Kundasang : Poring Hot Spring + Desa & Meal Shared Tour

Kundasang’s appeal is simple: cool mountain air, Mount Kinabalu views, and a soak at Poring Hot Springs all fit into one long day from Kota Kinabalu. The route also gives you a taste of Sabah’s farm produce and roadside trade, not just the famous photo stops.

I like the Desa Dairy Farm for its open mountain setting and fresh milk products, and I like the chance to see Sabah’s countryside at Nabalu Market rather than racing straight to the headline sights. The main drawback is time. With several long drives, a shared van, and stops that can feel brief, this is a full day on the road rather than a relaxed mountain retreat.

Key points at a glance

• Desa Dairy Farm: Visit Sabah’s cool-climate cattle farm, often called Little New Zealand, and try fresh milk, goat milk, yogurt, or ice cream.
• Poring Hot Springs: Soak your feet in the warm mineral pools, with time for a walk toward the waterfall if conditions and timing allow.
• Nabalu Market: Browse local handicrafts and produce while taking in views toward Mount Kinabalu’s foothills.
• Kinabalu Park photo stop: Get a short stop at the World Heritage Site, but botanical garden admission is not included.
• A long shared ride: The journey can take about two and a half hours each way, so road comfort matters.
• Current activity warning: The treetop canopy walk is listed as closed for maintenance until further notice.

What this Kundasang day trip is really like

This is a broad sampler of Sabah’s mountain region. You leave Kota Kinabalu, climb toward the cooler country around Kundasang, visit a dairy farm, stop at a market, relax in hot water, and possibly pause at Kinabalu Park before returning to the city.

That sounds easy on paper. In practice, it is a long day with several separate attractions and plenty of driving. I would choose it if you have only one day for Kundasang and want variety. I would not choose it if you want long walks, quiet time in nature, or an in-depth visit to any one site.

The advertised price is $98 per person. That includes intercity hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transport, entrance fees, lunch, and a driver. For a shared trip covering this much ground, the price can be reasonable, especially if your hotel is inside the normal pickup area. It becomes less attractive if you are paying an outskirt pickup surcharge or if a major part of your day is lost to road delays.

The overall rating is 3.6 out of 5, which fits the nature of this outing. The strongest parts are the mountain views, the hot springs, the meal, and good guide service when you get an active guide. The weaker points are the long van ride, limited time at Kinabalu Park, and the fact that the dairy farm may not hold your attention for a full hour.

Leaving Kota Kinabalu for the mountain road

Pickup is included from hotels in Kota Kinabalu. The exact meeting time depends on availability when you book, but prepare for an early start and a late return. The drive to the first mountain stop can take about two and a half hours.

That road time shapes the entire day. You will want comfortable clothes, water, and a little patience. One person found the van cramped, with limited legroom and unreliable air conditioning. Another described the ride as bumpy, due to both road conditions and the vehicle. Those are not small details on a day with several hours in transit.

Vehicle problems can also happen. On one outing, the van broke down on the return journey, and a replacement was arranged, but the delay added at least two hours to an already long day. That does not mean a breakdown is normal, but it is a reminder to avoid scheduling an evening flight or fixed dinner reservation after this trip.

Pickup planning matters, too. Collecting people from hotels far from the main route can eat into time at the attractions. If you are staying outside central Kota Kinabalu, confirm the surcharge and pickup arrangement before paying.

Nabalu Market and the first Mount Kinabalu views

Pekan Nabalu, also called Nabalu Market, is usually your first substantial stop. You get around 30 minutes to browse local handicrafts and produce, stretch your legs, and look toward Mount Kinabalu’s foothills.

This is a modest stop, not a grand market visit. The value is in seeing the local roadside economy: handicrafts, fruit, and products aimed at people heading into the mountain region. I like it as a first pause because it gives you a quick sense of Sabah beyond the city.

Thirty minutes is enough to walk around and buy a small snack or souvenir. It is not enough for slow browsing or serious shopping. Bring small spending money if you want to buy something, but personal purchases are not included.

The best reason to keep your camera ready is the view. Clear weather can make this one of the day’s strongest photo stops. Clouds are common around Mount Kinabalu, so do not measure the entire outing by whether the peak appears.

Desa Dairy Farm, Sabah’s Little New Zealand

Desa Dairy Farm is one of the most recognizable stops around Kundasang. The open setting, green pasture, cooler air, and mountain backdrop have earned it the nickname Little New Zealand.

