Sabah Tea Garden: A Must-Visit Stop on the Way to Kundasang

What makes this place stand out is that it's Borneo's only organic tea plantation. It was established in the late 1970s, with the first harvest coming in 1984. The plantation sits surrounded by rainforest that's over 130 million years old, and because insects are drawn to the forest rather than the tea bushes, the whole plantation is grown without pesticides. Genuinely organic, from soil to cup.

Things to Do at Sabah Tea Garden

Factory tour and tea tasting — You can join a guided tour to see how the leaves are processed into the tea you'll be drinking. Afterward, sample different flavours like pandan, lemongrass, geranium, cinnamon, and ginger. Pandan is my personal favourite — the aroma is something else. Walk through the plantation — The neat rows of tea bushes make for some genuinely good photos, especially early morning when a bit of mist is still settling over the hills.

Kamunsu Hill trek — If you've got extra energy, hiking up gives you a wider view over the plantation and surrounding highlands. Night walk — Staying overnight? A night walk lets you spot some of the nocturnal insect life that thrives here.

Sapaon Recreational Area — There's an obstacle course here, good for families or anyone wanting a more active visit. Tree house and Desa Deer Farm — Popular with kids, and honestly makes for nice photos too.

Once you've worked up an appetite, the on-site Tea House serves food actually made with tea — tea pancakes, tea-flavoured ice cream, even a tea-infused chicken soup. Sounds unusual, tastes surprisingly good. Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

Entry to the plantation itself is free, but the guided factory tour costs around RM14. It opens early in the morning, so if you want that soft morning light and lingering mist in your photos, get there before the crowds. Overnight stays are also an option — rooms, cottages, a traditional longhouse, or even camping if you're up for it. It gets noticeably cold at night given the elevation, so bring a jacket.

DG Adventure Borneo Tip

Many travellers pair this visit with the nearby Kundasang War Memorial, making it easy to build into a full day trip from Kota Kinabalu. If you're after cool mountain air, views of Kinabalu, and a bit of local history along the way, Sabah Tea Garden earns its place on any Sabah highlands itinerary.