Kundasang : Poring Hot Spring + Desa & Meal Shared Tour

Mountain air and hot water make an easy pairing. This full-day trip from Kota Kinabalu gives you Mount Kinabalu foothill views and a useful taste of Sabah’s countryside, with stops at Nabalu Handicraft Market, Desa Dairy Farm, Poring Hot Springs, and possibly Kinabalu Park. I like the generous lunch and the chance to soak tired feet, but the long van rides and uneven time at each stop may test your patience.

I also like the market stop, where you can browse local handicrafts and fruit without committing to a full shopping trip. The main caution is simple: Desa Dairy Farm may feel thin on activities, especially if you are not interested in farm products, flowers, or photographs.

Five things to know before booking

• The day is long: Expect roughly 12 hours, including several hours in the van between Kota Kinabalu and the mountain areas.
• Poring Hot Springs is the main relaxation stop: Bring a towel, water, toiletries, and comfortable shoes.
• Desa Dairy Farm is mainly a scenic food stop: Ice cream, yogurt, fresh milk, goat milk, flowers, and mountain views are the draw.
• The treetop canopy is currently closed: The canopy activity is under maintenance until further notice.
• Kinabalu Park is only a quick photo stop: The Botanical Garden entry is not included.
• Transport can shape the day: Some passengers have found the van bumpy or cramped, and one return journey required a replacement vehicle after a breakdown.

A very long day from Kota Kinabalu

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Kota Kinabalu. Intercity hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transport, entrance fees, lunch, and a driver are included in the listed price of $98 per person.

That price is fair if you want a single organized day with several entrance fees and no need to arrange transport to Kundasang yourself. It is less attractive if your main goal is only Desa Dairy Farm or only Poring Hot Springs. You are paying for the distance, the driver, the meal, and the convenience of linking scattered sights in one outing.

The road time matters. The schedule includes a roughly 2.5-hour drive toward the mountain area, another hour between some stops, and about 2.5 hours for the return to Kota Kinabalu. The actual day can stretch further with hotel pickups, traffic, road conditions, or vehicle trouble.

I would not book this as a light half-day outing. You need to be comfortable spending a large part of the day in a shared van. A report of a bumpy ride and another of a van breakdown on the way home show why transport is not a minor detail here. A replacement vehicle was arranged, but the delay added about two hours to an already long day.

Pickup is included for hotels in the main city area. Outlying hotels cost extra according to location, so check the surcharge before you pay. Large luggage is not allowed, which makes sense in a shared vehicle, but you should bring a small day bag.

Nabalu Handicraft Market in 30 minutes

Pekan Nabalu, also called Nabalu Handicraft Market, is a useful first stop. You get about 30 minutes to look at local handicrafts, fruit, and other small products connected with the local economy.

This is not enough time for a slow browse, a serious purchase, and a long snack break. It is enough to stretch your legs, take photographs, and get your bearings before the mountain roads continue. I like this stop because it adds a local shopping element rather than making the day only a series of resort-style attractions.

You may find handicrafts, produce, and small gifts here, but the tour does not promise any particular products or prices. Bring some cash if you want to buy something, though personal spending is not included.

The best use of the stop is to keep it simple. Look around, enjoy the foothill views, and avoid spending all 30 minutes in one stall. If the weather is clear, this can be one of the more satisfying short pauses of the day.

Desa Dairy Farm, Sabah’s Little New Zealand

Desa Dairy Farm is the most photogenic stop for many people. It has earned the nickname Little New Zealand because of its open farm setting, cool mountain weather, flowers, and dairy theme.

You have around one hour here for sightseeing and free time. Fresh dairy products made on-site include ice cream, yogurt, fresh milk, and goat milk. The food is a pleasant reason to visit, especially if you enjoy trying local products rather than simply taking photographs.

