Kundasang 2D1N Road Trip Dashboard

Quick-reference self-drive plan for Kota Kinabalu, Tamparuli, Nabalu, Kundasang Market, Poring, Kinabalu Park, Desa Dairy Farm and an earlier return to KK.

6-7 Jun 2026 Honda HR-V 3 pax Liwagu Suite

Quick Road-Trip Summary

Review this before leaving Mercure.

Day 1: approx. 180 kmKK to Poring via Tamparuli, Nabalu and Kundasang Market; end at Kinabalu Park/Liwagu.
Desa at openingDepart Liwagu by 7:30am to reach Desa Dairy Farm at 8am for views and easier parking.
Return earlier to KKSkip War Memorial. Lunch at SS Chinese Restaurant, then drive back for KK dinner.

Driving route dashboard

Tap a route button for Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation.

Day 1: KK -> Poring -> Kinabalu Park

Corrected route: Kundasang Market before Poring; Tamparuli only after 8am.

Day 1 main route

Mercure KK -> Tamparuli -> Pekan Nabalu -> Kundasang Market -> Poring Hot Spring -> Kinabalu Park -> Liwagu.

Open Day 1 route
Depart 07:15 Winding roads Rain possible

Day 2: Desa at 8am -> KK early

Skip War Memorial and return to KK earlier for dinner.

Day 2 main route

Liwagu -> Desa Dairy Farm -> Alpaca Club -> Farm Ville -> SS Chinese Restaurant -> Mercure KK.

Open Day 2 route
Desa opens 8am Lunch at SS Chinese Return before dark

Day 1 - Saturday, 6 June 2026

KK -> Tamparuli -> Nabalu -> Kundasang Market -> Poring -> Kinabalu Park -> Liwagu.

07:15

Depart Mercure KK

Start with full fuel. Aim to leave after a quick breakfast.

Fuel first0 km
Map
08:00

Tamparuli Bridge

Bridge opens at 8am. Quick 15-20 min photo and walk stop.

~35 km~45 minOpens 8am
Map
09:15

Pekan Nabalu Viewpoint / Market

Best early mountain-view stop. Buy fruit/snacks/souvenirs if needed.

~38 km~55 minViewpoint
Map
10:10

Kundasang Market

Do this before Poring because it is on the way after Nabalu. Keep it short.

~20 km~25 min30 min
Map
10:40

Drive to Poring

Continue onward via Ranau; expect winding and hilly sections.

~46 km~1 hr 15 min
Map
12:00

Poring Hot Spring & Canopy Walk

Do canopy walk first, then quick hot spring or foot soak. Bring non-slip shoes and towel.

Canopy first1.5 hrsRain possible
Map
13:30

Lunch around Poring / Ranau

Keep lunch efficient before returning uphill. Choose chicken/fish/vegetable dishes.

Local lunchSimple & quick
Map
14:15

Drive back to Kinabalu Park

Return toward park headquarters and Liwagu. Use engine braking on descents.

~40 km~1 hr 15 min
Map
15:30

Kinabalu Park / Botanical Garden area

Short nature walk, visitor centre and cool park atmosphere. Avoid overdoing it after Poring.

Nature walkCooler air
Map
17:00

Check-in: Liwagu Suite

Confirm extra mattress for 3 adults. Rest before dinner.

Inside park3 adults
Map
18:00

Liwagu Restaurant balcony + dinner

Mountain-view attempt, then easy dinner at the lodge.

DinnerView attempt
Map

Day 2 - Sunday, 7 June 2026

Liwagu sunrise -> Desa Dairy Farm at opening -> Alpaca -> Farm Ville -> SS Chinese Restaurant -> KK.

06:15

Liwagu Restaurant balcony

Sunrise / clear mountain attempt. Clouds build quickly, so go early.

Best earlyWalk
Map
06:45

Breakfast at Liwagu Restaurant

Breakfast is included. Keep it quick to reach Desa at opening.

IncludedQuick breakfast
Map
07:20

Check out and load car

Settle luggage, check room, and depart on time.

Depart prep
Map
07:30

Depart Liwagu / Kinabalu Park

Target Desa Dairy Farm at 8am opening for views and easier parking.

~20 km~30 min
Map
08:00

Desa Cattle Dairy Farm

Main scenic stop: cows, green pasture and Mount Kinabalu backdrop. Photos first, dairy shop after.

Opens 8amBest photo stop
Map
09:45

Alpaca Club Kundasang

Easy 30-45 minute photo stop near the Desa area.

Photo stop45 min
Map
10:45

Kundasang Farm Ville

Photo garden and cafe-style stop. Keep it compact so lunch and return are not delayed.

CafeGarden
Map
11:45

Lunch: SS Chinese Restaurant 神山中餐厅

Lunch in Kundasang town before driving back to KK. Suggested: tofu, fried oyster mushroom, yellow wine chicken, vegetables, noodles.

LunchAvoid beef
Map
12:45

Depart Kundasang for Kota Kinabalu

Skip War Memorial to get back earlier for dinner in KK. Optional very short Nabalu stop only if needed.

~95 km~2.5-3 hrs
Map
15:45-16:30

Arrive Kota Kinabalu

Return to Mercure, rest, and go for dinner in town.

Dinner in KK
Map

Meal plan

Recommended food stops that match the updated route.

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Mercure breakfast. Eat light or bring takeaway if timing is tight.
  • Lunch: Around Poring/Ranau. Keep it simple before the uphill return.
  • Dinner: Liwagu Restaurant. Easiest after check-in; warm soup/steamboat dishes fit the cool weather.

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Liwagu Restaurant. Keep it quick to reach Desa at 8am.
  • Snack: Fresh milk/ice cream/yogurt at Desa Dairy Farm.
  • Lunch: SS Chinese Restaurant 神山中餐厅 / Restoran Cina SS. Consider homemade tofu, fried oyster mushroom, yellow wine chicken, vegetables and noodles. Avoid beef dishes.
  • Dinner in KK: Welcome Seafood, Suang Tain Seafood, or town noodles/seafood near Mercure.

Driving tips

Use S mode downhillUse engine braking on descents; avoid riding the brakes continuously.
Fog/rain protocolLow beams, slow speed, bigger following distance. Do not rush overtaking.
Offline mapsDownload KK, Kundasang, Ranau and Poring areas before leaving the hotel.