Kundasang - The Tourist attraction of East Malaysia

In the Valley of Kundasang 

It so happened via a Friend (Biji), who bought me the 'Kota Kinabalu' trip voucher via Matta Fair, that's set every twice a year in Kuala Lumpur.

So, Let me first tell you a bit about 'Kota Kinabalu' - KK is a small town based out of Sabah in East Malaysia of South East Asia. Kundasang is based, around 2.5 hrs drive from Kota Kinabalu. Kundasang is the main spot from where trekking starts for Mount Kinabalu. There are few Islands around KK like Sapi Island, Manukan Island, Gaya Island and more.

We both visited Sabah during the Wesak festival. Landed Kota Kinabalu in late afternoon, had our home made lunch at the airport itself. At Immigration, arrival stamp was stamped (For people who have West Malaysia Visa can also visit Kota Kinabalu without any Visa fees and prior application). As we passed by Arrival gate, I pinged and called the person who was about to come to receive us, there he came from back, was our Guide 'Tino'. He took us few lanes across and made us sit in a mini bus, where waited a driver. (We thought more people will be joining us, but to our surprise the whole of the Mini bus was just ours for the next 4 days). And we left for Kundasang. Initial 1 hour drive was in the city itself, then the hilly area started at 4:30pm, from there it was 57 km to our resort.

The hilly view was just mesmerizing, the leaves of the trees and the grass was so vibrant green, that it gave pleasure to our eyes. On our journey of that approx 2 hour, it was like the weather was playing with us. All of a sudden heavy rain, then stop suddenly, then again sprinkles, over sunlight. The best was the white dark clouds rolling between this mountain ranges, We crossed in between the clouds and went passing by the shading valleys below. In between, saw big walls to protect the land slide. Finally our guide said here is your resort.

Kinabalu Pine Resort. The entrance road was so steep hilly. and especially in our mini bus we felt it more steep. We stopped at the reception to take the room keys. Initially they have wrong room key, then the guide 'Tino' went and got another room key, which we didn't like as in, it was at the corner. There was bit issue initially for the room, between the lady guide and the hotel reception person over call. But finally I spoke at reception, got another room,so we freshen up and went for a walk outside , saw few vegetable grocers, so went to meet them at their shop, we really liked the way they packed the veggies and the fruits, infact bought few stuffs also from them.

As it was already dark at 6:30 pm, and hardly few street lights, couldn't see any single person walking on the streets, instead few cars passing by in full speed, so we decided not to go further and  return back to our resort. Enjoying the dark evening, we walked towards the room, kept the stuffs and then went out to explore the resort in the cloudy weather. Though it was dark, but can see the white clouds covering Mount Kinabalu. As the resort was located on the hills, so we have to climb up a bit for all of its block. There was a small fish pond at the lowest hill, then further up 3-4 blocks of wooden rooms and a big bench to sit and enjoy the view of mountain. Further up along with few more wooden room blocks , there was a small rabbit farm and garden. Further up was a big conference Hall, 2 blocks of wooden rooms, and the last lap seems like they will build further more and at the corner was guide and driver block building.

While we were at the last lap, all of a sudden we can see the white clouds passing by us with a cool breeze. We just loved it, the experience of being in between the clouds and it's feeling was marvelous. In between it drizzled as well. We both fully enjoyed the weather.

As it was dinner closing time, so went downstairs, and ordered for spread across dinner and then again walked, chillaxed in our wooden balcony and slept in an hour.

Next day early morning I woke up with a puzzle, as it was so bright, when saw my watch it was just 6:30 am, I removed the curtain to see outside, and it was sunny and bright, opened the door, sat in the balcony, wowww what a mesmerizing view it was, cold breeze, warmth of the sun, clouds passing by, chirping of birds, and in front the stand still high Mount Kinabalu and the clouds passing by it.

We got freshened up quickly, arranged our luggage, and went for breakfast and walked around at 7:30 am.

At 9:30 am, Tino came to pick us up and we got up the bus with our luggage.

Crossed the hilly roads and went up to 'DESA Dairy Farm'. Farm was widely spread across with beautiful greenery around.
It had the most beautiful view of green hills and clouds passing by it. Saw Black and white dot cows and how the milk packaging is done. They have a local shop selling fresh packed milks, yogurt gelato, cheese and many other milk products. We spent an hour two there.

Next they took us for Fish Spa. When I went there it was totally different than what I assumed. It was a Pond having many fishes, So, basically we have to feed them in a way that they come and suck from our hands which leads to so called Spa. :D Totally different.

Then went to 'Kinabalu National Park'. It is Malaysia's first UNESCO Heritage site.

It had a botanic garden boasting wide range of Flora; restaurant ;Water pool with rides ; swimming pool and changing rooms. We crossed it, and trek up and went for the 'Canopy walk'. This one was a lil adventurous,  as the pathway was above the forest area, bit narrow and shaky. There were 4 walks to cross by and then walk down the trail.

It was sunny by now , we were tired and sweating. So, next we chose to visit the Waterfall. We trekked just 400m in between the forest area to reach to a small Waterfall.

Luckily no one was there, Yippeeee... and the full waterfall was for us to enjoy in. I got in to realize the water was cold, and the mountainous rocks below. But then both of us enjoyed a lot in it. Got fully refreshed. Sat there on the rocks drying our self and as we were leaving back, by then many people came by it.

Finally, came to its main mineral rich hot spring bubbling from deep within the earth. As per our guide mentioned, this Therapeutic Sulphur hot spring water is about 60 degree Celsius, which is actually transferred to a small pool to cool down to 30 degree and then flows to the tubs.

We dipped in this soothing sulphur bath in the Japanese style open air tubs for an hour.

Had our Lunch in the bus. It started raining on our way back, Stopped by and went to the local Handicraft market.

As it was Ramadan time and evening 6pm, so most of the shops were already closed. I bought my usual freeze magnet and a Hand made musical instrument. It was unpleasant to leave this place, as we really wanted to stay for longer, but as per plan, had to leave and crossing by the beautiful hills, clouds hugging Mount Kinabalu, we left from Kundasang for Kota Kinabalu.

One can directly go on there own by:
Local transport,
Hire own car and drive,
Tour agencies

In Kundasang, mainly you get the local malay food, you can order individually or pick whatever you want from buffet (have both non veg as well as veggies with rice, soup and mee hoon.