Are drinks expensive in Kundasang?

Yes. Alcohol in Kundasang is generally more expensive than in Kota Kinabalu. Prices are typically marked up by around 30% because most supplies need to be transported from Kota Kinabalu.

What time do supermarkets close in Kundasang?

Most supermarkets in Kundasang close around 9:00 PM. However, many of them open quite early, usually around 7:30 AM, which makes it easy to buy supplies early in the day.

Where can I buy premium liquor in Kundasang?

Unfortunately, there are no dedicated liquor stores in Kundasang. Your best option is usually Bataras Supermarket Kundasang, which carries a small selection of whisky, wine, and occasionally drinks like soju. If you want a wider range of alcohol, it is best to purchase it in Kota Kinabalu before heading to Kundasang.

Are cigarettes easily available in Kundasang?

Yes. Cigarettes are widely available in Kundasang and can usually be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and small local shops.

Bars in Kundasang

While Kundasang has one of the most serene and peaceful surroundings, a cold Tiger beer or a glass of Jameson whiskey sometimes just hits the spot. It adds to the overall experience.

If you are like me, you might crave the occasional beer or liquor. So where do you go to find these? After a few years of living here, I have broken it down into a few realistic options. The choices are limited, but they exist.

Summary

Jump to the option that fits your style.

Hotel lounges Supermarkets Bars in Ranau

1. Hotel bars or restaurants in Kundasang

If you are staying in Kundasang, your options are unfortunately limited. There are virtually no traditional bars here, so most places that serve alcohol are hotel restaurants or cafés.

As of March 2026, some of the places where you can usually get a drink include:

Kinabalu Pine Resort
Perkasa Hotel, Tinompok Cafe
Kloud Cafe
The Hill Kinabalu
Mesilou Strawberry Farm Bar

These are not bars in the traditional sense. They are more like lounges or restaurants with seats and alcohol on the menu. You usually will not get beer on tap, live bands, or fancy cocktails, but you will get the view, the atmosphere, and the drink options.

2. Buying beer at supermarkets in Kundasang

This option is for those who want to stay in. If you booked a place with friends and want to enjoy some beer or wine at your accommodation, you can usually find alcohol at local supermarkets.

Some places you can consider:

Bataras Supermarket Kundasang (beer, wine, liquor)
Restu Mart Kundasang (beer)
99 Speedmart Kinasaraban (beer)
8090 Supermarket Kundasang (beer)
Bataras Ranau (beer, wine)
Kinabalu Pine Resort Mart (wine)

Alcohol availability here can still be limited, especially if you are looking for something specific. If you have a particular brand in mind, it is usually safer to buy in Kota Kinabalu or pick it up along the way before reaching Kundasang.

Wine Selection from Kundasang — Wine selection we bought from Bataras Kundasang

3. Bars in Ranau

If you are looking for a more proper nightlife experience, Ranau is your closest option.

There are two well-known bars in Ranau:

Cheers
Silver Fox

They are about 18 km from Kundasang town, but they come with music, karaoke, and occasionally live bands, especially at Silver Fox. Drinks are mostly canned beer, with the occasional tequila shots, so if you are not a beer drinker, that is something to keep in mind.

Also consider the drive. Roads are not well lit at night, so it is best to travel with someone familiar with the area if you are not used to driving these routes after dark.

Nightlife in Ranau — One of our nights in Ranau Silver Fox

Final thought

Kundasang is not a nightlife town, and that is part of its charm. But if you know where to look, you can still enjoy a drink, whether it is at a hotel lounge, with supermarket beer at your accommodation, or by heading down to Ranau for something livelier.

Bars In Kundasang