Franz ElizLocated in Ranau, Kundasang is one of Sabah’s top destinations, attracting visitors from around the globe each year. This lovely town is best known for its majestic Mount Kinabalu, one of the top 20 highest mountains in the world. There are many fun things to do in Kundasang, perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers, especially outdoor enthusiasts.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu, getting up close with the cattle at Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, visiting Kundasang War Memorial, going up the Sosodikon Hill, dining at BW Bus Restaurant, and riding on ATVs are some of the top things to do in Kundasang.
Spending 3–4 days in Kundasang is recommended to ensure you make the most of your trip. But even 2 days are good enough to see what the town has to offer. Keep reading to explore the top things to do in Kundasang.
Is Kundasang a Fun Place?
Kundasang is a fun place to be. It’s one of Sabah’s most visited destinations, thanks to its beautiful scenery, vast family-friendly activities, and peaceful environment. Home to Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang attracts not only families and newlyweds but also adventure and thrill-seekers alike.
Let’s explore the top things to do in Kundasang.
Climb Mount Kinabalu
Many people come to Sabah to see Mount Kinabalu and take memorable photos. But for some, trekking on the mountain means a tick on their must-do bucket list. Mount Kinabalu’s summit is 4095.2 m (13,435 ft) above sea level. It’s the highest mountain in Malaysia and is considered a moderate hike for experienced hikers.
Early booking to hike the mountain is required. For those who lack hiking experience, a few months of training prior to climbing is ideal. After the hike, climbers are rewarded with a completion certificate.
Get Up Close With Cattle at Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
Often dubbed as the ‘Little New Zealand’ of Sabah, Desa Cattle Dairy Farm is an ideal place for families to spend quality time together. The farm’s highlights are its beautiful black and white cattle – sometimes known as ‘Fernleaf’ cattle – and serene surroundings. At Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, visitors can learn about anything cattle-related, from the milking process to how the animals are raised.
There’s also a flower garden at Desa Cattle Dairy Farm where visitors can snap memorable photographs. After exploring the farm, visitors can stop by its ice cream shop for some treats, such as ice cream yoghurt, hot drinks, and cakes.
Visit Kundasang War Memorial
You shouldn’t leave Kundasang without visiting the Kundasang War Memorial. Kundasang War Memorial was founded in 1962 to commemorate Australian and British Prisoners of War who died during the death marches in Sandakan during WWII. Almost 2,500 allied prisoners died during the death marches. The war memorial is also dedicated to the people in Northern Borneo who helped the Prisoners of War.
Visitors will see the British, New Zealand, and Australian flags as they enter the war memorial. There are four small flower gardens with beautiful flowers that represent different nationalities – Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool.
Go Up the Sosodikon Hill
Take a hike on Sosodikon Hill and get sweating. The hike is easy and is suitable even for the most inexperienced hikers. It only takes 10–15 minutes to reach the hilltop. The side ropes make going up the hill easier and safer.
Visiting it in the morning is recommended as the weather is usually quite nice. But if you’re looking for the perfect view, you’ll have to be quick. The clouds move quickly and before you know it, the beautiful mountain view you’re looking for is gone. It can take a while before the clouds move again.
There’s an entrance fee for this attraction. It’s RM5 for Malaysian adults; RM10 for non-Malaysian adults.
Explore Kundasang on ATVs
After hiking to Sosodikon Hill, why not take an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) around Kundasang? You can rent a single or double-seater ATV at the Sosodikon Hill entrance and start exploring the Earthquake Historical Site or ride around Desa Dairy Farm for up to 2 hours. The price for each ride is RM100.
Even though Kundasang’s weather is quite cooling, the sun is not always forgiving. That said, make sure to apply enough sun lotion to get you ready for your ATV adventure.
Dine in Old Buses at BW Bus Restaurant
What happened to the old buses in Sabah? Well, some of them are at BW Bus Restaurant. These old buses were refurbished and are now resting safely at the BW Bus Restaurant in Kundasang.
While the restaurant doesn’t have as many food options as other restaurants around Kundasang, what it lacks in food it makes up in the unique experience it can offer to diners. So, if you’ve never dined on a bus before, here’s your chance.
While on the bus, you can also role-play as the driver. There’s a slide just outside the bus you can take to get down back to the restaurant’s main area.
Pick Fresh Strawberries at Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm isn’t the only place to have good ice cream; the Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm has very good ones, too.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and cool off, this strawberry farm is a good place to do exactly that. You can get an ice cream cup or cone at a discount. Just show the cashier your discount coupon (you get it when you pay for your entrance ticket). Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm also sells other delicious treats like cakes.
There are tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy your ice cream, and even a swing where you can pose for the camera with your ice cream.
Depending on when you come for a visit, you can pick and weigh strawberries, and bring them home. If you’re coming specifically for the strawberries, it’s best to come during the harvest period or call the farm’s management beforehand to ensure you don’t get there only to leave empty-handed.
Enjoy a Stunning View at D’Mesilau Rabbit Garden
D’Mesilau Rabbit Farm is another popular attraction in Kundasang, perfect for families with kids. This beautiful rabbit garden sits on a hill, with decorated benches and photo booths around. It’s the highest rabbit garden in Malaysia, sitting at 1538 m (5045.9 ft).
