Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs Tour with Desa Dairy Farm

Travelers looking to experience Sabah’s natural wonders will find this full-day tour from Kota Kinabalu offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and local flavor. We’ve gathered detailed insights from travelers who’ve taken this trip, so you can get a clear picture of what to expect — and whether it fits your style.

What makes this tour appealing are the personalized group size of just 15 people, the opportunity to see Mount Kinabalu up close, and the chance to soak in mineral-rich hot springs. Plus, the inclusion of a local restaurant lunch adds some tasty local flavor to the day.

One point to consider is that the itinerary can feel quite packed, especially if you’re hoping for a slow pace or more time at each stop. However, the early start and efficient transport mean you maximize your time in Sabah’s lush landscapes.

This experience is ideal for travelers eager to explore Sabah’s natural highlights in a day, those interested in nature, wildlife, and scenic views, and anyone who appreciates guided tours with a personal touch. If you’re after a well-rounded taste of the region without extensive hiking, this tour might just be your perfect match.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures more personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere
• Includes a variety of stops from markets to natural hot springs and UNESCO-listed parks
• Early start offers more time to explore and enjoy each site
• Guided experience with friendly, knowledgeable guides enhances the overall trip
• Value for money considering entrance fees, transportation, and lunch included
• Limited walking makes it suitable for most fitness levels

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is designed to give you a glimpse of Sabah’s natural beauty, cultural flavor, and geological wonders. From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel, the journey begins with scenic drives through the countryside, setting the tone for the day ahead.

The Nabalu Fruit Market: A Colorful Start

Our first stop, the Nabalu Market, is a quick 20-minute visit where vibrant stalls display fresh tropical produce, local snacks, and handicrafts. Here, you can snap photos of Mount Kinabalu looming in the background — a perfect photo opportunity that also supports local vendors. Reviewers appreciated this stop for its authenticity and lively atmosphere, with one mentioning it’s a “great way to see local life.”

Desa Dairy Farm: A Slice of New Zealand in Sabah

Next, the Desa Dairy Farm is an absolute highlight. Over 45 minutes, you can wander through lush pastures dotted with cows, with Mount Kinabalu’s peaks in the distance. This farm is renowned for its local Desa milk brand and is often called “The Little New Zealand of Sabah” — a spot that surprises many travelers expecting only jungle scenery.

Guests loved the breathtaking views here, and some mentioned that seeing the mountain framed by green pastures makes for a truly picturesque moment. The free admission is a bonus, and it’s a relaxing break from the busier stops. One reviewer noted, “Our guide was very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions,” which added a friendly, educational touch to the visit.

Lunch: Tasting Local Flavors

After the farm visit, you’ll head to a local restaurant for lunch, which is included in the tour price. This is a good chance to sample authentic Malaysian dishes, adding a delicious local flavor to your day. Reviewers generally praised the lunch, calling it “a nice break and a chance to try regional cuisine.”

Poring Hot Springs: Relaxation and Adventure

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to relaxation and light adventure. The drive to Poring Hot Springs takes approximately 45 minutes, with scenic views passing through Kundasang’s vegetable-growing town.

At Poring, you’ll find Japanese-style open-air hot springs filled with mineral-rich sulphuric water. Many visitors find the soak helps ease travel fatigue and offers a genuine therapeutic experience. One review noted, “You might find the hot springs to be a calming end to a busy day,” which captures the appeal.

Adjacent to the springs, there’s also the Poring Treetop Canopy Walkway — a 20-minute hike to reach the walkway, which hangs 200 feet above ground. The views from up high are often described as “fabulous,” and the 20-minute walk is manageable for most. The canopy walk is a definite highlight, with one traveler describing it as “the real highlight,” thanks to the scenery and views.

Kinabalu Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The final stop is Kinabalu Park, which covers a vast 754 square kilometers and is recognized by UNESCO for its ecological significance. It’s a peaceful place to take in views of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia.

Guests appreciate that the park is free to enter, and the short 45-minute visit provides a good opportunity to see the mountain and get a sense of Sabah’s natural diversity. One reviewer appreciated the guided commentary on local flora and fauna, which added depth to the visit.

Transportation, Group Size, and Schedule

This tour offers convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes the whole experience smooth and hassle-free. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the roughly 8-hour day. With a small group limit of 15 travelers, there’s enough room for questions and personalized attention, which many found valuable.

Starting early at around 7:15 am, the tour makes the most of daylight hours, especially important for the outdoor activities and scenic views. The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Nabalu Market takes about 1.5 hours, leaving ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Cost and Value

At approximately $125.51 per person, this tour provides a good balance of costs relative to what’s included — entrance fees, guided service, lunch, and transport. The included activities and the personalized group size mean you’re paying for a curated experience, rather than just transportation.

Reviewers highlighted the value of the experience, especially considering the variety of stops and the knowledgeable guides. One noted, “Great day with a real variety of activities,” emphasizing the diversity packed into this single day.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Recent reviews provide useful insights. For example, one user called the guide “very knowledgeable,” appreciating the explanations on the mountain, park, and local culture. Others highlighted the stunning scenery during the drive and at each stop, with comments like “fabulous views” and “beautiful landscapes.”

The canopy walk was singled out repeatedly as a standout activity, giving a sense of adventure and unique perspectives of the treetops. The hot springs were described as relaxing, with some mentioning that they are “a calming end to a busy day.”

A small note of caution from some travelers is that the itinerary is busy, and you might feel rushed if you prefer slow travel. But overall, the feedback suggests it’s a well-organized, worthwhile day out.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for those wanting a comprehensive day of Sabah’s highlights without the hassle of planning individual stops. It’s perfect for nature lovers, families, and first-time visitors wanting an overview of Kinabalu’s natural beauty, local culture, and hot springs.

If you enjoy guided experiences with educational commentary and don’t mind a bit of walking and sightseeing, this trip fits well. It’s also a good choice if you prefer small group tours for a more personal touch.

Travelers looking for a relaxing day with scenic views, cultural exposure, and light adventure will find this experience valuable. However, those seeking extensive hiking or long stays at each destination might find it a little too fast-paced.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Sabah’s natural and cultural treasures, combining scenic drives, informative guides, and relaxing hot springs. It manages to pack quite a bit into a single day, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting to maximize their time.

The small group setting ensures a more intimate experience, and the inclusion of lunch and entrance fees makes it straightforward and convenient. The stunning vistas from the treetop canopy and the peacefulness of Kinabalu Park are particular highlights, making this a memorable outing.

While it’s not a leisurely, all-day hike, it strikes a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation. If you’re after a value-packed, scenic, and educational day trip, this tour is a trustworthy choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off at hotels or cruise terminals in Kota Kinabalu, making the day hassle-free.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking are recommended, plus a hat, raincoat, and warm jacket for the cooler or rainy parts of the day.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for sites like Poring Hot Springs, the canopy walk, and Kinabalu Park are included in the price.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 20 minutes at Nabalu Market to 45 minutes at Desa Dairy Farm and Kinabalu Park, with around 30 minutes at Poring Springs.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it follows a fixed itinerary, customization isn’t typically available. However, the small group size allows some flexibility in the pace.

What is the group size?
Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the gentle walks and hot springs are family-friendly, but check with the provider if you have very young children.

To sum it up, this tour offers an inviting blend of natural beauty, culture, and relaxing activities, all within a manageable day. It’s ideal for travelers who want a curated, comfortable experience with plenty of opportunities for memorable sights and moments.