I recently had the pleasure of visiting Sabah for the first time in my life! I’ve always wanted to come here, and it was truly a dream come true to finally experience this incredible state, where cultural richness meets unparalleled natural splendour.
With only 4 days and 3 nights to spare, I chose to dedicate my time to exploring Kundasang, a hillside retreat located in the district of Ranau, Sabah. Known for its cool weather, stunning views, and lush farms; Kundasang is an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.
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.
Going to Sabah is not cheap. I remember that in the past, I would rather buy flight tickets to another Southeast Asian country than go to Sabah. However, you can get a cheaper price if you book at the right time during flight promotions. 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 was in the evening, I decided to spend a night in Kota Kinabalu and explore a bit of what the place has to offer (you can read about it here: A Night In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah) I was quite excited to have dinner here, as it is famous for its seafood. I stayed at Le Meridien, which is located just in front of Anjung Kinabalu (previously called Filipino Market) and close to the night food market and handicraft market.
- Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu.
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.
While in Kundasang, I stayed at Dream World Resort, Kundasang. The room was basic, but nothing could beat the view. It’s ideal for those who value privacy, as it’s located quite far from the main road.
- Dream World Resort, Kundasang.
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. Here’s my post about the resort: 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.