Kundasang, often called Sabah’s “Mini New Zealand,” is a highland paradise known for its lush dairy farms, rolling hills, cool weather, and rich agricultural heritage. Beyond the natural beauty, the region has seen a surge in cafe culture, creating a unique combination of scenic beauty, fresh local ingredients, and cosy spots to relax, work, or take photographs.

For travellers searching for the best cafe in Kundasang, this guide goes beyond simply listing cafés. You’ll discover:

• The stories and concepts behind each café

• What makes each one unique

• Must-try drinks, meals, and desserts

• Peak visiting times and travel tips

• Cultural insights about Kundasang’s local community

• Advice on getting around, staying nearby, and planning your itinerary

Whether you’re visiting from Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, or Europe, this long-form guide ensures that you fully immerse yourself in Kundasang’s highland café experience.

Why Cafes in Kundasang Are a Must-Visit

Kundasang isn’t just a mountain town — it’s a hub where nature, agriculture, and culture meet. Visiting a café here isn’t just about food or drinks; it’s about immersing yourself in the highland atmosphere and taking in the stunning landscapes that surround every spot.

1. Cool Highland Weather Enhances Flavours

Kundasang’s temperatures often drop below 18°C, and in some months, can go as low as 12°C–16°C at night. This crisp highland air makes coffee taste richer, chocolates creamier, and pastries more indulgent. Sipping a warm drink while feeling the cool breeze is an experience that cannot be replicated in lowland cities.

2. Breathtaking Views from Every Café

Most cafes in Kundasang are perched strategically on slopes or hillsides, offering spectacular views:

• Panoramic vistas of Mount Kinabalu

• Rolling green hills and valleys dotted with farms

• Misty mornings that create magical cloud formations

• Golden-hour sunlight perfect for photography

• Sunrise and sunset views that are unforgettable

A visit to any café here doubles as a scenic experience — ideal for photography, painting, or simply meditating while soaking in nature.

3. Fresh Highland Ingredients

Kundasang is known for its fresh, local produce. Many cafés source ingredients directly from nearby farms:

• Desa Dairy Farm milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate

• Fresh vegetables and herbs for light meals and salads

• Homemade pastries and desserts made daily

Even small cafés often serve higher-quality food than what you’d find in city eateries, making every sip and bite feel authentic and wholesome.

4. Cafés Designed for Relaxation and Photography

The highland café aesthetic in Kundasang blends:

• Rustic wooden interiors

• Scandinavian minimalism

• Cosy outdoor viewing decks

• Warm lighting and intimate corners

Visitors come not just to eat but to experience the ambience, relax with a book, or take Instagram-worthy photos. Many cafés also encourage social interaction while keeping the atmosphere peaceful.

Top 8 Cafes in Kundasang You Must Visit

Here’s a deeper dive into the most notable cafes in Kundasang, including ambience, unique concepts, signature items, and travel tips.

1. Anooh Coffee

Anooh Coffee represents the modern, urban-influenced growth of Kundasang’s café culture. Its design blends contemporary minimalism with natural elements, making it ideal for digital nomads, young travellers, and coffee enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Clean, minimalist interior with natural wood accents

• Excellent espresso-based drinks

• Seating ideal for remote work or reading

• Freshly baked pastries made daily

Must-Try Menu Items:

• Signature Latte: smooth, aromatic, perfectly balanced

• Dirty Matcha: strong matcha paired with bold espresso

• Butter Croissant: flaky, buttery, high-quality even at high altitude

Travel Tip: Visit late morning (10 AM–12 PM) when it’s quieter, perfect for working or journaling while enjoying the serene views.

Insider Insight: Anooh Coffee often hosts small local art exhibitions and live acoustic music during weekends, providing a cultural touch to your café experience.

2. Kloud Café

Sitting on a high slope, Kloud Café offers breathtaking views of the valley below. As its name suggests, you feel like you’re sitting among the clouds, particularly during misty mornings.

Highlights:

• One of the most scenic viewpoints in Kundasang

• Open-air seating that captures natural breezes

• Photo-friendly decks perfect for golden-hour shots

Recommended Menu:

• Hot Chocolate: extra thick and comforting

• Kloud Milk Tea: subtly sweet with fresh milk

• Light snacks for enjoying the view

Travel Tip: Sunset visits are spectacular — the warm orange hues over the valley create incredible photography opportunities.

Insider Insight: Locals recommend pairing a light snack with a hot drink and spending at least 30–45 minutes enjoying the view before moving on to the next café.

3. August Kitchen

August Kitchen combines Western and Asian comfort food, creating a warm, homely environment that appeals to families and groups.

Highlights:

• Generous portion sizes

• Home-like, cosy atmosphere

• Balanced fusion menu of Western and Asian dishes

Best Sellers:

• Chicken Chop: crispy on the outside, juicy inside

• Creamy Carbonara with strong cheese base

• Thick, rich Hot Chocolate

Travel Tip: Ideal for dinner after exploring Desa Dairy Farm or Kinabalu Park. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

Insider Insight: August Kitchen often incorporates local herbs and fresh vegetables from surrounding farms, making each dish distinctively Kundasang in flavour.

4. The Terrace Kinabalu

The Terrace Kinabalu is renowned for its panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu, making it a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts and breakfast lovers alike.

