Kundasang

Kundasang is in Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Located 6 kilometers from Mount Kinabalu Park, it is also the location of the Kundasang War Memorial.

Kundasang Halal Explorer

Historically a small village today has grown into a small town. With an elevation of about 2,000 metres above sea level, it is one of the coolest places in Sabah with temperatures dropping to 13ºC at night. Besides being within close proximity to Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kundasang itself has grown into a popular leisure destination with many resorts in the vicinity. It is popular for its fresh vegetables, and plantations and farms suitable for temperate climate.

Kundasang is also associated with the infamous death marches which took place near the end of WWII in 1945. Over 2500 Australian & British POWs died in Sandakan and during the three forced death marches inland through the jungle towards Ranau.

Kundasang is popular among local residents from around Sabah especially during weekends and public holidays, school holidays also. So if you are planning a visit during these times, do book in advance as lodging in almost all lodgings would be full.

The nearest big town is Ranau located about 20 kilometers east.

Travel to Kundasang

Kundasang is located on the primary street between Kota Kinabalu (100km) and Ranau, 6km after the Mount Kinabalu Park entrance.

Travel on a Bus in Kundasang

• Bus stop Local buses bound to Ranau and Poring Hot Spring wait at this stop with departures every 30-40 minutes. Long distance coaches for destinations like Kota Kinabalu (2 hours), Sandakan (4 hours including refreshment stop), Lahad Datu can also be hailed down here.

Best way to travel in Kundasang by a Taxi

Long range taxis are another option. As of 2023 Uber/Grab cheaper taxis fares are available in and around Kota Kinabalu. At this time they do not extend their service up to Gunung Kinabalu tamen/Kinabalu Mountain park entrances.

By car

Self-drive is easy from Kota Kinabalu with a mostly decent bitumen road and adequate sign posting. It does become mountainous and windy on approach but also very scenic. The journey from KK is about 90-100km and takes roughly 2 hours depending on how confident you are overtaking very slow trucks doing 20 km/hr. Exercise patience and caution as local residents do overtake on blind corners, over double lines, and occasionally with on coming traffic. Also as you ascend the weather changes, mist then heavy rain along with speeding traffic and very tight bends cause accidents, just allow a little more time or stop for a while.

What to See

• Kundasang War Memorial This tranquil garden memorial was established by a New Zealander in 1962. It was one of the foundation memorials to commerate the tragic loss of Allied (mostly Australian and also British) POWs who died in 1945 during the infamous death marches from Sandakan to Ranau. Furthermore, it commemorates the brave Sabahan people who, at grave risk to their own lives, tried to help the dying POWs. The memorial comprises a series of connected gardens - the first is the Australian Garden, followed by the English Garden and the Borneo Garden. There is a long reflection swimmingpool where ceremonies are held and also an uninterrupted view point of Mount Kinabalu from a balcony. An open air shelter has been erected where there are newspaper articles and other memorabilia. Here you will be offered a seat and there is also a short video (20 mins) of a recent Australian made news/current affair program about a re-enactment of the death march route (akin to the Kokado trail).

Nearby

• Mesilau Park is on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu, accessible by a tarred road from Kundasang. They conduct guided 40-minutes walks through a protected area which abounds with pitcher plants and orchids at 7am and 11am, and sometimes in the afternoon too. The morning walk is best for seeing wildlife. It is also feasible to climb the initial section of the route up Mount Kinabalu, or to walk the whole way to the summit along an alternative route to that taken from the Park HQ. At 2,000m, it is a very cool, temperate climate with a lovely landscape, and quite different flora and fauna to the lower regions of Mount Kinabalu. There is a very nice (albeit slightly expensive) cafe with good views (coffee Rm11, lunch Rm15+), and it's feasible to see lots of birdlife from your table. Rm15 conservation fee is charged at the entrance for foreigners (Rm3 for Malaysians). Accommodation is available from Sutera (Rm135 - Rm2600 per room/lodge per day - 2-6 people).

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kundasang

• Eco-tourism
• World War II history

Halal Food & Restaurants

Kundasang is renowned for its fresh vegetables and strawberry. In fact, merchants from all over Sabah and Northern Borneo come here to source vegetables. Stalls selling veggies are abundant along the primary street passing through the town.

The hotels/resorts have their own restaurants, which are mainly located on the primary street, outside of the township. There are local open-air eateries in the township.

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kundasang

eHalal Group Kundasang is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kundasang. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kundasang.

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For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kundasang. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Kinabalu Pine Resort - Situated on the primary street between the Kinabalu National Park and Ranau is a great place to take your photos of the mountain. Meals, including are available at the restaurant. Credit cards are accepted.

Travel Next

• Mount Kinabalu
• Poring Hot Spring
• Ranau War Memorial

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