Kundasang : Poring Hot Spring + Desa & Meal Shared Tour

The best part of this Kundasang day trip is the contrast: local market stalls, cool mountain air at Desa Dairy Farm, a warm soak at Poring Hot Springs, and a quick look toward Mount Kinabalu. I like the generous lunch and the chance to see several Sabah sights without arranging separate transport.

I also like the short stop at Nabalu, where you can browse handicrafts and local produce rather than simply passing through. The main drawback is the long road day. You may spend around five hours in the van, and the shared vehicle can feel tight and bumpy.

Key points at a glance

• A full mountain circuit: Visit Nabalu, Desa Dairy Farm, Poring Hot Springs, and Kinabalu Park in one day.
• The hot springs are for relaxing: Plan on a gentle soak, not a major adventure attraction.
• Desa is mainly a scenic farm stop: Cool weather, flowers, mountain views, ice cream, yogurt, and fresh milk are the draw.
• Lunch is included and generous: You do not need to arrange a separate midday meal.
• Kinabalu Park is only a photo stop: The Botanical Garden entry is not included.
• Expect a long shared-van ride: The route is practical for covering distant sights, but comfort depends on the vehicle and pickup route.

One long day from Kota Kinabalu to the mountains

This tour gives you a broad introduction to the Kundasang area rather than a deep visit to one attraction. You leave Kota Kinabalu by shared van, travel inland, and spend the day moving between market, farm, forest, hot spring, and mountain viewpoints.

That range is the reason to book it. You can see parts of Sabah that are difficult to connect by local transport in a single day, and the package includes hotel pickup, return transport, entrance fees, lunch, and a driver. At $98 per person, the value depends on how much you value convenience. It is not a cheap market visit or a quiet spa day. It is a long, organised outing that removes much of the planning.

The day may begin early, and the total schedule is demanding. The supplied timings include about two and a half hours of road travel at the start and another two and a half hours returning to Kota Kinabalu, with more driving between stops. Bring patience, water, and something small to eat if you need food between scheduled stops.

Nabalu Handicraft Market: a useful first stop

Pekan Nabalu gives you about 30 minutes to look around. The market is a practical introduction to the local economy, with handicrafts, fruit, and other regional products for sale.

Do not expect a long shopping session. Thirty minutes is enough to stretch your legs, buy a snack, or choose a small souvenir, but not enough for a careful comparison of every stall. You may also get a clear view toward Mount Kinabalu from the area, depending on weather and visibility.

I like this stop because it adds a human element to the day. You are not only being driven from one scenic attraction to another. You get a quick look at the goods sold in the mountain region and a chance to spend a little money locally.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a short market visit, not a guided cultural walk. Your driver or guide may provide timing instructions, so note the meeting point and return promptly. A late return here can reduce time at later stops.

Desa Dairy Farm and the Little New Zealand comparison

Desa Dairy Farm is marketed as Little New Zealand, and the comparison mainly refers to the cool setting, open farm views, green slopes, and dairy products. The farm visit lasts about an hour, giving you time to take photographs and look around.

The most appealing part is the food. You can buy dairy products made on-site, including ice cream, yogurt, fresh milk, and goat milk. For families, this is likely one of the easiest stops to enjoy. A cold dairy treat also feels welcome after the road journey.

The farm is not a full agricultural tour with a long explanation of every operation. You may find the visit more scenic than educational. One recent itinerary found the flowers and weather more enjoyable than the farm activities, while another suggested that people from farming regions might not need much time here.

That is useful advice. If you love mountain photographs, open-air stops, and local food products, Desa earns its place. If your priority is forest walking or detailed farm learning, the one-hour stop may feel light.

Wear shoes that can handle damp ground, and carry a light jacket. Kundasang is cooler than Kota Kinabalu, and rain can change the feel of an outdoor farm stop quickly. An umbrella or rain gear is sensible.

Poring Hot Springs: warm water and a forest walk

Poring Hot Springs is the main relaxation stop. You have about an hour and a half for guided sightseeing before lunch, followed by a meal at the restaurant.

The hot water is best understood as a simple way to rest your feet and muscles after the drive. It is not a luxury spa, and the attraction may feel modest if you are expecting a polished resort. Still, a warm soak can be a pleasant break in a packed day.

Bring a towel, toiletries, and suitable clothing. These are specifically useful here, not just generic packing suggestions. Water and rain gear also matter because the weather can shift, and the walk around the area may be wet.

The forest setting adds more value than the pools alone. A recent itinerary found the walk to the waterfall worthwhile, and the area can offer more than sitting in hot water. You may also visit a butterfly sanctuary if it is operating as part of the day’s route. One account praised the butterfly area, while another found the park less impressive than expected. That difference comes down to your experience with similar attractions.

The treetop canopy walk is currently under maintenance until further notice. Do not book this day expecting to use it. The attraction may still have forest paths and other sights, but the canopy activity should not be part of your decision.

The tour information also lists fear of heights and altitude sickness among the concerns for this experience. Poring itself is not presented as a high-altitude climbing trip, but you should still consider your health and comfort before booking. People with heart problems are advised not to take the tour.

Lunch that keeps the schedule moving

Lunch is included and takes about an hour. The meal has been described as generous and tasty, which is a meaningful advantage on a day with so much driving.

You should not expect a leisurely meal with a long menu and plenty of free time. The restaurant stop is built into a fixed schedule, and the group needs to continue to Kinabalu Park afterward. Still, having lunch arranged means you do not need to search for food while watching the clock.

