang town, the Kundasang Market is a feast to the senses. It’s the place for farmers to sell fresh vegetables, native plants, fruits, spices, Dalit and other in-season durians.
You’ll also find wet proteins like fish and chicken, souvenirs, local rice, local honey and almost anything under the sun, except for clothes and hardware. The sellers are friendly and you can hone your bargaining skills here. Bear in mind that this is their main source of income, and prices are generally fair. So if you’re feeling generous, the quoted prices here are good for payment.
Nearby the market you’ll see mascots like Ultraman, Hello Kitty, and other anime characters offering to pose with tourist for a small fee. The Kundasang Market is set amidst a gorgeous vista of the majestic mountain on its backdrop, and the cool air makes it the perfect respite towards the evening.
11. Tagal Luanti Fish Spa
If the small fishes Kipungit Waterfall don’t count as a fish spa for you then swing by the Luanti Fish Spa for bigger bites!
Located an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, this natural spa uses a blackish and special fish called “Ikan pelian” or the Malaysian Mahseer. They are belief to be the grown up version of the smaller fishes at Kipungit.
Adept at scouring and nibbling hard skin on your soles toes and heels, these working fishes will slough away dead cells, leaving you skin feeling soft an smooth.
Upon arriving the river, you’ll be given a packed of fish food to lure the fishes to your feet. The bite of the fish is not painful, but feels rather like a gentle bible, safe for spots with harder skin where the fish knows better to exert more force. So gentle are the fishes, rest assured that your skin remains intact.
You can choose to soak on your feet in the river, or submerge your body for a “bath with the fish” session.
Entrance Fees:
Soak feet only: RM5 (Adults); RM2 (Children)
Bath with fishes: RM10 (Adults and Children)
Address: Kampung Luanti Baru, 89300 Ranau, Sabah
Operating Hours: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm
Contact: 088-876 988
12. Climbing Mount Kinabalu
This is the pinnacle reason most tourists head to Kundasang, which is to conquer Mount Kinabalu – the tallest mountain in Malaysia and 28th tallest peak in South East Asia.
You can opt for a 2D1N package whereby you will hike up to Timpohon on the same day, and ascend to the peak of Kinabalu at 2am the following day.
Or choose a 3D2N package which allows you to stay at the Kinabalu Park HQ to which minimizes time for hotel transfer, and gives you re time to acclimate to the weather.
If acclimation is your concern but you would like to stay away from Kinabalu Park, you may consider putting up at J Residence Hotel or Ayana Resort These hotels are just 5 minutes’ drive away from the Kinabalu Park and are highly recommended by the climbing community.
13. Go Café Hopping
The café hopping scene in Kundasang is surprising mature with good options for foodies craving for café city food.
For a panoramic view overlooking the rolling Crocker hills, the Kloud Restaurant, Mountain Valley Resort offers first class service and upscale hotel like culinary delights, with a slightly heftier price tag. The breakfast set is decadent, lined pan-fried potato strips, avocado and onion compote and cut dragon fruits that makes it a complete and balanced meal.
The good quality food, top notch service, well-kept garden and mesmerizing scenery justifies its price.
For homely local food that reminds you of mum’s cooking, head over to August kitchen. This humble restaurant that provide decent accommodation serves a delicious Breakfast platter and a local platter comprising of local fish, brown rice, and native garden vegetables with robust wok hei.
Don’t forget to the check out the famous Hooga Bus Café and savor delicious nasi lemak, mee goreng and other staple local food.
For another breathtaking vista of the mist-capped mountains dine at Lily Cottage and Kitchen, that comes with 3 well-fed cats who tries to win sympathy food with their meows.
14. Paraglide at Ranau Paragliding Park
Experience everything from a bird’s eye view at the Ranau Paragliding Park Located at Lohan Village, the experience guides enables anyone regardless of age and experience to enjoy this exhilarating activity.
As a scenic haven of lush landscapes, paragliding allows you to see crystal-clear rivers amidst majestic mountain as you soar 2200 feet above ground.
You can also strap your child who weighs not more than 20kg on a triple tandem, provided that the safety harness fits the child.
Most importantly, the experienced tandem pilot will guide you through every step and fly with to ensure a memorable adventure.
Should it rain or if wind conditions are too strong, the Paragliding activity will be canceled for safety reasons and Refunds are promptly given back.
15. Explore short hikes in Kundasang
If you’re not ready to conquer Mount Kinabalu, or still itching to discover Kundasang's interesting topography, considering exploring short hikes in and around Kundasang.
