It’s easy to travel around Malaysia, but the best way to truly experience its diverse cultures and traditions, is to embark on a homestay journey. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia has a homestay programme for you to get to know Malaysia better by staying at homestays located around Malaysia. This month, we’re highlighting the Walai Tokou Homestay in Kundasang.
Kundasang is a town that’s part of the Ranau district in Sabah. It’s roughly an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, and is the best place to stay if you want to be close to Mount Kinabalu. Naturally, Kundasang is a mountainous district, and it experiences cool temperatures all year round. Thanks to this, Kundasang is famous for its shops that sell fruits and vegetables. In fact, there’s a market that’s open seven days a week!
Located about 40km to the northeast is Poring Hot springs, where the hot sulphuric minerals can soothe your sores and aches. In addition to that, there is a butterfly farm nearby, as well as the Poring Orchid Consercation Centre, a tropical garden, and a Rafflesia flower site. In case you did not know, the Rafflesia has the largest single flower of any flowering plant.
For those who would rather just sit back and sock in the atmosphere, Kundasang makes for a perfect place to just relax, because you’re surrounded by mountains and plenty of greenery.
THE HILLS OF KUNDASANG
Where: Ranau, Sabah
Things of interest: Hiking, hot springs, fresh vegetables and fruits, Mt. Kinabalu
Kundasang makes for a great place to just relax, because you’re surrounded by mountains and plenty of greenery.
THE WALAI TOKOU HOMESTAY
Located within Kundasang, the Walai Tokou homestay lets you easily visit the KinabaluPark, which is a World heritage Site and the starting point for climbing Mount Kinabalu. Visitors to the Walai Tokou homestay can opt for a two-day, one-night stay; or a three-days, two-nights stay there. During the stay, you can expect to experience activities like herbs processing, traditional dance performance, and of course, some traditional food.
The 2D1N stay is priced from RM120.00 per person, while the 3D2N stay is priced from RM250.00 per person. Accomodation will be at a foster family’s home. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.
For more information, visit www.go2homestay.com
Michelle Ng 38
Property Specialist
It’s back to basic in Kundasang which is great for those who want to get away from it all.