You get about an hour here for sightseeing. The farm sells products made on-site, including fresh milk, goat milk, yogurt, and ice cream. A cold dairy treat can be a pleasant break after the drive, though food and personal purchases are separate from the included lunch.

I see this stop working best for families, casual photographers, and anyone curious about Sabah’s highland agriculture. The flowers and open views add to the appeal. It is less rewarding if you expect a full working-farm tour with detailed explanations, animal feeding, or many hands-on activities. The visit is mainly a scenic stop with food products and time to walk around.

Guide involvement can make a large difference here. Some guides explain the farm and the area well; others may simply tell you when to return to the van. Keep track of the meeting time, especially if the guide leaves you to explore independently.

The farm is also a good place to bring a jacket. Kundasang is cooler than Kota Kinabalu, and the weather can change quickly. You may appreciate the jacket in the morning and need rain gear later.

Poring Hot Springs and the forest walk

Poring Hot Springs is the most restful part of the day. The main activity is soaking your feet in warm water, which can feel especially good after hours in a vehicle and time spent walking around the farm and market.

You get about an hour and a half for the Poring visit, followed by a one-hour lunch stop. The hot spring pools are more about simple comfort than a dramatic spa experience. If you expect a luxury wellness facility, you may find the setup basic. If you want to loosen tired legs and feet, it does the job.

The walk toward the waterfall can be more rewarding than the pools themselves. One account singled out that walk as a worthwhile part of the stop. Ask your guide how much time you have before setting off, since the schedule also needs to allow for soaking and lunch.

The treetop canopy walk is currently under maintenance until further notice. Do not book this trip expecting to cross the canopy bridge. Some schedules may include a forest or treetop activity when it is open, but the current information does not promise it.

The same caution applies to a butterfly sanctuary. A butterfly stop appeared in some day arrangements, but it is not listed as a guaranteed part of the stated program. Treat it as a possible addition, not a reason to book.

Poring is not suitable for everyone. The activity is specifically not recommended for people with heart problems, a fear of heights, or altitude sickness. You should also be comfortable walking over uneven paths and managing a wet environment. Bring a towel, toiletries, water, comfortable shoes, and a change of clothes if you plan to soak properly.

Lunch after the hot springs

Lunch is included and served at a restaurant after the Poring visit. The meal has been described as generous and tasty, and the timing makes sense. You will have had a long morning, and eating after the hot springs gives you a proper pause before the return route.

Do not expect a private or slow restaurant meal. This is a shared day with a fixed schedule, so lunch is designed to keep the group moving. Tell the operator about dietary needs before the trip if you have them, since the supplied details do not specify menu choices or special-diet arrangements.

The included meal adds real value to the $98 price. Without it, you would need to find lunch during a busy day when there is little spare time. Still, the meal does not offset a poor transport experience, so the condition and comfort of the van remain important.

Kinabalu Park in a short 30-minute stop

After lunch, the route may continue to Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site, for a quick photo stop. The planned time is about 30 minutes, and the visit does not include the Botanical Garden.

That distinction matters. Kinabalu Park is far more than a sign beside the road, but this outing gives you only a brief introduction. You may get a photo, breathe the mountain air, and see a little of the park setting. You will not have time for a serious nature walk or a full park visit.

The stop can also be skipped or shortened if traffic, weather, or earlier delays affect the day. The description says it happens if time permits, so treat it as a bonus rather than the main purpose of the trip.

If Kinabalu Park is your priority, book a dedicated visit instead. If you simply want to say you reached the park and take a quick photo, this stop is useful. The lack of Botanical Garden admission also keeps expectations clear.

The guide can make or break the day

The tour provides an English or Chinese-speaking guide, but the practical quality depends heavily on the individual assigned. Roy received especially warm praise for being friendly and well informed, and another guide was described as offering detailed explanations throughout the day.

That is the best version of this trip. A good guide connects the stops, explains what you are seeing, keeps the timing clear, and gives you useful local context. A less active guide may only drop you at each attraction and tell you when to return.

You should ask direct questions if you want more than transport. Ask where the best view is, how long the waterfall walk takes, and which products are worth trying at Desa Dairy Farm. Also confirm the next meeting point before leaving the vehicle.

The guide also has to manage a mixed group. Some people may want extra time at the farm, while others would rather reach Poring quickly. Shared tours rarely satisfy everyone at every stop.

