In short
- Guided tours cover transport to all three sites (from RM 150).
- Rental cars cost RM 100 to RM 150 per day.
- Public buses cost RM 25 but limit your mobility between sites.
In this article
Choosing how to get to Kinabalu Park from Kota Kinabalu depends on your plans for the day. If you want to visit Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs, and Desa Dairy Farm together, transportation is crucial. Poring is 40 kilometers east of the park headquarters. Relying on public transport makes it hard to see all three places in one day.
Are guided day tours the best option?
Guided day tours are the most convenient way to see all three attractions in 11 to 12 hours.
Tours include hotel pickup, transport, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees. Prices generally start from RM 150 and can exceed RM 350 per person depending on the platform. The provider handles the driving on the winding mountain roads. This option guarantees you reach Kinabalu Park, Poring, and Desa Dairy Farm without navigating local traffic or booking entry tickets yourself.
Can I rent a car and drive to Kundasang?
Yes, renting a car provides the most flexibility for RM 100 to RM 150 per day.
You will drive along the AH150 highway from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang and Ranau. The drive to Kinabalu Park Headquarters takes about 2 hours. This lets you set your own pace at the botanical gardens or the hot springs. Be aware that the mountain roads are steep and winding. Pack motion sickness pills if you are prone to car sickness.
How do public minibuses work?
Minibuses depart from Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu and cost RM 25 per person.
The bus ride takes 2 to 2.5 hours. You can ask the driver to drop you off directly at Kinabalu Park HQ. This is the cheapest option. However, without a private vehicle, it is very difficult to travel onward to Poring Hot Springs and Desa Dairy Farm. Choose the bus only if you plan to stay at the park.
How do the transport options compare?
Tours offer convenience, cars offer flexibility, and buses offer budget savings.
Review the main differences below to decide which transport method fits your itinerary and budget.
What should drivers know about Desa Dairy Farm?
Drivers must pre-book Desa Dairy Farm tickets online before arriving.
Walk-in payments are strictly not accepted at the farm. If you drive a rental car, secure your online tickets via the official portal in advance. Tickets cost RM 20 for international adults and RM 10 for international children. The farm sits at an elevation of 1,500 meters, requiring a steady drive up the mountain.
What is the road to Kinabalu Park like?
The 90-kilometer AH150 highway is fully paved but features steep inclines and sharp turns.
The route climbs steadily into the highlands, where temperatures drop to 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. Traffic can be heavy on weekends or public holidays. If you are driving, ensure your rental car is in good condition. If you book a tour, modern air-conditioned vans or buses handle the steep grades safely.
Questions travellers ask
How far is Kinabalu Park from Kota Kinabalu?
Kinabalu Park Headquarters is about 90 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu. The drive takes approximately 2 hours.
Can I get to Poring Hot Springs by public bus?
It is difficult. Poring is located 40 kilometers east of Kinabalu Park. Public buses do not easily connect these two specific locations.
Do tours pick you up from your hotel?
Yes, most guided day tours include pickup and drop-off from hotels in the Kota Kinabalu city center. Outskirt hotels usually incur an extra fee.