Highlights:

• Expansive terrace for unobstructed viewing

• Morning ambience perfect for breakfast

• Calm, serene environment

Recommended Menu:

• Sabah Tea Pot: a local favourite

• Mountain-View Breakfast Set

• Fresh Fruit Waffles

Travel Tip: Early mornings (7–9 AM) often offer clear skies, perfect for postcard-worthy photos.

Insider Insight: If visiting in the monsoon season, check weather updates as morning clouds can obscure the view temporarily, but often make for mystical photography.

5. Waffcup Coffee

Waffcup Coffee is ideal for dessert lovers, combining creative waffle options with artisanal coffee and a youthful vibe.

Highlights:

• Sweet and savoury waffle options

• Modern, Instagrammable café design

• Family and couple-friendly environment

Must Try:

• Banana Chocolate Waffcup

• Maple Butter Waffle

• Caramel Macchiato

Travel Tip: Tea time is busy; early afternoon is best for avoiding crowds.

Insider Insight: Waffcup often rotates its menu seasonally, using local fruits and highland ingredients, so every visit can offer a slightly different experience.

6. Chill@1850

Chill@1850 is perched 1850 meters above sea level, making it the highest café on this list. It offers crisp, cool air and a peaceful retreat.

Highlights:

• Highest elevation café in Kundasang

• Tranquil, quiet atmosphere

• Ideal for nature lovers and reflective moments

Recommended:

• Hot Latte

• Local Kuih

• Homemade Cakes

Travel Tip: Always bring a jacket, as the temperature can drop significantly.

Insider Insight: Sunrise visits here are magical, as the valley below fills with mist and cloud formations — perfect for photographers and early risers.

7. Second Breakfast Club

Specialising in brunch and breakfast, Second Breakfast Club is a favourite for early travellers and adventure seekers.

Highlights:

• Generous meal portions

• International-style brunch dishes

• Excellent coffee

Popular Meals: Big Breakfast Platter, Avocado Toast, Shakshuka

Travel Tip: Perfect fuel before visiting Sosodikon Hill, Dream World, or Desa Dairy Farm.

Insider Insight: Their breakfast platters often feature local vegetables and herbs, adding a Kundasang touch to classic international dishes.

8. Hooga Café

Inspired by Scandinavian design, Hooga Café offers a calm, cosy environment for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Highlights:

• Minimalist wooden décor with warm lighting

• Peaceful, tranquil environment

• Ideal for reading, writing, or slow afternoons

Recommendations: Matcha Latte, Fresh Milk Drinks, Butter Cake

Travel Tip: Great for solo travellers or those wanting a quiet escape from crowded tourist spots.

Insider Insight: Hooga often collaborates with local artists, displaying paintings and crafts that give the café a cultural depth beyond coffee.

Must-Eat and Drink at Cafes in Kundasang

Thanks to Kundasang’s highland environment, certain foods and drinks taste especially good here:

• Fresh Dairy Products: Lattes, milk tea, hot chocolate enhanced by local milk

• Cakes & Pastries: Burnt cheesecake, butter cake, fruit tarts, Danish pastries

• Western Comfort Food: Creamy soups, carbonara, chicken chop

• Local Highland Meals: Nasi lemak, fried noodles, traditional kuih

Extended Travel Tips for Café-Hopping

Best Times:

• 7–10 AM for Mount Kinabalu views

• 3–6 PM for golden-hour photography

What to Wear: Jackets, windbreakers, closed shoes, long pants

Driving Tips: Roads can be steep; avoid late-night driving and drive slowly on curves

Payment Tips: Some cafés accept cash only; mobile network may be limited

Photography Tips: Mornings provide softer light; misty afternoons create magical photo effects

Getting Around — Car Rental Tips

Since cafés are spread across hilly terrain, renting a car is highly recommended.

• Vehicle Suggestions: SUV (steep slopes), MPV (families), Pickup Truck (adventurers)

• Tips:

  • Choose airport pickup at Kota Kinabalu

  • Ensure strong brakes and headlights

  • Drive slowly around bends

  • Consider GPS or offline maps

Reliable Sabah car rental companies can help make your journey safe and flexible.

Where to Stay Near Cafes

• Kundasang Pine Resort – Mount Kinabalu views

• The Cottage Hotel – family-friendly and convenient

• The Mountain Valley – boutique luxury experience

• Wind Valley Farmstay – peaceful farm environment

• The Terrace Kinabalu Lodges – close to scenic cafés

FAQs

Q1: Are cafes in Kundasang halal?

Many are Muslim-friendly or halal-certified; always check signage.

Q2: Can I work from cafés?

Yes, Anooh Coffee and Hooga Café are work-friendly, but WiFi varies.

Q3: Is it cold at night?

Temperatures can drop to 12°C–16°C, especially in the rainy season.

Q4: Do cafés accept cards?

Some only accept cash; plan ahead.

Conclusion

Experiencing a cafe in Kundasang is not just about drinking coffee — it’s about enjoying scenic landscapes, fresh highland produce, cosy atmospheres, and unique cultural experiences. From the modern charm of Anooh Coffee to the panoramic vistas at The Terrace Kinabalu, every café has its own story and special offerings.

Take your time exploring, savour the unique flavours, capture breathtaking views, and immerse yourself in the highland lifestyle. Visiting multiple cafés during your stay ensures a full appreciation of what makes Kundasang one of Malaysia’s most unforgettable destinations.