Exploring Sabah's Best: 4D/3N in Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu

Dreaming of a getaway that combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures? I recently embarked on a 4-day, 3-night journey with a few friends through the lush highlands of Kundasang and the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. 

Adventure awaits in the cool highlands of Kundasang.

From hiking through the breath-taking mountains to exploring bustling markets, indulging in delicious local cuisine to relaxing on beautiful beaches, this adventure had it all. Join me as I share the highlights of my trip and inspire your next escape to this tropical paradise.

Experience the charm of Sabah at Jambatan Tamparuli, where you can enjoy traditional dance performances while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This iconic bridge, immortalised by the popular Kadazandusun folk song, is a must-visit for any traveller.

Day 1: Embarking on a Highland Adventure

Our Sabah escapade commenced with an early morning flight from the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur to the tropical paradise of Kota Kinabalu. After the usual airport formalities, we eagerly picked up our rental car, ready to explore the wonders of this diverse state. Our first destination was the enchanting highland region of Kundasang.

Our budget-friendly ride for the adventure: a Perodua Bezza.

As we journeyed through the winding roads, the landscape transformed from the coastal plains to the verdant hills, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. To fuel our adventure, we made a pit stop at a local speedmart to stock up on snacks and instant noodles.

The iconic Jambatan Tamparuli, a symbol of Sabah's heritage.

Our first encounter with Sabah's rich cultural heritage was at the historic Tamparuli Bridge. As we approached, we were captivated by a lively traditional dance performance that showcased the vibrant spirit of the local people. The bridge itself, a testament to the region's past, is a popular tourist spot. We also explored the bustling Tamparuli market, where we couldn't resist trying the exotic jungle durian with its unique red flesh.

Durian Dalit - Indulge in the unique sweetness of durian dalit, a smaller, manageable version of the king of fruits. Its creamy, red-hued flesh offers a delightful taste experience. A perfect treat for durian lovers seeking a less intimidating portion.

After an hour of immersing ourselves in the local culture, we continued our ascent towards Kundasang. The road was a serpentine ribbon that hugged the contours of the mountains, offering glimpses of the majestic Mount Kinabalu in all its glory. Finally, we arrived in Kundasang, our appetites growling. Hooga Café, with its picturesque setting, promised a delightful culinary experience, but unfortunately, the food fell short of our expectations. The café's ambiance, however, was undeniably charming.

Hooga Cafe: Stunning views paired with a cozy atmosphere. While the ambiance is delightful, the food could be improved.

Our accommodation for the next few nights was Nikgold Garden Resort. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the resort offered stunning mountain views. However, reaching our room required a bit of effort as it was perched on the top of a hill. Our reward for the climb was an awe-inspiring panorama that unfolded from our balcony.

NikGold Garden Resort: Your cosy mountain escape. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Kinabalu from the resort.

The higher the room, the better the view. Huff! huff!

Finding peace amidst nature's beauty in Kundasang.

To satisfy our cravings for local delicacies, we ventured out to explore the town. The famous chicken wings from Sayap Ayam Madu Wak Ali were a must-try, and the local market offered an abundance of fresh fruits. 

Ayam Madu Wak Ali is a must-visit for those craving a taste of Kundasang. Their signature honey-glazed wings are simply irresistible, with a secret sauce that elevates the flavor to another level.

Loving the cool Kundasang weather! It's the perfect excuse to layer up and channel my inner Uniqlo model. Ada gaya? LOL!

Kundasang Market is a vibrant local market offering a colorful array of fresh produce. Whether it’s corn, mushrooms, tomatoes, or exotic fruits like rambutan and red durian, this market showcases the best of Sabah's agricultural landscape.

Kundasang, nestled near Kinabalu National Park in Sabah, offers breathtaking views and a serene escape. 

For dinner, we indulged in a traditional Sabahan feast at Lily Cottage Kitchen. The spread of aromatic rice, flavorful vegetables, and tender chicken was a culinary delight. 

As the day drew to a close, we relaxed on our balcony, enjoying the cool mountain air, the company of good friends, and the tantalizing aroma of our snacks.

A delightful spread of local flavors: Enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring brown rice, savory turmeric chicken, fried ikan basung, and fresh vegetables, all served in a traditional tray with a comforting bowl of soup and aromatic Sabah tea.

Day 2: Discovering the Heart of Kundasang

We woke up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Kinabalu from the balcony of our room. The mountain, often shrouded in mist, stood tall and proud against the golden hues of the dawn.

First stop: Sosodikon Hill. After lacing up our hiking boots, we embarked on a rewarding climb to the summit. The view from the observation deck was absolutely breathtaking, with Mount Kinabalu stealing the show.

Sosodikon Hill offers stunning panoramic views of Kundasang and the majestic Mount Kinabalu. A short but rewarding hike leads to a viewpoint where you can appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The hill's name originates from the Dusun language and refers to a traditional hunting trap once used by locals.

For unforgettable views of Mount Kinabalu, Sosodikon Hill is a top choice in Kundasang. We were lucky to have a clear day and enjoyed unobstructed vistas of this iconic peak.

Our stomachs rumbling, we made our way to Anooh Coffee, a popular spot known for its delicious coffee and cakes. 

Savour the moment, sip by sip @ Anooh Coffee

Anooh Coffee: Beat the heat and catch the best views by arriving early! Enjoy a stunning panorama of Mount Kinabalu while sipping your favorite coffee.

Desa Dairy Farm in Kundasang offers a delightful escape into the heart of Sabah's countryside. Enjoy farm tours, interact with adorable animals, and indulge in fresh dairy products while surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

After refueling, we visited Desa Dairy Farm, a charming farm where we interacted with adorable calves and indulged in creamy gelato made from fresh milk.

