Yit Foh Coffee Park: Your Coffee Retreat in Tenom, Sabah
If you’re planning a trip to Sabah and seeking something more authentic than the usual island and beach getaways, Yit Foh Coffee Park in Tenom is a destination you’ll want to discover.
Tucked in the interior of Sabah, about 170 km from Kota Kinabalu, this charming park blends nature, culture, and coffee into one unforgettable experience. It’s more than just a café or a factory it’s a place where you can taste, see, and feel the soul of Tenom’s famous Kopi Tenom, one of Malaysia’s most distinctive coffee traditions.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a serene weekend escape, Yit Foh Coffee Park provides a deep look into how Sabah’s coffee heritage continues to thrive amidst lush greenery and local warmth.
The Story Behind Yit Foh Coffee
Yit Foh Coffee is one of Sabah’s oldest and most beloved coffee brands. Established in 1960 by Mr. Yong Loong Vun, the factory began with a small team of workers roasting beans using traditional wood-fired drums a method that remains their signature technique to this day.
Back then, Tenom was already known for its fertile soil and favorable highland climate. The founder saw an opportunity to create a local coffee that could rival imported blends. Over the years, Yit Foh Coffee became synonymous with Kopi Tenom, characterized by its bold, smoky aroma and rich, earthy taste.
When the third generation of the family took over, they expanded the brand into tourism by creating Yit Foh Coffee Park a scenic space where visitors can experience coffee production, enjoy local cuisine, and stay in comfortable, coffee-themed cottages.
The park is more than a business it’s a celebration of Sabah’s coffee heritage, where the past meets the present and visitors are invited to be part of that ongoing story.
Location and Getting There
Located at Kampung Chinta Mata, just 3 km from Tenom town, Yit Foh Coffee Park is perfectly positioned for both local day-trippers and international travelers.
Address: Yit Foh Coffee Park, 3KM Jalan Tenom-Sapong, Kampung Chinta Mata, 89908 Tenom, Sabah
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Factory), 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Café)
Getting there is part of the adventure. The drive from Kota Kinabalu takes around 3 hours via Keningau, passing scenic mountain roads, small villages, and panoramic views of Borneo’s interior.
Public transport is available (bus or shared van), but for a more flexible and comfortable experience, a Sabah car rental is highly recommended. With your own car, you can stop at viewpoints, visit nearby waterfalls, or explore the charming Tenom town before reaching the park.
The Full Experience at Yit Foh Coffee Park
The Coffee Factory Tour – From Bean to Brew
The factory tour at Yit Foh Coffee Park is an immersive journey through every stage of the coffee-making process. Visitors can watch the beans being dried, roasted, and ground using the traditional wood-fire method that gives Tenom coffee its unmistakable character.
The air inside the roasting area is filled with the rich, comforting aroma of freshly roasted beans an experience that delights every coffee lover. Guides share fascinating insights into the art of coffee production, including:
The difference between robusta and arabica beans grown in Sabah’s highlands.
How roasting time affects flavor, body, and aroma.
Why wood-fire roasting remains an important cultural practice.
You’ll also get to taste freshly brewed coffee directly from the factory, strong, dark, and full-bodied, with a subtle sweetness that reflects Tenom’s soil and tradition.
At the end of the tour, you can purchase premium Yit Foh coffee products, including their famous Tenom coffee powder, drip coffee bags, and coffee gift sets perfect souvenirs to bring home.
Robusta Café – Dining Amid Nature
After exploring the factory, head to the Robusta Café, located within the park grounds. This open-air café overlooks a small pond surrounded by flowers and trees, creating a peaceful, nature-infused dining experience.
The menu is diverse, combining Sabah local dishes with Western-style meals. Recommended items include:
Tenom Coffee Fried Rice – a creative local specialty infused with coffee flavor.
Sabah Chicken Chop with Coffee Gravy.
Homemade Cakes & Desserts – ideal with a cup of Tenom Latte or Iced Mocha.
Signature Yit Foh Coffee Brew – enjoy it hot, iced, or as a creamy white coffee.
Many travelers love relaxing here after their tour, sipping coffee while enjoying the cool breeze of Tenom’s hills. The café also provides Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable stop for digital nomads or those documenting their travels.
Cottages & Coffee-Themed Stays
For travelers looking to immerse themselves longer, Yit Foh Coffee Park’s cottages offer a unique overnight experience. Each cottage is thoughtfully designed to reflect different coffee inspirations, such as Espresso, Cappuccino, or Mocha.
Inside, you’ll find cozy interiors with modern comforts air conditioning, attached bathrooms, warm lighting, and balconies overlooking the garden. At night, the park becomes beautifully quiet, with the sounds of crickets and the scent of roasted beans lingering in the air.
Why stay overnight?
You’ll enjoy the park’s peaceful atmosphere after day visitors leave.
Wake up to misty morning views and freshly brewed Tenom coffee.
Great for couples, small families, or photographers wanting sunrise shots.
Photography & Instagram Spots
Every corner of Yit Foh Coffee Park is picturesque. Visitors can find creative photo backdrops, including:
The Umbrella Walkway, decorated with colorful hanging umbrellas.
