A cool mountain day without the stress. This Kundasang outing strings together a market stop, a dairy farm visit, and time in Poring Hot Springs. It’s a solid mix of local food, easy sightseeing, and that much-needed warm-water reset.

What I like most is how the day has real texture: you can browse the Nabalu Handicraft Market for small Sabah goods, then switch gears to the fresh, on-site dairy tastings at Desa Dairy Farm. I also appreciate that lunch is built into the plan, so you’re not hunting for food in the middle of a drive-heavy day.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a van day with lots of road time, and some timing can feel tight if your guide keeps things moving fast or if the ride isn’t smooth.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

• Nabalu Handicraft Market stop gives you a quick, local Sabah shopping moment without overcommitting
• Desa Dairy Farm feels like Little New Zealand, with on-site dairy tastings like ice cream yogurt, milk, and goat milk
• Poring Hot Springs is the main recovery stop, with time for soaking and nearby walks
• Treetop Canopy is closed due to maintenance, so plan around that change
• Kinabalu Park photo stop is short, but it can still help you catch the mountain vibe
• Van comfort varies, so bring patience and pack for weather changes

Kundasang Day Trip Basics: What This $98 Tour Really Gets You

This is a one-day Kundasang circuit from Kota Kinabalu. You’ll spend most of your time traveling by van, with a few key stops that change the pace: market, dairy farm, hot springs, and a quick look at Kinabalu Park from the foothills area.

For $98 per person, you’re paying for round-trip transport, entrance fees, a driver, and one included lunch. In a place like Sabah where getting up to the Kundasang highlands takes time, that “organized door-to-door” value matters more than on a city-only day.

You should also know what’s not part of the plan. The Kinabalu Park visit is a photo stop, and the Botanical Garden ticket is not included.

Hotel Pickup and the Van Reality Check (Kota Kinabalu Start)

Your day starts with pickup in Kota Kinabalu (outskirt hotels may cost extra). After that, it’s straightforward: you ride out to Pekan Nabalu, then onward to Desa Dairy Farm and Poring Hot Springs before the short Kinabalu Park stop and the return trip.

A practical heads-up: this kind of route can be bumpy, especially on mountain roads. If you’re sensitive to motion or just hate cramped seating, you’ll want comfortable clothes and a small plan for staying relaxed.

Also, you can’t bring luggage or large bags. If you pack light, you’ll enjoy the day more because you won’t be fighting for space in the van.

Nabalu Handicraft Market: Souvenirs and Snacks in the Right Dose

The Nabalu Handicraft Market is where you get your first hit of local life. You’ll have about 30 minutes to browse, which is short on purpose: it’s long enough to spot useful items and small gifts, but not long enough to drag the whole day.

This stop is valuable because it’s not just about buying. It’s a quick way to see what people in this region make and sell—handicrafts and practical souvenirs that feel tied to place, not mass-produced.

If your priority is shopping, focus on the first half of your time here. That’s when it’s easier to compare prices and pick items without rushing toward the next stop.

Desa Dairy Farm, aka Little New Zealand: What You’ll Actually Taste

Desa Dairy Farm is often described as Little New Zealand, and the appeal is simple: this is dairy made on-site. You’ll get about one hour for free time and sightseeing, which works well if you like to take your time and read labels rather than getting pushed through.

What makes this stop memorable is the variety of fresh products available right there. Expect tastings that can include creamy ice cream yogurt, plus fresh milk and even goat milk.

I like stops like this because they answer a real question while you’re on the road: where does the food you’re eating come from? Even if you don’t buy much, you’ll leave with a better feel for what dairy production looks like up in the Kundasang area.

Small tips to make the most of the dairy stop

• Go in hungry. Tastings are the point, and lunch is later.
• If you’re sensitive to rich dairy, start with smaller samples.
• Bring cash or whatever payment options the farm offers that day, since you’ll be buying on-site.

Poring Hot Springs: Soak Time, Waterfall Walks, and the Canopy That Isn’t There

Poring Hot Springs is the recovery heart of the day. After arriving, you’ll have a guided block plus sightseeing time, roughly 1.5 hours for the main experience. This is where you unwind—especially if you’ve been walking through city heat before the mountains.

You’ll also likely find time for a waterfall walk, which is one of the better moments of the Poring area when your legs are willing. And yes, if you’re a nature-watching type, you may get a look at a butterfly sanctuary around the hot springs complex.

One key detail: the Treetop Canopy is under maintenance until further notice. That matters because it’s often the “signature” activity for some tours. If you were counting on it, treat this day as a hot-springs + walking + relaxing trip instead.

What to bring so Poring feels good, not annoying

You’ll want the basics for hot springs comfort:

• Comfortable shoes you can rinse if needed
• A towel
• Water (the day is part walking, part sun/cloud, and part soaking)
• Jacket or layers (the highlands can feel cooler)
• Umbrella / rain gear for sudden weather shifts

Also, pack with the rules in mind: you can’t bring large luggage. You’ll thank yourself for keeping it simple.

