Exploring beautiful places as a way of passing leisure hours is commonly famous among mass people. Not only beautiful but rather unique, Kundasang, Sabah seeks the attention of a lot of tourists. Kundasang, Sabah is the New Zealand of Malaysia. If you want to explore East Malaysia, a visit to Kundasang, Sabah is a must.
Located in the state of Sabah, Kundasang attracts everyone’s attention with its eye striking outlook. Being a spectacular location, tourists cannot stop adding things to do in Kundasang. This hill station is considered as the highest settlement having the height of 62000 feet. Because of its similar geographical landscape, it is considered as the New Zealand of Borneo.
Things to Do in Kundasang offers many remarkable places to the visitors where they can find amusing activities to do. Starting from natural to man-made sites, the locations proffer both historical and adventurous spots to visit at.
Top 22 Things to do in Kundasang, Sabah
1. Shopping at Kundasang market
This roadside market has all kinds of local fruits, vegetables, food, drinks and handicrafts to offer with cheaper prices. This helps foreigners to know about their culture and tradition. Kundasang market offers a necessary refreshment to the visitors as they can stroll around and have a taste of their local food.
The astounding view from the hills while walking between the stalls makes this market a unique location to get popular among the visitors. As this location offers all fresh vegetables and fruits to enjoy, visiting this roadside market is one of the things to do in Kundasang.
Location: 37, AH150, Pekan Kundasang, 89308 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
2. Hiking Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinbalu is the third highest peak in the world and the highest mountain in Malaysia. Its location is very near to Kundasang, Sabah. It has an elevation of 13,435 feet. The surrounding of the mountain creates an astounding view, leaving an importance as one of the crucial biological sites as it has a good number of varieties of species.
The mountain holds the amount in between 5000-6000 types of plants, 326 species among the birds and 100 mammalians. Tourists visit this mountain with the intention of climbing along with witnessing the wild plants and animals. In order to enjoy the most mesmerizing view from the mountain, hiking Kinbalu is one of the adventurous things to do in Kundasang.
3. Kolam Pancing Monteki Eco Range
If you are looking for a perfect fishing spot while in Kundasang, Kolam Pancing Monteki Eco Range is the place for you. You can do fishing in this place while checking out the surrounding mountain views. The place is really calm and is a must visit place for fishing enthusiasts. The place is less-known to foreign tourists, so you won’t find many people there.
Location: Kampung Monteki, Kauluan, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Saturday – Thursday | 8:00 am – 10:00 pm. Closed on Friday
4. Exploring Taman Botanical Garden
The 230 acre land attracts the attention of all the people for its spectacular beauty. It has over 750 botanical floral plants collected from different continents. Taman Botanical Garden has won awards for conserving the endangered plants.
It has a division of 8 sectors where various themed greeneries are planted along with an ecological pond following the names as: Bambusetum, Zingiberales, Edible Fruit Arboretum, Lawn and Gramineae, Malaysian Ulam and Medicinal, Forest Fringe and Aboriginal Medicinal Plants.
This botanical garden not only spellbounds people with its floral attraction but also gives a glance of Moroccan legacy and architecture. This framework is completely done by the woods creating exquisite designs to the doors, wall panels and furniture combining the Islamic culture.
This extensive garden offers the visitors to take a walk among the flamboyant flowers enjoying the alluring view of the lake. The area of the garden known as “Explorer’s Trail” offers the tourists to have some adventures by getting on the tree high canopy bridge.
For having an abundance of exotic tropical trees, taking a stroll amidst this garden is one of the things to do in Kundasang.
Location: Kinabalu Park, 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
5. Hiking Sosodikon hill
Sosodikon hill, hiking this 1465 metres tall mount is one of the most amusing things to do in Kundasang. This location offers a short expedition of ten minutes as the distance from the start to the peak is only 400 meters. Hence, people of all ages from elderly to children find this tour unchallenging.
The mountain is slightly cut on the sideways and has stairs making it easier for people to climb up. While getting on the stairs, vibrant paintings of flowers and rocks are seen throughout. Along with the paintings, Natural flowers are seen on either side of the stairs on the mountain.
After reaching the peak, the tourists get bewitched by the scenery of the whole village.
Location: Kg Kauluan Peti Surat 873, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
6. Aki-Aki Trail (Starting Point)
If you want to do a bit of hiking without tiring yourself much, you should head to Aki-Aki Trail. You will get to enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Kinabalu from this trail. Always keep your camera ready to click some Instagrammable pictures.
The stunning sunset view and beautiful nature makes it one of the mandatory things to do in Kundasang. The trail remains open early in the morning and closes at other times. You have to make a booking 2 days before the day of hiking.
Location: 89300 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 6:00 am – 7:00 am
7. Sabah Tea resort
The straggling tea plantation grabs the attention of everyone with its misty environment. Surrounded by such surreal calm nature, small cottages and houses are built to facilitate the visitors. The tea garden provides cool weather contributed by the rainforest and refreshing breeze from the mountain.
