In this guide, I’ll share things you can do in both places, how many days you need, and practical tips to help you decide if these destinations deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Should You Visit Kota Kinabalu & Kundasang?
Kota Kinabalu is mostly famous of being a transit point, but there are a couple of cultural villages nearby, islands for island hopping, but I’d say that the city itself is worth a stroll. However if you are short on time, you are not missing much by skipping it.
Kundasang, on the other hand, is a cooler and more peaceful alternative to other destinations in Sabah. It offers scenic mountain views and relaxed hiking options, making it a great escape from the heat and crowds. The crown jewel is the Mount Kinabalu hike, but it’s expensive. However there are other trails around Kundasang making the visit worthwhile.
If you’re short on time, you may want to focus on Borneo’s major attractions like the Borneo Safari in Kinabatangan, Sepilok for Orangutans and Sun bears, or diving and snorkeling around Semporna. But if you’ve got a few extra days, visiting Kota Kinabalu Kundasang can add a nice mix of culture and nature to your trip.
Let’s jump into what Kota Kinabalu has to offer.
Things to do in Kota Kinabalu
As the largest city in Borneo, Kota Kinabalu (nicknamed KK) serves as the main gateway to the island. It’s a laid-back city with several large malls, lively marketts, offering two different of cultural villages in the nearby area, and easy access for islands hopping.
How many days to spend in Kota Kinabalu? 1-2 days. There isn’t a huge amount to do, but it’s a good way to ease into Sabah or relax before heading out to more remote areas.
In my opinion, the best way experience the city is by its waterfront and markets.
Map Overview of Sights in Kota Kinabalu
How to Use the Map: Click the top-left corner to view and select map layers. Learn more about each point by clicking its pin or sidebar entry. To save the map, click the star next to the title. Access it later via Google Maps → Saved → Maps.
Waterfront and Markets
I enjoyed strolling along the waterfront, watching locals interact amid the scents of grilled seafood and the salty breeze from the sea. There’s a lot going on near the waterfront: people buying and selling fish, meat, vegetables with views of boats bobbing near the harbor.
Beyond the food market, there’s a clothing market with as many entrances as there are paths inside. Between each entrance, a man hunches over a sewing machine, forming a line of men patching clothes to the steady hum of needles and chitchat. No neon signs or pushy salesmen, just strategically placed between each entrance of the market. Making each person who walks into the market, to think, if they really need something new, or if they should instead repair what they already own.
In Borneo, many seem to favor repairing. A torn sleeve or pants with a hole are mended proudly. Far better than the fast-fashion, throwaway culture we’re used to in the West.
Cultural Villages
There are two different cultural villages nearby Kota Kinabalu. Each one showcasing Sabah’s traditional tribe history.
- Mari Mari Cultural Village is the most popular option with live demonstrations and village tours.
- Monsopiad Heritage Village is a low-key cultural experience showcasing the Kadazan warrior history. Less touristy than Mari Mari.
Islands Hopping
Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu is popular due to being to so close to the mainland. The islands that are accessible to tourists are: Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sapi. The boat transfers leave from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, which is right in the city. The islands are cleaned daily to remove plastic waste, but it can still often be seen on the shore. If you want to avoid crowds, visit during a weekday.
- Boat schedule: First boats leave around 8:00 AM, and the last return boats are usually by 4:00–4:30 PM. Operators usually wait until boats are full.
- Food: Manukan and Sapi Islands have basic food stalls and facilities; Mamutik and Sulug are more rustic.
- Best time to go: Try to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds, especially local weekenders.
- What to bring: Bring water, sunscreen, towel, and cash.
Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu?
The accommodations featured here are selected based on personal experience or thorough research. Each option provides excellent comfort, location, and service while delivering the best value for your money.
Things to Do in Kundasang
A very friendly and sleepy little town. Not the most walkable place, and things get quiet after sundown. I walked along the roads around Kundasang and enjoyed beautiful views of the surrounding farmland. Many people greeted me with a smile as we passed each other.
Once, I asked for directions to Maragang Hill, and the gentleman ended up driving me there at no charge — even after I tried to insist. I had many similar experiences in Malaysia like this one: people going out of their way to help, simply because they want to leave a good impression of their country.
Consider renting a motorbike if you come here or a car if you are traveling in a group—it will make everything much easier.
Map Overview of Sights in Kundasang
How to Use the Map: Click the top-left corner to view and select map layers. Learn more about each point by clicking its pin or sidebar entry. To save the map, click the star next to the title. Access it later via Google Maps → Saved → Maps.
Hiking in Kundasang
Most hikes in Kundasang require payment, with Mount Kinabalu being the most expensive—I saw last-minute prices of around $500 for non-malaysians for the 2-day hike. Even smaller hilltops often come with a fee, and hiring a guide is frequently mandatory, even when it really seems excessive. A creative way of creating more jobs.
While I find this a bit annoying, I still found some of the hikes enjoyable. Here are the hiking options.
- Mount Kinabalu: A challenging summit to 4,095m (13,500ft) above sea level with an overnight stay at a mountain hut around 3,200m (10,500ft). If you have the budget for the summit, definitely consider doing it.
