Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
A successful visit requires an early start. The mountain weather shifts quickly, and driving between the three main sites takes time.
Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs and Desa Dairy Farm day tours
Kinabalu Park Headquarters, 89300 Ranau, Sabah
GPS 6.0069, 116.5431
Open directionsGetting there
How to reach the parks from Kota Kinabalu.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Booking a shared or private 11-hour day tour from Kota Kinabalu which includes hotel pickup, transport, a local guide, and entrance fees. | 11-12 hours | RM 150 - RM 350 | The most convenient and popular option for visitors wanting to see all three sites in one day. |
| Car: Renting a car and driving along the AH150 highway from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang and Ranau. | 2 hours to Kinabalu Park | RM 100 - RM 150 per day | Provides flexibility to visit all three sites at your own pace; mountain roads are steep and winding. |
| Bus: Taking a minibus from Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu towards Ranau, alighting at Kinabalu Park HQ. | 2-2.5 hours | RM 25 | Cheap but makes it difficult to travel between the Park, Poring, and Desa Farm without a private vehicle. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Visit between March and September for the best chance of clear skies. Start your day early. Clouds usually cover Mount Kinabalu by mid-morning.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Sabah Parks enforce strict closing times.
Last entry is usually at 3:00 PM.
How the day runs
Suggested route for a self-guided trip.
The classic route hitting all three locations.
- Depart Kota Kinabalu
Drive 90 kilometers into the Crocker Range.
- Kinabalu Park
Join a botanical garden walk and view the mountain.
- Poring Hot Springs
Walk the canopy bridge and soak in sulphur pools.
- Desa Dairy Farm
Watch the milking process and buy fresh gelato.
- Return trip
Drive back to Kota Kinabalu.
Packing for the highlands
Temperatures drop to 15 degrees Celsius at Desa Dairy Farm. Bring a warm sweater or fleece, plus a light waterproof jacket. You also need swimwear and a towel for the hot springs.
Wear non-slip walking shoes for the rainforest trails. The roads are steep and winding, so pack motion sickness pills if you are prone to car sickness.
Easiest way to do it
Kinabalu Park Tour with Desa Dairy Farm & Poring Hot Springs
8 h 4.0 (3)
- Hotel or Cruise Terminal pickup & drop off (please select the correct pickup point during booking)
- Lunch
- English Speaking Guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
From$96per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What is the best way to travel to Kundasang?
A guided day tour is the most convenient option. It removes the stress of driving steep mountain roads. Read more in our guide on Travel to Kundasang.
How cold does it get?
Temperatures at high elevations like Desa Dairy Farm range from 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. Dress in layers.
Is the route suitable for young children?
Yes, children enjoy the animal feeding at Desa Dairy Farm. Be prepared for motion sickness on the drive.