At the very northern tip lies Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in Kudat, famously known as the Tip of Borneo. It is literally the northernmost point of Sabah and all of Borneo. Here, the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea, marking the end of the land and the beginning of the endless sea.
Between the highlands and the Tip of Borneo are Ranau, a district of Sabah, and Kundasang, a town within it, just twenty minutes apart. It’s worth stopping for the sites in Ranau first before heading on to discover Kundasang.
Top Sites in
Ranau, Sabah
A highland
district located northeast of Kota Kinabalu, Ranau is nestled at the foothills
of the Crocker Range. The area is filled with nature and fertile land, making
agriculture an important source of income for the local community (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TOP SITES).
Ranau stands out for its quiet, down-to-earth lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It serves as the gateway to the highlands, with views of nearby towns, villages, and the surrounding nature. The fertile land and cool environment have also contributed to its two main attractions, Sabah Tea Plantation and Tagal Luanti Fish Spa.
Sabah Tea
Plantation
The drive to
the Sabah Tea Plantation provides a view of Ranau’s greenery. From small angles
to wide vistas, the plantation gradually comes into full view. The further
along the route, the more expansive the tea fields appear, stretching across
the highlands.
Located at around 1,200 meters above sea level, the plantation is the largest tea plantation in Borneo. Established in the 1970s, it covers extensive terrain in the Crocker Range and specializes in high-quality Ceylon tea, still harvested by hand using traditional methods.
The tea factory can be entered to see the entire production process - from plucking to drying, rolling, and packaging. Guided tours include tea sampling. The plantation also has a small shop and café, where the tea can be tasted and purchased.
Walking through the tea fields allows a closer look at the plants, the greenery, and the highland environment. The Sabah Tea Plantation remains a key highlight in Ranau.
Tagal Luanti
Fish Spa
At most, a
twenty-minute drive from Sabah Tea Plantation leads to the Tagal Luanti Fish
Spa. After parking at the entrance, it is a short walk inside, stopping at the
booth to pay the entrance fee and purchase packets of fish food before walking
further in.
A popular spot
in Sabah, even on weekdays, people can always be seen along the Moroli River. Tagal
means “no fishing” in the local Kadazandusun language, referring to a community
system that protects the river and its fish population.
Standing by the clear river water, feeding the fish will draw them in by the dozens. These are the Malaysian mahseer fish, locally called Ikan Pelian. To feel the fish spa or said as fish massage as well, feet are placed in the river. The fish then gently nibble at the skin, a natural exfoliation process. The nibbling does not hurt, though it can be ticklish at first, and the fish are well accustomed to human presence.
Whether for the
fish spa or simply for its calm setting, Tagal Luanti is cool, natural, and
surrounded by the quiet rhythm of Ranau’s rural culture and heritage. The area
is managed by the Luanti Village community, which maintains the river’s
cleanliness and oversees the tagal system. Tagal Luanti stands as a simple yet
meaningful example of eco-tourism in Sabah, where conservation and livelihood
meet.
Kundasang,
Sabah
From Tagal
Luanti, the drive takes around forty minutes to reach Kundasang. Lying high in
the mountains at about 1,900 meters above sea level, Kundasang is often called
the “New Zealand of Sabah.” With its cool weather, misty surroundings, and
winding slopes framed by hills, it stands as one of the highest settlements in
Sabah.
Life in Kundasang is calm and grounded. The locals, mostly farmers and small business owners, go about their days with quiet routines and friendly exchanges. Simplicity and close-knit community that defines this Kundasang town.
Desa Dairy Farm - Kundasang, Sabah
The top and
most visited site in Kundasang is the Desa Dairy Farm. Within about a
forty-minute drive from Ranau, it sits against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu,
drawing thousands of people and standing as one of the most popular spots in
Sabah.
An entrance fee applies, and once inside, it’s a walk along paths lined with people heading toward the main viewing areas. On the left before the entrance lies a wide stretch of open farmland, with cattle grazing in the distance. The farm rests on the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, at around 2,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by green pastures, cool mountain air, and the scenic mountain range.
After viewing
the open farm, the walk continues to the farmhouse, where various types of
cattle can be seen. From calves to mature cows, including the Friesian breed,
known for its high milk yield. Established to produce fresh milk and dairy
products locally, Desa Dairy Farm is among the few in Sabah operating on a
commercial scale, handling daily milking, processing, and packaging.
A must-try stop is the small café, known for its creamy ice cream, fresh milk, and yogurt. The ice cream in a cone is luscious, pure, and silky smooth. For those who prefer to sit back, the viewing deck nearby allows for quiet moments with drinks or light snacks, while admiring the panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu and the lush highlands of Kundasang.
Other Things to
Do in Sabah - Ranau and Kundasang
Sabah Markets
There are
Sabahan markets in both Ranau and Kundasang. These markets are where homegrown,
homemade, and handmade local products are sold. The Kundasang Market is known
for its vegetables, fruits, and flowers grown in the cool mountain climate.
In both markets, there are local Sabah vegetables that thrive in the highlands, along with unique homemade foods made in the typical and authentic Sabahan cooking style.
Top Spots in
Kundasang, Sabah
When time
permits or during a longer stay in Kundasang, there are other spots that can be
included.
Mount Kinabalu
National Park
Malaysia’s
first UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its biodiversity.
Kundasang War
Memorial
Built to honour
the World War II heroes and victims of the Sandakan Death March.
Sosodikon Hill
A short hike
leading to wide views of Mount Kinabalu and the valleys below.
Kundasang View
Point
Known for sunrise views and the surrounding mountain scenery.
