Kundasang is a hill station and town in the district of Ranau in Sabah, Malaysia that lies along the bank of Kundasang Valley within the Crocker Range, and also neighboring the town of Pekan Nabalu. It is located about 6 kilometres away from Kinabalu National Park, 15.6 kilometres from Ranau town and is renowned for its vegetable market which is open seven days a week. It is the closest town to Mount Kinabalu and has a panoramic view of the mountain. It is populated mainly by the native Dusun and a small population of Chinese people. Almost all the shops are operated by locals.
Kundasang | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 5°59′N 116°34′E / 5.983°N 116.567°E | |
Country | Malaysia |
State | Sabah |
Division | West Coast |
District | Ranau |
Subdistrict | Kundasang
|
Government | |
• DUN | Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr. Joachim Gunsalam (GRS-PBS) (Kundasang) |
Elevation | 1,900 m (6,200 ft) |
Highest elevation | 4,095 m (13,435 ft) |
Population (2023) | |
• Total | ~10,000 |
Time zone | GMT +08:00 |
Weekly Market | Friday |
At an elevation of almost 1,900 m (6,200 ft), it is the highest settlement in Malaysia. Kundasang is also famously known as the New Zealand of Borneo for its unique mountainous geographical terrain almost similar to New Zealand.
Attractions
editKundasang War Memorial and Gardens
editKundasang War Memorial commemorates the 2,428 Australian and British prisoners who died during World War II at the Sandakan POW Camp, and the casualties of the three infamous forced death marches from Sandakan to Ranau. It also serves as a tribute to the many local people who risked their lives while aiding the prisoners of war. It has four gardens representing the homelands of those who died. ANZAC Memorial Services and private Memorial Services are welcomed with prior arrangements. The Memorial is open to visitors with minimal entrance fees charged. An access road with ramp allows easy access for wheelchair users.
Vegetable wholesale stalls
editBeside the main road vegetables wholesalers can be found in a long row of wooden stalls (Malay: gerai). Bulk buyers come from all over the state of Sabah, Sarawak and even Brunei for the fresh harvest. Pick up trucks are seen laden fully with harvest from the farms nearby the valley and delivered to the stalls. Passing tourists and travellers also stop by the road for shopping at a good bargain with the stalls are open seven days a week.
Golf course
editMount Kinabalu Golf Club is located near the border of Kinabalu National Park at an altitude of approximately 2000 metres above sea level.
Villages
editThere are several small villages in Kundasang.
No | Village names |
---|---|
1 | Kundasang Town (Main hub) |
2 | Kampung Lembah Permai |
3 | Kampung Cinta Mata |
4 | Kampung Kauluan |
5 | Kampung Mesilou |
6 | Kampung Mentoki |
7 | Kampung Bambangan |
8 | Kampung Desa Aman |
9 | Kampung Kinasaraban |
10 | Kampung Bundu Tuhan |
11 | Kampung Dumpiring |
12 | Kampung Desa Sunyi (Kundasang Lama) |
13 | Kampung Mohimboyon |
14 | Kampung Nosorob |
15 | Kampung Pinousok |
16 | Kampung Giman |
17 | Kampung Sinisian |
18 | Kampung Ratau |
19 | Kampung Karanaan |
20 | Kampung Kituntul |
21 | Kampung Lapai |
22 | Kampung Sinar |
23 | Kampung Liwagu |
24 | Kampung Muhibah |
25 | Kampung Kinandusan |
26 | Kampung Kiwawoi |
27 | Kampung Waang |
28 | Kampung Semuruh |
29 | Kampung Sosondoton |
30 | Kampung Tudan |
31 | Kampung Tinatasan |
Education
editThere are 13 primary schools and 2 secondary schools in Kundasang.
No | School Names | Types of School |
---|---|---|
1 | SK Kundasang | Elementary |
2 | SK Mesilou | |
3 | SK Don Bosco | |
4 | SK Bundu Tuhan | |
5 | SK Kinasaraban | |
7 | SK Kauluan | |
8 | SK Lipasu | |
9 | SK Mohimboyon | |
10 | SK Waang | |
11 | SK Pahu Himbaan | |
12 | SK Tagudon Lama | |
13 | SK Pinausuk | |
14 | SMK Kundasang | Secondary |
15 | SMK Bundu Tuhan |
See also
editExternal links
edit- Kundasang travel guide from Wikivoyage
- Kundasang Town
- War Memorial Gardens
- Places of Interest (Chinese)