Kundasang is often overlooked by visitors because of its location not being well-connected to the main cities in Sabah like Kota Kinabalu.
But that doesn’t mean that coming here is impossible!
With all sorts of nature excursions available, from stargazing to cow feeding and hiking, the things to do in Kundasang are plenty. Best yet, most of them are friendly to Muslim Solo Travelers!
Things To Do in Kundasang
Located just in the district of Ranau, Sabah, Kundasang town sits at a high elevation of 6200 ft.
It is also the highest settlement area in Malaysia, and is known as the New Zealand of Malaysia. Hence, making it a cooling place that draws locals and non-locals all year round!
Learn About WWII History at Kundasang War Memorial
One of the most interesting places in Kundasang is the War Memorial.
This place commemorates British and Australian soldiers who perished in Sandakan during World War II.
But what’s interesting here, besides the opportunity to learn about the local history, is that there are beautiful gardens with all kinds of flora and fauna surrounding it!
Some great photo spots are the (1) arch entry and (2) the scenery of Mount Kinabalu from the pergola on top!
Depending on the season, you can see rafflesias blooming here.- Operating hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm daily
- Address: Jalan Kundasang Kauluan, Kundasang, 89300 Ranau, Sabah (directions)
Experience Little New Zealand at Desa Dairy Farm
With green-like pastures that resemble New Zealand, Desa Dairy Farm is a top Kundasang tourist spot!
Located on the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, stretching over hills and valleys in Kundasang, this farm is a great place to visit the cow’s pen and feed Friesian cows, as well as goats.
You can even see the factory that processes and packages Desa Dairy milk products.
Pro-tip: The ice cream is a must-try! It comes in all sorts of flavors.
- Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
- Address: Kg Mesilou, 88000 Kundasang, Sabah (directions)
- Click here for the latest ticket prices & to book
Hike at Sosodikan Hill
A chill 5-10 minute climb up Sosodikan Hill will reward you with a magnificent view of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding valleys on top.
The view here (especially during sunrise) is superb in good weather!
Pro-tip: The journey to this hill by car is treacherous. Be prepared for that!
- Estimated time spent: 45 minutes
- Entrance Fee: RM5 (~$1.2). There’s also a completion certificate at extra cost.
- Operating hours: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Address: Kg Kauluan Peti Surat 873, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah (directions)
- Click here for the latest updates.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinabalu Park
High on the list of things to do in Kundasang is to visit Kinabalu Park!
This park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, gazetted to protect the tallest mountain in Borneo, alongside its plant and animal life.
The park is the starting point if you plan to climb Mount Kinabalu.
But if you’re not here to climb, you can camp, stay in one of the luxurious chalets offered, enjoy a guided walk along the various nature trails or spot some of Borneo’s rare birds here!
- Address: Mt Kinabalu National Park, Kinabalu Park, 89300 Ranau, Sabah (directions)
- More information here
Tea time at Sabah Tea Garden
What to do in Kundasang, Sabah, if you’re thinking of just relaxing?
Some of us would want to relax and do the bare minimum when it comes to traveling because traveling in itself is so exhausting!
If this is you, then having a good time, sipping local tea, and enjoying the view of Sabah Tea Garden will be just your cup of tea!
Pro-tip: Some teas to try are Teh Tarik vanilla and Passion Fruit.
But if you’d like to do some activities, tea picking and mountain biking is available too.
Besides, this place also offers accommodations from cottages, traditional long houses, and camping grounds!
- Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Address: 89300 Ranau, Sabah (directions)
Stay with the Locals at Scenic Homestays
Not really one of Kundasang’s places to visit, but rather a place for you to rest and relax after a busy day exploring Sabah’s natural gems!
Kundasang has plenty of scenic homestays to choose from. Some of them are:
- T Paradise (a chalet with balcony and garden views)
- Soboroong Farmer’s Cottage (Muslim Solo Travel-tested. Comes with )
Depending on your choice, some homestays even offer exploration in their private garden and walking tours!
See The Milkyway
What to do in Kundasang at night?
Immerse in the clear, starry skies, of course! Astro-tourism is especially famous in Kundasang, Sabah.
One stay that’s great for a night under the stars at Kundasang is Kupi-Kupi & Stay.
This homestay has a shared open-air lounge that lets you enjoy the view of Kundasang valleys at night!
Shop for Fresh Produce & Souvenirs at Nabalu Market
On the weekends, you’ll see Kundasang town come alive with its markets at the roadside.
But one market that you should check out is the Nabalu Market.
