Kundasang : Poring Hot Spring + Desa & Meal Shared Tour

Kundasang’s best moments come from the changing scenery and cool mountain air. You move from roadside markets to Desa Dairy Farm, then on to Poring’s warm pools, with Mount Kinabalu country tying the day together.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that lunch and entrance fees are included. I also like the mix of local shopping, farm products, and forest recreation, especially the walk toward the waterfall at Poring.

The catch is the road time. This is a long day in a shared van, and the ride can be bumpy or cramped. Kinabalu Park may receive only a quick photo stop, and the Botanical Garden is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Desa Dairy Farm is a short sightseeing visit: Expect mountain views, flowers, and on-site dairy products rather than a full working-farm tour.
• Poring is more than a hot soak: The waterfall walk and forest setting may be more rewarding than the pools themselves.
• The Nabalu stop lasts about 30 minutes: It is enough time to browse handicrafts and local produce, but not to shop slowly.
• The day is road-heavy: Transfers can take several hours in total, with a shared van and mountain roads.
• Lunch and entrance fees are included: Personal purchases, tips, and the Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden ticket are extra.
• The canopy attraction is unavailable: The treetop canopy is under maintenance until further notice, so do not book expecting that activity.

A long ride into Sabah’s mountain country

From Kota Kinabalu, you should expect a full-day outing rather than a quick side trip. The advertised route includes roughly two and a half hours to the Kundasang area, shorter transfers between stops, and another two and a half hours back to the city.

That travel time matters. You get a broad taste of Sabah, but no single stop receives a deep visit. I would choose this tour when you want several headline sights in one day and do not want to arrange transport yourself.

The shared van is practical, though comfort varies. One vehicle reportedly broke down on the return journey, and a replacement added about two hours to an already long day. Another complaint concerned limited legroom and air-conditioning that did not always work well. Those are not guaranteed problems, but they show why you should pack lightly and keep your expectations realistic.

Pickup and drop-off are provided for hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Outlying hotels may carry a surcharge. If you are staying far from the central pickup area, ask about the extra fee before paying.

Nabalu Market: a quick look at local buying and selling

The first main stop is Pekan Nabalu, also known as Nabalu Handicraft Market. You have about 30 minutes to browse local handicrafts and produce, take in the mountain air, and get your first clear sense of the area’s small-scale trade.

This is not a long shopping session. I would use the time to look for compact souvenirs and local items that are easy to carry. If you want to compare prices carefully or linger over every stall, the schedule may feel rushed.

The stop has value because it gives the tour a local setting before the more polished attractions. It is also one of the better places for a quick view toward Mount Kinabalu, when weather allows. Bring some cash for personal purchases, since shopping is not part of the tour price.

Some schedules mention a fruit market or additional roadside stops. The exact order can change, and the published timing is described as a guide rather than a fixed promise. That flexibility is normal on a mountain route, where traffic and weather can affect the day.

Desa Dairy Farm and the Little New Zealand comparison

Desa Dairy Farm is often called Little New Zealand because of its cool setting, open mountain views, and farm scenery. You have about an hour for sightseeing, photographs, and a look at the dairy products made on-site.

The most obvious appeal is the weather. Compared with Kota Kinabalu’s heat, the higher, cooler air can feel like a holiday in itself. Flowers and views add to the visit, and the farm gives you a different side of Sabah from markets and rainforest.

You can buy fresh products such as ice cream, yogurt, fresh milk, and goat milk. I would plan on treating this as a scenic food stop, not an extended educational farm visit. The experience does not promise a detailed explanation of dairy production, and the guide may simply give you a return time.

That distinction matters. If you enjoy food stops, farm scenery, and photographs, Desa should suit you. If you have already visited working farms or are mainly interested in rainforest and Mount Kinabalu, an hour here may feel long. One day-trip participant described the farm as pleasant for its weather and flowers but found little else to do.

The farm is also a good place to keep your schedule in perspective. You may want time for a drink or ice cream, but you still need to return to the van promptly. A shared tour cannot wait for extended browsing.

Poring Hot Springs: warm water and a forest walk

Poring Hot Springs is the day’s main chance to slow down. The pools are known for warm mineral water, and the planned visit allows about an hour and a half for sightseeing and the hot spring area, followed by lunch.

Bring a towel, water, toiletries, and comfortable shoes. An umbrella and rain gear are sensible too, since Sabah weather can shift quickly. You may want to change after soaking, so pack clothing that is easy to manage.

The hot springs are best approached as a simple rest stop rather than a grand spa. You sit in warm water, loosen tired legs after the long drive, and enjoy the forest setting. The pools may feel like a gimmick if you expect a luxurious wellness facility, but they make more sense after hours in a van.

I would give extra attention to the walk toward the waterfall. The forest path was considered a stronger part of the visit than the soaking itself by one person on the tour. That is useful advice: wear shoes that can handle uneven or wet ground, and do not treat Poring as only a place to dip your feet.

The treetop canopy attraction is under maintenance until further notice. Do not count on it being available, despite older descriptions of canopy activity. Some schedules also refer to a butterfly sanctuary, and one account found it beautiful, but the supplied tour details do not clearly promise a separate butterfly entry on every departure. Ask your guide what is operating that day.

