If you think Sabah is only about tropical islands and diving, you are missing out on one of Malaysia’s most spectacular landscapes. Nestled at an elevation of nearly 2,000 meters in the Crocker Range, Kundasang is famously dubbed the “New Zealand of Sabah.”
With crisp mountain air, rolling green meadows, and the majestic granite peaks of Mount Kinabalu dominating the skyline, this alpine town offers a refreshing contrast to the sweltering lowlands. Whether you are seeking a romantic highland retreat, family-friendly farm visits, or an adrenaline-pumping ATV ride through the foothills, Kundasang is the perfect getaway.
The New Zealand of Sabah. Source: CLL Adventure Borneo
Here is a guide to the ultimate Kundasang experience, and why booking a packaged highland tour is the best way to see it all.
- The Iconic Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
No trip to Kundasang is complete without visiting its most famous attraction. With its grazing Holstein Friesian cows and striking mountain backdrop, Desa Dairy Farm truly feels like a slice of the Alps in Southeast Asia.
- What to do: Feed the calves, sample freshly pasteurized milk and rich gelato, and capture postcard-perfect photos against Mount Kinabalu (especially clear in the early morning).
- The Package Perk: Tickets to the farm often sell out quickly, and entry is regulated by time slots. A guided tour guarantees your pre-booked entry, so you won’t be turned away at the gate.
- Kinabalu Park & Botanical Splendor
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park is a paradise for nature lovers and biodiversity enthusiasts. You do not need to summit the mountain to appreciate its beauty.
- What to do: Walk the Silau-Silau or Mountain View trails, breathe in the crisp pine-scented air, and hunt for rare orchids, pitcher plants, and if you are lucky, the blooming Rafflesia (the world’s largest flower).
- The Package Perk: Our expert guides know exactly which trails suit your fitness level and where the rarest flora is currently blooming.
- Poring Hot Springs and the Canopy Walk
After exploring the chilly highlands, head down slightly to Poring for a soothing soak in natural sulfuric hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties.
- What to do: Soak in the open-air baths, hike up to the Kipungit Waterfall, and conquer the Poring Canopy Walkway—a suspension bridge suspended 40 meters above the jungle floor.
- The Package Perk: Navigating between Kundasang town and Poring takes about 45 minutes on winding mountain roads. Your dedicated driver handles the scenic drive so you can relax.
- Unique Encounters: Alpacas and Fish Massages
Kundasang is full of quirky, family-friendly stops that make the itinerary unforgettable:
- Alpaca Club: Get up close and personal with fluffy, friendly alpacas right in the shadow of the mountain.
- Bombon Kg. Luanti Fish Massage: Step into the river and let hundreds of friendly Mahseer fish gently nibble the dead skin off your feet—it’s incredibly ticklish and a guaranteed laugh.
Why Choose a Packaged Kundasang Tour?
While you can rent a car and drive from Kota Kinabalu, the steep, winding mountain roads and unpredictable highland fog can make self-driving stressful. Furthermore, coordinating entry tickets to multiple attractions with strict daily quotas often leaves independent travelers disappointed.
When you book a Kundasang Package Tour, you get:
- Safe, Comfortable Transport: Sit back and enjoy the dramatic mountain views from an air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver who knows the roads perfectly.
- Guaranteed Access: All entry fees, farm time-slots, and park conservation permits are handled in advance.
- Strategic Itineraries: We know the perfect time to visit the dairy farm before the clouds roll in, and the best local spots for a steaming bowl of wild boar noodles or fresh highland strawberries.
Ready for Some Mountain Air?
Leave the logistics to us and focus on the breathtaking views. From 1-Day highlight trips from Kota Kinabalu to immersive 3D2N highland retreats in cozy chalets, we have the perfect Kundasang adventure waiting for you.
[Contact Our Travel Experts Today] or browse our latest highland packages below to secure your mountain escape!
