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Think You’re in New Zealand? Welcome to Kundasang, Sabah in Malaysia

Lim Jia Chin

Ever imagined strolling through misty hills, watching cows wander by, and soaking in epic mountain views like you’re in New Zealand? Well, guess what? You don’t have to fly halfway around the world to experience it.


(Source: Lim Jia Chin)

You can see this view with your own eyes in Malaysia!


This May, I took a trip to Sabah to tackle Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak. But it was the stunning, New Zealand-like scenery in Kundasang that truly stole the show. You won’t believe this place is just a short flight away!


1. The Scenic Beauty of Kundasang: A Slice of Paradise


(Source: Lim Jia Chin) 

No need for any filters when posting on social media.


Imagine standing at the edge of a green valley, surrounded by endless rolling hills with Mount Kinabalu towering in the background. The mist floats low, giving everything a dreamy vibe that feels almost unreal. That is Kundasang for you, and it is just as magical as it sounds.



(Source: Lim Jia Chin)


The cool weather and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect spot for scenic drives or just taking a leisurely stroll to soak it all in. It really has that "New Zealand" charm right here in Malaysia.


2.  Desa Dairy Farm – A Piece of Kiwi Heaven



One of the top spots to visit in Kundasang is Desa Dairy Farm, where green pastures, grazing cows, and mountain views make you feel like you've stepped into New Zealand.

Known as "Little New Zealand," this farm sits against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kinabalu. The mountain is usually hidden in the clouds, but if you're up by 7 a.m., you'll catch the best views.



As Sabah’s largest dairy farm, Desa Dairy Farm has a small entrance fee of RM5 to help maintain the grounds. You'll find over 600 cows and goats, with a special petting area where visitors can feed calves and lambs (a small fee applies). In the afternoons around 3 p.m., you can even catch a milking demo by the staff.

Beyond the scenic views and friendly animals, the fresh dairy products are a highlight. The farm sells creamy milk in flavors like chocolate and coffee, along with rich yogurt and freshly made gelato. 



The gelato, especially the original flavor, is a must-try for its smooth texture and delicious taste. On weekends and holidays, expect a line! Many visitors come just for a taste of the farm’s famous treats.Desa Dairy Farm is a unique place that proves you don’t need to leave Malaysia to experience landscapes that could rival New Zealand. Whether you're a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, this place is a must-see on your Kundasang itinerary.


Address: Desa Dairy Farm, Kundasang, 89308 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily

Official Website: https://v2.desaplus.com/ , booking details are available through Sabah Travel or related platforms.


Admission:

  • RM 8 for adults (13 years and above) (~SGD 2.40)

  • RM 7 for children (7–12 years) (~SGD 2.10)

  • Free for children below 7 years and disabled (OKU)

  • Tickets must be booked in advance, with specific time slots:

    • Morning: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    • Noon: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    • Afternoon: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM



3.  Local Experiences That Transport You : Kundasang Markets

For veggie and fruit lovers, Kundasang’s local market is a must-visit. Here, local farmers bring their fresh produce daily, offering everything from leafy greens and tomatoes to carrots, corn, and mushrooms at affordable prices. 


One of the best deals? You can mix and match three bags of fruits or vegetables for just RM10 (around SGD3), making it a budget-friendly stop for stocking up.



The market is filled with stalls that mostly offer similar items, with slight price differences, so take your time browsing for the best deals. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, this is the perfect place to pick up ingredients for a cozy hotpot night（cozy weather with hotpot is always the best!). You’ll also find local snacks, honey, and sweet treats for a taste of Kundasang.

Even if you’re just passing through, strolling through the Kundasang Market is a great way to experience the local flavors and grab some fresh supplies for the rest of your trip.


Address: 37, AH150, Pekan Kundasang, 89308 Ranau, Sabah

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday to Sunday).


4. Adventure at your pace: Sosodikon Hill



If climbing Mount Kinabalu is too challenging, you can still enjoy a simple hike here with an easy trail! I recommend heading there at 6 a.m. to catch the sunrise, with a perfect view of the mountain across. If you have trouble walking, be cautious as it’s a 400-metre climb that takes about 10-15 minutes, so remember to wear proper sports shoes.