Sabah Tea in Ranau didn't quite live up to our expectations. Instead of the vast, lush tea plantations we envisioned, we found a crowded area with patchy tea fields. Disappointed, we decided to skip lunch there and explore the nearby Tagal Luanti Fish Spa. Thankfully, the unique experience there completely turned our day around!

Tagal Luanti Fish Spa in Ranau offers a unique and relaxing foot treatment using Malaysian Mahseer fish. Enjoy the gentle exfoliation as the fish nibble away dead skin, leaving your feet refreshed and rejuvenated. This eco-friendly spa is a must-visit for a truly unforgettable experience.

To experience a unique sensation, we ventured to Ranau and tried the fish spa at Tagal Luanti Fish Spa. While it might not be for everyone, it was certainly a memorable experience. 

Suraya Café 2 in Liwagu, Ranau is a local favorite known for its fresh seafood and authentic Malaysian cuisine. We couldn't resist trying their boneless ikan baulu prepared in two enticing styles: Masak 4 rasa (a rich, complex blend of flavours) and the usual sweet and sour.

We concluded our day with a satisfying lunch at Suraya Café 2 before returning to the tranquility of Kundasang.

Kundasang has a quieter atmosphere compared to Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountain.

Panataran Restaurant in Kundasang offers a variety of local dishes with stunning mountain views. Known for its convenient location and friendly service, it’s a great spot for travellers. 

Day 3: Farewell to Kundasang and Hello Kota Kinabalu (again!)

Our last day in Kundasang began with another visit to Anooh Coffee for breakfast. 

Starting the day right with Mount Kinabalu as our backdrop.

We then embarked on a journey to The Alpaca Club, a delightful encounter with the soft and cuddly creatures. Our final stop in Kundasang was Kinabalu National Park, a place of immense natural beauty that left us yearning for a longer stay.

Having a wooly good time with these fluffy friends.

Liwagu Restaurant offers an elevated dining experience nestled within the serene ambiance of Mount Kinabalu National Park. Indulge in a culinary journey amidst nature's splendour.

After a hearty lunch at Liwagu Restaurant, we reluctantly bid farewell to the highlands and made our way to Kota Kinabalu. A quick stop at Nabalu Market allowed us to stock up on fresh produce and souvenirs before checking into Cititel Express Hotel.

Buah tarap: A tropical delight with its somewhat 'thorny' exterior and juicy, sweet flesh. A burst of refreshing flavour in every bite.

Despite the crowds, Tanjung Aru's sunset is a must-see. There's always a perfect spot to soak in the golden hour and capture the magic of the sky.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the mesmerizing sunset at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru. We indulged in a seafood feast at the nearby hawker center, selecting fresh ingredients to be cooked to our liking. To cap off the perfect evening, we enjoyed delicious coffee and cake at October Coffee House.

Todak Waterfront Seafood Hawker Centre is a bustling hub for seafood lovers in Kota Kinabalu. This open-air market offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, from crabs and prawns to fish and shellfish. 

Once you've made your selection, the friendly vendors will cook your chosen seafood to perfection. Enjoy the lively ambiance while savoring delicious, freshly caught seafood!

Cozy corner, delicious treats @ October Coffee House

Day 4: City Exploration and Sweet Farewell

Our final day in Sabah was dedicated to exploring Kota Kinabalu. We started with a delicious local breakfast at Fook Yuen Kopitiam, a popular spot for authentic Sabah flavors. To gain insights into the state's hidden gems, we visited the Sabah Tourism Office.

Fook Yuen kopitiam is my happy place - spacious, a great variety of food and really good hand-crafted local coffee!

Ambuyat is a distinctive dish from Sabah, Malaysia, that requires a bit of skill and patience to enjoy. Made from sago starch, it's served as a sticky, viscous porridge-like substance. Eaten with chopsticks, ambuyat is paired with a variety of flavourful side dishes.

For a unique culinary experience, we tried ambuyat, a local delicacy, at Little Sulap. We also explored the Handicraft Market and spent some leisurely time at Suria Sabah Mall.

Dried fish is a popular souvenir with a strong aroma. If you're bringing some home, make sure to ask the seller for airtight packaging to keep the smell contained.

Before heading to the airport, we couldn't resist returning to October Coffee House for one last taste of their exceptional coffee and pastries. Our final moments in Sabah were spent strolling along Tanjung Aru, savoring local snacks and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Good food, good company, good times @ October Coffee House, Kota Kinabalu

Currently obsessed with this cafe - October Coffee House, Kota Kinabalu

Need a shady spot at Tanjung Aru? Rent a table with a parasol for RM5 before 5pm or RM10 after. Perfect for enjoying the sunset!

With heavy hearts, we boarded our flight back to Kuala Lumpur, carrying with us unforgettable memories of Sabah's natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality.

Showing my love for Kota Kinabalu with a cheesy peace sign and the iconic sign outside the Sabah Tourism Office.

This trip to Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu was a truly enriching experience that left us yearning for more. Sabah's diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm people have captured our hearts, and we eagerly anticipate our return to explore this beautiful state further.

I heart Sabah

Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

Packing:  Pack according to the weather in both Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu. Layers are essential for Kundasang due to fluctuating temperatures. Be prepared for rain and bring appropriate gear.

Book your transportation & accommodation in advance: Booking your rental car in advance can save you time and money. Avoid being disappointed and book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Road Safety: The road to Kundasang is winding and mountainous. Drive defensively, observe speed limits, and be cautious of sharp turns and blind spots.

Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the tropical sun.

Seafood: Indulge in the fresh seafood available at the local markets and restaurants. Make sure you check and ask for the price before ordering to avoid any surprises later!

Shopping: Visit the local market for unique souvenirs. Don't forget to haggle! 

Hope you find this blog post useful and informative! Watch this space for in-depth reviews!