Nabalu is a small town situated only 12 km from Kinabalu Park. Hence, it has become one of the tourists stop before heading to climb the Mount Kinabalu. As expected, the name Nabalu is often associated with the Mount Kinabalu because of this reason. Tourist buses prefers to stop here due to the spacious and ample parking space available. Locals in Nabalu consists mainly of Dusun tribe and they converse in their native language.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are flights to Kota Kinabalu provided by Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Air Asia. From the airport, guests may hail a taxi to reach Nabalu.

By Bus/Mini Bus

Bus services to Ranau are available at Inanam Bus Terminal. From Ranau bus terminal, guests may hail a taxi to reach Nabalu. Other option is to take a mini bus directly to Nabalu from Padang Merdeka bus terminal in Kota Kinabalu.

Tourist Attractions

Nabalu Observation Tower

The 15 meter watch tower of Nabalu is situated just by the roadside where every motorist passing by will notice it. The tower offers one of the best spots to see Mount Kinabalu and its adjacent landscape without any obstruction whatsoever. Tour guides usually bring his fellow climbers for a preview of the mountain before their climb. Nearby the tower, at the edge of the town, there is a wide platform for a great panoramic photography point. The information board at the platform will show what peaks of Mount Kinabalu are in views. However, most of the time, Mount Kinabalu is covered with mist. The best optimum time to catch a clear picture is usually in between 8 a.m. to 9.a.m. and it also depends on the weather.

Nabalu Local Handicraft and Food Market

There is a building with tons of handicraft and souvenirs line up in its 50 meter long verandah. Tourists may find rich variety of goods, local food and produce. Among items of interest includes hill paddy rice in different colours and flavours, honey with bee nest in jars, local groundnuts, local pineapples and even wild durians.

Giant Pineapple Replica

Apart from hill paddy and rubber, pineapple has become an important icon for the Nabalu community. The Giant Pineapple Replica was built at the centre of the Nabalu town and has become an easy landmark.

Desa Cattle Dairy Farm

Due to the temperate like climate, the Holstein-Friesian cows, typically black and white in colour, imported from New Zealand are farmed in Kundasang – Desa Cattle Dairy Farm. Visitors are welcome to see cows being milked and milk processing and packing activities besides enjoying the weather of “Malaysia’s New Zealand”.

Hotels

D’Villa Rina Ria Lodge

This lodge provides a pleasant and comfortable stay while being nearby to Nabalu. Its location is very close to Kinabalu Park, hence its guests enjoy a cool tropical highland climate. It is also a great accommodation choice because of its proximity within the city centre.

Ceaser’s Place

This hotel has a great location within the Kundasang city centre and provides easy access to the city’s must see destinations. It offers great services and quality accommodations for enjoyable stay near Nabalu.

Nabalu Kundasang Lodge

This lodge offers a balcony and outdoor dining area for its guests. It also offers great hospitality and guests can also take a relaxing walk in the lodge’s garden. It is nestled amongst the mountains in Ranau, nearby to Nabalu town.

Crystal Hill R

For family vacation or leisure, this hotel provides a satisfactory comfort during the stay near Nabalu. It offers a barbecue and hot tub facilities for its guests. Apart from that, guests can play billiards, going fishing or cycling.

Celyn Resort Kinabalu

This resort is a perfect choice for family getaway nearby Nabalu. It is an award-winning accommodation topped with superb hospitality and services since 2006. It offers excellent facilities placed in cool, misty air environment surrounded by the rolling hills of Kundasang and the majestic Mount Kinabalu background.