The tour information says the canopy area is not available, so people afraid of heights should not assume there is a major high-level activity included. Even so, Poring may involve walking on uneven paths, and anyone with heart problems or altitude sickness should consider whether this outing is suitable.

Lunch after the springs

Lunch is included, and the stop is scheduled for about an hour after the Poring visit. The meal was praised for being generous and tasty, with timing handled well.

That is a real benefit on a packed day. You do not need to search for a restaurant or lose more time deciding where to eat. Still, the details of the menu are not provided, so anyone with strict dietary needs should confirm what can be served before booking.

The lunch break also gives you a chance to dry off, use the facilities, and reset before the return route. Keep personal spending money with you for drinks or extras, since those are not included.

Kinabalu Park: a possible photo stop, not a full visit

The return route may include a 30-minute photo stop at Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site. This can be one of the most memorable parts of the day when the weather opens up and Mount Kinabalu appears clearly.

But keep the word photo stop in mind. The visit is not a full exploration of the park, and the Botanical Garden entry is excluded. If time is tight, the stop may be shortened or omitted. The tour information itself makes it conditional.

That limitation explains why some people value the mountain foothill stop while others find the park time too brief. If Kinabalu Park is your main reason for visiting Sabah, book a dedicated park excursion instead. If you want a quick mountain view added to a wider day, this arrangement can work.

The stop also depends on road timing. A late departure, traffic, weather, or a vehicle issue can reduce the time available. I would not promise yourself a long walk or garden visit here.

Guide service and what the day feels like

The tour offers English and Chinese guide service, with hotel pickup and a driver included. The quality of explanation can affect the experience greatly. One guide named Roy was praised for being friendly and informative, while another participant found the guide offered little explanation and mainly gave return times.

That mixed picture suggests you should ask questions rather than wait for a long talk at every stop. Ask what products are local at Nabalu, how long you have at each site, which paths are open at Poring, and whether the Kinabalu Park stop is still possible.

The driver handles a demanding route, so punctuality helps everyone. Return to the van at the stated time, especially at Desa and Nabalu. A shared tour has less room for delays than a private car.

The van is the main weakness to consider. You may spend much of the day seated, and roads around the mountain area can be bumpy. This is not the right choice if you need generous legroom, frequent stops, or a relaxed pace.

Is $98 a fair price?

At $98 per person, the tour is not a bargain in the simple sense. You are paying for a full day of transport from Kota Kinabalu, hotel pickup and drop-off within the service area, entry fees, lunch, and a driver. For a visitor without a car, that package can be practical.

The value depends on how much you want to see in one day. You receive several different experiences: local shopping, a mountain farm, hot springs, lunch, and possibly Kinabalu Park. arranging all of that independently would take time and reliable transport.

On the other hand, the cost feels high if you mainly want Poring Hot Springs or a proper visit to Kinabalu Park. You spend many hours on the road, and the itinerary gives limited time at some locations. The van comfort and possible delays also matter when judging value.

I would call the price reasonable for convenience, but not outstanding for depth. It suits someone who wants an organized overview and accepts that some stops are brief.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors based in Kota Kinabalu who want to cover Kundasang highlights without hiring a private vehicle. Families and mixed-interest groups may like the range, since one person can shop, another can enjoy farm treats, and everyone gets a break at the springs.

It can also suit visitors who enjoy scenic road trips and do not mind an early start or a late return. The cool air at Desa, views around Nabalu, and forest paths at Poring provide good variety.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking a slow mountain holiday. It is also a poor fit if you have limited tolerance for bumpy roads, tight van seating, or schedule changes. People with heart problems, altitude sickness, or a fear of heights should check the suitability carefully before booking.

Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, water, a towel, jacket, umbrella, rain gear, and toiletries. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and vaping, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited. Alcoholic drinks cannot be taken in the vehicle.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a convenient, all-in-one introduction to Kundasang and Poring, and you are happy to trade long road transfers for variety. The strongest parts are the mountain air, Nabalu views, farm products, forest walk, warm pools, and included lunch.

Skip it if your priority is a detailed Kinabalu Park visit, a full farm tour, or a quiet spa day. At $98, the tour earns its keep through transport and convenience, not through long stays at each sight. Check the current vehicle, pickup area, canopy status, and likely Kinabalu Park time before committing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Sabah plans are still shifting, but the more important decision is pace: this is a busy mountain circuit, not a leisurely retreat.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

Pickup and drop-off are provided in Kota Kinabalu. Outskirt hotels may require an additional surcharge based on the area.

How long does the experience last?

It is a one-day tour. The listed route includes around two and a half hours to the Kundasang area and around two and a half hours back to Kota Kinabalu, plus travel between stops.

What languages are available?

Guide service is available in English and Chinese.

Is lunch included?

Yes. One lunch is included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees included?

The tour includes the listed entrance fees. The Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden ticket is not included.

Is the Kinabalu Park visit guaranteed?

No. The Kinabalu Park stop is a quick photo stop if time permits. It may be shortened or omitted if the schedule changes.

Is the treetop canopy available?

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

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, umbrella, towel, water, jacket, rain gear, and toiletries. Luggage and large bags are not allowed.