Franz ElizIf you’re looking to do an easy hike in Kundasang, consider visiting Sosodikon Hill. Despite the short trip, it’ll still get you sweating. Sosodikon is family-friendly and the hill is especially suitable for inexperienced hikers.
It only takes between 20 and 30 minutes to explore Sosodikon Hill. Going up the hill isn’t difficult thanks to the handrails you can hold onto while going up and down the hill. The best time to visit Sosodikon Hill is in the morning, preferably before 11 am or before the weather gets hotter.
Since Sosodikon Hill is a popular attraction in Kundasang, you’ll always see people on the hill, especially during the weekend or public holidays. Keep reading.
Great Photography Location
Many people visit Sosodikon Hill for its gorgeous view. As you walk up and down the hill – it’s a one-way route on each side – you’ll get to enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak.
However, the mountains get easily covered by clouds.
With the clouds, you won’t get the best view of the mountain, hence why visiting early in the morning (when there are fewer clouds) is recommended.
Watch the Clouds
I visited the hill after 10 am, so the clouds were already slowly covering the mountain as I began my hike. However, I quickly took a picture of the mountain as soon as there were no more clouds covering the mountain. The excitement was short-lived; in just a few minutes, the clouds were already slowly covering the mountain once again.
That said, you’ll want to be quick if you’re looking to capture a mountain view without any clouds. It may take a while before the clouds move again.
Congestion Can Happen on the Hill
There’s only one way up and one way down the hill. So, congestion can easily happen when people make a stop to take pictures. There’s a way around this problem; simply slide into the path next to you (provided there’s no one blocking the way) and continue your journey. It’s easy to switch lanes as the two lanes are divided by a handrail.
Another reason for congestion is the condition of the soil. On a hot day, the ground should be dry and easy to walk. However, the ground can get muddy and slippery when there’s rain. With the ground being slippery, it makes sense that people will walk slower than usual. Fortunately, there are handrails for people to hold onto to prevent slipping.
There’s a Viewing Deck Welcoming You on the Hilltop
As soon as you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be welcomed by Sosodikon Hill’s viewing deck. This is where you can take your time to rest and enjoy the view. Since I arrived a little later than recommended, the view I got wasn’t great. There were too many clouds covering the nice view of Kundasang town.
My friends and I took group photos on the viewing deck regardless. In the end, this trip was all about creating memories together.
Admire the Flowers, But Don’t Take Them
Sosodikon Hill is home to beautiful blooms, such as hibiscus and orchids. There is a sign reminding people not to pick flowers on-site. That said, leave Sosodikon Hill with only yourself. We also came across plants that can be eaten. I wish I knew their names.
Apart from pretty flowers, there are also benches where you can relax or take a picture.
Is There an Entrance Fee?
There’s an entrance fee for entering Sosodikon Hill. It’s RM5 for a Malaysian adult, and RM10 for a non-Malaysian adult. Some people might find the entrance fee expensive. However, I thought the price was okay. Sosodikon Hill is a popular attraction with a nice view and is also well-maintained.
For those who are not willing to pay the entrance fee might want to skip Sosodikon Hill. While it is a beautiful place, it is passable. There are other places to hike or take beautiful photos with Mount Kinabalu.
Are There Any Attractions Nearby?
There are a few attractions nearby. If you want to explore Kundasang on an ATV, ATV Borneo Adventure Sport is right on the foot of Sosodikon Hill. By car, Strawberry Rest House Mesilou Kundasang is less than 10 minutes away, and Desa Cattle Dairy Farm is about 12 minutes away.
If you wonder how much it would cost to ride an ATV in Kundasang, it’s RM100 (local) or RM150 (non-local). You can share an ATV with another person, but it’ll cost you RM150 (local) or RM200 (non-local). The ride is not cheap, but it might be worth considering if you have never done it and want to try something new.
Summary
Is Sosodikon Hill worth visiting? Yes, I believe so. The hike is easy and it offers a gorgeous sight of Mount Kinabalu and Kundasang town. There are many flowers along the way for people to admire. The handrails provided at the hiking trail also help visitors go up and down the hill with more confidence.
There’s an entrance fee to enjoy Sosodikon Hill. I’d say it’s worth paying. Note that Sosodikon Hill can get congested sometimes. Travel early for the best view.
