In the highlands of Sabah, Malaysia, Kundasang is home to Mount Kinabalu, the country’s tallest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kundasang is two hours away from the town of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where you can experience a much cooler climate and see the breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu and lush green landscapes of nature. Not to mention the fact that this town is famous for its fresh produce, dairy farms, and vibrant local markets!
This is my second time visiting the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu for 5 days and 4 nights, and this time, I took the opportunity to visit Kundasang and to discover more about the beauty of Sabah. I must say that Kundasang is surely one of the places that you shouldn’t miss when traveling to Kota Kinabalu. Thus, if you’re heading to Kota Kinabalu soon, you may also consider visiting Kundasang as your side trip!
In this blog post, find out the best places to visit in Kundasang for 3 days and 2 nights!
Table of Contents
About Kundasang, Sabah
Kundasang is a small town located in Ranau, Sabah, which is the highest settlement in Malaysia. In addition, Kundasang is the closest town to Mt. Kinabalu and offers panoramic views of the mountain. Furthermore, this town is also known as the New Zealand of Borneo due to its mountainous geographical terrain, which is comparable to New Zealand.
How to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang?
There are no direct flights to Kundasang, Sabah. With that, you need to take a flight to Kota Kinabalu, which is the nearest airport to Kundasang. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main gateway to Sabah, Malaysia.
Upon arrival at the airport, you can start looking for rental car services that you can use to visit Kundasang. I believe that this is the easiest way to get there. If you can’t drive by yourself, it is also possible to rent a car with a driver or rent or use a ride-hailing service like Grab to Kundasang. It’s about a 2–3 hour drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
If you’re coming from the Philippines, take note that it takes about 2 hours from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, and as part of ASEAN, you don’t need a visa to enter Malaysian territory.
Best Places to Visit in Kundasang, Sabah
Kundasang may be a small town in Ranau, Sabah, but there are still a lot of things to do and places to visit in this town. Therefore, here are some of the places worth visiting in Kundasang:
The Alpaca Club
The Alpaca Club is definitely a must-visit in Kundasang! This is a small farm that gives you the opportunity to interact with the alpacas! You can take pictures and videos and feed the animals at the same time.
Anooh Cafe
This cafe offers an overlooking view of Mt. Kinabalu. They offer excellent coffee and different sets of pastries. You can come here at sunset for a much better experience! You can definitely chill in the cafe while admiring the mountain views and listening to their live band.
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
This is one of the most popular places to visit in Kundasang, Sabah. Dubbed Sabah’s Little New Zealand, this place is surrounded by picturesque views of the landscapes and different farm animals, such as cows.
Here, you can try and enjoy different local dairy products, such as fresh milk and get to interact with some farm animals. Not to mention the fact that you get to witness dairy production at the farm.
Mt. Kinabalu Golf Club
This is another place to visit in Kundasang that offers amazing views of the mountains. This is located at the foothills of the majestic Mt. Kinabalu. If you don’t have any plans to play golf, that’s fine. You can just dine at their restaurant!
From here, you can view Mt. Kinabalu from another perspective!
Mt. Kinabalu National Park
This is also one of the beautiful places that you can visit when in Kundasang, Sabah and it is known as Malaysia’s First World Heritage Site.
Other Places to Visit in Kundasang
- Marakau Fish Spa
- Sinalau Bakas Stall in Ranau
- Canopy Treetop Walk
- Poring Hot Spring
- Paragliding in Ranau
- The Kundasang War Memorial
Kundasang Itinerary for 3D2N
If you’re heading to Kundasang, Sabah, and planning to stay here for 3 days and 2 nights, here’s a sample itinerary for your trip to Kundasang.
Day 1
- Travel from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang (2 hours)
- Check-in at Perkasa Hotel Mt. Kinabalu
- Visit the Alpaca Club
- Get coffee and snacks at Anooh Cafe
- Kundasang War Memorial
Day 2
- Go paragliding in Ranau (optional)
- Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
- Mt. Kinabalu Golf Farm
- Canopy Treetop Walk
- Poring Hot Spring
- Marakau Fish Spa
Day 3
- Visit Mt. Kinabalu National Park
- Perkasa Hotel Mt. Kinabalu
- Head back to Kota Kinabalu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Kundasang?
The best time to visit Kundasang, Sabah, is during the dry season, which is typically from March to September. However, it is also possible to visit Kundasang from October to February, though the weather during this season is a bit unpredictable.
How long is the journey from KK to Kundasang?
It takes about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu (KK) to Kundasang via car. This is the easiest way to get to Kundasang.
What should I wear in Kundasang?
Kundasang offers a cool climate, especially at night, so it is best to bring warm clothing such as a jacket, sweater, or coat during your visit.
Is Kundasang worth visiting?
Definitely. Kundasang is indeed worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a more serene place surrounded by nature. If you’re fond of being in nature, then this is the best place for you!
Is a day trip to Kundasang possible?
Yes, a day trip to Kundasang is possible and can be quite enjoyable, as it is only two hours away from Kota Kinabalu. Just make sure to start early so you can explore more places around town within the day of your visit.
Kundasang, Sabah, is definitely one of my favorite places on the island of Borneo! Personally, it was the best decision to explore the small town, even if I had no intention of hiking up Mt. Kinabalu. Nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed exploring Kundasang and discovered some amazing spots to see in this small town!
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Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
