Full Day Sabah Tea Plantation & WWII Memorial

Exploring Sabah’s Highlands: A Day at the Tea Plantation and WWII Memorial

If you’re looking for a blend of stunning scenery, cultural insights, and a touch of history, this full-day tour from Kota Kinabalu offers a compelling package. For around $170 per person, you’ll spend approximately ten hours discovering Sabah’s lush highland landscapes—including a pesticide-free tea plantation and the serene Kundasang War Memorial. With a private vehicle and guides dedicated to sharing local stories, this tour is a thoughtful way to experience Sabah beyond its famous mountaintops.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see Sabah Tea, the only organic tea farm in Borneo, and to walk through the beautifully curated war memorial, where the scent of roses mingles with a peaceful atmosphere. The inclusion of a set lunch and a guided tour of the tea factory adds genuine value, especially for travelers eager to learn about local agriculture and history.

A key consideration is the distance and timing—the tour involves some mountain driving and can feel a bit long, especially if you’re not accustomed to early mornings or full-day excursions. However, this is balanced by the intimate, private nature of the experience, making it an ideal choice for those craving an authentic, relaxed day in Sabah’s mountain scenery.

This tour suits travelers with a curiosity for history and natural beauty, those interested in organic farming practices, or anyone wanting a more laid-back way to see Sabah’s highlands. If you enjoy scenic drives, local stories, and meaningful cultural stops, you’ll find plenty to appreciate here.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit Sabah’s only organic tea farm, surrounded by 130 million-year-old rainforest.
• Historical Depth: The Kundasang War Memorial offers a peaceful setting for reflection on WWII history.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private air-conditioned vehicle, guided tours, and included lunch enhance the day.
• Limited Access on Sundays: The tea factory closes on Sundays and public holidays, but an alternative plantation briefing is provided.
• Best for Curious Travelers: Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and culture.
• Worth the Price: The tour covers significant ground and offers insights that add real value beyond just sightseeing.

A Detailed Look at the Full Day Sabah Tea Plantation & WWII Memorial Tour

When we first hear “full day,” it often sounds like a long, tiresome adventure. But this tour manages to balance scenic driving, meaningful stops, and some relaxing moments. Starting at 8:00 am, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, ready to explore the cooler mountain air and the lush landscapes of Kinabalu Park’s foothills.

The Journey Up to the Highlands

The drive itself is a feature worth noting. As you ascend to about 2,272 feet above sea level, you’ll notice the landscape shift—verdant rainforest, misty mountain views, and cooler breezes replacing the tropical lowlands. The air here is crisp and fresh, a perfect retreat from the coastal heat. The driver and guide, such as Jeffrey in reviews, add a personal touch that makes the ride more enjoyable, sharing insights and local stories along the way.

Stop 1: Kundasang War Memorial

The first stop is the Kundasang War Memorial, a quiet place for reflection. This memorial is dedicated to the Allied prisoners of war and local civilians who suffered during WWII, especially the POWs from Australia, England, and Borneo. The landscaped gardens—featuring separate sections like the Australian, English, Borneo, and Contemplation Gardens—are beautifully maintained, with roses adding a gentle fragrance to the air.

One reviewer, Margaret, described it as a “very moving and interesting roadtrip in the mountains,” emphasizing that the memorial’s peaceful setting allows for contemplation. You’ll spend roughly two hours here, wandering through the gardens and learning about the area’s wartime history from your guide.

Stop 2: Sabah Tea Garden

The highlight for many is the Sabah Tea Garden, the only organic tea farm in Borneo. It’s a true farm-to-cup experience, where the leaves are grown pesticide-free amidst the rainforest, ensuring a pure, environmentally friendly product. The plantation is located at a high elevation, offering wonderful views of Mount Kinabalu on a clear day.

Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the tea factory—a valuable opportunity to see the process of tea-making from leaf to brew. The tour timing varies, with options at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, or 2:30 pm, but it’s worth checking in advance, especially since the factory is closed on Sundays and public holidays. When open, the factory offers insight into organic farming and sustainable practices, adding depth to your appreciation of this local product.

The tour includes a Sabah Tea welcome drink, allowing you to taste fresh tea brewed on-site, and you can stroll through the plantation, soaking in the serenity and lush greenery. The set lunch provided is a generous local meal, giving you a taste of Sabah’s culinary flavors—something we found to be quite satisfying after the morning’s sightseeing.

Optional Activities and Considerations

While the tea factory’s closure on Sundays might be a disappointment, the tour still offers an alternative plantation briefing, so you won’t miss out on the educational aspect. The guided experience, coupled with the beautiful surroundings, makes it worthwhile even if you don’t see the factory in action.

The Return and Reflection

The day winds down after the tea tour, with the drive back to Kota Kinabalu. Most travelers find the journey rewarding—not just for the scenery, but also for the stories and insights shared by their guides. The experience is relaxed and paced, allowing you to absorb the natural and historical richness of Sabah’s highlands.

Authenticity and Value

While $170 might seem steep for a day trip, the tour’s inclusions—private transportation, a guide, a set lunch, and multiple stops—add up to a comprehensive experience. You’ll be covering significant ground, learning about local agriculture, and reflecting on historical memories, all in a single day.

Reviewers have praised the flexibility and attentiveness of guides like Jeffrey, and one even noted how the operator went “above and beyond” to accommodate a booking error. That level of personalized service can make a big difference in how memorable your day turns out to be.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers interested in slow-paced, meaningful explorations rather than just ticking off sights. It appeals to history buffs, tea lovers, and anyone seeking cool mountain air amid lush scenery. The private nature of the tour makes it ideal for couples, small groups, or families who want a more personalized experience. If you’re curious about organic farming or looking for a peaceful retreat in Sabah’s mountains, this is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day, making the long drive comfortable and convenient.

What is the tour duration?
The full experience lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Are there any restrictions regarding the tea factory?
Yes, the tea factory is closed on Sundays and public holidays, but an alternative plantation briefing is provided on those days.

What should I expect at the Kundasang War Memorial?
You’ll find a peaceful garden with different sections dedicated to various Allied nations and a contemplative atmosphere perfect for reflection.

Does the tour include meals?
Yes, a set lunch is included, featuring local Sabah dishes, providing a good taste of regional flavors.

Can the tour be canceled free of charge?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if plans change.

Who is this tour ideal for?
Perfect for those interested in history, natural beauty, organic farming, or simply seeking a relaxed, scenic day in Sabah’s highlands.

In sum, this full-day Sabah Tea Plantation & WWII Memorial tour offers a thoughtful blend of natural beauty, history, and local culture. Its private setting and guided insights ensure a comfortable and enriching experience, especially for those who appreciate a slower pace and meaningful stops. While not the cheapest option, it provides good value for travelers wanting a deeper connection to Sabah’s highland landscapes and stories. If you’re after a peaceful, informative day that combines scenic drives with cultural reflection, this tour will serve you well.