Kundasang, a town in the clouds

Have you, by chance, ever heard of Kundasang? Kundasang is a little town located along the banks of Kundasang Valley in the Ranau Valley, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The area around Kundasang is mainly populated by a small population of Chinese people, and mainly by native Dusun, the collective name of the largest ethnic group in Sabah.

The traveling group at the park

Last February my cousins, friends and I traveled to Kota Kinabalu for 4 days, 2 of which we spent in Kundasang. We chose to go there not only to witness the beautiful nature but also to feel chilled as Kundasan is a relatively humid area, one where clouds and rain are often present. Of course the most significant feature of the town is that it is the closest to Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak, and it offers stunning and breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain. Kundasang, at only 6 kilometers away from the park, is in fact the window to Mount Kinabalu. Bear in mind that the view of the peak is only available before dusk and at dawn; the rest of the time, the peak is covered by a thick mist.

View of Mount Kinabalu from Kundasang

The town has an exciting atmosphere, with several shophouses operated by locals and a vegetable market open seven days a week for which Kundasang is renowned.

Added to the above is the wide range of activities and attractions. Follow me on a unique journey to this windy land and visit with me:

– Rumah Terbalik

– Kinabalu National Park

– Kundasang War Memorial

– Desa Cattle Dairy Farm

– Strawberry and Rose Garden

– Sinalau Bakas

Clouds ever present

These are not the only attractions in Kundasang, there are more amazing places we did not manage to visit due to our limited time. For those with a few more days, I suggest a visit to Mesilau National Park, Poring Hot Spring and Nature Reserve, Crystal Hill and not to forget the famous climb to the peak of Mount Kinabalu.

Kundasang has a great climate, great views and clean air. It was the perfect place for us to escape the hot tropical sun we are accustomed to, as well as a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Kundasang is located 90 kilometers from Sabah capital Kota Kinabalu; the roads are good and not snaky at all, hence the drive there should lasts a relaxed 2 hours. You need a car to fully enjoy Kundasang attractions. Renting a car in Kota Kinabalu is cheap, at about RM100 per day.

Asian Itinerary stayed at Hounon Ridge Farmstay and Camping

About the author

Cato is a young woman, passionate writer, and a loving mother from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Cato gained a Master's Degree with honours in Social Science majoring in Communication Studies at the University Malaysia Sarawak - UNIMAS. After a long spell as a full-time reporter writing for TV and Radio news in Borneo and beyond, she is currently a Senior Marketing in a private firm practicing writing, public relations as well as marketing. She is also a regular and passionate contributor at Asian Itinerary. Cato is a dynamic woman with several interests and hobbies such as travelling, listening to music, playing guitar, reading, hiking, kayaking and surfing the Internet. She is a young promise in the travel-writing world, and one of the main exponents of Asian Itinerary.

View all articles by Catohrinner Joyce Guri