MALAYSIA

 KUNDASANG

    Visited Kundasang from 29 February to 3 Mac 2024. When there with 5 of my friends. Is was a short visit but a memorable one.

    Took AirAsia flight to Kota Kinabalu. There is no straight flight to Kundasang so need to fly to Kota Kinabalu.

    We reached KK around 9.30pm so we had to stay a night in Kota Kinabalu. Didn't do much the first night. Bought some light healthy snacks 😁 and straight went to our apartment. I booked it earlier. We stayed at Sunset View Apartment. Was a bit disappointed because I thought the hotel was beside the sea. Anyway we we happy as it had the Seaview and the apartment so clean . I also arranged pick up from the airport thru Topaz Travel D Borneo. Reasonable price.

WHAT YOU CAN DO IN KUNDASANG

1. PEKAN NABULU- VIEW G KINABALU - 

Most of the stall owners are locals from the area and are selling their fresh farm produce from fruits, nuts, leafy greens and traditional food condiments. Public washrooms and mini-market are available and there are rows of restaurants too for meal breaks. 

But above all, the area has a look-out point where visitors can enjoy pictures taken with a grandeur view of Mount Kinabalu as the backdrop. This view normally looks impressive in the morning and towards late evening when the mountain is not covered with clouds.

To reach this place from Kota Kinabalu city, take the mini-bus or taxi from Jalan Padang Bus Station with the direction to Kundasang/Ranau. Communicate with the driver for drop-off at Pekan Nabalu. 

2. PORING HOT SPRING/CANOPY WALK - 

Poring is named after a species of giant bamboo that grows abundantly in the area. It lies in the eastern boundaries and situated some 40km (25miles) from the Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Poring is about 400m above sea level and is dominated by the  lowland forest with huge dipterocarp trees easily seen on the trails.

Poring is known for its hot sulphur spring bath which was first developed by the Japanese during world war II. The hot waters of the spring are piped into open-air baths. Indoor bathtub is also available for those who preferred privacy. At Poring you could experience the breathtaking treetop walk on the 43m tall canopy walkway. Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world is one of the main attractions here. 

• It is estimated that 75% of tropical rainforest animals spend most of their time in the forest canopy. The canopy layer is situated more than 20 meters above the ground and is a convenient natural hideout for many animals. The canopy walkway is the best ways to observe such animals. Animals in the canopy appear less fearful to human compared to when observed on the ground.
• The canopy walkway is essentially rope and steel cable suspension bridges that zig-zag through the crowns of the tallest strongest and long lasting trees such as "Menggaris" (Kompassia excelsa) and 'Seraya' (Shorea sp). The walkway is composed of a series of 5 meter aluminium ladders bolted together and suspended horizontally from cables. Laced with polyester ropes, the open rungs of ladders are covered with walking the boards. Netting enclosed both sides to add saftey.
• There are 3 circuits of canopy walkways with a total length of 373.6 meters and a height of up to 41 meters depending on the slope of the land below. The walkway is open to the public in May 1990. The first circuit has a 'Y' shape with a total length of 157.6 meters, and has been established as a tourist walkway. It is open from 9.00am - 4.00pm everyday. am-5.00pM

3. DAIRY COW FARM (Admission Ticket)

Availability

Daily (8:00AM - 5:00PM) Duration 3 hrs 

Highlights

• Calves and Goats feeding
• Majestic View of Mount Kinabalu
• Fresh milk, ice cream and cheese

4. SPRING GARDEN

• Indulge yourself in the beauty of nature as you relax at Spring Garden Kundasang in Mesilau. Feel the fresh mountain air as you relax and surround yourself with the unique and colourful flowers in the garden. Only a short  walk away is the small river waterfall where you can feel the cool stream while enjoying the magnificent Mount Kinabalu view in the background. Spring Garden Kundasang is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the charms of Sabah’s highland with your family and friends. 