Lunch at Poring: A Real Meal, Not Just a Placeholder

Lunch is included, served after your hot springs time. The meal window is about one hour, which is usually enough to eat, freshen up, and get back to the tour flow.

From my perspective, this is one of the “hidden value” parts of the day. A lot of countryside tours either feed you too fast or forget that people get tired in transit. Here, lunch is planned, and it helps you avoid turning the rest of the afternoon into a scramble.

If you’re picky about timing, eat promptly when lunch starts. You’ll keep your energy for the short, final Kinabalu Park photo stop.

Kinabalu Park Photo Stop: Quick Mountain Views Without the Botanical Garden

After lunch, the plan includes a photo stop at World Heritage Kinabalu Park. Time is tight—about 30 minutes—and the Botanical Garden entry ticket is not included.

So the goal here isn’t long exploring. It’s getting a quick feel for the mountain area, taking a few photos, and appreciating the highland atmosphere before you head back.

How to make a short photo stop count

• Wear shoes you can stand in comfortably for a short walk or photo line
• Have your camera settings ready, because you don’t want to spend time troubleshooting on a schedule
• Use the moment to look for broad views, not just one spot

Timing, Timing, Timing: Why the Day Can Feel Long in a Van

This is a day built around driving. You’ll get multiple van segments, including a long stretch from Kundasang back toward Kota Kinabalu.

In real-world conditions, that can mean the day feels packed even when the activities are enjoyable. A smooth day is great; a slower day can happen if the vehicle needs attention or if pickup points create extra time.

My best advice: don’t schedule anything immediately after the tour. Give yourself a buffer for fatigue, traffic, and late returns.

Guides and Group Flow: When Explanations Help (and When They Don’t)

The tour includes a live guide in Chinese or English. That’s important in Sabah, where basic context can make market stops, farms, and nature areas much easier to understand.

That said, the experience depends heavily on how the guide manages the pace. On days when the guide gives clear structure, you’ll feel in control. On days when explanations are minimal, you may end up spending more time waiting in transition zones.

Look at it this way: even with a good guide, this tour is still built on scheduled stops. If you want deep explanations, treat the day as a taste of the region rather than a full lecture.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This trip fits best if you want a comfortable, organized way to see Kundasang highlights in one day. It’s also a strong match if you enjoy:

• Hot springs soaking and easy walking
• Food stops where you can taste what you’re learning about
• Short, efficient sightseeing without planning your own route

It may not be the right fit if you:

• Have heart problems
• Are afraid of heights
• Deal with altitude sickness

Even if you’re fine with heights, remember you’re in the highlands. If you’re unsure how you react to altitude, consider a different type of day plan.

Price and Value: Does $98 Add Up?

Let’s break down what you get for $98:

• Round-trip transport by van
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (from Kota Kinabalu; outskirt surcharge may apply)
• Entrance fees
• One lunch
• Driver

What you’re not paying for:

• Outskirt pickup (if your hotel is outside Kota Kinabalu center)
• Botanical Garden entry ticket at Kinabalu Park
• Tipping
• Personal expenses

The real value is the combination: you’re covering multiple highland-area stops without renting a car or figuring out transfers. If you’re traveling with limited mobility planning, this organized structure usually makes the day feel easier and cheaper than it sounds.

If you hate van travel or you’re expecting a long nature hike day, then the price may feel steep because the activities are time-boxed.

Should You Book Kundasang: Poring Hot Spring + Desa & Meal Shared Tour?

Book it if you want a one-day plan that mixes a dairy tasting farm, hot springs soaking, and a quick mountain photo moment, all with transport and lunch included. It’s especially worth it if you like your sightseeing “managed,” not improvised.

Skip it or consider alternatives if your top priority is deep nature time, long Kinabalu Park exploring, or activities like the Treetop Canopy. Since that canopy is currently under maintenance, the day’s appeal shifts toward soaking and short walks.

If you go, pack for weather, wear solid shoes, and treat the van ride as part of the bargain. When the timing works smoothly, this is one of those days where you feel you learned something local and came home more relaxed than you left.

FAQ

Where does the tour pickup start?

The tour includes pickup from hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Outskirt hotel pickup is not included, and a surcharge will apply depending on the area.

How long is the Kundasang tour?

The experience is listed as one day, with availability based on starting times.

What’s included in the price?

Included are intercity hotel pickup and drop off, round trip transport, entrance fees, lunch (x1), and the driver.

Is the Botanical Garden at Kinabalu Park included?

No. Kinabalu Park includes a photo stop if time permits, but Botanical Garden entry tickets are not included.

What languages is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in Chinese and English.

What should I bring for Poring Hot Springs?

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

Are there restrictions on what I can bring?

Yes. You should not bring luggage or large bags. Also, vaping and alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.