The tourists cannot resist themselves from witnessing a beautiful sunrise accompanied by some sweet dew. People with the hobby of both camping and indoor cottages find this place as the most suitable one as it offers a longhouse, cozy cabin and a campsite.
The resort has Kamunusu Hill which facilitates the visitors to hike the trail. Besides, they can take a night walk to enjoy the stars or observe the wildlife, visit the organic tea farms to have educational knowledge and enjoy recreational activities.
This notable place even has a soccer field to let the visitors enjoy a recreational match and an event venue for any program. Cafe, souvenir shop and extensive menu are the reasons behind visitors’ amusement. In short, the amusements of Sabah tea resort sums up the list of visitors to do things in Kundasang.
Location: KM 17, Jalan Ranau/Sandakan Kampung Nalapak, Beg berkunci, No.2, 89309 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
8. Moroli Fish spa
The experience that people acquire from this natural fish spa is unmatched by other man made spas. It is because the spa is in a river which adds more specialty to it. Situated in Ranau, this 20km away site was started as an environment conservation.
Later, due to the prohibition of killing fishes, it turned into a fish spa and tourism spot. People who visit to have some benefits from the spa also get to enjoy the natural view surrounding the river. The fishes are 200-250 mm long having a very strong nibble to take the dry skin off the feet.
Moroli Fish Spa offers a very safe environment for both children and elders. The water only reaches above the ankle which makes it easier for everyone to enjoy. Being such a comfortable place, visitors can’t help but add this location to their list of things to do in Kundasang.
This fish spa helps people with psoriasis to recover their skin. Moreover, this is one of the few places which has a great importance in people’s life in both saving and making it beautiful.
Location: Ranau Tagal Sg. Moroni, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
9. Hiking Bukit Kimondou Kundasang
Bukit Kimondou, also known as Kimondou Hill, is a popular hiking spot in Kundasang. The place is located between Kundasang and Ranau. Although most foreign tourists are unaware of its existence, Kimondou Hill is widely familiar to casual hikers of East Malaysia.
The 1 km long trail is really easy to climb, even for children. Most local tourists prefer to hike the hill along with their family during weekends. Reaching the summit, you will see beautiful sunflowers which is a rare sight in Sabah. The sight of Kundasang from up there is a view you shouldn’t miss.
Location: km 6, Jalan Tamparuli – Ranau, Kampung Kibbas, 89307 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 5:00 am – 7:00 pm
10. Mount Kinabalu Golf Club
Mount Kinabalu Golf Club is located at the base of Mount Kinabalu at 1,500 meters above sea level. It is the highest gold layout in Sabah. On a clear and sunny day, you will get to see the views of the magnanimous Mount Kinabalu from the golf club.
Muir Graves designed the golf course on a breathtaking landscape full of rolling hills and sprawling farmlands. The 18-hole golf course is challenging enough, both physically and mentally. The ever-present winds, surrounding mists, and steep slopes cause the challenges.
The occasional thick fogs will make you feel like you are playing golf in the clouds.
Location: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
11. Mari Mari Sepanggar Island
People who are fond of water would absolutely love this location which is a 10 minutes boat ride from Kota Kinabalu city. Sepanggar Island is surrounded by the hills of rainforest which creates a calm ambience for the people to relax.
The combination of turquoise water and white sand from the beach makes everyone beguiled. They enjoy their time by scuba diving, swimming and deep-water diving. Moreover, visitors who are afraid of water can take a walk on the white sand or bask in the sun enjoying the soothing sound of the sea waves.
Besides, the hills surrounding the sea gives the opportunity to take the boardwalk and enjoy the panoramic view of the island. At night, the distant view of the city lights creates a mesmerizing moment for the visitors to savour.
For having a completely relaxed trip, visiting Mari Mari Sepanggar Island is one of the necessary things to do in Kundasang.
Location: Unit No 132, Block S, Alamesra Plaza Utama Phase 3 Sulaman Coastal Highway, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
12. Kundasang war memorial
Kundasang war memorial is dedicated to the British and Australian soldiers who died during their death marches to Ranau at the time of second world war. This is a reminder to all tourists as well as to the native people about the sacrifice.
The location gives an aesthetic look because of the way it has been decorated. There are four sectors of garden following: the Australian garden, the English rose garden, the Borneo Garden and the contemplation garden.
In these gardens various floral and wild plants have been cultured. Furthermore, the first three gardens indicate the homeland of the victims. Exquisite marble panels are installed with the names of the victims written on top.
In short, acknowledging history by the means of visiting this war memorial is one of the crucial things to do in Kundasang.
