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In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about the Desa dairy farm in 2026. This beautiful attraction is located in the hills near Kundasang in Sabah Malaysia.
Is it worth visiting the Desa dairy farm? How much does it cost to visit? How do you arrange your trip to the Desa Dairy farm? And what can you expect to see and do at this dairy farm? We will also share a mistake to avoid which could stop you from being able to visit at all. AND we will share some great places to stay in the area and some other awesome things to do nearby.
Don’t miss our FULL guide on the BEST things to do in Sabah
What is the Desa Dairy farm?
Dairy farming may not be the first thing that you associate with Malaysia. As a tropical southeast Asian country, Malaysia does not have a large Dairy industry. However, the unique cool climate in the mountain region of Sabah provides the perfect conditions for grass-fed cows and Dairy production. This farm supplies the region with fresh dairy products including fresh milk, yogurt and cheeses. AND their ice cream is super tasty.
Where is the Desa dairy farm located?
The Desa dairy farm is located in the Hills around 5 km north of Kundesang in the Kinabalu Valley in Sabah. After this altitude the climate is consistently cool with fresh air and beautiful views.
How do you get to the Desa Dairy farm?
The Desa dairy farm is in a beautiful hilly location. However, it is not easy to access by public transport. Therefore, the best way to get here is to drive (they have a carpark on site). If you have access to your own vehicle this will be pretty easy and convenient. Just be aware that some of the Hills leading up to the farm are quite steep. If you do not have access to your own vehicle we recommend using a taxi. You can book taxis in Malaysia using the grab taxi app or you can arrange a taxi through your hotel, guest house or resort.
How much does it cost to visit the Desa Dairy farm?
Desa Dairy farm ticket prices are as follows: Entrance tickets only cost RM5 for adults, RM4 for children 7-12 years old, and FREE four children 6 years old and below. They are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are only available in advance and must be booked through their official ticket website.
How do you book tickets to visit the Desa Dairy farm?
To visit the Desa dairy farm you must buy tickets in advance online from their official ticket booking website. It is not possible to buy tickets at the counter on arrival. If you do not have an advance ticket booked before you arrive they may not let you enter the farm. So it is very important that you book tickets on their official ticket booking website.
What can you see and do at the Desa Dairy farm?
Here are some of the things you can see at the Desa Dairy Farm
- Cattle barns
- The milking bay
- Milk processing and packaging
- Agro feeding pen activity
- Food kiosk (don’t miss the ice cream!)
- Cafe
This location also enjoys beautiful views of the scenic Kinabalu Valley. You can visit the cattle barns and see the cows, however sometimes this may be limited or restricted for health protocol. There is also an education center where you can learn about Dairy farming. There is also a small Cafe. And there is an area where you can buy fresh dairy products. Don’t miss the amazing ice cream. For a very reasonable price you can buy a pot of soft serve ice cream. There is not loads to here. We recommend leaving around 1 or 2 hours for a visit at the most.
Is it worth visiting the Desa Dairy farm?
If you are staying in this beautiful area we think a visit to Desa dairy farm is well worthwhile. We are from the United Kingdom and therefore Dairy farming is not new to us. So we would not personally travel just to see the Desa Dairy farm. However, if you are in the area and have a bit of spare time we would recommend dropping by this beautiful farm. This is a particularly great activity for families with kids as there is a chance to buy and try the fresh Desa ice cream and if the cattle sheds are open you can also see the cows.
What are the best places to stay in the area?
There are lots of great places to stay nearby. In our opinion the best accommodation in the area is the Beautiful Pogimpaan Homestay. This lovely accommodation is located between Kundasang and Ranau. The Pogimpaan homestay offers clean and simple rooms in a stunning location with amazing views of mount Kinabalu and great value for money. This lovely property is very well cared for and has a wide range of rooms for solo, couples and families.
Want to find out more? Don’t miss our full review of Pogimpaan. You can book rooms at Pogimpaan on Agoda and also book rooms at Pogimpaan on Booking.com.
It is also some of the cheapest accommodation around. Another great option is the Zen Garden Resort. This is a larger and more developed property offering great value for money and clean comfortable rooms. Reserve a room at The Zen Garden Resort on Agoda or The Zen Garden resort in Booking.com.
Alternatively, if you have a higher budget check out the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges located at the Poring hot spring. These beautiful lodges offer stylish, comfortable and luxurious accommodation in a beautiful natural and tranquil area. You can find Sutrea on Agoda and you can also find Sutera on Booking.com.
What other things can you do nearby?
There are lots of great things to do near the Desa Dairy farm. Don’t miss Kundasang Village with its fresh market. We highly recommend a visit to the Poring hot spring. There is also a butterfly garden, canopy walkway and some epic waterfalls close to the hot springs. At the hot spring you can take a relaxing dip in geothermal water. The canopy walkway is very high and impressive and allows a unique perspective on the jungle and mountains. However, we do not recommend this activity for anyone who has a fear of heights. Close to the Poring hot spring you can also visit a couple of Rafflesia gardens. The Rafflesia flower is unique as it is the biggest flower in the world and only blooms for around 5 days. This is one of the best places in Malaysia to see the unique and beautiful Rafflesia flowers.
