Kundasang

Kundasang is in Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Located 6 km from Mount Kinabalu Park, it is also the location of the Kundasang War Memorial [1]. Understand Historically a small village today has grown into a small town. With an elevation of about 2,000 metres above sea level, it is one of the coolest places in Sabah with temperatures dropping to 13ºC at night. Besides being within close proximity to Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kundasang itself has grown into a popular leisure destination with many resorts in the vicinity. It is popular for its fresh vegetables, and plantations and farms suitable for temperate climate. Kundasang is also associated with the infamous death marches [2] which took place near the end of WWII in 1945. Over 2500 Australian & British POWs died in Sandakan and during the three forced death marches inland through the jungle towards Ranau. Kundasang is popular among locals from around Sabah especially during weekends and public holidays. So if you are planning a visit during these times, do book in advance as accommodation in almost all lodgings would be full. The nearest big town is Ranau located about 20 km east. Get in Kundasang is located on the main road between Kota Kinabalu (~100km) and Ranau, 6km after the Mt Kinabalu Park entrance. Self-drive Self-drive is easy from Kota Kinabalu with a mostly decent bitumen road and adequate sign posting. It does become mountainous and windy on approach but also very scenic. The journey from KK is about 90-100km and takes approximately 2 hours depending on how confident you are overtaking very slow trucks doing 20 km/hr. Exercise patience and caution as locals do overtake on blind corners, over double lines, and occasionally with on coming traffic. By bus Buses from Kota Kinabalu or Ranau are available. By taxi Long range taxis from Kota Kinabalu or Ranau are another option. See Kundasang War Memorial. This tranquil garden memorial was established by a New Zealander in 1962. It was one of the foundation memorials to commerate the tragic loss of Allied (mostly Australian and also British) POWs who died in 1945 during the infamous death marches from Sandakan to Ranau. Furthermore, it commerates the brave Sabahan people who, at grave risk to their own lives, tried to help the dying POWs. The memorial comprises a series of connected gardens - the first is the Australian Garden, followed by the English Garden and the Borneo Garden. There is a long reflection pool where ceremonies are held and also an uninterrupted view point of Mount Kinabalu from a balcony. A open air shelter has been erected where there are newspaper articles and other memorabilia. Here you will be offered a seat and there is also a short video (20 mins) of a recent Australian made news/current affair program about a re-enactment of the death march route (akin to the Kokado trail). Entry RM 10. Do Eco-tourism World War II history Buy Eat Kundasang is renowned for its fresh vegetables. In fact, merchants from all over Sabah and Northern Borneo come here to source vegetables. So eat your veggies! The hotels/resorts have their own restaurants, which are mainly located on the main road, outside of the township. There are local open-air eateries in the township. Drink Alcohol is available at restaurants but may not be mentioned on the menu. Sleep Kinabalu Pine Resort, ☎ +60 88 386775 (reservation@kinabalupineresort.com, fax: +60 88 385857), [3]. Situated on the main road between the Kinabalu National Park and Ranau is a great place to take your photos of the mountain. Meals, including beer, are available at the restaurant. Credit cards are accepted. From RM170.  edit Get out Mount Kinabalu Poring Hot Spring Ranau War Memorial