Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang by Car: Kinabalu Park Day Trip
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.
A simple day plan
- Early morning: leave Kota Kinabalu before the traffic builds. Fill the tank in town.
- Mid-morning: reach Kinabalu Park. Walk the short nature trails and see the mountain from the viewpoints.
- Lunch: eat in Kundasang, where there are plenty of cafes with mountain views.
- 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 covers this route and others, set around your dates and your group. Send us a message and we will build it with your booking.