The green view from the farm
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, 100 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu, in Sabah – Malaysian Borneo, Desa Cattle Dairy Farm boasts one of the most magnificent scenery in Kundasang. It is often described as the “little New Zealand of Sabah” thanks to its similarity to the southwestern Pacific Ocean country: the green fields, the distinctive black-and-white patched coat of the dairy cows and the cool breezes the place enjoys. Visitors both local and foreigner enjoy so much taking pictures at the site that I have heard that the farm has become a popular destination for couples to take their wedding photos. The farm covers an area of 199 hectares and produces about 900,00 litres of milk annually. Most of the milking cows are Holstein-Friesian, the highest milk producers of all cattle breeds.
A cow at the farm
During our visit to Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, we tried some of their products, namely the boxed milk, the ice cream – of which we tried every single flavour available – and the chocolate milk, all delicious! Other products available are sausages and cheese. Prices are a bit higher than your average product, but they are so fresh and taste so great that they are worth the money they ask for them. Plus you can be guaranteed they are fresh fro the farm! And you can purchase the DESA products and take them back home with you. Visitors are welcome to see cows being milked and milk processing and packing activities. Milking takes place at 3 pm, and milk processing happens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Some of the farm products
This uphill area with its chilled climate is of course such a change from the lowland heat. As a bonus, you can bottle-fee calves and young dairy goats, and you can walk around and enjoy the small gardens with flowers in bloom and the spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu. For the best views, try to arrive before 11am when you may have a clear view of Malaysia’s highest peak. Clouds usually cover it by the afternoon. The farm is at an altitude that also allows views of Kundasang. Highly recommended.
The entrance ticket
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm is located at Mesilou Road about 5km from Kundasang town. There is no public transport to the farm, so you need to make your own way there. Special care should be taken during the drive since the road is unfinished and bumpy. No Public transport to this farm and more prefer drive the 4 wheel car or any higher car as the road are bump…. The farm opens daily from 8 am to 5 pm, the admission fee is Rm 4 for adults and RM 3 for children. Price for setting up a wedding photo-shooting is Rm100. For further information visit their website at www.desaplus.com
