Day Trip Kundasang Sabah

A flipped house and cool mountain air sounds fun, right. This Kundasang day trip from Kota Kinabalu mixes Tamparuli’s upside-down Rumah Terbalik with hands-on highland farm time at Desa Dairy Farm. I also like that you get a real schedule of stops, not just a long drive, plus a driver as guide to help you move through each place.

My favorite parts are the family-friendly farm activities and the playful stops that are easy to enjoy even if you do not plan a full hike. The only thing to watch is that lunch and most attraction admission fees are not included, so your final spend will depend on what you choose to pay for at each stop.

Quick hits you will feel the moment you arrive

• Up-down photo fun at Rumah Terbalik (Tamparuli), with everything arranged upside down so your pictures look instantly different
• Short suspension-bridge pause, with a chance to see Tamparuli town from above
• Desa Dairy Farm, the Little New Zealand-style dairy farm vibe, with cool air and foggy surroundings
• Fish spa experience, where you feed the fish as part of the spa activity
• Arnab Village bunny time, plus a relaxed petting-and-view stop
• Kundasang selfie corner, made for quick, bright photos near the highland scenery

A Cool Highland Reset From Kota Kinabalu

This is a private day trip designed for up to 6 people, starting from Kota Kinabalu Airport at 7:30am. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who also acts as your guide, so the day feels organized from the first pickup.

The big draw is the shift in temperature and pace once you head toward Kundasang. The day mixes “play stops” (like the upside-down house and fish spa) with calmer scenery breaks, so it does not feel like you are just rushing from one ticket counter to the next. And since Kundasang is known for Kinabalu-area views, you also get a chance to look up at the mountain from the region.

The value here is the structure. You get a set run of stops that fit into about 7 hours, which is ideal if you want a break from city life but you do not want to commit to a full day of long-distance exploring.

Room Turned Skyward: Rumah Terbalik in Tamparuli

Stop one is Rumah Terbalik (the upside-down house). The idea is simple and clever: the whole building is flipped, so the floor faces the sky and the furniture and everyday objects hang above you.

This is the kind of attraction that works for different ages because you do not need special skills. You just walk in and look up. It is also a great “starter stop” because you can burn energy early, get your photos done, and then move on to calmer viewpoints.

A practical note: the stop runs for about 1 hour, and admission is not included. That means you should plan for extra tickets on the day. If you hate surprise costs, budget a bit at the start and carry some cash just in case.

Suspension Bridge Pause for Tamparuli Views

Next up is Tamparuli Suspension Bridge. This is a quick stop, around 30 minutes, and it mainly exists for the view. You get a chance to look over the surrounding area and take photos from the bridge height.

Before you head to the bridge, your package includes a traditional dance performance. It is a nice touch because it gives you a bit of local culture before the sightseeing part kicks in. Even if you only watch briefly, it adds color to the day and makes the timing feel intentional.

The bridge stop includes no admission fee, so it is a straightforward add-on. What you will want to bring to this part is basic comfort: wear shoes you feel stable in, since suspension bridges can be a little bouncy underfoot.

Desa Dairy Farm and the Little New Zealand Feel

Desa Dairy Farm is the emotional heart of the trip. It is often described as having a Little New Zealand dairy-farm vibe, with cool air and foggy highland surroundings that make the whole place feel like it sits in its own little weather world.

Expect about 2 hours here, and the experiences are very hands-on. You can do family-style dairy activities such as:

• Feeding cattle
• Milking a calf
• Watching cows get milked

Food also shows up in the dairy-farm mood. You can taste fresh milk and gelato ice cream from the cow farm area. Even if you skip any paid activities, the overall setting and the chance to interact with farm life still make this stop feel worth the time.

The main trade-off is also obvious: the farm stop lists admission not included, so your budget depends on what you want to participate in. If you are traveling with kids, this is one of the best stops on the day because the activities are built to involve people, not just observe.

Fish Spa Feeding and Arnab Village Bunny Time

After the dairy farm, the tour shifts to playful, hands-on fun again.

Bombon Kg. Marakau Fish Spa

Stop four is the fish spa. The key activity is feeding the fish as part of the spa treatment, and the experience also works like a foot or leg massage effect from the fish nibbling. Plan for about 2 hours total here, and remember that the admission fee is not included.

