Kundasang : Poring Hot Spring + Desa & Meal Shared Tour

Hot springs and dairy farms in one tight day. I like how this route strings together Poring Hot Springs and the Nabalu Handicraft Market before you settle into Kundasang’s cooler mountain air. It is a good one-day setup if you want nature time plus a few very local stops without planning rides on your own.

I also like the Desa Dairy Farm stop, often called Little New Zealand, because you are not just looking. You get to see products made on-site, including creamy ice cream yogurt, and fresh milk and goat milk options. If you are lucky, your guide can also add helpful context in plain language, and I have seen this vary by guide.

One thing to consider is the van time and rough-road feel. The drive is long, and even with a smooth day, you can end up feeling like you spent a lot of hours inside the vehicle, especially since the tour moves between several locations. On top of that, the treetop canopy is listed as under maintenance until further notice, so don’t bank on that highlight.

Key things to know before you go

• Nabalu Handicraft Market stop: A short, focused window to browse local handiwork in Pekan Nabalu.
• Desa Dairy Farm, Little New Zealand vibe: On-site dairy products, including ice cream yogurt and milk samples.
• Poring Hot Springs is the main payoff: Guided soaking time plus time to stretch your legs.
• Butterfly area quality can be hit or miss: Some people enjoy it, while others want more.
• Treetop canopy may not be available: It is under maintenance until further notice.
• Kinabalu Park is a photo stop: Quick views, but no Botanical Garden ticket included.

How this Kundasang day tour works, and if the value makes sense

This is a classic Kundasang day trip built around three pillars: a market stop, a dairy farm visit, and Poring Hot Springs, with a quick World Heritage Kinabalu Park photo moment if timing allows. You start with pickup in Kota Kinabalu, then ride out by van, with several scheduled pauses that keep the day from feeling like one long blur.

For $98 per person, the value is best when you actually care about at least two of the big stops. You get round-trip transport, entrance fees, lunch, and a driver, so you are not nickel-and-diming basic costs once you are on the road. If you only want the hot springs, you will still pay for the full package.

The itinerary is also explicit that timing can shift. In a day like this, that matters because long distances plus fixed stops can turn into a tiring schedule if you are sensitive to road time. If you go in with realistic expectations, it plays to its strengths.

Nabalu Handicraft Market in Pekan Nabalu: a quick taste of local Borneo

Your day begins with a van ride (about 2.5 hours), then you arrive at Pekan Nabalu for free time around 30 minutes at the Nabalu Handicraft Market. This is not a slow market day. It is the “see it, pick your favorites, move on” kind of stop.

I like this format because it gives you a real sense of what people sell locally without turning the tour into a shopping marathon. Handicrafts here give you a snapshot of what Sabah artisans make and how the market is set up for everyday browsing.

Practical tip: this stop is short, so wear shoes you can walk in and decide fast what you want to do. If you want a lot of photos, do that first, then circle back only if you see something you truly want.

Desa Dairy Farm, the Little New Zealand-style stop: what you should do with your one hour

After the market, you head to Ladang Tenusu Desa Cattle for sightseeing and free time, about one hour. The farm has earned the Little New Zealand nickname, and the biggest reason is the overall dairy vibe: you get to see production and sample products made on-site.

What you can expect to try or see includes creamy ice cream yogurt, fresh milk, and goat milk. Even if you are not a big dairy person, this is one of those stops that feels more hands-on than a typical “look at a farm” visit. You are getting a direct connection between the landscape, the animals, and what ends up on your spoon.

Where it can be less satisfying: this is still a scheduled tour stop, so your time is limited. If you want a long sit-down meal or deep guided farm walkthroughs, you might feel rushed. If you go simply to see how it works and taste what is produced there, it lands much better.

Poring Hot Springs: the relaxing core of the day

Then comes the main event, Poring Hot Springs. First, you travel about 45 minutes from the earlier stop. Once you arrive, there is a guided tour and sightseeing time (around 1.5 hours), followed by lunch later.

This is the part most people remember because hot water is a stress remover. You come to Kundasang for cool air and mountain views, but your body often wants warmth after a bumpy drive. The soaking time is built for that, and it also helps your feet if you plan to do the walking parts of the Poring area.

There is also walking time worth using. I recommend treating the springs as a mix of soak plus light explore. One of the best ways to enjoy it is to alternate: soak for a bit, then get out, stretch, and take a short stroll to see what is there. That simple rhythm keeps the whole area feeling active instead of repetitive.

Treetop canopy note

The treetop canopy is listed as under maintenance until further notice. That means you should not count on any high-platform, elevated component being part of your day. If you were excited for that specific activity, adjust your mindset and focus on what you can reliably enjoy: soaking, walks, and the rest of the Poring grounds.

Butterfly area, if included in your timing

Some schedules around Poring also include time at butterfly-related areas. Quality can vary, so if you are someone who expects a top-tier insect exhibit, keep expectations flexible. If you are more of a casual nature fan, the calm pace and scenery can still be a nice add-on after the heat.

Lunch at Poring: included, planned, and usually generous

Lunch is included at the Poring restaurant, about one hour. This matters more than it sounds because it breaks the day at the right time. After a long van ride and before the Kinabalu photo stop, a proper meal helps you avoid the late-day slump.

