Kota Kinabalu: Private Kundasang and Poring Hot Spring Tour

If you’re thinking about visiting Sabah and want a taste of its stunning landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail, the Private Kundasang and Poring Hot Spring Tour offers a compelling option. This tour promises a full day of natural beauty, cultural insights, and relaxing moments—all wrapped into a private experience that can be tailored a bit to your interests.

From the lush trails of Kinabalu Park to the soothing waters of Poring Hot Springs, the highlights seem perfectly curated for travelers craving a mix of adventure and relaxation. What we love about this tour is the chance to explore Sabah’s first UNESCO Heritage Site, shop for local handicrafts, and unwind in thermal springs—all while being driven comfortably between locations.

One potential drawback is the amount of time spent on the road; reviews suggest that the drive can take up a significant part of the day, sometimes feeling a bit rushed or overly long for the stops made. Still, if you’re after a guided trip that combines scenic nature with local culture, this could be a good fit.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate natural scenery, want a flexible private experience, and are comfortable with some driving. It’s ideal for travelers who value local insights, like to shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a mix of gentle walks and thermal baths.

Key Points

• Comfortable Private Experience: Travel with a dedicated guide and vehicle, avoiding the crowds.
• Diverse Activities: Enjoy visits to a handicraft market, botanical garden, trails, and hot springs.
• Cultural & Natural Blend: Gain insights into Sabah’s heritage and marvel at its landscapes.
• Good Value for Money: All entry tickets, private guide, and transportation are included for $118.
• Long Drive, Scenic Views: Expect some lengthy drives, but with stunning scenery along the way.
• Variable Experience Quality: Guides and organization may vary, impacting your overall enjoyment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting at Your Hotel & First Stops

The day begins with hotel pickup, making it easy to start the adventure without fuss. The first stop is the Nabalu Handicraft Market, a lively spot where locals sell handcrafted goods, textiles, and souvenirs. This market offers a wonderful snapshot of Sabah’s vibrant culture and allows you to pick up unique, locally made items—perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

One reviewer pointed out that the market is bustling and filled with local crafts, making it a fun and authentic shopping experience. It’s an excellent way to support local artisans and get a feel for Sabah’s cultural richness before heading into nature.

The Drive to Kinabalu Park: A Scenic Journey

Following the market, the tour heads to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its biodiversity. The drive can be lengthy—around two hours—but the views make the journey worthwhile. Expect to pass through rolling hills, tropical forests, and, if lucky, glimpses of the mountain itself.

While some reviews mention that a significant amount of time is spent in the car, others appreciated the scenic landscapes and the opportunity to relax before the actual walking begins. Guides, like Alvin, are often praised for their local knowledge and friendly attitude, which helps make the lengthy drives more enjoyable.

Exploring Kinabalu Park’s Botanical Garden & Trails

Once at Kinabalu Park, the tour includes visits to the Botanical Garden where you can see a variety of plant species, many endemic to Sabah. The park is not just a botanical marvel but also a chance to spot some wildlife and appreciate the lush surroundings.

The Silau-Silau trails are a highlight for many travelers. They’re relatively gentle walks, allowing you to soak in the peaceful natural environment. However, the trails can be slippery, especially if it’s wet, so sturdy shoes are a must. One reviewer enjoyed walking along these trails and appreciated the chance to see the flora and fauna—though another noted that their guide got lost, highlighting that experience can vary.

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Relaxation at Poring Hot Springs

After exploring the mountain and park areas, the tour proceeds to the famous Poring Hot Springs. Here, you can unwind in natural thermal pools, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The bath tub costs RM 10 for the first three hours, and many find the experience calming after a day of walking and driving.

A reviewer commented that the hot springs are scenic and relaxing, making it a perfect way to soothe tired muscles. In addition, the area features hanging bridges and lush surroundings, making it a scenic spot for photos and tranquility.

Final Stop & Return

The day wraps up with a comfortable drive back to your hotel, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. The entire experience is designed to be convenient, with transportation included, so you can sit back and enjoy the views rather than worry about navigation.

What We’ve Learned from Real Travelers

According to reviews, the quality of guides and organization can significantly influence your experience. One traveler praised Alvin, the guide, for his local knowledge and good food tips, noting that the day was well-organized. Others, however, expressed disappointment, mentioning that the drive felt too long relative to the stops, and that some guides lacked sufficient info.

A more serious concern was raised when a guide suffered heatstroke, highlighting the importance of good planning and backup policies—something to consider if you’re sensitive to heat or plan to join during hotter months.

The Value of the Tour

At $118 per person, including all entry fees, transportation, and a private guide, the tour offers decent value, especially for those wanting a curated experience without the hassle of self-driving. However, if your priority is in-depth exploration or minimal travel time, this might feel a bit limited, particularly if you’re not a fan of long car rides.

Practicalities & Tips

The tour is run rain or shine, so packing rain gear, an umbrella, and sturdy shoes is essential. The trails can be slippery, and some stops are brief, so bringing personal medication, a jacket, and some snacks might be helpful to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a guided day out with a focus on scenery, local culture, and relaxation. It’s perfect if you’re okay with some driving, and you’re looking to tick off multiple sights in a single day. If you prefer a slow-paced, in-depth nature walk, or dislike long car rides, you might find this tour less rewarding.

It’s also a good choice for first-time visitors to Sabah who want a rundown without the logistical stress of planning a self-guided trip. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find value, especially with the flexibility of a private guide.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers intercity hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start and end your day without additional transportation worries.

What’s the cost of the Poring Hot Spring bath?
The bath tub costs RM 10 for the first three hours, allowing you to relax comfortably after exploring.

Are the stops on the itinerary lengthy?
The drive to Kinabalu Park is about two hours each way, with some reviews indicating the journey can feel lengthy, but the scenery helps pass the time.

What should I bring for the day?
Pack your passport or ID, umbrella, jacket, rain gear, sports shoes, and personal medication for comfort and safety.

Is this tour suitable in rainy weather?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, but be prepared for muddy or slippery trails and bring appropriate rain gear.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is available in English and Chinese, accommodating a range of travelers.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

How experienced are the guides?
Guide quality varies, but praised guides like Alvin are knowledgeable and friendly. Some reviews mention guides who are less informative or even got lost.

What is the overall length of the tour?
The full day usually wraps up in the late afternoon or early evening, with a mix of driving, walking, and relaxing stops.

Final Thoughts

The Kota Kinabalu private tour to Kundasang and Poring Hot Springs offers a balanced mix of cultural insight, scenic beauty, and relaxation. Its private setup means you can enjoy a tailored experience, from shopping at a local market to soaking in thermal waters amidst lush greenery.

While the long driving hours and variable guide quality might not appeal to everyone, those who value comfort, flexibility, and diverse sights will find this tour a worthwhile addition to their Sabah itinerary. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see a variety of natural and cultural highlights without the stress of organizing multiple separate excursions.

If you’re after a manageable, guided day with a focus on Sabah’s biodiversity and local life, this tour provides a practical and enjoyable way to experience some of the region’s best offerings.

You can check availability for your dates here: