Translated from original post by @Muhammad Faiz Asmadi - Trip ke Sabah, Kundasang

This time I want to share my experience of going on a trip to Sabah Kundasang for 4 days and 3 nights starting from 27 Jan 2017. After a long time without updating the blog, many people shared their tips and stories about their vacation to Sabah. Especially regarding the breathtaking trip to Sabah Kundasang. I hope my post can help those planning a vacation here. Let's get straight to our main point.

I will break this entry into two parts. The first part is for activities in Kundasang and the second part is for activities in Kota Kinabalu (after this I will use short form - KK). So that it is easy for those of you who read to understand and follow the flow. Basically, in this entry I will share the activities I did, a few tips and also the budget/allocation throughout this simple but meaningful vacation. For your attention; this trip I went with two of my friends. So, all expenses will be divided into three.

During our time in Kundasang, we experienced the stunning landscapes that this area offers. Every moment of our trip to Sabah Kundasang was filled with beautiful memories.

Highlights of My Trip to Sabah Kundasang

Top Reasons to Plan a Trip to Sabah Kundasang

The trip to Sabah Kundasang also allowed us to explore various local cuisines that are unique to the region, enhancing our overall experience.

27 Jan 2017 (Friday) // First Day

We departed from KLIA2 at 11:30 AM and arrived at KK Airport. We waited for our friends who are staying in Sabah. Transportation was not an issue since we had a car. For those without acquaintances in Sabah, it’s best to rent a car at least a month in advance. On the first day, we headed straight to Kundasang. I highly recommend spending 2 or 3 days there before returning to KK. The journey from KK to Kundasang is about 2 hours, and the road is challenging, resembling the road to Cameron Highland. If you’re not an experienced driver, it may be difficult. Also, if it’s late evening, thick fog may obstruct your view. I recommend arriving in Kundasang before sunset to avoid driving in the dark.

Along the way to Kundasang, there are several interesting destinations that you can stop by. Organize your schedule and time well if you intend to visit these interesting places. Among these places are Upside Down house, Nabalu town (an area selling local vegetables and crafts), Kinabalu Park and Strawberry Garden. TIPS: for those who are not sure about the location, you can directly use Waze to find the location you want to go to (like us directly Waze the name of the hotel we want to stay at).

Along the way to Kundasang, there are several interesting destinations. Organize your schedule and time well if you intend to visit. Among these places are the Upside Down House, Nabalu Town (known for local vegetables and crafts), Kinabalu Park, and the Strawberry Garden. For those unsure about locations, using Waze to navigate is highly recommended.

We stayed at AYANA HOLIDAY RESORT, just a few kilometers from Kundasang center. It is an ideal base for your trip, close to several attractions. After checking in, we took a short break.

That night, we dined in Kundasang Town. There are several halal restaurants available, so finding food is not difficult. To avoid long waits, consider eating early as many travelers flock to restaurants for dinner. After dinner, we relaxed in our room and discussed the next day's activities.

Majestic view of Mount Kinabalu

Our trip to Sabah Kundasang wouldn't be complete without visiting the local markets and engaging with the friendly locals.

28 Jan 2017 (Saturday) // Day Two

As early as 6:30 AM, we moved to Kinabalu Park. The cold weather was refreshing as we enjoyed the mountain views. Arriving early helped us avoid the crowds. I recommend wearing layers to stay warm. The entrance ticket is RM3 per person, and it’s just 1.3 KM from Ayana.

After taking pictures and enjoying the scenery, we headed to the Dairy Farm Village. We arrived before 8 AM and found a queue forming as the place wasn't open yet. The road to the farm is narrow and requires climbing several paths. Arriving early is advisable to secure parking. The entrance ticket costs RM5 per person. We had breakfast here, enjoying waffles, hotdogs, milk, and ice cream. Among the activities, we also fed cows and goats, and of course, took plenty of pictures in the beautiful scenery.

Kundasang Dairy Farm

After visiting the Dairy Farm, we drove to Ranau. The journey took about 45 minutes. We used Waze to navigate and visited Poring Hot Spring, Tagal Sg. Moroli (Fish Spa Kg. Luanti), and Sabah Tea Garden.

Poring Hot Spring

Poring Hot Spring: The entrance ticket is RM3 per person, which also provides access to Kinabalu Park. Expect large crowds, making parking challenging. If you want to use a private pool, be prepared for a wait. There are open bathing areas, restrooms, and food vendors available. Besides bathing, we also enjoyed the Canopy Walk for RM5 per person, but photography is not allowed unless you pay an additional fee. The hike to the Canopy Walk takes about 15 minutes, so wear comfortable clothing.

Fish Spa

Reflecting on my trip to Sabah Kundasang, I realize how much it has broadened my perspective on nature and culture.

Stay tuned for more stories about my unforgettable trip to Sabah Kundasang and what to expect in Kota Kinabalu!

To conclude our trip to Sabah Kundasang, I must stress how important it is to cherish the moments spent in such a splendid environment.

Tagal Sg. Moroli: entrance ticket RM5/pax (adult) and the journey from Poring Hot Spring to here is about 30 minutes by car. The main activity here is the fish spa or actually just a session of dipping your feet in the river and the fish come to your feet. Here too, you have to wait for a queue to enter into the river. Before entering, hand over your ticket to the counter and the staff will give you a queue number. One session is 15 minutes and when the time is up, they will make an announcement to call you out. TIPS: extra fees will be charged for all types of camera use (RM1/pax) + avoid going here during the rain. Fish pallets cost RM0.20/plastic for you to give to the fish.

Sabah Tea Garden

Sabah Tea Garden: Entrance is free. This location features a beautiful tea plantation and a resort managed by Sabah Tea. The weather can get quite hot, so be prepared to walk a bit for the best views. You can taste and purchase tea and sweets here. Drive carefully as the path is narrow and steep, and it's best to visit in the morning or evening.

At 2:30 PM, we returned to Kundasang for lunch. The atmosphere was lively with a small market where we could taste local Sabah food. Numerous eateries are available, so you can pick your favorite. That evening, we rested in our room and had dinner at Hidayah Restaurant. This restaurant is highly recommended; the food was delicious and the portions were generous! During our two-day stay, we enjoyed their chicken wings, which were only RM1.50 each.

That's it for our time in Kundasang! I love the cool atmosphere and lively town. It was quiet at night, perfect for a peaceful stay at Ayana Holiday Resort, where air conditioning wasn't necessary. There are many attractions to explore in Kundasang. My experiences are just a part of it. If you want to enjoy everything without feeling rushed, consider staying for a night or two before heading back to KK.

Okay, see you in the next entry for me to tell you about my experience in Kota Kinabalu!