# Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang by Car: Kinabalu Park Day Trip

> Drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park and Kundasang in a rental car: which car to take, a simple day plan and what to bring.

Language: en
Published: 2026-11-10 (November 10, 2026), 4 min read
Source: https://northborneorental.com/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car/

Kinabalu Park and Kundasang are the most popular drive out of Kota Kinabalu. The road is paved and signposted, so you can do it in your own rental car without a tour. Plan an early start so you are not rushing on the way back.

## Which car

The road climbs steadily and bends a lot, so a car with a bit of power feels better than the smallest one. Good options are the Perodua Ativa Turbo 1.0 (RM230 a day), the Proton X50 1.5 Turbo (RM280 a day) and the Honda HR-V 1.5 Turbo (RM330 a day). For a group of seven, take the Perodua Aruz 1.5 at RM270 a day.

![Honda HR-V 1.5 Turbo](https://northborneorental.com/cars/hrv-640.webp)

*Honda HR-V 1.5 Turbo, RM330 a day*

## A simple day plan

1. **Early morning:** leave Kota Kinabalu before the traffic builds. Fill the tank in town.
2. **Mid-morning:** reach Kinabalu Park. Walk the short nature trails and see the mountain from the viewpoints.
3. **Lunch:** eat in Kundasang, where there are plenty of cafes with mountain views.
4. **Afternoon:** visit the nearby farms and viewpoints, then start back while it is still light.

Climbing the summit is a separate trip that needs a permit and a booked guide well in advance, so it does not fit in a day. We can include it in a multi-day plan.

## What to bring

- A light jacket. It is much cooler than the coast.
- Rain cover. Highland weather changes fast.
- Cash for small shops and stalls.
- A phone mount and offline map, since signal can drop on the hills.

## Want this planned for you?

Our [free itinerary](https://northborneorental.com/blog/free-itinerary-with-every-booking/) covers this route and others, set around your dates and your group. Send us a message and we will build it with your booking.

[Plan my trip on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/60168400017)

## Read next

- [Rent a Car in Kota Kinabalu: Which Car Should You Hire?](https://northborneorental.com/blog/best-rental-car-kota-kinabalu.md)
- [Free Itinerary with Every Kota Kinabalu Car Rental](https://northborneorental.com/blog/free-itinerary-with-every-booking.md)
- [Corporate and Long-Term Car Rental in Kota Kinabalu](https://northborneorental.com/blog/corporate-long-term-car-rental-kota-kinabalu.md)
- [Driving in Sabah as a Tourist: Licence, Roads and Car Hire Tips](https://northborneorental.com/blog/driving-in-sabah-tourist-guide.md)
- [3 Days in Kota Kinabalu by Car: A Self-Drive Itinerary](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-kinabalu-3-day-self-drive-itinerary.md)
- [Kota Kinabalu to Kudat and the Tip of Borneo: a 2-Day Drive](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kudat-tip-of-borneo-2-day-drive.md)
- [Kota Belud and Tuaran Day Trip by Car from Kota Kinabalu](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-belud-tuaran-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and Sepilok by Car: a 3-Day Route](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-kinabalu-to-sandakan-sepilok-by-car.md)
- [Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah: Getting Around by Car During the Harvest Festival](https://northborneorental.com/blog/pesta-kaamatan-sabah-harvest-festival-by-car.md)
- [Best Time to Visit Sabah by Car: Weather, Holidays and When to Book](https://northborneorental.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-sabah-by-car.md)
- [Driving in Sabah in the Rain: Safe Tips for Tourists](https://northborneorental.com/blog/driving-in-sabah-in-the-rain.md)

## Other languages

- [English](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [简体中文](https://northborneorental.com/zh/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [繁體中文](https://northborneorental.com/zh-tw/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [日本語](https://northborneorental.com/ja/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [한국어](https://northborneorental.com/ko/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [Bahasa Melayu](https://northborneorental.com/ms/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car.md)

## Contact

North Borneo Rental Car, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

- WhatsApp (bookings): [+60168400017](https://wa.me/60168400017)
- Email: northborneorental@gmail.com
- Website: https://northborneorental.com/