Kundasang
Sabah's highland gem — misty valleys, war memorials & the shadow of Mount Kinabalu
State / Region
Sabah
Best Time
March – September
Daily Budget
RM 80–180 (budget)
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
About Kundasang
Kundasang is a small highland town in Sabah, Borneo, sitting at around 1,500m above sea level in the shadow of Mount Kinabalu — the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Known for its cool mountain air, sweeping valley views, strawberry and vegetable farms, and the moving Kundasang War Memorial, this is one of Malaysia's most underrated highland destinations. It serves as the main base for climbers attempting Mount Kinabalu, but even for non-climbers, the scenery, the fresh produce markets, and the dramatic mountain backdrop make Kundasang a destination worth the journey.
Top Things To Do
Mount Kinabalu Summit Climb
SplurgeConquer the highest peak in Southeast Asia at 4,095m. The two-day guided climb via the Timpohon Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in Asia — the summit sunrise above the clouds is unforgettable.
Kinabalu Park Nature Walk
Budget-friendlyExplore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinabalu Park at lower elevations — mountain garden, orchid centre, and well-marked jungle trails through montane forest rich in pitcher plants and rhododendrons.
Kundasang War Memorial
Budget-friendlyA deeply moving memorial honouring the Australian and British POWs who died on the Sandakan Death March in 1945. Four memorial gardens — Australian, English, Borneo, and Rose — overlook the Crocker Range with Mount Kinabalu as a backdrop.
Desa Dairy Farm Visit
Budget-friendlyMalaysia's only commercial dairy farm, set on a hillside with sweeping views of Mount Kinabalu. Watch the afternoon milking, feed the cows, and buy fresh milk, yoghurt, and cheese straight from the farm.
Strawberry and Vegetable Farm Hopping
Budget-friendlyKundasang is famous for its cool-climate produce — strawberries, cherry tomatoes, cabbages, and flowers. Visit the roadside farms along the main highway to pick fresh strawberries and buy highland vegetables to bring home.
Mesilau Nature Resort Trail
Budget-friendlyAn alternative starting point for the Mount Kinabalu climb, the Mesilau trail is longer but passes through beautiful montane forest with excellent birdwatching. Even without climbing, the trail around the resort is a superb nature walk.
Poring Hot Springs
Budget-friendlySoak in natural sulphuric hot springs in the jungle at the eastern section of Kinabalu Park. The springs are surrounded by rainforest and include a canopy walkway above the treetops — a perfect end to a day of hiking.
Kundasang Sunday Market
FreeThe weekly tamu (indigenous market) in Kundasang is one of the best in Sabah — Kadazan-Dusun farmers sell fresh highland vegetables, wild honey, bamboo shoots, tapai rice wine, and handmade crafts.
Where To Stay
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Kinabalu Pine Resort
RM 80–150 / nightWell-located budget resort with Mount Kinabalu views, clean rooms, and a good restaurant serving local Sabahan dishes.
Check Availability on Booking.comKundasang Valley Inn
RM 60–120 / nightSimple, clean guesthouse popular with hikers preparing for the Kinabalu climb. Friendly staff who can arrange transport to the park gate.
Check Availability on Booking.comMesilau Nature Resort
RM 300–600 / nightSabah Parks-managed resort at 1,900m with stunning Kinabalu views, chalets in the forest, and direct access to the Mesilau trail. The most atmospheric place to stay in the area.
Check Availability on Booking.comKinabalu Poring Hot Spring Jungle Resort
RM 250–500 / nightJungle resort adjacent to Poring Hot Springs with private hot spring pools, rainforest chalets, and excellent birdwatching on the doorstep.
Check Availability on Booking.comTravel by Style
Romantic Getaway
- 1Kundasang is one of the most romantic highland destinations in Malaysia — the cool mountain air, the dramatic Mount Kinabalu backdrop, and the misty valley views create an atmosphere that is genuinely special. Stay at least two nights.
- 2The Mesilau Nature Resort at 1,900m is the most romantic place to stay in the area — chalets in the forest with direct views of Mount Kinabalu, cool evenings, and a genuine sense of being deep in the mountains.
- 3Watch the sunrise over Mount Kinabalu from the Kundasang War Memorial garden — the mountain is most clearly visible in the early morning before the clouds roll in, and the memorial garden is peaceful and beautiful at dawn.
- 4Have dinner at a local restaurant in Kundasang town and order the highland steamboat — fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and locally raised beef cooked at the table in the cool mountain air is one of the most enjoyable meals in Sabah.
- 5Drive the rural roads between Kundasang and Ranau in the late afternoon — the paddy fields, vegetable farms, and Kadazan-Dusun villages glow in the golden light, and the Mount Kinabalu silhouette behind the valley is extraordinary.
Family Travel
- 1Desa Dairy Farm is the most popular family attraction in Kundasang — children can watch the afternoon milking (3:30pm daily), feed the calves, and enjoy fresh milk and ice cream. The farm's setting against the Mount Kinabalu backdrop is spectacular.