Also, don’t forget sunscreen! I’ve been there before, and the wind can be chilly, which makes it easy to forget about sunburn.

Many people get caught up in taking photos and don’t realise they’ve been burned until they get back to their Airbnb and notice they look like a cooked lobster! So, arriving early also helps minimise the risk of getting sunburned.


Address:Kg Kauluan Peti Surat 873, 89308 Kundasang, SabahLocated near Jalan Sosodikon, the hill is accessible from Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou and is a short drive from the famous DESA Dairy Farm.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Official Website: Sosodikon Hill


Entrance Fees:

  • Malaysian Adults: RM 5 (Approx. SGD 1.50)

  • Malaysian Children (7-12 years): RM 3 (Approx. SGD 1)

  • Foreign Adults: RM 10 (Approx. SGD 3)

  • Foreign Children (7-12 years): RM 5 (Approx. SGD 1.50)

  • Children under 6: Free



5. Where to Stay in Kundasang


i) Sutera Sanctuary Lodges At Kinabalu Park


If you’re looking for a nature-filled getaway, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges in Kinabalu Park is the place to be! It's perfect for those who love being close to nature. The lodge offers a variety of rooms, from cozy double rooms to cottages and even villas that can fit 2 to 6 people.



The rooms are designed with big windows, so they’re super bright and airy, giving off that relaxed, comfy vibe. 

And the best part? Since it's inside Kinabalu Park, you’re surrounded by pristine forest, and you can literally step out of your room to get a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu. At night, you can just look up and enjoy a sky full of stars.



There’s a restaurant and bar on-site, and some rooms even come with kitchens so you can cook up a meal or have a hotpot or BBQ with your friends and family. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature at its best.


Address:  Kinabalu National Park Kundasang, 89300 Ranau, Sabah

Admission:  Pricing varies depending on the type of accommodation. For more details on rates and to book your stay, visit the official website above. Rates typically start around RM250 for basic lodgings (approximately SGD 75), but exact prices depend on availability and season. 


ii) Kundasang Guesthouse



Kundasang Guesthouse is this super cute villa-style place that feels like a cozy American cottage. The rustic tile roof, red brick walls, and clean white wooden frames give it such a chill, “I’m here to relax” vibe.

The best part? The location. It’s only 2.5 km from Desa Cattle Dairy Farm and 1.3 km from the Kundasang Market, so you're pretty much in the heart of everything.

Now, if you’re hoping to catch a clear view of Mount Kinabalu (like, who wouldn’t, right?), you’ll need to wake up early. But here’s the thing: if you stay at Kundasang Guesthouse, you won’t have to worry about missing that epic view. Just open your window in the morning and boom, there’s the mountain, right in front of you.



The place itself is pretty spacious and has a relaxed vibe inside too. The rooms are big, and some even come with kitchens, so you can cook your own meals. There’s also BBQ stuff if you’re in the mood for a cookout with your friends or family. 

Whether you're going as a couple, with your family, or in a big group (up to 14 people), they’ve got room options for all kinds of trips.


Address: Jalan Lobou Lobou Satu, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah

Official Website: kundasangguesthouse.com​

Admission: Room rates vary, around RM 150–RM 400 (approximately SGD 44–118) per night; check the website or contact directly for details


iii) T Paradise Resort



If you're heading to Kundasang with a group of friends or a big family, I’d totally recommend T Paradise Resort. This standalone house is perfect for a homey getaway. 

It’s super clean, cozy, and has this warm, welcoming feel to it. The place has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and can fit up to eight people comfortably.



While it doesn’t have Wi-Fi, it’s got everything else you might need: a fridge, a kitchen with a stove so you can cook, and BBQ facilities for a fun cookout. 

Picture this: you and your group hanging out in the small garden, grilling some food, and enjoying the stunning view of Mount Kinabalu right in front of you. It’s the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and just enjoy each other’s company. Definitely a great place to unwind~


Address: Kampung Masilou, 89300 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening Hours:Check-in: From 3:00 PMCheck-out: By 11:00 AM

Official Website: www.tparadise.net

Admission:Prices start from approximately RM 550 per night (SGD 165) for a full unit, depending on the season and group size.

iv) Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping



If you're looking to get away and enjoy nature, Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping is a great spot. You can chill in a comfy villa or go for the full outdoor experience and camp in a tent on the open grass.



