Experience the lush landscapes of Sabah with the Kinabalu Park, Desa Dairy Farm & Poring Hot Springs Tour. For around $125, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring some of the most scenic spots near Kota Kinabalu, including a visit to the stunning Kinabalu National Park, a charming dairy farm with views of Mount Kinabalu, and relaxing in therapeutic hot springs. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a hassle-free way to see the highlights without the stress of planning.

What we love about this experience are the breathtaking mountain vistas at Desa Dairy Farm and the unique treetop walkway at Poring, offering a real sense of adventure and tranquility. The inclusion of a local fruit market adds a cultural touch, giving you a taste of Sabah’s agricultural bounty. A possible consideration is that it’s a long day, with about three hours of driving each way, so travelers with limited energy or mobility might want to plan accordingly.

This tour suits those who appreciate a mix of scenic nature, gentle activity, and cultural insights—all wrapped in a convenient package. If you’re curious about Sabah’s natural beauty but prefer to avoid complicated logistics, this guided outing offers good value and memorable experiences.

Key Points

Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies travel.
Stunning views of Mount Kinabalu from Desa Dairy Farm and Kinabalu Park.
Balanced activities including scenic drives, gentle hikes, and relaxing hot springs.
Cultural and local flavor with a stop at Nabalu Market.
Flexibility to relax in the springs or hike the canopy walkway.
Good value for a full-day guided experience with all entrance fees included.

A Practical Look at the Tour Experience

This full-day tour from Kota Kinabalu offers a smattering of Sabah’s natural and rural charm, all wrapped into one manageable trip. Starting at 7:15 am, the journey begins with hotel pickup—definitely a plus because it saves you the hassle of finding meeting points. The transportation is air-conditioned, making those three-hour drives through lush countryside more comfortable.

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Visiting Nabalu Market: First Stop

Your day kicks off with a visit to Nabalu Market, a lively spot where local farmers and vendors sell fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs. The market’s vibrant stalls give you a window into Sabah’s agricultural life, and it’s a great chance to pick up some fresh fruit or unique souvenirs. It’s a quick stop—about 20 minutes—so you won’t be here long, but it’s enough to get a feel for local life and snap some photos.

Desa Dairy Farm: A Slice of New Zealand in Sabah

Next, the tour takes you to Desa Dairy Farm, also known locally as “The Little New Zealand.” Here, cows graze in lush, green pastures with Mount Kinabalu looming in the background—a view that’s as postcard-perfect as it sounds. We loved the way the farm’s setting combines pastoral charm with mountain majesty, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for photo ops or just soaking in the scenery. The farm also offers a chance to learn about local dairy production, which adds a nice educational touch.

Poring Hot Springs and Treetop Walkway

After the scenic drive, arrive at Poring Hot Springs, renowned for its therapeutic sulphuric waters. You can simply relax in the open-air, Japanese-style baths—an experience that many find soothing after a morning of sightseeing. The hot springs are believed to have healing properties, making it a perfect place to unwind.

For those craving a bit of adventure, the highlight is the Treetop Canopy Walkway—a 20-minute hike that takes you 30 metres above the ground, spanning 100 metres across the forest. The walk offers a thrilling perspective of Sabah’s canopy, with the chance to spot birdlife and enjoy fresh forest air. Some travelers, like Graham, mention that “enjoyed the treetop walk and hot springs,” reflecting how well these elements resonate with visitors seeking a mix of relaxation and excitement.

Kinabalu Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The final stop is Kinabalu Park, a sprawling UNESCO site covering 754 square kilometers. Here, you’ll enjoy about 45 minutes to appreciate the park’s landscape and see Mount Kinabalu from afar. The park’s significance is rooted in its biodiversity and conservation efforts, but for you as a traveler, the main draw is the stunning mountain vistas and the chance to breathe in a place of natural grandeur.

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Transportation, Duration, and Group Size

You’ll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, with the group capped at 15 travelers. This keeps the experience intimate enough to ask questions and get some personalized attention. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off is a real boon, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local transportation.

The entire trip lasts around 8 hours, so be prepared for a full day. The timing is well-paced, allowing you to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Keep in mind, though, that during peak or festive seasons, there’s a surcharge of 30%, and for pickups outside the city center, an additional USD 10 per person applies.

The Value of This Tour

At $125.51 per person, this guided tour offers good value considering the transportation, entrance fees, and lunch included. It’s an easy way to tick off several must-see sights in Sabah without the hassle of organizing multiple transfers or dealing with language barriers. The experience balances scenic beauty, gentle activity, and cultural insights, making it suitable for most travelers—especially those who prefer a structured day with a guide.

The one downside might be the long day and drive time, which could be tiring for some. But for many, the comfort of a guided trip and the opportunity to see diverse highlights make it worthwhile. Plus, the reviews indicate that the treetop walk and hot springs genuinely impressed visitors, confirming that these features are worth the journey.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for active travelers who want a relaxed, guided overview of Sabah’s scenic spots without the stress of planning. It’s perfect for nature lovers, families, or anyone eager to experience Mount Kinabalu’s surroundings, soothing hot springs, and local markets all in a single day. If you’re short on time but want authentic experiences, this trip packs a punch—offering quality views and cultural stops at a reasonable price.

Final Thoughts

The Kinabalu Park, Desa Dairy Farm & Poring Hot Springs Tour delivers a thoughtfully curated experience that combines natural beauty, gentle adventure, and cultural flavor. Its convenience and inclusiveness make it a great choice for those new to Sabah or travelers who prefer guided tours. The highlights, especially the panoramic views and relaxing hot springs, are memorable enough to justify the full-day commitment.

If your goal is to see Sabah’s lush landscapes, enjoy some local flavor, and unwind in hot springs, this tour hits the mark. Just be prepared for a full day of travel and activity, and you’ll come away with a genuine appreciation for this part of Malaysian Borneo.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off, a guided service in English, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to the parks, and lunch.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, starting at 7:15 am and ending back at your meeting point.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, a 30% surcharge applies during peak or festive seasons, and pickups from hotels outside a 1 km radius from Kota Kinabalu city incur an extra USD 10 per person.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues or who prefer shorter outings should consider the long drive and walking involved, especially on the treetop walkway.

What should I bring?
Pack proper hiking shoes, a hat or cap, a warm jacket or raincoat, personal toiletries, and sunglasses. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour offers some flexibility—such as relaxing in the hot springs or hiking the canopy walk—but the stops and timing are set for a balanced experience.

Is there free time at the hot springs?
Yes, you can take a dip in the sulphuric baths for about 30 minutes, enjoying the therapeutic waters.

What is the highlight of the trip?
Many find the treetop canopy walk and scenic views of Mount Kinabalu to be the most memorable parts.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a local lunch is included as part of the tour.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancellations within that window are non-refundable.

This guided day trip offers a balanced blend of scenic vistas, relaxing hot springs, and cultural insights—making it a solid choice for travelers wanting a taste of Sabah’s natural splendor without the hassle.