The markets are the best place to visit in Kundasang for all kinds of souvenirs, fresh produce, daily harvests, and fresh flowers!
You can also see a nice view of Crocker Range and Mount Kinabalu next to Nabalu Market!
Some exciting finds at markets in Kundasang include pulut panggang, and dishes sold together with purple rice!Try Bakso Kundasang (HALAL!)
One of the great things to do in Kundasang for the foodies is to try out Bakso Kundasang!
As its name, this is a Halal dish that you can only get here.
What’s interesting about this Bakso (meatball-based stew) is that it uses a specific Kuah Soto (gravy).
This gravy comprises blended peanuts, which according to locals, are famous in Kundasang.
Some people call this dish Soto Makasar!
Go Paragliding & See The Best Views of Mount Kinabalu
Lohan Village is one of the places to visit in Kundasang for some paragliding adventure!
You’ll not only get an adrenaline rush but see Kundasang in a different light as you’ll soar above the mountain ranges, clear rivers, and greeneries.
Pro-tip: This is for those with an adventurous spirit. An activity that is highly dependent on the weather conditions.Click here for the latest rate and availability date
This paragliding experience comes with professional and friendly pilots, including insurance and free cancellation within 48-hour notice. Go Pro rental comes at added expense.
- Operating hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
- Address: Jln Kompleks Sukan Ranau, 89308 Ranau, Sabah (directions)
Take Photos at Instaworthy Cabbages!
There are plenty of Instaworthy places at Kundasang that will capture your memorable trip!
Some of them are the roundabouts in Kundasang:
- Cabbages
- Cows with Welcome to Kundasang backdrop
- Kundasang Selfie Corner
Feel The Healing Effects of Sulfur Bath at Poring Hot Spring
A warm Kundasang attraction is the Poring Hot Springs.
This hot spring is known for its natural hot spring baths, but the sulfur bath is its highlight.
According to the locals, sulphuric minerals have healing properties!
Muslim Solo Travel tip: There's a private hot spring available on site-great for Hijabis!Besides the baths, other activities here include walking and jungle trail to Butterfly Farm, Orchid Conservation Centre, tree top Poring Canopy Walk (high up at 157.8 meters long), and Rafflesia Garden.
Pro-tip: Come early in the morning! The sulfur bath can be full of crowds on the weekend by 10:00 am!- Address: 89300 Ranau, Sabah (directions)
- Operating hours: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm daily
- Click here for the latest entrance fees
See Furry Alpacas at Alpaca Club Sabah
One of Kundasang’s new attractions is the cute alpacas at Alpaca Club Sabah.
Usually, one would have to visit Australia or South America to visit these fluffy cuties, but not in Kundasang!
This place is just a 7-minute drive from Desa Dairy Farm, so while you’re visiting, make sure to add this stop!
- Address: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah (directions)
- Operating hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Try Foot Fish Massage at Moroli River
Forty-five minutes drive from Kundasang town is a river that lets you experience a fish spa massage!
Moroli river here is crystal clear, and you will see huge fishes sucking the dead skin cells of your feet.
The fishes at Tagal Sg Moroli Kpg Luanti are toothless, so nothing to be scared about!
Muslim Solo Travel tip: Surau (prayer room) available on site- Address: Tagal Sg. Moroli Kg. Luanti, Unnamed Road, Kampung Luanti Baru, 89300 Ranau, Sabah (directions)
- Operating hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm daily
Best Time to Visit Kundasang
Kundasang has tropical climate weather, with occasional rainfall throughout the year.
The best time is from January to April when rain falls the least compared to other times of the year. This is also the peak tourist time.
Sometimes, in February, you’re able to see Rafflesia in full bloom either at WWII War Memorial or Poring Hot Spring
On average, the temperature hovers around 21 degrees during the day and can drop to 15 degrees at night throughout the year due to its high altitude.
This excellent weather makes the destination pleasant for tourists and locals alike.
Kundasang Solo Trip & Halal Food — What You Should Know
While there are plenty of things to do in Kundasang, one can’t simply do all, especially if you’re going on a day trip as a Muslim Solo Traveler.
It is best to plan in advance what you’d like to see and have some room for exploration in your Kundasang Itinerary.
Regardless, there are Kundasang travel packages that let you visit hassle-free through a day trip or with an overnight stay.
Is Kundasang Muslim Solo Travel-friendly?
Halal food is easy to find in Kundasang. However, exercise your common sense and caution before dining, as most of the local folks of Kundasang are native Sabahans (non-muslims). Stalls and restaurants selling non-halal food are also common.