5. BUKIT  MARAGANG

• adalah salah satu tempat menarik yang patut dikunjungi oleh penduduk tempatan atau pelancong dari dalam dan luar negara yang datang melancong ke Daerah Ranau. Bukit ini adalah tempat yang sesuai bagi yang ingin mencari tempat latihan mendaki sebelum anda memulakan mendaki ke Gunung Kinabalu. Laluan ke bukit ini dibina oleh pihak Komuniti Kampung Mesilou (META) melalui Persatuan Eko Pelancongan Mesilou dan telah mula dibuka untuk kunjungan orang ramai pada 16 September 2017. Ia terletak di  Kampung Mesilou, Ranau iaitu lebih kurang 100 km atau kira-kira 2 jam perjalanan naik kenderaan dari Kota Kinabalu dan lebih kurang 19 km atau kira-kira 30 minit perjalanan dari Bandar Ranau.
• Bukit ini walaupun tinggi namun laluan untuk ke sini sebenarnya adalah agak mudah kerana laluan perjalanan ke bukit ini yang telah dibina oleh komuniti Mesilou agar lebih memudahkan pendaki dan ini juga membolehkan kanak-kanak atau orang tua pun dapat mendaki atau naik ke sini tetapi mungkin ada had umur juga untuk mendaki atas faktor keselamatan, jadi boleh pastikan terlebih dahulu had umur dengan pihak pengurusan bukit ini semasa anda membuat tempahan. Kalau anda mahu melihat satu pemandangan yang indah puncak Gunung Kinabalu di depan mata, bolehlah cuba naik ke bukit ini kerana lokasinya yang betul-betul berhadapan dengan Gunung Kinabalu. Apabila anda sampai dipuncak bukit ini, anda pasti akan rasa berpuas hati yang tidak terhingga dan berbaloi dan walaupun ianya tidak setinggi Gunung Kinabalu namun pendakian anda ke sini pasti menjanjikan satu pengalaman yang sukar untuk dilupakan .
• Kalau mahu mendaki bukit ini, boleh ikut beberapa pakej yang sudah disedia oleh pihak pengurusan di sini iaitu seperti pakej sunrise normal trail, sunrise loop trail, day trip trail dan loop day trip trail. Pakej untuk melihat matahari terbit (sunrise) bermula dalam jam 3 pagi, pakej yang ini adalah sangat sesuai kepada mereka yang ingin melihat keindahan matahari terbit diwaktu pagi. Manakala untuk pakej day trip pula ia bermula pada jam 6 pagi, pakej yang ini sesuai kepada sesiapa saja, mungkin kalau hanya mahu melihat keindahan pemandangan Gunung Kinabalu dan menambah pengalaman mendaki boleh ambil pakej yang jam 6 lebih-lebih lagi kalau anda datang bersama kanak-kanak ke sini. Untuk pakej-pakej lihat matahari terbit dan day trip, biasanya adalah pakej pergi dan balik dan bukannya untuk berkhemah dan bermalam.  

Mesilou Ecotourism Assocation

Kampung Mesilou,

89308, Ranau,

Sabah, Malaysia.

Telefon : 017-895 2753

Webiste : www.maraganghill.com.my

Website : www.facebook.com/MaragangHill/TIMPOHAN GATE

6. RABBIT FARM

Find your cuddly fur friends at Ranau Rabbit Farm, Kigiok Village about 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. This is another new tourist attraction in Ranau town. Home to  some fluffy bunnies, spend some time here to pet and interact with these delicate pets while enjoying a relaxing view of Mount Kinabalu behold right in front of the farm.

The farm offers activities such as rabbit feeding and sightseeing around the adorable and colourful farm perfect for picture taking. A great stop for families. Aside from locals, Ranau Rabbit Farm have enjoyed visitors from around the globe such as China, Korea and Japan.

7. MOUNT K SKYBIKE

• Next to Ranau Rabbit Farm is the thrilling Mont K SkyBike. Borneo’s very first sky bike. If fear of height is not a factor for you, try cycling 100 feet in the air! The cycling rail is about 200 metres long in each direction, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the lovely scenery. With two bikes available, you can choose to ride solo or with a companion. So strike a creative pose while riding and have the operators take your picture!

Mont K SkyBike ticket fee:
Malaysian: RM 90/ person International: RM 150/ person 

*Price stated is correct at the time published*

• To reach this place, visitors can take a minibus or taxi from Jalan Padang Bus Station with directions to Kundasang/Ranau. Communicate with driver for drop-off at Ranau town and from there onwards, visitor will have to get a private charter vehicle.   Alternatively, one can self-drive, use e-hailing services from Kota Kinabalu City or enquire with their selected tour operator to add this excursion.

8. JAMBATAN GANTUNG TAMPARUHI

• Located in a small town in the sub-district of Tuaran, the low bridge beside the current, attractive-looking Tamparuli Suspension Bridge owns a legendary tale and the strong structure is still used today as an alternative route for communities to commute between the small-township of Tamparuli to the main road on the opposite side. The bridge has sustained so many floods events and one such significant event that was commemorated is a piece of a plaque erected  in memory of 2 British soldiers who lost their lives on 18th May 1960 in trying to save the life of a local woman.
• According to the folktales, the construction of Tamparuli Low Bridge was led by a British engineer during the post-war colonial period to provide an easy and better access for the villagers.”The bridge continuously collapsed due to it being washed away by the river currents during rainy seasons. After several attempts to rebuild the bridge failed, the villagers consulted a medium who helped them to communicate with the spiritual world.”The spirits said the bridge was constructed on a sacred site and ‘Ombuakar’, the spirit said to live inside the Tamparuli River, demanded a fair maiden for a human sacrifice as compensation. 