- 2The Kinabalu Park Mountain Garden at park headquarters is excellent for children — a well-maintained botanical garden at 1,500m with pitcher plants, orchids, and rhododendrons. The cool temperature and the mountain views make it a pleasant morning stop.
- 3The Poring Hot Springs (45 minutes from Kundasang) are a reliable family favourite — natural hot spring pools, a canopy walkway, a butterfly garden, and a small orchid garden. Children enjoy the contrast of the hot spring water and the cool jungle air.
- 4The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang passes through the Crocker Range — a scenic mountain road with viewpoints, waterfalls, and roadside stalls selling local produce. Stop at the Tambunan viewpoint for a family photo with the valley below.
- 5Bring warm clothing for children — Kundasang temperatures drop to 10–14°C at night and can feel very cold for children accustomed to the lowland heat. A light fleece or jacket is essential for evenings.
Shopping Guide
- 1The Kundasang tamu (weekly market) is the best shopping experience in the area — Kadazan-Dusun farmers sell fresh highland vegetables, local honey, wild mushrooms, and jungle produce directly from their farms. The tamu is held on Sundays in Kundasang town.
- 2Desa Dairy Farm sells fresh milk, cheese, and dairy products made on-site — the fresh milk is extraordinary, and the farm's cheese and yoghurt are among the best produced in Malaysia. Buy directly from the farm shop.
- 3Kota Kinabalu city (1.5 hours away) is the best place for Sabah handicrafts — the Filipino Market and the Handicraft Market near the waterfront sell Kadazan-Dusun beadwork, rattan baskets, Murut blowpipes, and traditional textiles. The Sabah State Museum shop has the best quality selection.
- 4Local honey from the Kundasang area is excellent — the highland bees produce a distinctive honey from the wildflowers of the Crocker Range. Buy from the roadside stalls on the Kota Kinabalu–Ranau highway for the best price.
- 5Ranau town (15 minutes from Kundasang) has a good wet market and several shops selling local produce — fresh vegetables, local fruits, and Sabah-made products are all available at prices well below KL.
Insider Travel Tips
- 1Book your Mount Kinabalu climb permit well in advance — permits sell out months ahead, especially for July and August. Book through Sabah Parks (www.sabahparks.org.my) or an authorised agent.
- 2Bring warm clothing even if you are not climbing. Kundasang temperatures drop to 10–14°C at night, and the mountain can be shrouded in mist and rain at any time.
- 3The best time to see Mount Kinabalu clearly is early morning — by mid-morning, clouds typically roll in and obscure the summit. Set your alarm for sunrise.
- 4Desa Dairy Farm afternoon milking is at 3:30pm daily — arrive by 3pm for the best viewing spot.
- 5The Kundasang War Memorial is one of the most important historical sites in Borneo. Allow at least 90 minutes and read the individual stories — it is a deeply affecting place.
- 6Hire a local guide for jungle trails in Kinabalu Park — the biodiversity is extraordinary but easy to miss without expert eyes. Guides can be arranged at the park headquarters.
- 7Fresh highland produce at the roadside farms is significantly cheaper than in Kota Kinabalu. Stock up on strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and local honey before heading back.
- 8If you plan to climb Mount Kinabalu, acclimatise for a day in Kundasang first — the altitude gain from Kota Kinabalu (sea level) to the summit (4,095m) is significant.
- 9Road conditions between Ranau and Kundasang can be affected by landslides during heavy rain. Check conditions before driving, especially between October and February.
- 10The Kadazan-Dusun people are the indigenous community of this region — learn a few words of greeting (Kopio do kinorohingan — Greetings from God) and be respectful at the tamu market.
How to Get There
By Car from Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The most convenient option. Take the Kota Kinabalu–Ranau highway (Route A1) east through Tamparuli and Ranau. The road is well-maintained and scenic, passing through the Crocker Range. Kundasang is approximately 80 km from KL. A Grab or taxi from KL city costs RM 120–180.
By Bus from Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu Inanam Bus Terminal
Minibuses and shared vans to Ranau depart from Inanam Bus Terminal in Kota Kinabalu throughout the morning (approximately 7am–12pm). Alight at Kundasang town, which is on the Ranau road. Services become less frequent after midday — aim for an early departure.
By Air to Kota Kinabalu
Kuala Lumpur (KLIA/KLIA2)
Fly from KLIA or KLIA2 to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) — AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Batik Air operate frequent daily flights. From KL airport, take a taxi or Grab to Kundasang (1.5–2 hours, RM 120–180), or take a bus from Inanam Terminal.
From Sandakan or Ranau
Sandakan or Ranau, Sabah
Kundasang sits between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan on the trans-Sabah highway. Travellers coming from Sandakan or the east coast of Sabah can take a bus or shared van to Ranau (the nearest town) and then a short minibus or taxi to Kundasang (15 minutes, RM 10–15).
Read Our Kundasang Guide
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