Still, keep your expectations in check. This is not presented as a detailed working-farm tour with a long educational program. You may spend much of the hour looking at the setting, flowers, and products, then waiting for the group to regroup. If you come from a farming region or have already visited similar dairy attractions, the stop may seem modest.

That does not make it a bad stop. The cool weather and mountain setting provide a welcome change from Kota Kinabalu, and the ice cream gives the visit an easy reward. I would treat Desa as a scenic refreshment stop, not the central reason to book the whole tour.

A practical tip: you may want to buy your dairy treat after taking photographs, since carrying melting ice cream around a farm is a poor plan. The supplied information does not specify which activities are available inside the farm, so do not assume a full animal-feeding program or a lengthy guided visit.

Poring Hot Springs for tired feet

After the dairy farm, the route continues toward Poring Hot Springs. The drive is listed at about one hour, followed by roughly 1.5 hours for a guided visit and sightseeing.

The hot springs are the day’s most obvious chance to slow down. Hot water can be welcome after the long ride and the walk between stops. Bring a towel and toiletries, and wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. Water and an umbrella are also sensible because conditions can change quickly in Sabah’s mountain region.

The springs may not impress you as a major natural wonder. One direct assessment found the hot water more gimmick than highlight, while the walk toward the waterfall was considered more worthwhile. That is useful guidance. Go for the combination of warm water, forest surroundings, and a break from the van, but do not expect an elaborate spa.

The area may include additional attractions such as a butterfly sanctuary, as one recent outing did. That visit was praised for its beauty, but availability and timing can vary. The official plan does not promise a butterfly sanctuary as a separate included stop, so consider it a possible extra rather than a guaranteed feature.

The treetop canopy activity is under maintenance until further notice. Do not book this trip expecting to cross a canopy walkway or take part in a treetop activity. Older schedules or memories of the site may create confusion, but the current information says it is closed.

You should also take the health warnings seriously. The tour is not suitable for people with heart problems, people afraid of heights, or people with altitude sickness. Poring is not extremely high by mountain standards, but the full day includes mountain roads, walking, heat, and changing conditions.

Lunch comes after the hot springs

Lunch is included and lasts about one hour at a restaurant after the Poring visit. This is a useful inclusion because the schedule leaves little room to arrange your own meal.

The meal has received some of the strongest praise attached to the day. It has been described as generous, tasty, and well managed. That matters on a long road outing. A filling meal gives you a proper pause before another transfer rather than forcing you to rely on snacks from the market or dairy farm.

The exact menu is not specified, so do not book based on a particular dish. If you have dietary needs, confirm them before departure rather than assuming the restaurant can adjust the meal.

The timing also makes sense. Eating after the hot springs means you can use the first part of the Poring visit for walking and soaking, then sit down afterward. It is a practical order, even if the route feels busy overall.

Kinabalu Park, only if time allows

After lunch, the group may head toward Kinabalu Park for a quick photo stop, if time permits. The stop is listed at about 30 minutes.

This is a taste, not a full visit. You do not get the Botanical Garden as part of the included program, and the garden entry ticket is excluded. If you want a serious look at Kinabalu Park’s plants, trails, or mountain setting, this tour will leave you wanting more.

Still, the photo stop has value. The park is a World Heritage Site, and the mountain foothills provide a memorable final glimpse before the return journey. One well-organized day included just enough time at the market and photo stop to make both feel useful rather than rushed.

The drawback is that Kinabalu Park comes late in the schedule. Delays earlier in the day can shorten or remove it. You should see it as a bonus, not a promise. The same applies to special sights such as the Rafflesia flower. One group was lucky enough to see one, but the tour does not guarantee it.

This is also where the guide’s role matters. A strong guide can explain what you are seeing and make a 30-minute stop feel worthwhile. Roy received specific praise for being friendly and well informed. Other feedback described a guide who offered little explanation and simply gave a return time. The quality of commentary may vary, so ask questions when you have the chance.