9. RUMAH TERBALIK

• literally means Upside-down House, is among the first of its kind in South East Asia. Located at Tamparuli, Rumah Terbalik becomes a place that has  been attracting visitors since its opening in 2012. Wander the grounds of Sabahan-style house fully furnished with bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom. car and veranda, in a completely new perspective. This unique house has also been featured in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first upside-down house in Malaysia. Undoubtedly, Rumah Terbalik is a must see attraction that you should cover to complete your Sabah holiday.

10. MARAKAU MASSAGE FISH SPA 

• Opened to the public in 2014, here, the villagers practice a river fish conservation system called ‘Bombon’ also known as ‘Tagal’ where it is managed and developed by the community itself. There are more than 20 species of habituated fishes in the Mansahaban river.
• What’s unique about the ‘Tagal’ system at Marakau village is the striking bright coloured of the koi fishes that you could see from the clear water. Great for photo opportunities.
• Other activities to consider when visiting Bombon Marakau village is the hiking opportunity to Dompurungan Hill (901 m). On top, you can feel the refreshing breeze of Ranau and a panoramic view of 45 villages around it, including a glimpse of the mighty Mount Kinabalu. Occasionally, the trail surprises the visitor with a chance to see the rare Rafflesia flower blooming!

11. PEKAN KUNDASANG

12. KUNDASANG MEMORIAL WAR 

• Tugu Peringatan Perang Kundasang merupakan sebuah lokasi yang  ditujukan untuk tentera Australia dan British yang terkorban semasa menjadi tawanan perang di Kem Sandakan. Ia kini menjadi destinasi utama untuk mereka yang berminat menyelami peristiwa-peristiwa bersejarah di situ. 

13. PASAR SAYUR DAN BUAH - FRESH MARKET
14. KUNDASANG NATIONAL PARK  

he mountain garden is open from 9.00am to 4.00pm everyday. Visitors can visit the garden and roam by themself at anytime during the opening hours, however a conducted guided tour through the garden with Sabah Park's interpretation guide are scheduled at 9.00am , 12.00 and 3.00pm.

A guide walk through the nature trail with Sabah Park's interpretation guide are scheduled to begin at 11.00am everyday. (Venue: Starts from the Kinabalu Multipurpose Hall)

15.TANDEM PARAGLIDING 

15. TANDEM PARAMOTOR TRIKE

 

16. COFFEE MOUNTAIN VIEW -  

• Anooh Cafe in Kundasang Sabah offers stunning natural beauty overlooking the magnificent Mount Kinabalu. It is one of the best spots to enjoy breakfast. You can relax in the beautiful mountain while sipping a cup of hot coffee or tea. As I entered the cafe, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking panoramic views of the Kinabalu Mountain Range. It is advisable to go early before 9am, if not the mountain peaks are blocked by fog. The menu was basic, they serve cakes, cookies, cappuccino and other drinks. They also sell local durian! It was delicious. In short, Anooh Cafe in Kundasang Sabah is not just a cafe. It’s an experience with the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. This cafe is a must-visit destination in Kundasang that will leave you with cherished memories. 

Address: KM3 Kundasang-Ranau road Kundasang, 89308 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia

17. SOSIDIKON HILL KUNDASANG 

Sosodikon is derived from the dusun language word ‘sodik,’ which refers to a type of traditional trap used in the past by the local community to catch animals such as deer, squirrels, birds, and other small animals. In the past, when this hill area was still thickly forested, the local community of “villagers” would frequently come here to set traps. Sosodikon refers to a place where traps can be laid. The name Sosodikon has been increasingly commercialised in recent years, as many climbers are enthralled by the beauty of the peak of Sosodikon Hill, from which they can enjoy the magnificent view of Kundasang.

18. LIMPOHAN GATE

• Timpohon Gate merupakan titik permulaan pendaki-pendaki Gunung  Kinabalu memulakan pendakian mereka. Oleh kerana trek-trek di sini betul-betul dikelilingi dengan alam semula jadi, ia menjadi peluang keemasan untuk anda menikmati pemandangan alam flora pada masa yang sama.

Ini perkara yang perlu anda tahu mengenai tarikan ini:

Lokasi: Timpohon Gate, Taman Negara Kinabalu

19. PEARL SHOPPING - 

Sabah itself is located in East Malaysia. It has been popular for pearls for a long time. With an abundance of marine resources, no wonder you’ll find the best pearls in Sabah. Not stopping there, Sabah also has the best artisan craftsmanship for pearls, making Sabah pearls more valuable and more appealing. Well, it seems like you will spend a lot of money on pearls this holiday!

WHERE WE WENT?

 We had a short holiday so we did not go many places.. we went to Coffee Mountain View. Had coffee and some cookies.. it has magnificent view.. it was very misty because it was raining so could not really see the whole mountain but the mist itself was so good.