Kinabalu Park With Rumah Terbalik & Desa Cow Farm

Experience the Natural and Quirky Sides of Sabah in One Day

If you’re heading to Kota Kinabalu and want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and fun quirks, this tour offers a convenient way to see some of Sabah’s highlights. For just over $130 per person, you’ll spend a day visiting the UNESCO-listed Kinabalu Park, famous for its stunning mountain views and botanical diversity, plus the whimsical Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House), and the lively Desa Cow Farm. With hotel pickup and transportation included, it’s a low-stress way to pack in a lot without renting a car or planning multiple trips.

What we love about this tour is its variety—from the cool mountain air and lush gardens to the playful farm experience—and the guided commentary, which helps you understand what makes each stop special. The included lunch is a definite plus, saving you time and money, and the fact that all transportation is handled means you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

A small caveat? The guide’s limited English might leave you wishing for more storytelling, and some might find the vehicle a bit worn, but these are minor issues compared to the overall value. This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic local sights, enjoy nature, and want a hassle-free day with plenty of photo opportunities and fun stops.

Key Points

• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off in Kota Kinabalu
• Diverse attractions: cultural quirky Rumah Terbalik, lush Kinabalu Park, and lively Desa Cow Farm
• All-inclusive experience with meals, entrance fees, and transportation covered
• Guided commentary enhances understanding of each site
• Family-friendly with activities suitable for children and adults alike
• Good value for a full-day adventure packed with natural beauty and fun surprises

Exploring the Day’s Itinerary

Rumah Terbalik – The Fun Start

The tour kicks off with a quick hotel pickup, then a scenic 30-minute drive through the countryside to reach Rumah Terbalik. Here, you’ll encounter a house built entirely upside down—a playful photo opportunity and curiosity for all ages. While the admission fee is free, you have the option to visit inside and marvel at how the house has been constructed to make your head spin. Visitors often enjoy the novelty, but be aware that this is more of a fun stop than a deep cultural experience.

Nabalu Market and the Mountain Drive

Next, the journey takes you along mountain roads winding across the Crocker Range, passing traditional villages and vibrant paddy fields. Your 45-minute stop at Nabalu Handicraft Market offers a glimpse into local crafts and a chance to stretch your legs. It’s a lively spot to browse souvenirs, and locals often sell handmade textiles, jewelry, and snacks. The market’s setting with views of Mount Kinabalu in the distance makes for memorable photos.

Kinabalu Park – The Heart of the Tour

Arriving at Kinabalu National Park, the highlight for many travelers, you’ll breathe in the cool, fresh mountain air. The nature walk through the Botanical Gardens offers a gentle way to see the rich flora, with Mount Kinabalu looming large as a backdrop. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its biodiversity, from orchids to pitcher plants, and offers excellent photo ops. The lunch included at the park gives you time to relax amid the natural surroundings, fueling you for the next stop.

Desa Dairy Farm – A Farmyard Interlude

Post-lunch, the tour heads to Desa Cow Farm, a sprawling 199-hectare dairy operation. Here, you can sample fresh dairy products, such as cheese and milk, and even bottle feed calves. It’s a lively farm environment that appeals especially to families or anyone curious about agricultural practices. The two-hour visit allows plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the rural setting.

Transportation and Group Size

All transportation is by seat-in-coach, meaning you’ll be riding with other travelers in a comfortable van. The tour supports a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd but still get a sense of shared adventure. The pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu simplify logistics, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

Guide Experience

While the guide, Kenny (as some reviews mention), provides helpful commentary, some travelers have noted that his English was somewhat limited, which could mean less storytelling or detailed history. Despite this, most found the guide friendly and eager to assist, making the day smooth and enjoyable.

Value for Money

At $129.55, this tour offers good value. It covers transportation, entrance fees, guided commentary, and lunch—all key components that would cost significantly if booked separately. For those who prefer a stress-free, guided day with diverse highlights, it’s a solid choice.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

What travelers particularly appreciate is the variety packed into a single day. From the playful Rumah Terbalik to the greenery of Kinabalu Park and the farm life at Desa Dairy, you get a well-rounded snapshot of Sabah’s natural and cultural tapestry.

We also liked how the tour avoids the hassle of renting a car and navigating mountain roads on your own, especially since the winding roads can be challenging for some. The all-in-one package means you can simply sit back and enjoy the views, knowing your guide has the logistics covered.

A small consideration is the timing—the tour starts early at 7:30 am, so it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. Also, if you’re keen on learning detailed history or cultural stories, you might find the guide’s limited English somewhat disappointing, but for most, the visual and natural experience outweighs this.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples looking for a easy-to-book, diverse day-trip from Kota Kinabalu. It’s perfect if you want a balance of nature, fun stops, and local culture, with minimal planning required. If you’re interested in seeing Kenabalu Park’s stunning landscapes, and enjoy quirky attractions like the upside-down house, this tour hits those marks well.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a comprehensive and easily accessible way to see some of Sabah’s best sights without the hassle of organizing transportation or multiple entry tickets. The combination of nature, quirky attractions, and agricultural experiences makes it a satisfying choice for a wide range of travelers.

The price reflects good value, especially considering everything’s included, from meals to entrance fees. While the guide’s limited English might be a downside for some, most travelers will still appreciate the smooth logistics and the variety of sights visible in just one day.

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure that covers natural beauty and a touch of whimsy, this tour is well worth considering. Just set your expectations about the guide’s storytelling, and you’ll come away with a memorable taste of Sabah.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu, making it very convenient.

How long is the drive to each stop? The drive to Rumah Terbalik takes about 30 minutes, then about an hour and a half to Kinabalu Park, with a 45-minute stop at Nabalu Market, and two hours to Desa Dairy Farm.

Is lunch included? Yes, a meal is included at Kinabalu Park, giving you a chance to relax and recharge before heading to the farm.

Are entrance fees included? Entrance to Kinabalu Park and Desa Dairy Farm is covered, but the Rumah Terbalik does not have an entrance fee, though you can choose to visit inside.

What is the group size? The tour supports up to 40 travelers, ensuring a manageable group size.

How suitable is this for children? The tour is family-friendly, and kids can enjoy the farm activities and quirky Rumah Terbalik.

How experienced is the guide? Guides are friendly but may have limited English, so don’t expect detailed historical commentary.

Can I customize the tour? This is a set tour, so customization isn’t offered, but the itinerary covers a good variety of sights.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes for walking, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended for this outdoor-focused day.

Whether you’re after the fun of Rumah Terbalik, the natural wonders of Kinabalu Park, or just want a hassle-free way to explore Sabah’s countryside, this tour balances all those elements beautifully.