If you have dietary needs, check them before booking because the supplied information does not specify menu choices or special meal arrangements. Carry water, especially if you spend time outside before eating.

Kinabalu Park: a brief final mountain view

The final sightseeing stop is Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the visit is short. The schedule allows about 30 minutes for photographs, and the stop happens only if time permits.

This is important. You are not booking a full national park visit, a botanical tour, or a hiking day. The Botanical Garden entry ticket is not included, and the tour does not include that visit. Think of Kinabalu Park as a final viewpoint and photo opportunity.

The short stop can still be worthwhile. After the farm and hot springs, it gives the day a final connection to Mount Kinabalu and Sabah’s mountain country. If the weather is clear, you may get the photographs you hoped for. Clouds can easily change the view, so keep your expectations flexible.

Time management matters here. Road delays, hotel pickups, or a vehicle problem can shorten the stop. One outing lost extra time when the van broke down on the return journey, although a replacement vehicle was arranged. Another account suggested that distant pickups reduced time available at the attractions.

The shared van is the real trade-off

The transportation is both the reason this tour works and its main weakness. Without a shared van, connecting Kota Kinabalu, Nabalu, Desa Dairy Farm, Poring, and Kinabalu Park in one day would be difficult. With the van, you can cover the route, but the day includes long stretches on mountain roads.

The road can be bumpy, and the vehicle may not offer much legroom. If you are tall, have back problems, or dislike winding roads, this deserves serious thought. Shared pickup routes can also add time, especially when hotels are outside the main city area.

Pickup and drop-off are included for intercity hotels. Outskirt hotels may incur a surcharge, and the operator sets that according to the area. Confirm your pickup location before paying so the final price does not surprise you.

The tour received a mixed overall rating of 3.6 from 35 ratings. That fits the experience as described: the organisation and food can be strong, but the transport, long day, and limited time at some sights can affect satisfaction. A guide named Roy was praised for being friendly and informative, while another account described a guide who offered very little explanation. The quality of commentary may depend on who leads your departure.

You get a live guide in English or Chinese. Still, this is not necessarily a guided nature walk at every stop. In some places, you may receive a meeting time and explore independently. If detailed interpretation is essential to you, ask how much guiding is included before booking.

What to bring for a more comfortable day

Pack lightly. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so use a small day bag.

The most useful items are:

• Passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water
• Towel and toiletries for the hot springs
• Jacket for the cooler mountain areas
• Umbrella and rain gear
• A little money for personal purchases

Avoid alcohol, drugs, and vaping. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from rain around the springs and on outdoor walks.

Comfortable clothing matters more than dressing formally. You will move from a market to a farm, then to hot water and forest paths. Layers are more useful than a heavy coat.

Who will enjoy this Kundasang day trip

I would recommend it most to first-time visitors who want a broad sample of the area and do not have a rental car. Families may like the dairy products, short stops, included lunch, and hot spring break. People who enjoy mountain scenery but do not want a strenuous hike will also find the pace manageable, though the road time remains substantial.

It suits you less if you want a slow day in one place. You may feel rushed at Kinabalu Park, and the farm can seem too simple if you have little interest in dairy products. It is also a poor match for anyone who dislikes shared transport, has serious heart problems, experiences altitude sickness, or is afraid of heights.

The canopy walk being closed removes one of the more distinctive forest activities. If that attraction is your main reason for visiting Poring, wait until it reopens or choose another plan.

Is the $98 price fair?

The price includes more than admission to the attractions. You are paying for hotel pickup, return transport, entrance fees, lunch, and a driver, with English or Chinese tour support. For someone without a car, that convenience has real value.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want one short hot spring visit. Much of the day is spent travelling, and the stops are brief. A vehicle breakdown or a long pickup route can make the day even longer, though a replacement vehicle was arranged when that happened on one outing.

I would judge the price by your alternative. If you would otherwise need to hire a car and organise several admissions, $98 can be reasonable. If you are already based near Kundasang or can arrange a private trip at a similar cost, a more flexible option may give you longer at Kinabalu Park and Desa.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the practical one-day version of Kundasang: a market, dairy farm, hot springs, lunch, and a short Kinabalu Park stop, all with transport arranged from Kota Kinabalu.

Skip it if you want a relaxed mountain day, a serious park visit, or a full canopy adventure. The best way to approach it is as a scenic sampler, not a slow exploration. Bring a towel, rain gear, patience for the van, and realistic expectations about the short stops. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later terms make it easier to hold a place while you check the pickup details.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is provided in Kota Kinabalu. Outskirt hotel pickup may require an additional surcharge based on the area.

How long does the tour last?

It is a one-day tour. The route includes several hours of transport, including about two and a half hours each way between Kota Kinabalu and the mountain area, plus shorter transfers between stops.

What languages are available?

The tour provides live guide support in English and Chinese.

Is hotel pickup included?

Intercity hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Outskirt hotels may have an extra pickup charge.

Is lunch included?

Yes. One lunch at a restaurant is included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees included?

The listed attraction entrance fees are included. The Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden entry ticket is not included.

Can I visit the Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden?

The tour does not include the Botanical Garden visit. Kinabalu Park is planned as a short photo stop if time permits.

Is the treetop canopy walk available?

No. The treetop canopy is under maintenance until further notice.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, water, a towel, toiletries, a jacket, an umbrella, and rain gear. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Who should avoid this tour?

The experience is not suitable for people with heart problems, people afraid of heights, or people with altitude sickness.