Either way, the views are amazing. It's the kind of place where you can really relax and take in the natural beauty. And at night, the stars are just stunning,definitely worth a look!


Address: Bundu Tuhan, Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Always open (operating hours may vary depending on booking schedules).

Admission: MYR 20 per person per night for camping. Accommodation options such as dormitory beds are MYR 35 per night, while private rooms range from MYR 100 to MYR 250 per night, depending on size and peak season​.



6. Food must try:

i) Sinalau Bakas (smoked wild boar meat) 



If you ask anyone who's been to Kundasang what you have to try, they'll all say Sinalau Bakas (smoked wild boar meat) . It’s a local dish from the indigenous people of Sabah. 



The price of Sinalau Bakas typically ranges between MYR 15 to MYR 25 per serving (~SGD 4.30 to SGD 7.20).

The smell of it grilling hits you as soon as you walk past a stall. The boar is so tender, and when you dip it in the spicy homemade sauce and have a cold beer on the side, it’s pure satisfaction.


Address: Simpang Kg. Sinalapak, 89150 Tamparuli, Sabah

ii) Tarap


Tarap is a fruit that's unique to Sabah, also called Sabah fruit. It’s round and covered with soft spikes, but don’t worry, you can easily peel it open by hand. Inside, you'll find lots of white fruit pods.


(Source: Flickr)


It tastes a bit like jackfruit, but with a much stronger flavor, kind of like the durian of the fruit world. You can often find it in local fruit stalls, particularly in places like the Desa Dairy Farm, which is known for selling local produce including various fruits in the area


A single fruit usually costs around RM 5 to RM 8 (~SGD 1.40 to SGD 2.30), so it's not too expensive. If you’re in Sabah, you’ve got to try it!


iii) SS Chinese Restaurant 



SS Chinese Restaurant is a great spot for some simple, authentic home-style dishes. The prices are reasonable, and the food is delicious, making it perfect for a midday break after exploring around Mount Kinabalu. 



One thing that stands out inside the restaurant is a wall mural of Mount Kinabalu, painted by the owner himself which is  pretty cool. I’d recommend trying their homemade seafood tofu, pig's trotter vinegar, and the crispy fried chicken with fermented bean curd.

A meal for a group of four typically costs around RM 60 to RM 80 (~SGD 18 to SGD 24) , making it an affordable option for lunch or dinner.


Address: Jalan Kundasang Kauluan, Pekan Kundasang, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah


iv) 89 Station 




89 Station is a casual roadside café that’s super easy to find. It might look simple, but don’t let that fool you. The menu is packed with a variety of dishes.



It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up ordering way more than you planned because everything sounds so good. Their fried wild boar, curry lamb brisket, claypot pork ribs, and bak kut teh are all must-tries.

For a group of four people typically costs around RM 60 to RM 80 (about SGD 18 to SGD 24). 


Address:  Batu 36, Jalan Tamparuli - Ranau, Kg Kalanggaan, 89300 Ranau, Sabah

7) Travel Tips for Singaporean


（Source: Lim Jia Chin）


Best Time to Visit:If you're planning a trip to Kundasang, the best time to visit is from May to September. During this cool season, the weather’s perfect for exploring. Not too hot, and just the right kind of chill to enjoy those misty mornings and crisp evenings.




（Source：Lim Jia Chin）


Getting There:Getting to Kundasang is super easy. You can catch a flight from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu, which is about 2.5 hours away and typically costs around SGD 50 to SGD 100. From there, it’s a scenic 2-hour drive up to Kundasang, and trust me, the views along the way are worth every minute of the ride.


Local Culture:The locals in Kundasang are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home. When you’re there, just remember to respect the environment. The place is beautiful and pristine, and it’s important to help keep it that way,  no littering and always appreciate the natural beauty around you.


Kundasang is more than just a place to visit, it’s an experience! From the misty mornings to the stunning views of Mount Kinabalu, it's a destination that connects you with nature in a way that feels both refreshing and grounding. 

So, instead of hopping on a long-haul flight, why not take a short trip to Malaysia's best-kept secret? Let Kundasang be the next spot you check off your travel list. It’s time for your travel journal to get a new stamp!


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