This is one of those attractions where expectations matter. If you love unusual, interactive activities, you will probably enjoy it. If you prefer quiet sightseeing, you might find it too “hands-on.” Either way, it is a distinctive Sabah experience and it breaks up the day nicely after the farm.

Arnab Village

Then you go to Arnab Village, where you can pet a fluffy bunny and enjoy the surrounding views. This is a shorter stop, about 1 hour, and it is typically an easy win for families or anyone who likes gentle animal interactions.

Again, admission is not included. Also, if you have a child who gets tired easily, this is a good stop because it is not a long walk, it is more of a hang-out and petting moment.

Kundasang Selfie Corner and Kinabalu-Area Views

The final stops keep the day light and photo-friendly.

You get time at Kundasang Selfie Corner for quick pictures against a designed backdrop and the surrounding highland scenery. The stop is about 30 minutes, so treat it like a brief photo break rather than a major attraction.

Before or around these later stops, you are also in the region where Kinabalu views can show up depending on weather. That matters because fog and clouds can change what you see. If the mountain is hidden, you still have the cool, fresh feel of the highland area and plenty of scenic stops to enjoy.

What I like about ending this way is momentum. Instead of finishing on something that feels physically demanding, you end with quick, relaxed time.

Price and Logistics That Affect Your Real Cost

The listed price is $194.78 per group (up to 6). If you fill the group, that can work out to roughly $32 each for private transport, a driver-guide, and the included cultural performance. That is the main value: you are paying for a structured highlands day without having to coordinate multiple people or transfers yourself.

But the true cost depends on what you add. Lunch is not included, and all fees and taxes are not included, with multiple stops specifically stating admission tickets not included. So you should expect to pay separately at places like Rumah Terbalik and the farm, plus potentially at the fish spa and bunny village depending on how the activities are handled that day.

Timing also matters. With a 7-hour schedule and a 7:30am start, you will want an easy breakfast and water before pickup. The day moves, even though it does not feel rushed.

One more logistics plus: pickup is handled via airport transfer or hotel transfer, and confirmation is sent at booking time. That helps if you are fitting the trip around flight schedules or a tight hotel itinerary.

Who This Day Trip Works Best For

This is a strong match for families because several stops are built for interaction, not just watching. The dairy farm activities can suit children and adults, and the fish spa and bunny stop give kids a “we did something fun” memory.

It also works well if you have a mixed group. One person can enjoy farm activities, another can focus on the upside-down house photos, and everyone still gets a break at scenic viewpoints like the suspension bridge. Because it is private for up to 6, the day is easier to manage than a larger shared coach.

If your group is primarily “nature only,” you may find the day contains more attractions than you would choose on your own. Still, the highlands feel plus Kinabalu-area views add a real sense of place.

And if you travel with children who need patience, the experience is supported by professional, friendly service. The driver-guide approach is designed to keep things moving while still accommodating kids.

Should You Book This Kundasang Day Trip?

I would book this if you want a short, high-energy highlands day that mixes quirky fun with hands-on farm time, and you care about a smooth plan more than a long hike. It also makes sense if you are traveling as a small group and can fill up to 6 spots, since private transport is a big part of the value.

I would think twice if you hate extra ticket costs or you expect lunch to be provided. Since admissions and lunch are not included, you will want to plan a small budget buffer so the day does not turn into an expense surprise.

FAQ

What time does the Day Trip Kundasang start, and where?

It starts at 7:30am from Kota Kinabalu Airport.

How long is the trip?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is pickup included from hotels or the airport?

Yes. The tour includes airport transfer or hotel transfer, with pickup offered.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people can be in a group?

The price is per group for up to 6 people.

What is included in the price?

Included are private transportation, fuel, airport transfer or hotel transfer, an air-conditioned vehicle, driver as guide, and a traditional dance performance before boarding the Tamparuli Suspension Bridge.

What is not included?

Lunch and all fees and taxes are not included.

Which stops are on the itinerary?

You visit Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House), Tamparuli Suspension Bridge, Desa Dairy Farm, Fish Spa at Bombon Kg. Marakau, Arnab Village, and Kundasang Selfie Corner.

Are admission tickets included for Rumah Terbalik?

No. Rumah Terbalik is listed with admission ticket not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time, and cancellation is free.