When it comes to Solo Travel-friendliness, this depends on your comfort level.
One caveat, though, is getting to and around Kundasang. Muslim Solo Travelers would have to rent a car, or go with a legitimate tour guide to reach and navigate around Kundasang for ease of travel. It is not like Kota Kinabalu where e-hailing is easily available.
MST Take: We feel that Kundasang would be easier to explore first for Muslimah Solo Travelers (?join our ? community!) who are from Malaysia, followed by Southeast Asian countries where Malay & Indonesian language is spoken and understood like Brunei, Singapore, and Indonesia. Regardless, English is also commonly spoken and widely understood as Kundasang is home to Mount Kinabalu, which draws visitors from all over the world. So, the locals are friendly enough to help you show the way if you are ever in need of help.
Getting To Kundasang
Kundasang is located about a 2-hour drive away from Kota Kinabalu. Therefore, to get to Kundasang, here are some options you can consider:
1 — By Car
This is the best option for Muslim Solo Travelers!
You can adjust your itinerary accordingly, too.
For affordable, quick, and easy rentals straight from Kota Kinabalu Airport or hot spot locations around, check out the best car rental rates from here.
2 — By Taxi
Taxi can be expensive if you choose to opt for this. One way journey can cost anywhere between RM 150 – RM 300 ($33.8-$68). Do agree on a set price before getting on the taxi!
3 — By Bus
A bus journey from Kota Kinabalu (Inanam Terminal) to Kundasang can range between 2-4 hours, depending on how many stops the bus makes.
Bus ticket price ranges in between RM 12 – RM 45 ($2.7 – $10.2 USD)
4 — By Tour Guide
This is the best option if you do not wish to go through the hassle of driving on your own. Joining a tour guide will have your transportation sorted out. All you need to do is relax, sit back and enjoy the scenic ride to Kundasang!
The best thing about booking tours from reputable tour websites like Viator and KLOOK is that you can cross-check tours for the best rate, cancel within their time frame and reserve your spot!
Where to Stay in Kundasang
While various accommodations are available, from luxury hotels to private resorts and chalets for the discerning Muslim Solo Travelers.
But, the Best Place To Stay in Kundasang for Muslim Solo Travelers are definitely homestays and lodges that are situated at the foothill of Mount Kinabalu.
You don’t only get beautiful views of the Mountain, but also an experience of living with the locals. What makes homestays a great deal is that they are suitable for those on a budget!
Some homestays and guest houses, as well as resorts that you could check out are:
- Sling N Stone Vacation Homes – with mountain views, Rock garden, BBQ pits and fully-equipped kitchen and dining room.
- Sutera Sanctuary Lodges – Wooden structured lodges at Poring Hot Spring.
- T-Paradise – chalet with balcony and garden views
Kundasang 2D1N Itinerary
Want a simple, straight-to-the-point Kundasang itinerary so you can explore the best of the area, like a local? And one that’s suitable for Muslim Solo traveler too? Get it below!
FAQs on Things To Do in Kundasang
How many days should I spend in Kundasang?
2D1N is enough for you to explore Kundasang.
But to visit the place as a day trip can be too tight as staying the night is recommended for one to get the whole Kundasang experience, such as waking up to the fog blanketing the valleys during sunrise.
A sample #MuslimSoloTravel itinerary is available in this blog post.
What is so special about Kundasang?
Kundasang is special for its natural gems that resembles New Zealand pastures, pristine Mountains, and Valley views. The main attractions are Mount Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring, and Desa Dairy Farm, which are explained more in this blog post.
Is Kundasang worth visiting?
Kundasang is absolutely worth visiting if you have an extra day to spare in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Booking.comMuslim Solo Travel Takeaway
The plenty of things to do in Kundasang makes it an excellent place for one to unwind and retreat solo in the nature mountainside of Sabah! Make sure you have the itinerary at hand so you can make the best of your Kundasan
Especially if there’s extra time to continue exploring the state in Kota Kinabalu!
While in Malaysia, how about extending your #MuslimSoloTravels to the neighboring state of Sarawak? Satok Market and Borneo Cultures Museum are some attractions that might interest you!
Related Malaysia articles from Muslim Solo Travel:
- Pasar Seni Attractions (Halal Food, Solo Travel Tips & 1-day Itinerary!)
- Why Aerotel KLIA2 is a Great Transit Hotel for Solo Travelers! [Review]
- Putrajaya One-Day Trip (& Top Things To Do for Muslim Solo Travelers!)
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