The Coffee Garden, filled with tropical plants and coffee trees.
The Mini Bridge & Pond Area, perfect for golden-hour photography.
The Yit Foh Signage Wall, often used by influencers for travel content.
If you’re a travel blogger or content creator, this park offers some of Sabah’s most charming inland photography spots.
Why Visit Yit Foh Coffee Park
Tenom’s Coffee Heritage
Tenom’s identity as the “Coffee Capital of Sabah” dates back to the 1950s. The fertile red soil and warm yet misty climate make it ideal for growing robusta beans, which thrive at moderate altitudes.
Yit Foh’s success not only put Tenom coffee on the map but also preserved a part of Sabah’s agricultural identity. Visiting the park allows travelers to witness firsthand how coffee plays a role in community livelihoods, from local farmers to factory workers.
Sabah’s Growing Agri-Tourism Scene
Sabah has been diversifying its tourism beyond beaches and diving spots like Sipadan or Semporna. The rise of agri-tourism where visitors engage with local farms and traditional industries has made destinations like Yit Foh Coffee Park essential stops for culture-driven travelers.
By visiting, you’re not just tasting coffee; you’re supporting sustainable tourism that empowers rural communities and preserves local crafts.
Travel Guide to Tenom
Getting to Tenom from Kota Kinabalu
The most scenic route to Tenom begins in Kota Kinabalu, passing through Tambunan and Keningau, before descending into Tenom’s green valley. Along the way, you’ll encounter panoramic hill views, roadside fruit stalls, and waterfalls.
Driving time: 3 to 3.5 hours.
Alternative: Take the Sabah State Railway from Beaufort to Tenom a nostalgic train ride through lush countryside and tunnels.
However, the train schedule is limited, so renting a car gives you far greater freedom.
Driving Yourself – Sabah Car Rental Tips
For adventurous travelers, self-driving in Sabah is one of the best ways to explore. A Sabah car rental lets you plan your own schedule, stop for photos, and explore hidden gems along the way.
Top reasons to rent a car in Sabah:
Convenience and flexibility for exploring Tenom and interior Sabah.
Access to rural attractions not covered by tour packages.
More affordable for groups or families than joining multiple tours.
Driving tips:
Always check brakes, fuel, and tyres before leaving Kota Kinabalu.
Expect winding roads with occasional rain.
Drive slowly when passing rural villages.
Use offline maps, GPS signal may drop in highland areas.
Self-driving to Yit Foh Coffee Park gives you freedom to visit nearby attractions such as the Tenom Agricultural Park, Murut Cultural Centre, and the Padas River for whitewater rafting.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tenom is during February to September, when weather is mostly sunny and dry. The park looks especially vibrant after light morning rain, with mist rising from the hills perfect for photography.
Avoid November to January when heavy rain can make rural roads slippery.
What to Bring & Buy
Bring:
Lightweight clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera or drone
Power bank
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Cash (ATMs are limited in Tenom)
Buy:
Yit Foh Tenom Coffee (powder, beans, or drip bags)
Coffee mugs or gift packs
Local Tenom snacks like Kuih Cincin or Pineapple Jam
Handcrafted souvenirs from local shops
Safety & Practical Tips
Roads: Drive carefully on winding roads; use headlights early.
Accommodation: Book cottages ahead, especially on weekends.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi available in café; mobile data intermittent.
Cash: Carry enough as some stalls don’t take cards.
Etiquette: Be polite to locals and respect the rural setting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes Yit Foh Coffee Park unique?
It’s Sabah’s only destination combining a working coffee factory, café, accommodation, and tourism park giving visitors a full coffee experience in nature.
2. Is it suitable for kids and families?
Yes, children will enjoy the gardens, pond, and umbrella walk. The park is clean, safe, and educational.
3. How long should I spend at Yit Foh Coffee Park?
A half-day is ideal for a tour and meal, but staying overnight lets you enjoy Tenom’s cool evening ambiance.
4. Can I visit without a car?
Yes, but it’s easier with a Sabah car rental. Public transport is limited.
5. What’s the must-try drink?
Try the Tenom Robusta Black or the Iced Mocha Latte made with locally roasted beans.
6. Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided factory tours are available daily, usually between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
7. What other attractions are nearby?
Sabah Agricultural Station Lagud Seberang
Plan Your Visit to Yit Foh Coffee Park
Visiting Yit Foh Coffee Park isn’t just about coffee it’s about connecting with Sabah’s history, its people, and the tranquil beauty of the interior highlands. You’ll learn how Tenom coffee has become a proud symbol of local identity, and how a humble factory has transformed into a thriving tourism landmark.
Whether you come for the flavor, the scenery, or the hospitality, Yit Foh Coffee Park offers something truly special.
So pack your bags, grab a cup, and start your Sabah road trip today. Book your Sabah car rental, plan your scenic drive through Keningau, and experience the aroma of Tenom, one cup at a time.
Experience the real Sabah at Yit Foh Coffee Park, where coffee, culture, and countryside meet.
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