Kundasang

A cool highland town near Mount Kinabalu serving as a rest stop and alternative base for trekkers, with vegetable farms, local restaurants, and peaceful mountain scenery. It provides an authentic look at rural highland Sabah life.

Things to do

• Mount Kinabalu National Park Trek — Start or end your Kinabalu climb from Kundasang, with the Mesilau Trail offering a scenic alternative route up Southeast Asia's highest peak.
• Kundasang War Memorial — Visit this solemn monument honoring Australian and British soldiers who died during World War II's Sandakan Death March, set on peaceful grounds overlooking the valley.
• Vegetable Farm Tours — Walk through local highland farms growing cabbage, tomatoes, and leafy greens, learning how Kundasang's cool climate supports Sabah's vegetable supply.
• Poring Hot Springs — Soak in natural thermal pools and walk the canopy walkway through rainforest, located about 40 minutes south of Kundasang within Mount Kinabalu National Park.
• Mountain Walks and Hiking Trails — Explore gentle trails around Kundasang village and nearby ridges offering views of Mount Kinabalu and surrounding farmland without requiring a major expedition.
• Local Markets and Shops — Browse the small town center for fresh highland vegetables, local handicrafts, and provisions, experiencing daily rural highland commerce.

Food to try

• Tuhau (Bamboo Shoot Soup) — A traditional Dusun dish featuring tender bamboo shoots simmered in broth, commonly served in local restaurants as a warming, earthy specialty of the highlands.
• Fresh Highland Vegetables — Farm-to-table servings of locally grown cabbage, tomatoes, leafy greens, and root vegetables prepared simply in local eateries to highlight their quality and freshness.
• Nasi Kuning (Turmeric Rice) — Fragrant yellow rice cooked with turmeric and coconut milk, commonly served at warung and local restaurants as an everyday staple throughout Kundasang.
• Hinava (Raw Fish Salad) — A Kadazan-Dusun delicacy of raw fish mixed with lime juice, ginger, and chili peppers, reflecting highland indigenous food traditions still prepared in local homes.
• Local Mountain Honey and Jams — Sample locally produced honey from highland bees and fruit jams made from vegetables and berries grown in Kundasang farms, often sold at small shops.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Mount Kinabalu's Sacred Status — The mountain is sacred to local Dusun and Kadazan people; dress modestly, avoid pointing at the peak, and ask permission before photographing locals or their farms.
• Greet in Local Languages — Learning basic Dusun or Kadazan greetings like 'Kumain' (hello) is appreciated; most locals also speak Malay and English, but effort to use local words builds goodwill.
• Cool Climate Clothing is Essential — Kundasang sits at 1,600 meters elevation with cool mountain weather year-round; bring layers, a jacket, and sturdy shoes even though it's near the equator.
• Visit Local Warung for Authentic Meals — Small family-run restaurants and warung serve genuine highland food at low prices; eating where locals eat offers cultural immersion and supports the community directly.