Full-Day Private Charter with Personal Driver: Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring (Free & Easy Flexible Day Trip)

(Note: This is a sample itinerary. You are free to customise your trip according to your preferences. All meals and entrance fees are at your own expense.) 

Meet your dedicated driver for the day at your hotel lobby or Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle – this private charter offers privacy and flexibility. 

On your way to Kundasang, make a stop in Tamparuli Town to walk across the iconic Jambatan Tamparuli, a famous suspension bridge steeped in local folklore, so beloved that it even inspired a song and stage production!

Make a stop at Nabalu Market to browse local handicrafts, fresh produce, and snacks. Nabalu Market is an iconic stopover along the way to Kundasang, with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu from its viewpoint. 

Visit Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark. Home to Mount Kinabalu – the highest peak in Southeast Asia – Kinabalu Park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, with more than 5,000 plant species (including orchids, carnivorous pitcher plants, and Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower), over 300 bird species, and around 100 mammal species. 

Discover rare and endemic plant species at the Botanical Garden, learn about the park’s history and geology at the Kinabalu Geopark Gallery, or enjoy a relaxing stroll through one of the many nature trails within the park – the park is yours to explore at your own pace and expense. The park’s elevation ranges from 1,500 to 4,095 metres, creating a refreshing highland climate that offers a cool escape from the tropical heat. 

As you depart from Kinabalu Park and make your way to your next destination, you may wish to stop for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants or cafés. Feel free to consult with your driver on dining recommendations based on your tastes and preferences. 

Next, make your way to Poring Hot Spring. Nestled at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, Poring Hot Spring is a popular Kundasang destination, known for its rejuvenating thermal baths and beautifully landscaped gardens. The name "Poring" is derived from a Kadazan-Dusun word referring to a species of giant bamboo that thrives in the area. 

Relax in the therapeutic hot springs, known for its high sulphur content and skin-curative properties. For a small entrance fee (not included), venture across the iconic Poring Treetop Canopy Walk, a series of five suspended rope bridges 30 metres above the forest floor. It’s the best place to spot and observe wildlife hiding out in the canopies. 

You also have the option to take a short trek to Kipungit Waterfall, a moderately challenging 1.8km trek that may take you roughly 20 to 40 minutes to complete, but the view at the end is well worth it! Dip your toes in the pool and enjoy a gentle foot spa as little fish nibble on your feet.  Kipungit Waterfall is also the perfect spot for a picnic! 

If you have more time, some other optional Kundasang attractions you may enjoy include: 

• Desa Cow Farm: Commonly referred to as the “Little New Zealand of Sabah”, offering stunning highland views and opportunities to taste fresh dairy products 
• Alpaca Club: The only place in Sabah where you can see these adorable South American creatures in person, known for their big, expressive eyes and varying personalities 
• Kundasang War Memorial: Dedicated to the British and Australian WWII soldiers who had died in the Sandakan Death Marches, and the many sacrifices of the native population of Sabah in that time 
• Sosodikon Hill: A leisurely hiking trail that should take you no more than 10 to 15 minutes, with a rewarding view of the Kundasang highlands at the top 

In the evening, enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive back to Kota Kinabalu, stopping at additional points of interest along the way (upon request). 

End your day with a smooth drop-off at your hotel or at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.