The rabbits are friendly. They spend pretty much of their running, hopping, and relaxing. Visitors can buy feed for the rabbits and get up close with them. After playing with rabbits, visitors can take a stroll around the garden. The view at D’Mesilau Rabbit Garden is absolutely gorgeous.
Drink Fresh Milk at Sable Goat Haven
Want to milk a goat and drink the freshest goat milk? Sable Goat Haven is the right place to do that. This family-friendly attraction is especially great for kids.
At Sable Goat Haven, visitors can learn more about goats and how their milk is obtained. Visitors can also feed and play with baby goats. After that, they can drink fresh goat milk or purchase goat milk on their way out.
Shop for Flowers and Vegetables
Upon reaching Kundasang town, you’ll come across many shops selling plants and vegetables near the town’s main roundabout. That’s because many people like to shop for flowers and vegetables in Kundasang and cook at their homestays.
You can also find local sellers selling fresh vegetables (like spring onions and cabbages) and flowers just outside of the Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm.
Stop by Nabalu for Souvenirs, Snacks, and Photographs
On your way to Kundasang, stop by Nabalu for a toilet break, snacks, and souvenirs. You can find all kinds of fruits in Nabalu, pineapples being the most popular. Nabalu is known for its pineapples, hence the pineapple statue you’ll see by the road. Go ahead and take a picture with it.
Local sellers aren’t always shy to recommend their orchids and vegetables. There’s also a row of souvenir shops waiting for you to drop by.
Before you leave, don’t forget to take memorable photos with Mount Kinabalu standing majestically right behind you. While you can’t always get the best view – because it all depends on the clouds and the weather – there are professional photographers ever ready waiting to assist you with your photo-taking. You can have them take a photo with their DSLR for you and print (and laminate) the photos later.
Have a Bite of Sinalau Bakas (Non-Halal)
As visitors make their way to Kundasang, they’ll come across a signboard that says ‘Sinalau Bakas’, which translates to smoked wild boar. The food is, of course, non-halal. If you’ve never eaten smoked wild boar, don’t miss out on the Sinalau Bakas here. It’s rich in flavour and the sweetness will make you be asking for more.
Have your smoked wild boar with ‘Linopot’, which is a traditional rice wrapped in a local leaf. There are also local snacks sold there, such as ‘amplang’ and “kuih cincin”, among others.
Note: Regular pork is served when no Sinalau Bakas is available.
Spend a Night or Pose on a Mirror at Culvert View Kundasang
Culvert View Kundasang is a private property with free parking that lets guests spend a night in one of its cute and colourful culverts. The culverts may be small, but they’re big enough to accommodate two adults. There’s even a toilet in every room.
Non-guests are also welcome to the property for some cool photos. Sit on an ATV and pose in front of colourful “houses”. Or, take off your shoes and sit on a glass floor while your shadow mimics your every move. There are also swings and an egg hammock to sit on while you admire a gorgeous view.
Enjoy a Lovely Dinner at Hooga Cafe
If you want to go somewhere nice for pictures and food, consider having dinner at Hooga Cafe. This restaurant is one of the most popular in Kundasang, serving Asian and western cuisine. Sweet treats such as cakes are also available, making Hooga an ideal place for birthday celebrations. The restaurant is spacious, with two seating sections.
Within the restaurant, you’ll find Kundasang Farm Ville, a family-friendly attraction where kids can play in its indoor playground, take photos with beautiful decor, and explore its vegetable garden.
Hooga Cafe is more beautiful at night, thanks to its bright colourful lights. There’s a sitting area that resembles a bird cage, covered with flowers. You’ll also find a big ice cream truck.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Kundasang?
Consider staying in Kundasang for at least 3 days to explore some of its best attractions. You can spend 2 days in Kundasang and still see a lot as long as you start your adventure early. For those who plan to climb Mount Kinabalu, spending at least 2 days and 1 night in Kundasang is necessary.
Choosing the right homestay for you is important, especially if you’re looking for the best view. While there are many homestays in Kundasang, not all of them offer a good view of Mount Kinabalu.
For cheaper options, visitors can opt for hostels or homestays that are further from the town centre.
Homestays With a Good View of Mount Kinabalu
If you’re looking for accommodation in Kundasang with a good view of Mount Kinabalu, here are my recommendations:
The Hill Kundasang
With a strategic location and a great view of Mount Kinabalu, it’s not surprising that the Hill Kundasang is a favourite choice among many. This property is part of the Kundasang National Park.
Guests can enjoy rooms with a beautiful view of the mountain. Non-guests are also welcome to the property but with an entry fee. Camping is allowed on-site.
Amazing Grace Lodge
Like The Hill Kundasang, Amazing Grace Lodge offers a good view of Mount Kinabalu. Guests must choose the lodge’s mountain view room.
The Family Suite is an excellent choice. It comes with a balcony where guests can admire Mount Kinabalu’s beauty first thing in the morning or during the sunset. So, if you’re coming with your friends or family, you may want to consider this room.
When Is the Best Time To Visit Kundasang?
The best time to visit Kundasang is between January and April. There are fewer rainy days around these times. But with a tropical climate, Kundasang is generally good to visit year-round. Consider visiting Kundasang in May or June if you prefer to avoid crowds during the peak season.
Note that Kundasang can be quite cold, especially at night. Pack a light jacket with you, a thick one if you may, to keep you warm on those cooler days.
