Things to do in Kundasang range from paying respects at a war memorial with a view over Mount Kinabalu, to picking strawberries at a hillside farm, to catching a sunrise that makes the whole three-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu worth it. Sitting at over 1,800 metres above sea level, Kundasang is Sabah’s cool highland town, and it works as either a quick stopover on the way to Kinabalu Park or a full day trip on its own.

Many travellers only know Kundasang as “the town before Kinabalu Park,” so they rush through without stopping. That is a mistake. There are enough things to do in Kundasang to fill a full day, and the town itself sits right along the main route, so nothing here requires a detour.

This guide breaks down the best things to do in Kundasang, from the War Memorial and strawberry farms to viewpoints and a realistic day itinerary. As a result, you can plan a route that fits your schedule instead of guessing on the road.

Why Kundasang Should Be on Your Sabah Road Trip

Kundasang sits at the base of Mount Kinabalu, roughly two and a half to three hours by car from Kota Kinabalu. Because of the elevation, temperatures here often drop to 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, a welcome change from the coastal heat. Therefore, most visitors treat it as a natural rest stop on longer routes toward Sandakan or Ranau, and then end up staying longer than planned once they see how much there is to do.

Unlike destinations that need a full detour, the things to do in Kundasang are mostly clustered along or just off the main Ranau-Kundasang road. This makes the town easy to explore by self-drive, without needing a guide or a fixed tour schedule.

Things to Do in Kundasang: Visit the War Memorial

The Kundasang War Memorial is one of the most meaningful things to do in Kundasang, and often the first stop for visitors. Built to honour Australian and British prisoners of war who died during the Sandakan Death Marches in World War II, the memorial is laid out as four connected gardens, an English Garden, an Australian Garden, a Borneo Garden, and a Contemplation Garden.

Entry is inexpensive and the visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Because the memorial sits on a hillside, it also offers one of the clearer views of Mount Kinabalu when the sky is clear, especially in the early morning before clouds roll in.

Things to Do in Kundasang: Farms and Gardens

 

The cool highland climate makes Kundasang one of the few places in Sabah where temperate crops actually grow well. As a result, strawberry farms have become one of the most popular things to do in Kundasang, particularly for families and first-time visitors to the highlands.

• Strawberry farms: several small farms line the main road, offering self-pick sessions and fresh strawberry products such as jam and juice.
• Desa Cattle Dairy Farm: a working dairy farm with rolling green paddocks, often compared to a mini version of New Zealand’s countryside, popular for photos.
• Vegetable and flower stalls: roadside stalls sell highland vegetables, temperate flowers, and honey, most of it grown within the district.

Therefore, if you are travelling with kids, budgeting half a day for the farms alone is reasonable, since most of them are within a five to ten minute drive of each other.

Travel Tip: Farm visits are best done in the morning between 9am and 11am. Fog tends to roll in over the highlands by early afternoon, which can make photos less clear and driving on the winding roads slower.

Best Viewpoints Among Things to Do in Kundasang

Kundasang’s terrain means viewpoints are everywhere, but a few stand out. Mesilau, about 15 minutes further up from the main town, sits even higher and offers a quieter alternative to the main Kinabalu Park entrance, along with its own network of nature trails.

The stretch of road near the War Memorial and the town centre also gives an open view across the valley toward Mount Kinabalu on clear mornings. Since cloud cover builds up quickly after sunrise, this is one of the things to do in Kundasang that rewards travellers who start early.

Sample One-Day Itinerary for Things to Do in Kundasang

7.00am: Depart Kota Kinabalu by self-drive car 9.30am: Arrive Kundasang, quick photo stop for the mountain view 10.00am: Kundasang War Memorial 11.00am: Strawberry farm and Desa Cattle Dairy Farm 12.30pm: Lunch at a local highland restaurant, try steamboat with fresh vegetables 2.00pm: Mesilau or Kinabalu Park nature trail 4.00pm: Roadside stalls for vegetables, honey, and souvenirs 5.00pm: Depart back toward Kota Kinabalu or continue to Ranau

This itinerary covers most of the popular things to do in Kundasang in a single day, though travellers who want a slower pace can easily split it across two days with an overnight stay in the highlands.

Ready to explore the highlands at your own pace? Self-drive up  rent a car in KK and start your Kundasang trip today.

 

Challenges to Expect When Exploring Kundasang

 

• Roads leading into Kundasang are winding and hilly. Drive cautiously, especially in fog or light rain.
• Temperatures can drop sharply at night, so bring a light jacket even in tropical Sabah.
• Fog often reduces visibility after midday, so plan viewpoint visits and photography for the morning.
• Fuel stations are limited once you leave the main town, so fill up before heading further toward Mesilau or Kinabalu Park
  
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Conclusion: Plan Your Things to Do in Kundasang

 

 

From the War Memorial’s quiet gardens to strawberry farms and open mountain viewpoints, the things to do in Kundasang make it one of the most rewarding highland stops in Sabah. Because the town sits directly along the main route to Kinabalu Park and Ranau, there is no reason to rush through it.

With a self-drive car, you can move between farms, viewpoints, and the memorial at your own pace, and adjust your itinerary around the weather instead of a fixed tour schedule.

Self-drive up  rent a car in KK.

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