Kundasang

Kundasang is in Sabah in Malaysian Borneo 6 km from Mount Kinabalu Park. It is also the location of the Kundasang War Memorial. Kundasang has grown into a popular leisure destination with many resorts in the vicinity. It is popular for its fresh vegetables, and plantations and farms suitable for temperate climate.

Understand
Historically a small village, it has today grown into a small town. With an elevation of about 2,000 metres above sea level, it is one of the coolest places in Sabah with temperatures dropping to 13ºC at night.

Kundasang is also associated with the infamous death marches which took place near the end of World War II in 1945. Over 2500 Australian & British POWs died in Sandakan and during the three forced death marches inland through the jungle towards Ranau.

Kundasang is popular among locals from around Sabah especially during weekends and public holidays, school holidays also. So if you are planning a visit during these times, do book in advance as accommodation in almost all lodgings will be full.

The nearest big town is Ranau, about 20 km east.

Get in
Kundasang is on the main road between Kota Kinabalu (100 km) and Ranau, 6 km after the Mount Kinabalu Park entrance.

By taxi
Long range taxis are another option. A shared taxi costs RM25 per Person (August 2022). The shares taxis continue to Ranau. As of 2022, Uber/Grab cheaper taxi fares are available in and around Kota Kinabalu. At this time, they do not extend their service up to Gunung Kinabalu tamen/Kinabalu Mountain park entrances.

By car
Self-drive is easy from Kota Kinabalu with a mostly decent bitumen road and adequate sign posting. It does become mountainous and windy on approach but also very scenic. The journey from KK is about 90-100 km and takes approximately 2 hours depending on how confident you are overtaking very slow trucks doing 20 km/h. Exercise patience and caution as locals do overtake on blind corners, over double lines, and occasionally with on coming traffic.

Also as you ascend the weather changes, mist then heavy rain along with speeding traffic and very tight bends cause accidents, just allow a little more time or stop for a while.

Do

 * Eco-tourism
 * World War II history

Eat
Kundasang is renowned for its fresh vegetables and strawberries. In fact, merchants from all over Sabah and Northern Borneo come here to source vegetables. Stalls selling veggies are abundant along the main road passing through the town.

The hotels and resorts have their own restaurants, which are mainly along the main road, outside of the township. There are local open-air eateries in the township.

Drink
Alcohol is available at restaurants but may not be mentioned on the menu.

Go next

 * Mount Kinabalu
 * Poring Hot Spring
 * Ranau War Memorial