Location: Jalan Kundasang Kauluan, Kundasang, 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
13. Camp at Tambiau Forest House
Tambiau Forest House is the perfect place for checking out the forest life, camping and trekking. The place is for every person wanting to break out of their routined city life and get close to nature. Located at the peak of a hill, this campsite offers you the opportunity to live above the clouds.
It also has a 3.6km round hiking trail featuring mesmerizing views of Sabah. Here you can sleep under millions of stars and wake up to a golden sea of clouds during sunrise. If you ever decide to visit Tambiau Forest House, don’t miss the sunrise. You won’t find another place like it in Sabah.
Location: Jalan Kibbas Mohimboyon Kundasang, 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
14. Kiau Gap View Monument
Kiau Gap View Monument is located at the Kiau Gap observation station in the Kinabalu Park. The monument was founded on 6 June 2016 to commemorate the Sabah earthquake of 2015. Due to the earthquake 14 climbers and four mountain guides died on Mount Kinabalu.
The monument has been constructed from a large rock that fell from the mountain during the earthquake. It serves as a symbol of the grief people had to experience due to the catastrophe. A brass plaque attached to the monument consists of the names of those who died.
It is mentionable here that 10 of those people were Singaporean schoolchildren. At the same location, there is an observation station that offers a scenic view of the Mount Kinabalu summit nestled among the greenery.
However, you might not be lucky enough to see that view as the mountain remains shrouded in mist at certain times of the day.
Location: Road Kinabalu Park, Kinabalu Park, 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
15. Mesilou Highland Strawberry farm
Mesilou Highland Strawberry farm not only have strawberries rather a variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers. Numerous herbs are planted on beds, inside bottles and in other forms to create a beautiful view. The visitors can explore, touch the plants and pluck fruits, vegetables or leaves in exchange for some money.
Plants like Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley etc. are seen there. There are sculptures, cottages, fountains, swings, a photo booth, a wooden walkway and a children’s playground for the amusements. Moreover, there are sign boards in front of each herb for letting the visitors know about the plant and its usefulness.
For having a taste of the fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, exploring this place is undoubtedly one of the things to do in Kundasang.
Location: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
16. Kawa mangrove
This Kawa mangrove forest is one of Kota Kinabalu’s most visited locations. The mesmerizing sunset where it looks like the sun is sinking into the ocean has brought many tourists. Bekantan monkeys are quite famous in this area along with a lot of other species.
The monkeys swing from one high branch to the other. At night an abundance of fireflies are seen glazing in the dark. The visitors can take a trip through forest swamp during the day and enjoy the night glaring at the stars. In summertime, the forest looks greener than ever.
It takes an hour or a half to reach the destination which is about 112 kilometers northeast of Kota kinabalu. The nature lovers find this a very suited place to know more about the wildlife while spending some time walking around.
Hence, Kawa mangrove is one of the fun places to add to the list of things to do in Kundasang.
17. Tandem paragliding Ranau
People who are adventurous, would love to get closer to the sky. Tandem paragliding Ranau allows the visitors to have a thrilling experience by flying above 700 meters or more. The visitors can fly for several minutes if the wind maintains a good situation.
The tourists get stunned seeing lands, trees, villages and paddy fields from a bird’s view. Floating across the mountains and feeling the cool breeze gives once in a lifetime experience to the visitors. For the people who want to have tough adventures, paragliding in Ranau is one of the noteworthy things to do in Kundasang.
18. Dingin Batu Campsite
Dingin Batu campsite offers a unique camping experience, a cooling environment, and refreshing air. From here you will get to see a mesmerizing view of Mount Kinabalu. Located right in front of the magnanimous mountain, the campsite is surrounded by beautiful mountainscapes.
There are different levels at the campsite featuring the perfect views. You can take your tents or rent one. Moreover, wooden lodges are available at Dingin Batu campsite.
Location: AH150, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 24 hours
19. Strawberry Garden Hotel Kundasang
Established in 2001, Strawberry Garden Hotel Kundasang is located atop the cool highlands and offers spectacular views of the surrounding highlands. The hotel is situated 1600 meters above sea level. There are several guestrooms, chalets, and a bungalow house at the hotel premises.
The rooms have all the essential facilities and are perfect for family trips. The hotel staff is really friendly. The hotel promises its guests a perfect time in its cozy premises while enjoying the cool breeze of Kundasang.
Location: 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
20. Arnab Village
Arnab Village is the first and the largest rabbit park existing in Malaysia. It has over 1000 rabbits with innumerable variations. The species from Satin, Angora, Rex, New Zealand White, Holland hoop, Lionhead and Netherland Dwarf are present in this farm.
The visitors can play with them, pat their heads, feed them while observing how they stay in their natural habitat. Everyday a large number of tourists visit this village to touch and adore the fluffy bunnies. Along with the rabbits, Persian cats and Hamsters Park are also there to amuse the visitors. Besides, there is a small grape garden where fresh grapes are found.