From what I have seen people say about this kind of tour timing, the meal tends to be generous and tasty when the schedule stays on track. Your best move is simple: use the full hour. Eat, refill water, and rest your legs, especially if you already walked around Poring once earlier.

If you are sensitive to spice, or you have dietary restrictions, the data you gave does not list special meal options. So plan to eat what is served, and bring a small snack only if you are comfortable with the tour rules on what you can carry.

Kinabalu Park photo stop: what you get, and what you do not

After lunch, the tour heads back toward the city with an optional timing-dependent photo stop at World Heritage Kinabalu Park, about 30 minutes. Important detail: this visit does not include the Botanical Garden entry ticket.

So if you are coming specifically for the Botanical Garden, you will need a separate ticket or a different plan. But if you want a quick photo moment, a bit of scenery, and a sense of place at the foothills, this short stop can do the job without adding a long hike.

Keep your expectations realistic. Thirty minutes is just enough time to get your photos and soak in the view if the weather cooperates, not enough for a full park day.

Transport, timing, and comfort: the part that can make or break the mood

This tour is built around a van schedule, and your comfort will depend on three things: pickup location, road conditions, and how well the vehicle holds up that day. Pickup is included for hotels within the Kota Kinabalu area, but outskirt hotel pickup may cost extra.

I have also seen cases where a vehicle issue caused delays, even if a replacement was organized quickly. That is a reminder that road trips are not always perfectly smooth, especially around mountain areas where conditions can change fast.

If you want to reduce stress:

• Wear layers, because mountain weather can feel cooler at altitude.
• Keep your jacket handy even if the morning starts mild.
• Use the stops for bathroom breaks and water refills.

Also, pack with the rule in mind: luggage or large bags are not allowed. That can affect how you organize your day, so travel light.

What to bring for Kundasang and Poring Hot Springs

The tour lists a solid packing list, and you should treat it as the minimum. Bring:

• Passport
• Comfortable shoes
• Umbrella
• Towel
• Water
• Jacket
• Rain gear
• Toiletries

For me, the towel and shoes are the “real life” items. Hot springs are wet, and if your shoes do not handle moisture, your feet will complain during the walks. An umbrella or rain gear is also smart because mountain weather can change and Poring areas can get damp.

One more practical note: the tour notes some items are not allowed in the vehicle, including vaping and alcohol, plus alcohol and drugs. So keep your day clean and simple, and save any drinks for outside the vehicle rules.

Language, guides, and the difference a good explanation makes

Your tour includes a live guide in either Chinese or English. How helpful that guidance feels can vary, and it is worth reading this as a heads-up. A clear guide can turn “just stops” into a smoother experience where you know what to do next and why you are there.

I have seen examples of guides being very informative and friendly, which made the hot springs and views feel more meaningful. I have also seen cases where the explanation was thin and time felt less organized, with more time spent waiting or moving between locations.

So if you care a lot about narration and context, pick a language option you feel comfortable with, and pay attention early in the day. The first explanation sets the tone for the rest.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This day trip is a good fit if you want:

• A one-day structure with transport + entrances + lunch handled
• A mix of cultural browsing (market), a light farm experience (dairy products), and a relaxing nature stop (hot springs)
• Views in the Kundasang area without planning a multi-part independent itinerary

It is not suitable for people with heart problems, people afraid of heights, or people with altitude sickness. Even if the treetop canopy is under maintenance, the broader area can still involve altitude exposure and uneven terrain around nature areas.

If you are sensitive to bumpy rides or long road time, you may want to think twice or be selective with pickup location. The tour can feel like a long van day.

Should you book Kundasang: Poring Hot Spring + Desa & Meal Shared Tour?

Book it if you want an easy, guided one-day plan that hits the three most popular Kundasang flavors: Poring Hot Springs, the Desa dairy stop, and a quick Nabalu market moment. The included lunch and entrance fees make it feel more complete than DIY planning, especially if you are short on time.

Skip it or reconsider if you are expecting a long farm deep-dive, a full Kinabalu Park exploration, or the treetop canopy experience. Also skip if you know you are uncomfortable with altitude, heart-related concerns, or any situation where heights could be involved.

If you do book, go in with a simple strategy: prioritize the hot springs soaking, use the market and dairy farm stops as taste-and-look experiences, and treat the Kinabalu Park stop as a photo bonus. That mindset keeps the day enjoyable even if the road is slow or the schedule flexes.

FAQ

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for intercity hotel locations, and round-trip transport is provided. Outskirt hotel pickup may have an additional surcharge based on the area.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for one day.

What is included in the price?

The package includes round-trip transport, entrance fees, lunch (one meal), a driver, and intercity hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden included?

No. The Kinabalu Park stop does not include the Botanical Garden entry ticket.

What can I expect at Desa Dairy Farm?

You’ll have sightseeing and free time at Desa Dairy Farm, where you can see on-site dairy production and fresh products such as ice cream yogurt, fresh milk, and goat milk.

What should I bring for Poring Hot Springs?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, umbrella, rain gear, water, a jacket, toiletries, and your passport.

Is treetop canopy included?

The treetop canopy is listed as under maintenance until further notice, so you should not count on it being available.