This article is part of my 2018 Kota Kinabalu trip series.
Desa Dairy Farm is a popular tourist attraction in Kundasang. It is a 15-minute drive away from Kundasang War Memorial.
The farm is located at the foothill of Mount Kinabalu. On a fine day, one can admire the majestic mountain in the background.
The temperate climate here makes Kundasang an ideal place for raising dairy cattle. Thanks to the picturesque view of green grazing lands on hilly slopes, Desa Dairy Farm is often dubbed “Little New Zealand”. Unfortunately, it is foggy today so visibility is limited.
The temperature in Kundasang is typically around 20oC. The cool climate allows pine trees to thrive. Pine leaves are bundled in clusters called needles.
The cow barn is open to the public from 9:00am to 2:00pm. At 2:00pm, the cows are herded into a milking parlor where rows of milking machines await. Each cow is guided into a holding pen and has a pump attached to its udder. The milking process takes around 2 hours.
For visitors with young children, be sure to visit the animal petting barn. There are several calves and kids (young goats) here. Animal feeding time is from 8:30am to 12:00pm, and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Animal feed like grass and milk can be purchased here.
As for meals, Des A Cow! Restaurant is the main eatery for visitors. The restaurant operates from 8:00am to 4:00pm. The menu covers local and Western dishes.
Desa Dairy Farm has an on-site milk processing facility. Visitors can view a section of the production line from the visitor area. Dairy products are available for purchase too. Shown here are yogurt (RM9.00) and soft serve ice cream (RM5.30 each).
Admission to Desa Dairy Farm costs RM5.00 for adults and RM4.00 for children. This attraction is certainly worth visiting if you are spending time in Kundasang. If possible, drop by in the morning when there are fewer people.
Address: Desa Dairy Farm, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
Contact: 08-888-9562
Business hours: 8:00am-4:30pm