- Kinabalu Park: Easy and scenic hikes, surrounded by forest. There is botanical garden here as well with insect eating plants! Best time to visit the botanical garden would be around 15:00 in order to avoid the masses of tourists that come with buses.
- Maragang Hill: A great alternative to the Mount Kinabalu summit. Requires a permit and guide, but the views are worth it.
- Sosodikon Hill: A small hill in Kundasang, which the locals seem to make fuzz around. It takes 10 minutes to get on top of it. There’s of couse an entrance fee. Definitely skip this one.
Stroll Around in Kundasang
I walked along the roads around Kundasang and enjoyed the beautiful views of the surrounding farmland, rustic cars and colorful homes.
Many people greeted me with a smile as we passed each other. Once, I asked for directions to Maragang Hill, and the gentleman ended up driving me there at no charge—even after I tried to insist. I had many similar experiences in Malaysia like this one: people going out of their way to help, simply because they wanted to leave a good impression of their country.
Poring Hot Springs
After hiking the whole day in cool weather, you deserve to give your legs a break, and the best to do this is in a relaxing hot spring. It’s an artificial outdoor hot spring. There’s also a canopy walk nearby if you’re not done hiking just yet.
Desa Cattle Farm
A farm with cows on green hills. If you’ve never been around dairy farms, it’s a fun stop. But if you’ve already had your fill of cows, you might want to skip it (I skipped it).
Alpaca petting
Yes, Alpacas are in Malaysia. The Alpaca club is quite small, but the animals are cute and friendly. Great for families or anyone who needs a little mood boost.
Best Time to Visit Kundasang
The best time to visit Kundasang is between March and May, when you’ll enjoy the clearest views and fewer crowds. June to August is the second-best period — there’s little rain, but more visitors. September to February tends to be rainy, which may affect outdoor activities.
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Practical information for Kundasang
Where to Stay in Kundasang
Kundasang is a small, quiet town with peaceful nights—perfect for resting. If you’re looking for more amenities, shops, or restaurants, consider staying in Ranau, which is nearby and has a bit more going on.
What to Pack
It’s a good idea to pack layered clothing—like a warm jacket, long-sleeve shirts, and pants—to stay comfortable. If you’re visiting during the cooler months or planning early morning or evening activities, bring extra warm items like a hat and gloves. Don’t forget sturdy shoes for hiking and exploring the area.
Getting Around in Kundasang
There’s no Grab or public transport in Kundasang, so your best bet is to hire a local taxi. You’ll usually find drivers near the market or by the main road. Just negotiate the fare beforehand, as there are no meters. Rates can vary depending on distance and time of day. You need to haggle.
How Many Days to Spend in Kundasang
If you’re not climbing Mount Kinabalu, two full days is enough. Even one single full day can work—just follow the Day 1 itinerary and throw in the alpaca visit if you have time.
Two day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Visit Kinabalu Park
- Lunch
- Afternoon: Soak in the Poring Hot Springs
Day 2
- Morning: Hike Maragang Hill
- Lunch
- Afternoon: Visit the alpacas and cattle farm
How to Travel Between Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang
From Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang
It’s easy to get to Kundasang from Kota Kinabalu. Just head to the Inanam Bus Terminal and take a bus bound for Ranau or Kundasang. (Ranau is the larger town located beyond Kundasang.)
- Cost: Around RM45 ($11).
- Tip: I recommend purchasing your ticket online through Easybook, the official booking platform in Malaysia for buses, trains, and ferries.
From Kundasang to Kota Kinabalu
There are several options for a return trip, but it’s harder to catch a bus from Kundasang, so I’d recommend getting one from Ranau to be on the safe side of actually arriving to Kota Kinabalu. Check my google map above to find the different bus stations.
Bus or van from Ranau bus station: The bus station is near the night market. This is the most reliable option, with more frequent departures. Vans leave when they are full.
Flag down a van: Stand near the main road in Kundasang and flag down vans going to Kota Kinabalu. Many vans are happy to pick up passengers if they have space.
Minivan from the vegetable and fruit market in Pekan Kundasang: There’s a small van stand here, but because fewer people leave from Kundasang, it can take a while for the van to fill up. I waited for over an hour before hitchhiking to Ranau and catching a van from there — which worked out just fine.
- Cost: RM30 (~$7) per person.
- Tip: Vans from Ranau usually fill up faster and leave more frequently due to higher demand, so heading there first could save you time.
Final Thoughts on Kota Kinabalu Kundasang
While Kota Kinabalu Kundasang may not have the adrenaline-pumping experiences Borneo is known for, they still offer something special. The uniqueness that Kota Kinabalu brings to the table are the cultural villages while Kundasang offers cooler mountain air and hikes with great views.
If you have the time, don’t skip these two. They may not be the stars of Borneo, but they make for a great supporting cast.
Where to After Kundasang?
The most natural next stop after Kundasang is Sepilok, followed by Kinabatangan. These destinations are some of Sabah’s true gems for wildlife and nature experiences.
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