How the timing affects your value

The published sequence includes roughly:

• Two and a half hours from Kota Kinabalu to the mountain area
• Thirty minutes at Nabalu Market
• About one hour at Desa Dairy Farm
• Around one and a half hours at Poring Hot Springs
• One hour for lunch
• About 30 minutes at Kinabalu Park
• Two and a half hours back to Kota Kinabalu

The exact order can change, and the stated program allows adjustments. Even so, you should think of this as a 10-hour-style road day, not a compact excursion.

A stop that feels too short can still work when it breaks up a long drive. Nabalu Market is a good example. Thirty minutes gives you a taste without making the morning drag. Kinabalu Park is different: half an hour is enough for a photo, but not enough to understand the park.

The biggest time risk is extra pickup and traffic. An outskirt hotel, a slow group, poor weather, or a vehicle problem can reduce time at the attractions. Build flexibility into the rest of your day.

What to bring and what to leave behind

The practical packing list is simple:

• Passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water
• Jacket
• Umbrella and rain gear
• Towel
• Toiletries

Sabah’s mountain weather can shift, so rain protection is worth carrying even if Kota Kinabalu is sunny at departure. Comfortable footwear matters more than fashionable shoes, particularly if you walk toward the waterfall.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Leave heavy suitcases at your hotel. Vaping, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

You should also bring a phone charger if you rely on your phone for photos and booking details, though a charger is not specifically included in the packing list. Keep your passport available because it is listed as an item to bring.

Who should book this shared tour

I would recommend this outing to you if:

• You have one free day from Kota Kinabalu.
• You want to combine mountain scenery, a farm, hot springs, and a market.
• You prefer one arranged trip rather than several separate transfers.
• You enjoy short stops and do not mind long drives.
• You are happy with a quick Kinabalu Park photo stop.
• You want lunch and entrance fees included.

I would be cautious if:

• You want a quiet, slow day in the mountains.
• You dislike cramped or bumpy van rides.
• Your main goal is the Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden.
• You are booking mainly for the canopy walk.
• You need a guaranteed late return time.
• You have heart problems, altitude sickness, or a strong fear of heights.

The trip is also a better match for families and first-time visitors than for serious hikers. It gives you a broad introduction, but it does not replace a dedicated farm, park, or rainforest visit.

Is the $98 price fair?

At $98, the value depends on how much you value convenience. You are paying for a full day of transport from Kota Kinabalu, entrance fees, a meal, hotel pickup in the standard area, and a guide or driver. Arranging every transfer yourself would take work, and the route covers too much ground for an easy independent day without careful planning.

The value drops if you spend much of the day waiting in a cramped van or if the stops are shortened by pickup delays. It also drops if you are not interested in the dairy farm, since that is a major part of the day.

I would call the price fair for a one-day sampler, but not a bargain. The included lunch and transport help. The long road time and shared-tour limits keep it from being an obvious must-buy.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to hold a place while your plans settle. An outskirt hotel surcharge may apply, so check that before comparing the final cost with other options.

Final call: book it for variety, not depth

Book this Kundasang day trip if you want to see several Sabah highlights in one organized outing and accept that the van ride is part of the experience. Nabalu Market, the cool air at Desa Dairy Farm, the foot soak at Poring, a filling lunch, and a possible Kinabalu Park photo stop create a useful first look at the region.

Skip it if you want extensive time at Mount Kinabalu, a guaranteed canopy walk, or a calm day with few transfers. Before booking, confirm the current canopy closure, pickup location, and return timing. If you go, wear comfortable shoes, bring rain gear, and ask the guide for clear meeting times at every stop.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

Pickup and drop-off are provided at hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Outskirt hotel pickup may require an additional surcharge. The tour returns to Kota Kinabalu at the end of the day.

How long does the experience last?

It is a one-day experience. The route includes about two and a half hours of travel each way, plus stops at the market, dairy farm, hot springs, restaurant, and Kinabalu Park.

Is lunch included?

Yes. One lunch at a restaurant is included after the Poring Hot Springs visit.

Which languages are available?

The activity provides live guidance in English and Chinese.

Is the Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden included?

No. The Kinabalu Park stop is a short photo stop, and Botanical Garden entry is not included.

Is the canopy walk available?

The treetop canopy is under maintenance until further notice. You should not book the tour expecting to use it.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, water, a jacket, an umbrella, rain gear, a towel, and toiletries.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on the activity.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.