Sabah: Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs & Desa Farm Tour

Sabah: Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs & Desa Farm Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day that combines lush rainforest scenery, relaxing hot springs, and charming local farms, this tour offers a balanced taste of Sabah’s natural and rural charm. For $74 per person, you’ll spend about nine hours visiting Poring Hot Springs, walking along a canopy trail, exploring Kinabalu Park, and stopping at Desa Dairy Farm.

What we love about this experience is how it offers a variety of sights and activities—from the adrenaline rush of the canopy walk to the tranquil soak in thermal waters and the chance to taste fresh farm dairy products. Plus, the tour’s scenic stops provide great photo opportunities, especially of Mount Kinabalu.

One thing to keep in mind is that weather can play a big role. As one reviewer pointed out, continuous rain made it challenging to fully enjoy the canopy walk and other outdoor activities. This highlights the importance of packing rain gear or being flexible with plans.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation without overextending their day, and who enjoy seeing the countryside and learning about local farms. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with some early mornings and prefer a guided experience that handles transportation and logistics for you.

Key Points

• Diverse experiences: Combines rainforest walks, hot springs, and farm visits.
• Affordable value: For $74, you get a full day of picturesque sights and activities.
• Weather considerations: Outdoor activities depend heavily on weather conditions.
• Authentic charm: Visit a dairy farm often called “Little New Zealand” for a taste of rural Sabah.
• Scenic highlights: Expect breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu and lush rainforest canopies.
• Group setting: Shared tour with other travelers, so expect some social fun but also less privacy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Sabah: Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs & Desa Farm Tour

The Basics: What’s Included and How It Works

This tour, offered by TYH BORNEO TOURS & TRAVEL SDN BHD, is a well-organized full-day outing designed to show you some of Sabah’s most iconic spots. Starting early around 7:00 AM, your day kicks off with a hotel pickup within Kota Kinabalu. The tour fee covers transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and a guided experience, ensuring you don’t have to worry about logistics.

If you’re staying outside the city, there’s an extra RM 40 fee, payable directly to the driver. This is a good reminder that your pickup might be a little more flexible if you’re in a resort area or farther out from the city center.

Poring Hot Springs and the Canopy Walk

Arriving at Poring after a roughly three-hour drive, your day begins with the highlight activity: a canopy walk that offers spectacular views of the rainforest from above. The canopy walk is a suspended bridge pathway that lets you stroll high among the trees—think of it as a natural roller coaster with a view.

One review from Stefano describes it as “well-organized”, though weather conditions can spoil the experience—he mentions that continuous rain hampered enjoyment. The rainforest canopy walk is particularly attractive for nature lovers and those seeking a bit of adventure, but keep in mind that wet weather can make the walk slippery and less comfortable.

Post-walk, you’re free to relax in the hot springs. The tour notes that access to the bath tubs at Poring isn’t included, so if you want a soak, be prepared for an extra charge. The thermal waters are renowned for their soothing properties and are a perfect follow-up after the canopy trek, especially on cooler or rainy days when you need some warmth.

Lunch Time and Rural Charm at Desa Dairy Farm

After the hot springs, a local restaurant serves lunch, giving you a chance to taste some regional cuisine. Then, you’ll head over to Desa Dairy Farm, often called “Little New Zealand,” which is a delightful contrast to the rainforest. Here, you can indulge in fresh dairy products—ice cream, yogurt, and milk—that are farm-fresh, creamy, and delicious.

One reviewer, Sacha, appreciated the farm experience: “The tour was really fun! Sapi was a beautiful island and we saw lots of fish.” While this part of the tour isn’t about marine life, the farm visit offers a fun farm-to-table vibe. Expect quiet rural scenery, friendly farm animals, and the chance to purchase tasty dairy treats directly from the source.

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Scenic Stop at Kinabalu Park

The day culminates with a photo stop at Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Mount Kinabalu. While not everyone may have time for a full trek, the park’s views and natural beauty are worth capturing. This is a good chance to breathe in the mountain air and appreciate Sabah’s rugged landscape.

Returning to Kota Kinabalu

By late afternoon, around 4:00 PM, the group begins the drive back, arriving around 6:00 PM. The journey back is an opportunity to unwind, reflect on the day, and share photos with your fellow travelers.

Real Traveler Perspectives

From reviews, we see a range of experiences—fans praise the stunning views and well-organized schedule, though some caution about weather issues. Stefano appreciated the day’s structure but noted that rain made it harder to enjoy the canopy walk. Meanwhile, another traveler expressed frustration over additional charges and language barriers, highlighting that group dynamics and communication can sometimes be a challenge, especially with non-English speakers.

Despite some hiccups, many found the trip overall enjoyable, especially those who valued the chance to see Sabah’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring rain gear and wear sturdy shoes, as the rainforest walk can be slippery.
• Carry a camera, especially for the scenic views of Mount Kinabalu and the rainforest canopy.
• Prepare for extra costs if you want to soak at Poring Hot Springs or buy dairy products at Desa Farm.
• Be aware that weather can influence activities, so flexibility is key.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for a balanced mix of adventure, nature, and local culture. It’s perfect if you want to see iconic Sabah sights without dedicating multiple days or going on a more strenuous trek. The tour’s group format makes it ideal for solo travelers or couples who enjoy shared experiences, but less suitable for those looking for privacy or with mobility issues.

If you’re drawn to scenic views, want to hear stories from guides, and enjoy sampling local farm produce, this tour will give you a solid, authentic taste of Sabah’s countryside. Keep in mind that weather can influence your enjoyment, so prepare accordingly.

FAQs: Your Tour Questions Answered

What time does the tour start?
It begins with hotel pickup at around 7:00 AM, giving you a full day of exploration.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a local restaurant provides lunch as part of the tour package.

Can I visit the hot springs bath tubs?
Bath tubs are available at Poring Hot Springs, but they are not included in the tour cost and require an extra fee.

What should I bring?
Pack an umbrella, camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent to stay comfortable and prepared.

Is the canopy walk safe?
Yes, but take caution if it’s rainy—surfaces can be slippery, and the walk is suspended among the trees.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users.

What if the weather is bad?
Activities reliant on outdoor conditions, like the canopy walk, may be affected or canceled. Flexibility is recommended.

How long is the drive?
It takes about three hours from Kota Kinabalu to Poring Hot Springs, so expect a fair bit of travel time.

What makes Desa Dairy Farm special?
It’s called “Little New Zealand” for its lush green pastures and fresh dairy products, making it a charming rural stop.

Can I customize or extend the tour?
The current package is fixed, but you might find other options for private or longer tours through local providers.

In the end, this Sabah tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the region’s natural beauty and rural charm. While weather can sometimes be a hurdle, the combination of rainforest, scenic vistas, and farm-fresh treats makes it especially appealing for those who enjoy authentic outdoor experiences. For travelers eager to see Sabah’s highlights without overcommitting, it provides a practical, engaging, and fulfilling day out—a good choice for curious adventurers and nature lovers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: