The highlands around Kundasang and Ranau, on the road to Kinabalu Park, are the coolest and greenest part of Sabah that you can reach in a day from Kota Kinabalu. A day trip here visits the Sabah Tea Garden, where tea is grown on terraces with the bulk of Mount Kinabalu behind it, and the Kundasang War Memorial, a set of walled gardens that remembers the Allied prisoners of war who died on the Sandakan death marches during the Second World War. The two stops contrast well, one a soft, green and cheerful landscape of tea bushes and the other a thoughtful place of English, Australian and other gardens, a reflecting pool and a memorial. Tours generally add viewpoints, a stop in Kundasang town for vegetables and local snacks and a lunch with a view of the mountain. It is a day for people who prefer a gentle, scenic pace, with a bit of history thrown in.
Why go
The tea garden is a peaceful and photogenic place, and it shows another side of Sabah's agriculture, beyond palm oil and rice. Visitors can walk among the bushes, learn how the leaves are picked and processed and taste the tea in the cafe or shop. The altitude keeps the air cool, the light is soft and, on a clear morning, Mount Kinabalu fills the horizon.
The memorial gardens provide a more reflective half hour, a place to understand the history of the Sandakan prisoners, most of whom did not survive the forced marches to Ranau. Many visitors find it moving.
How the day works
The tour we link to is a full-day trip from Kota Kinabalu, with transport, a guide and visits to the tea garden and the memorial. The drive takes around two hours each way on a mountain road, with a stop for the view along the way. Operators often add a lunch stop, a short walk and a market stop in Kundasang.
Ask which extra stops are included, whether tastings are free and how much time you will have at each place. Some trips run in the same direction as the Kinabalu Park and Poring day, so you can choose between the two or, with more time, do both on separate days.
What to bring
A light jacket or fleece, because Kundasang is much cooler than the coast, a rain layer, comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Mornings are usually clearest, and clouds often build over the mountain by early afternoon, so an early start gives the best chance of seeing the peak. Bring a little cash for tea, snacks and fresh fruit and vegetables from the roadside stalls.
Tips and trade-offs
The day involves a lot of driving and not much activity, so it suits travellers who enjoy scenery, photography and a gentle pace more than adventure. Dress respectfully at the memorial, keep voices low and follow any signs about photography and behaviour. If you want more activity, combine the highlands with a visit to Poring Hot Springs and the canopy walk, or choose the Kinabalu Park day.
If you only have time for one highland trip, think about whether you prefer the forest trails of the park or the quieter tea terraces and the history of the memorial.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day trip from Kota Kinabalu to the Ranau highlands, with a tea garden, the Kundasang War Memorial, viewpoints and lunch.
Best time
Start early, because the mountain is usually clearest in the morning and clouds build later in the day.
How long
About ten hours with around two hours of mountain driving each way.
Tips
Bring a light jacket, a rain layer and a little cash for tea and fresh produce. Dress respectfully at the memorial.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Scenery, photography and history lovers who prefer a gentle day.
- Families
- Good for older children who can handle a long drive. The memorial calls for quiet behaviour.
- Couples
- A cool, scenic day with tea tastings and mountain views.
- Pair with
- Poring Hot Springs on the Kinabalu Park day, or a quiet evening at the waterfront.
- Time needed
- A full day, starting early.
Good questions
Where is the Sabah Tea Garden?+
It is in the highlands near Ranau and Kundasang, on the road towards Kinabalu Park, about two hours by road from Kota Kinabalu.
What is the Kundasang War Memorial?+
It is a set of memorial gardens near Kundasang that honours the Allied prisoners of war who died on the Sandakan death marches in the Second World War.
What should I wear?+
A light jacket or fleece, a rain layer and comfortable shoes. The highlands are much cooler than the coast. Dress modestly and respectfully at the memorial.
Can I see Mount Kinabalu from here?+
Often, on clear mornings. Clouds usually build later in the day, so go early for the best chance of seeing the peak.
How does this compare with the Kinabalu Park day?+
The park day is more about forest and walking, with the Poring springs. The tea and memorial day is gentler and more about scenery and history.
