Kundasang Trip 2024: Itinerary For 4D 3N To Kundasang,Sabah.

I recently had the unforgettable opportunity to visit Sabah for the very first time—and yes, it was a work trip, but I made sure to squeeze in a little exploring while I was there!

Sabah has always been on my travel bucket list, so when work brought me here, I was beyond excited. This incredible state blends rich culture with jaw-dropping natural beauty, and I can now confirm—it’s even more magical in person.

Though my time was limited to just 4 days and 3 nights, I managed to make the most of it, focusing primarily on Kundasang, a peaceful highland retreat in the district of Ranau. With its cool climate, scenic mountain views, and rolling green farms, it’s a perfect place to unwind.

If you’re planning a visit to this charming destination, here’s my itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Kundasang:

✅ Flight Ticket

Traveling to Sabah isn’t exactly cheap. In fact, I used to think flying to another Southeast Asian country was more budget-friendly than heading to Sabah. But with some smart planning and by booking during airline promotions, you can snag a good deal.

There is no direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kundasang, but you can fly to Kota Kinabalu and then rent a vehicle to drive to Kundasang, which takes about 2.5 hours.

✅ Accommodation

Since my flight arrived in the evening, I stayed overnight in Kota Kinabalu before heading to Kundasang the next morning (you can read about it here: A Night In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah). It gave me a chance to rest and explore a bit of the city, but I was especially excited for dinner—Kota Kinabalu is known for its amazing seafood!

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu.
This was my home for the first night. The room was spacious and the bed exceptionally comfortable, complemented by a soothing sea view. It was well-appointed with all necessities and included a luxurious bathtub, offering everything one would expect from a luxury hotel. However, I must critique their breakfast. The quality was surprisingly disappointing for a hotel that is known for its good reputation; even lower-tier hotels often serve better food.

Dream World Resort, Kundasang.
In Kundasang, I stayed at Dream World Resort. The room was basic, but the views? Simply unbeatable. It’s a great choice for those who value privacy—it’s tucked away from the main road. I would highly recommend this resort if you value privacy and breathtaking views. While the room was basic, it provided a comfortable place to sleep. Check out my full post about it here: Dream World Resort Kundasang: Basic Resort, Unbeatable Views.

✅ Tour Guide / Transportation

As usual, having a tour guide to lead me to well-known attractions during my trip is something I always prefer. It’s hassle-free, so I don’t have to use too much brainpower. Local guides always know the best spots, especially hidden ones! It is something I love about having a tour guide with me.

The guide was hired for this trip from the moment I landed in Kinabalu until they dropped me off at the airport. If you’re looking to rent a car or book a tour, I recommend booking with this agent:

KMT Global Rent-A-Car & Tours Sdn. Bhd.

Or if you want direct contact for a tour guide, you can reach out to me through the contact form on my blog.

✅ Places To Go

📍 Alpaca Club Mesilao, Kundasang.
There is no need to book tickets online; you can just walk in. The ticket price is RM20.00 for adults, RM15.00 for children and senior citizens, and RM2.00 for children 1 metre and below.

📍 Desa Dairy Farm, Kundasang.
You need to buy the ticket online, which you can do through this link. It’s a must-visit place if you come to Kundasang. You can feed the cows for just RM1.00 for milk and grass. Don’t forget to try the ice cream here too—it’s delicious!

📍 Hooga Cafe @ Kundasang Farm Ville.
You can easily spot this colourful café on the side of the road. It’s not just a café; it also features a selfie garden with LED lights, making it very Instagrammable. The café serves both Western and Asian cuisines and has a lovely selection of cakes. If you’re interested in buying fresh vegetables like lettuce, you can do that here too.

📍 Sosodikon Hill.
If you enjoy a bit of hiking, you can do it here. The hill is not very high, so even an amateur who has never hiked before can manage it. The path uphill is easy, and it’s definitely worth it. Surrounded by greenery and mountains, trust me when I say the view is stunning! Go early in the morning to see the sunrise. There’s no need to buy a ticket online; you can walk in. For more information, visit this link.

📍 Sg. Moroli Fish Spa, Ranau.
Unlike other “fish massage” offerings, the fish here are large, so they don’t just nibble—they bite. It was very tingling, and I couldn’t stop laughing! At first, I was scared by the size of the fish, but the longer I stayed in the river, the more comfortable I became. It was an amazing experience, and I had so much fun.

📍 Sabah Tea Garden, Ranau.
Just next to Sg. Moroli Fish Spa, you can stop by here to enjoy the awesome scenery with Mt. Kinabalu in the distance, perfect for capturing memorable photos. You can also visit a tea shop here, which sells a variety of flavoured teas—a great choice for a unique souvenir.

📍 The Nabalu Market.
Looking for a souvenir to take home with you? This is the place to go. They offer plenty of handicrafts and souvenirs to choose from. Don’t forget to bargain—the displayed price is often higher than what they’re willing to give. So yes, bargain!

📍 Kundasang War Memorial.
Interested in history? This is definitely a place to visit in Kundasang. The Memorial consists of four beautiful gardens—the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden, and the Contemplation Garden and Pool—to represent different nationalities. It was one of the first memorials dedicated to honouring the brave Australian and British prisoners of War who perished in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau in World War II.

✅ Food & Drinks

Here are my recommended restaurants if you are looking for a good place to enjoy your meal.

📍 Restaurant Kak Ita Cafe Seafood, Ranau, Sabah.

As we know, Sabah is known for its cheap seafood. To be honest, during my entire trip in Sabah, I only ate seafood—I missed eating chicken though. Haha. This restaurant is located in Ranau, right next to a river. It’s nice to have a meal while enjoying the sounds of nature. The food was delicious and offered plenty of choices.

The setting is cosy, making it a great spot to relax after a day of sightseeing. The staff were friendly and made sure we had a good experience. The prices were reasonable for the fresh and tasty seafood. I especially loved the fried butter shrimp, which were perfectly cooked. If you love seafood, this place is a must-visit.

📍 Gerai Torong Akung Cafe, Tuaran.

I stopped by this restaurant on my way to the airport for lunch, and it was a delightful find. The restaurant is designed like a ship on the sea, creating a cosy atmosphere with the soothing sounds of wind and waves. I tried the shell-out/seafood platter, and it was incredibly delicious. I enjoyed everything except the snail—I can never bring myself to eat snails. Haha. Another highlight is their coconut jelly. It was my first time eating coconut jelly straight from the coconut, and it was absolutely amazing!

I hope my itinerary and recommendations help you in planning your visit to this beautiful part of Malaysia. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further information. Happy travels.

X, Hani.