Kundasang is about 92-100 km from Kota Kinabalu, but the mountain roads, weather and sightseeing stops make it feel like more than a short drive. For most visitors, three days and two nights is a better starting point than trying to squeeze the highlands into a single day trip.
Use the first day to settle in and take in places such as Desa Dairy Farm, Spring Garden and the Mount Kinabalu viewing spots. Then choose the outdoor activities that match your group, energy level and route. The four experiences below show very different sides of Kundasang, from highland ATV tracks to old Bornean forest.
This guide is based on our own visits, with operating details checked against official sources on 25 July 2026. Conditions and prices can change, especially after heavy rain, so reconfirm before setting out.
The four activities at a glance
Jump to the activity that best fits your stay.
A practical 3-day, 2-night plan
On day one, drive up from Kota Kinabalu and keep the schedule light. Stop at viewpoints when Mount Kinabalu is visible, visit Desa Dairy Farm or Spring Garden, check in and leave time for the weather to change. Afternoon cloud is normal, so do not judge the whole trip by one blocked mountain view.
Day two works well for the Mesilou area. An early Sosodikon Hill walk can be paired with Desa Dairy Farm and an ATV session. If your ATV package already includes Sosodikon, you can skip the separate hike or visit independently at sunrise for a quieter experience.
On day three, choose either a nature trail at Kinabalu Park before returning to Kota Kinabalu or a longer detour to Poring Hot Springs. Poring lies about 40 km east of Kinabalu Park Headquarters, so it should be planned as its own half-day outing rather than treated as a quick stop on the drive back to the city.
1. Ride an ATV through Mesilou
ATV Borneo Adventure Sport operates from Jalan Kundasang Kauluan in the Mesilou area. The guided route runs through rough highland tracks towards Sosodikon, giving riders a mix of village scenery, gravel, slopes and open views when the weather cooperates.
Allow about 1.5 hours for the full experience, including registration, a safety briefing, practice and the ride. The operator describes the riding portion to Sosodikon Hill as approximately one hour. First-time riders can manage it by following the guide, but the route is uneven and requires attention.
Price checked on 25 July 2026
- Malaysian single rider: RM130 per ATV
- Malaysian double rider: RM190 per ATV
- International single rider: RM170 per ATV
- International double rider: RM220 per ATV
These rates come from the official ATV Borneo Adventure website. Confirm the current price, available route, age rules and session time directly with the operator before travelling.
Wear closed shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dusty or muddy. Keep both hands available for riding, secure loose belongings and listen carefully during the briefing. The operator states that riders under 16 must ride with an adult or guide on a double-seater.
2. Explore Poring Hot Springs and its forest
Current canopy walkway status
As of 25 July 2026, the Poring Canopy Walkway remains closed until further notice for major maintenance and upgrading. Sabah Parks says the closure has been in effect since 30 July 2025. Check the official Poring Hot Spring page before travelling for the latest status.
When open, the canopy experience begins with an uphill forest walk before reaching the suspended walkway high among the trees. The hike and walkway usually take around one to two hours depending on pace, stops and crowd levels. The forest itself is part of the experience: huge lowland trees, dense vegetation and thick, textured bark make the scale and age of the landscape feel immediate.
Even while the walkway is closed, Poring is still worth considering for its hot sulphur spring baths, pool area and forest attractions. Sabah Parks currently lists daily opening from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last gate entry at 3:00 PM. Bring a towel, a change of clothes and footwear that can handle wet paths.
3. Take a jungle trek in Kinabalu Park
You do not need to climb Mount Kinabalu to walk through Kinabalu Park. Around Park Headquarters there are multiple nature trails through cool montane forest, with routes of different lengths and connections. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges describes a network of 12 trails, while Sabah Parks offers a guided nature walk starting at 11:00 AM daily.
The trails reveal a more raw side of the highlands than roadside viewpoints. Expect tall trees, moss, roots, leaf litter and steep sections. Some openings look towards Mount Kinabalu, although cloud can move in quickly and the forest itself should be the main reason for going.
Ask at the counter which trails are open and suitable for your available time. The Kiau View and Pandanus trail junction shown below gives a good sense of how routes connect inside the park. Wear shoes with grip, carry water and take extra care after rain because roots and stones become slippery.
A pleasant way to finish is with coffee or a meal at Liwagu Restaurant inside Kinabalu Park. It gives everyone a chance to cool down and regroup before continuing the day's drive. Check the official Kinabalu Park page for current opening hours, conservation fees and notices.
4. Walk up Sosodikon Hill for a wide Kundasang view
Sosodikon Hill is the easiest hike on this list and one of the simplest ways to get an elevated view of Kundasang. The official route is about 400 metres from the entrance to the top and usually takes 10-15 minutes, depending on pace.
At the summit, the viewing platform opens across farmland, villages and the surrounding ridges, with Mount Kinabalu dominating the scene when the cloud lifts. It is a good option for families and mixed-age groups, provided everyone is comfortable with a short uphill walk and children are supervised around the platform.
Sosodikon is close to Desa Dairy Farm, making the two easy to combine in the same morning. The official Sosodikon Hill site currently lists daily registration from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM with no advance booking required. Early morning gives you the best chance of a clearer mountain view and cooler walking conditions.
Final thought
A good Kundasang trip does not need a packed checklist. The area is best enjoyed with room for mountain weather, slow roads and unplanned viewpoints. For a 3-day, 2-night stay, choose two or three activities that suit your group and leave the first day open for the classic sights.
ATV riding gives you movement and excitement, Poring shows the warmer lowland forest, Kinabalu Park offers a proper jungle walk, and Sosodikon provides the easiest panoramic reward. Together, they show why Kundasang is more than a place to stop for a photograph of Mount Kinabalu.