The guide and shared-van experience

The tour offers live guiding in English and Chinese, but the level of explanation may not be consistent. Roy was praised for his friendly, informative approach, though one person found the amount of commentary a little heavy. Another account described very limited explanations at the stops.

That range is important. If you want a guide who provides constant cultural and natural context, this may be a gamble. If you mainly need transport, entrance access, timing, and a meal, the basic format may suit you.

The shared van keeps the price lower than a private day tour, but you give up space and flexibility. One person found the legroom poor and the air conditioning unreliable. Another praised the organization and timing, while a separate vehicle problem caused a major delay.

Road quality and vehicle type can make the ride bumpy. I would pack light, keep water within reach, and bring a jacket because the van temperature may not suit everyone. Comfortable clothing will help during the long ride and the walking portions.

The driver is included, but the information does not promise a separate specialist guide. Tipping is not included, so budget for it if you feel the service deserves it.

What to bring for the mountain day

The suggested packing list is sensible:

• Passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Towel
• Water
• Jacket
• Umbrella
• Rain gear
• Toiletries

Your passport is specifically listed, so do not leave it at the hotel. A jacket is useful because Kundasang can feel cool compared with Kota Kinabalu, while rain gear and an umbrella prepare you for quick weather changes.

Do not bring large luggage. A small bag is enough for your essentials, towel, water, and a change of clothes if you want one after the springs.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks cannot be taken in the vehicle. Vaping is also prohibited. These are easy rules to follow, but they matter in a shared van.

Who will get the most from this tour?

I would recommend this day to you if you want to see several well-known Sabah sights without renting a car or arranging separate transfers. It suits first-time visitors who have one open day and want a broad sample of the mountain area.

It also works well for people who enjoy scenic drives, simple food stops, local shopping, and a warm soak. The included lunch and entrance fees reduce the number of decisions you need to make during a long day.

I would be more cautious if you want a relaxed schedule. The route covers a lot of ground, and the time at the dairy farm and Kinabalu Park may not match your priorities. If your main interest is botany, the excluded Botanical Garden is a real limitation. If the treetop canopy is your reason for booking, choose another plan while it remains closed.

People with heart problems, altitude sickness, or a fear of heights should not book this activity. The operator also warns against bringing large bags, so this is not a transfer day for people carrying full luggage.

Is $98 good value?

At $98 per person, the tour offers reasonable value for a full day if you use most of the inclusions. Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, entrance fees, lunch, and a driver would be time-consuming to arrange independently.

The value drops if you lose major time to pickup delays, vehicle trouble, or a shortened Kinabalu Park stop. A long day in a cramped van can also feel expensive if the dairy farm does not interest you and the hot springs do not meet your expectations.

I would judge the price by your priorities. For convenience and variety, it is solid. For a deep visit to any one site, it is not the right format. A private option would likely give you more control, but that would also change the price and is not part of this review.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start and reserve-now, pay-later terms make the booking less rigid. Confirm the starting time and any outskirt pickup surcharge before committing.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a practical introduction to Kundasang and Poring in one demanding day. The best parts are the mountain air, generous lunch, Nabalu stop, and hot-spring break, with Desa Dairy Farm adding pleasant views and fresh dairy treats.

Do not book it for the treetop canopy, a full Kinabalu Park visit, or a slow farm tour. Go in expecting a shared road trip with several short stops, not a deeply guided nature program. If you accept that tradeoff, $98 buys a useful first look at Sabah’s mountain country.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

It is a one-day tour. The schedule includes about 2.5 hours to the mountain area, several transfers between stops, and about 2.5 hours returning to Kota Kinabalu.

Is hotel pickup included?

Intercity hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Hotels outside the main pickup area may require a surcharge based on location.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English and Chinese.

Is lunch included?

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

Is the Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden included?

No. The Botanical Garden is not part of the visit, and its entry ticket is excluded. The planned Kinabalu Park stop is a quick photo stop if time permits.

Is the treetop canopy activity available?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.