Animal lovers find this a very suitable place to fill their hearts by adoring the loving rabbits, cats and hamsters. For all these reasons, visiting Arnab Village is one of the things to do in Kundasang.
Location: Kg Purakagis kibbas, 89308 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
21. Alpaca club
Alpaca club is a small zoo situated in Sabah filled with adorable fluffy alpacas. Surrounded by the beautiful Kundasang mountains, the calm environment along with the harmless alpacas welcome you to a fascinating adventure.
Like the Arnab Village, the visitors can feed the alpacas, pat them and take photographs at the same time. Different shades of fleece of all ages are seen in this club. Be it a grown alpaca, a cria or a baby, all of them have googly innocent eyes to be affectionate about.
This furrier version of llamas are adored by the visitors as they are gentle and let people get close to them. Alpacas eat dried grass, so visitors make sure to take some in order to befriend them. The place even has the facility of staying overnight if the visitors wish to stay.
The bewitching view of the mountains along with the adorable alpacas, make this place a wholesome one.
People who are in love with both animals and nature, this place has to be in their list of things to do in Kundasang.
Location: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
22. Desa cattle Dairy farm
Desa cattle Dairy farm, built at the Kinabalu hill of Kundasang, this farm covers the area of 199 hectares. Because of having similar geographic scenery and for importing the cow breed Holstein Friesian, this place is also called “Little New Zealand.” Every year around 900,000 litres of milk is produced, and this is where all the dairy products of Sabah come from.
This place educates people regarding many things as the task of processing the milk and how milking is done is shown to the visitors. Besides, visitors can also feed the calves, pat cows and had some quality time with them.
Alongside the cows there are some goats as well. They can be pet and grass fed at the same time. Desa cattle farm also provides pure dairy products to buy and some mouthwatering ice creams made from the fresh milk. People who love animals and want to spend their leisure hours, this site is a notable one to visit in Kundasang.
Location: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
23. Kinabalu park headquarters
Kinabalu park headquarters, it is the administrative office of Sabah as well as the main entrance of the Kinabalu park. It has a visitors exhibition center, restaurants and many other amusements for the tourists. The headquarters is located about 92 kilometers on the Kota Kinabalu and 1520 meters above sea level.
This headquarter itself can be considered as a visiting place as it offers good facilities to the tourists. Crossing the headquarters inside the entrance, there is the national park which covers the area of about 754 square kilometers.
Vascular plants of about 5000 species where 621 are the species of fern and 1000 are the species of orchids are planted inside the national park along with other florals. There are abundance of faunas present in the park which provides refreshment to the visitors.
If people travel to Malaysia and not at least visit the Kinabalu park headquarters, the list of things to do in Kundasang would remain incomplete.
Location: Mt Kinabalu National Park, Kinabalu Park, 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
24. Hounon ridge farm stay and camping
Situated in the Highlands countryside, the place is 100 kilometers from Kota kinabalu. It takes 2.5 hours to drive to reach such a magnificent location surrounded by Mount Kinabalu and rainforest. The breathtaking scenery of nature around the house keeps the visitors busy.
The place offers a BBQ hut, camping sites and a cafe. It is basically a man-made house built amidst the natural view. The place becomes as misty as smokes during the rainy season, providing a cool environment for the visitors to relax.
As it is located in the countryside, there are many village farms to stroll and star gaze at night sitting on the moist grass. To witness a place that is as phenomenal as painted scenery, visiting Hounon ridge farm is one of the important things to do in Kundasang.
Location: Kg. Himbaan, Bundu Tuhan, 89308 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
25. Hidden Hill Homestay Kundasang
Hidden Hill Homestay offers mesmerizing views along with many other facilities. You can book a
room at the homestay or just pay a visit and tour around. From the balcony or the windows, you
can get views of Mount Kinabalu.
The interior of the homestay is beautiful and comes with every basic facility that you can think of. The homestay also reflects a bit of Japanese culture. Other than enjoying views in the morning, you can also graze stars at night and make some beautiful memories.
Location: XHFP+84, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Where to Stay in Kundasang, Sabah
While you are in Kundasang looking forward to enjoying a great vacation, there are a number of hotels and homestays to fulfil your accommodation needs. Here are some of the best hotels and homestays in Kundasang, Sabah-
- Hounon ridge farm stay and camping
- H.Benjamin Residence Check pricing and availability
- Mile 36 Lodge Check pricing and availability
- Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Kinabalu Park Check pricing and availability
- Crystal Hill R Check pricing and availability
- Hidden Hill Homestay Check Pricing and Availability
Malaysia is one of the prominent countries among the travellers. For having such exquisite locations, states like Sabah brings visitors all over to witness the beauty once again. Moreover, the town of Kundasang offers a lot of reliable facilities along with alluring views to be mesmerized at.
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