Maragang Hill is the perfect cheat sheet of Mount Kinabalu, offering an equally impressive sweeping view of the majestic mountain within its 2 hours hike/
It’s not lie you won’t break a sweat, but it will safe you weeks of preparation and training.
Anyone with an average level of fitness and can walk shopping malls for 2 hours will find Maragang a breeze. If this regular trail is too easy, then try the loop trail which cuts through the jungle and across a river in a 6 hour track.
Kimondou Hill is another viral hiking spot recently opened in the Kundasang area. Located between Kundasang and Ranau, the 1km long trail is
suitable for visitors of all ages, just like Sosodikan hill. The climb is decently easy and families with children throng the area during weekends.
One of the highlights here are the pretty row of sunflowers at the summit. As Sunflowers are not a common sight in Sabah, tourist go shutter crazy here amidst the cool weather and glorious yellow blossoms. Here are plenty of bees buzzing around, but they are relatively small and harmless.
16. Shop at the Nabalu Handicraft Market
Perched 12 km before Kinabalu Park, the Nabalu Handikraft Market comprises of small shop lots filled with native handcraft. It’s one of a popular, tourists pit stops before Kundasang town.
It is hard not to miss this tourist attraction as its crowded with the local and tourist busses.
Manned mostly by locals, the market showcases fresh farm produce such s fruits, leafy greens, nuts and traditional food condiments.
The area has a gorgeous look-out point where with Mount Kinabalu as the backdrop, making it an Instagram worthy hotspot.
17. White Water Rafting
There are 3 spots to white water raft in Kundasang, namely the Kiulu River, Kadamaian River and the Padas River.
The Kiulu River is located in Tamparuli (which is before Kundasang) and approximately 1.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu. This river is mildly graded between 1 and II, making it ideal of newbies and even families with children above 5 years old. The raft is manned by a skilled guide who safely navigates the tea along the river borders for a relaxation drift akin to Sunway Lagoon.
Closer to Kundasang is the Kadaiman River, a lesser known hidden gem that flows past the Kota Belud villages. Its scenic views and safety grade 1 – II makes it another ideal choice for visitors getting acquainted to white water rafting.
The Padas River, on the other hand is the “beast” to conquer. Grade III – IV, the Padas River is the one of the most popular white water rafting destinations in Sabah.
To get there, you’ll need to ride a vintage train that cuts through scenic country sides. The thrills of navigating seven different rapids will surely set your adrenaline pumping. But under the skillful eyes of the guides, you will emerge triumphant with a strong sense of achievement with what can be achieved through teamwork.
Best time to visit Kundasang
Just like other parts of Malaysia, Kundasang’s tropical weather is consists of hot sunny weather with intermittent rainy spells. The average temperature here is approximate 21 degrees and fluctuations based on month.
While the weather is temperate throughout the year, the best time to visit Kundasang is between January and April. This is because there is minimal rainfall during the first four months of the year, thus allowing you to enjoy your trip fully.
To make the most out of a wetter weather, bring along a raincoat and umbrella so that you can go about your planned activities as it tends to rain in the afternoon from August to Dec.
Some attractions will close due to heavy rain such as the Alpaca Club and the Poring Hot spring for the welfare of the animals and tourist safety .
What is the coldest month in Kundasang?
The coldest month in Kundasang is January with an average temperature of 19.2’C.
The warmest month of the year is July, where the average temperature soars to 34℃.
During wetter months or close to year end, rainfall increases and heavier fog then to form when it rains. Visibility is reduced to a few meters, so be sure to drive slowly and make sure your headlights are on.
Given its tropical climate that fluctuates between sunshine and rainy days, there is not a particular best time to visit Kundasang, but you’ll just need to make some adjustments to your travel itinerary. If it rains, huddle indoors in a cozy café until the sun peaks. Be sure to bring along a rain coat and small umbrella as rain can fall suddenly in the afternoon. Showers are intermittent and should stop within an hour or two.
How to get around Kundasang
The best way to get around Kundasang is to rent a car from Kota Kinabalu. Alternatively, you can rent a van or a personal driver for your duration of stay, for a fix daily price.
There are no e-hailing rides (like Grab) in Kundasang. So you’ll need to have your own wheels, or travel in a tourist van or bus.
Conclusion
I’m don’t know if this is the right thing to say. But Kundasang feels like heaven.
Surreal in many ways because of its amazing weather and breathtaking sceneries, I could go on and on singing praises about Kundasang, but you get the drift.
Come and experience its mesmerizing beauty first hand, and let these lasting memories imprint on you.
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