Kundasang Day Trip: Desa Dairy & Alpaca Club Review
Thinking of visiting Kundasang for a day? Well, a trip to this pretty part of Sabah, often referred to as the “New Zealand of Borneo,” might be just what you need! The cool mountain air and awesome landscapes are so refreshing. Two places that usually make the list are Desa Dairy Farm and Alpaca Club. Here is what your day could look like, with helpful tips, of course!
Setting Off: The Road to Kundasang
Alright, so the drive to Kundasang is scenic, so have your camera ready. The roads can be winding a bit, is that right, specially as you approach the highlands, so perhaps plan for about two to three hours from Kota Kinabalu, depending on traffic and your own pace, actually. Driving early is usually a winner, it tends to beat the traffic, very important indeed, plus it gives you additional time to enjoy the destinations without feeling so rushed, you know?
Desa Dairy Farm: Cows, Views, and Creamy Delights
Desa Dairy Farm could be the first stop. It is really like stepping into a slice of New Zealand with cows grazing against a backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, could be said that it is incredibly amazing. A small fee to enter might be needed, seemingly well worth it for what is offered, anyway.
What to Do at Desa Dairy Farm
Okay, you have options there. So, you could watch the milking process, could be pretty interesting to see how it all happens, really. The feeding of the calves might be fun, especially if you’ve kids in tow. If anything, tasting their gelato is really a must! Very creamy and delicious, might I add. And don’t skip grabbing a bottle of their fresh milk, very refreshing, in a way. Taking photographs is a must as well with Mount Kinabalu offering its grand presence in the background. With all these, do check the schedule for the milking and feeding times, because they usually run at fixed hours, usually.
A Tip or Two for Desa Dairy Farm
A suggestion to get there early would be valuable, that way it will beat the crowds and hopefully catch the mountain view without the clouds playing peek-a-boo. Wearing comfortable shoes, because you will most likely do quite a bit of walking. Also, bring a light jacket too, because the highland weather is known for being slightly unpredictable, in short, is cold!
Alpaca Club: Fluffy Friends in Borneo
Next stop, the Alpaca Club, really, is a fairly short drive from Desa Dairy Farm. It is more or less, a relatively new attraction where you get to see and interact with alpacas. Isn’t that pretty special? Entrance fees do apply, right, and feeding the alpacas requires a small extra fee to purchase the feed, alright.
Experiencing the Alpaca Club
Well, the highlight of this visit, typically, is getting up close with the alpacas, as a matter of fact. Feeding them might be great, they are gentle and very curious animals. Photos should definitely be taken with these fluffy creatures, really capturing moments for your memory or the ‘gram, in fact! Besides the alpacas, very, very rarely, the Alpaca Club offers other activities such as rabbit petting areas or some spots where you might unwind. Don’t forget to look at their gift shop too for maybe a cute alpaca-themed souvenir, arguably.
Things to keep in Mind
A bit, or a little gentle approach when interacting with the alpacas should always be a priority. Supervise children carefully so they do not frighten the animals. There is that, so bringing an umbrella could also protect from both rain and shine since a part of the area isn’t completely covered.
Food Stops: Enjoying Local Flavors
You may want to include exploring local eats while in Kundasang! There is that you will notice. Restaurants could have great views too, alright? Look out for spots that serve local Sabah dishes, for instance, the mountain vegetables that are fresh and very tasty, in short!
Recommended Eateries
A suggestion or two would be that a few restaurants offer both great food and incredible views of Mount Kinabalu. Check out local blogs and visitor reviews, more or less, for up-to-date recommendations. So maybe give a try on sampling dishes unique to Sabah would complete the culinary experience!
Other Attractions: Making the Most of Your Day
You could squeeze in other nearby sights to see so that you’ll take advantage of your visit! The Kundasang War Memorial, for instance, might be of significant historical interest. If anything, the Kinabalu Park should be looked into by those with the time for more nature explorations!
Planning Extra Stops
Allow for some flexibility if you plan for further stops because time can fly quickly! Check the opening hours for these spots before heading there. As a suggestion, grouping nearby attractions is wise for saving time and ensuring efficient travel, right?
Essential Packing Tips
Packing appropriately should add positively to the enjoyment. With some of these basic essential tips:
- Pack comfortable clothes and layering would suit the highland weather.
- Never skip on rain gear for the frequent showers, in fact.
- Sunscreen may come in handy for when it is sunny, very!
- Never ever skip on a camera/ power bank to take photographs!
Planning and Booking
When going on a day trip, very much the logistics could be smoothed out for optimal experience:
- Book in advance or if you are DIY, prepare an itinerary to follow.
- Tour operators very rarely includes entrance fees and those would be in excluded and in your own expense, literally.
- If with family members, consider chartering rather than DIY because transportation would be at your disposal, arguably!
Key Takeaways
- Early Start: Leave early to beat traffic and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Comfortable Attire: Layered clothing and comfortable shoes are very essential.
- Camera Ready: Very stunning views await, be sure to charge your cameras and go!
- Local Flavors: Get into the local food scenes too.
- Flexibility: Allow for unplanned stops and scenery detours for some pretty photos!