Whether you are looking for fresh farm-to-table dining overlooking urban skylines, cool mountain air amidst grazing cattle, Sabah’s eco-farms offer a refreshing alternative to standard holiday itineraries.
1. Signal Hill Eco Farm (Kota Kinabalu)
Located on the slopes of Signal Hill right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, this eco-farm offers a peaceful escape without leaving the city. Known primarily for its organic farm restaurant, visitors can sample dishes crafted from hyper-local ingredients grown right on-site.
- Location: Signal Hill Eco Farm
- Must-Try: Freshly harvested kale salad, organic hotpot (steamboat), and house-brewed herbal and fruit juices (such as kale-pineapple).
- Travel Tip: The access road up the hill is narrow and winding, so drive carefully or take a quick ride-hailing car from the city center.
2. Our Land Eco Farm
Designed as an all-in-one educational and recreational hub, Our Land Eco Farm focuses on sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. It also features a farm-to-table culinary experience where the farm supplies the restaurants with the freshest ingredients.
- Location: Our Land Eco Farm Seafood Restaurant, 大地海鮮餐廳
- Highlights:
- Eco-friendly activities for children and fresh seafood dining options served against a rural backdrop.
3. Crocodile Farm Tuaran (Taman Buaya Tuaran)
As Sabah’s largest crocodile sanctuary, this park houses thousands of crocodiles. While more focused on wildlife handling and conservation education than traditional agriculture, it remains a mainstay on the northern eco-tourism circuit.
- Location: Tuaran Crocodile Farm
- Highlights & Key Activities
- Crocodile Shows: Scheduled performances happen daily at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. On Sundays and public holidays, an extra show is often added at 1:00 PM.
- Animal Interaction: Visitors can feed animals like Arapaima fish, tortoises, rabbits, goats, and deer.
- Cultural Exhibition: The site also hosts the Borneo Headhunting Exhibition focusing on local indigenous history.
4. DESA Dairy Farm
Often nicknamed the “Mini New Zealand of Sabah,” Desa Dairy Farm is arguably the most famous agrotourism destination in East Malaysia. Set against the towering, jagged granite peaks of Mount Kinabalu, the farm features rolling green pastures where black-and-white Holstein Friesian cows graze in the chilly mountain air.
- Location: Ladang Tenusu Desa Cattle
- Highlights:
- Calves and goat feeding sessions for kids.
- Fresh dairy treats, including signature gelato, pasteurized milk and cheeses produced on-site.
- Travel Tip: Tickets must be purchased in advance online, as walk-ins are not allowed if the session limit is reached.
5. DMA Gombizau Honey Bee Farm
Situated in the heartland of the indigenous Rungus community, DMA Gombizau Honey Bee & Kelulut Bee offers guided tours explaining traditional beekeeping and stingless honey extraction.
- Location: DMA Gombizau Honey Bee Farm
- Highlights:
- Guided tours through rubber trees and bee hives to observe traditional harvesting methods.
- Direct tasting of raw, unrefined honey straight from the comb.
- Nearby access to traditional Rungus longhouses and gong-making villages (Kampung Sumangkap).
6. Padas Farmstay (Tenom)
Located near Tenom, Sabah’s agricultural heartland known for coffee plantations and fruit orchards, Padas Farmstay serves as a base for exploring the Padas River region. It offers visitors a combination of rural hospitality, agricultural tours, and outdoor adventure.
- Location: Padas Farmstay Tenom
- Highlights:
- Fruit orchard tours (seasonal durian, mangosteen, and pomelo harvesting).
- Cycling tours, kayaking, and access to Padas River white-water rafting.
- Easy access to the nearby Tenom Coffee Factory and Sabah Agricultural Park (Taman Pertanian Sabah).
7. Sosodikon Sunflower Farm
Perched on a ridge overlooking the valleys of Kundasang, Sosodikon Hill combines manicured floral gardens—featuring vibrant sunflowers and native blooms—with a short, accessible walking trail. The summit offers sweeping 360-degree views of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding vegetable terraced fields.
- Location: Sosodikon Sunflower Farm
Practical Tips for Visiting Sabah’s Eco-Farms
- Best Time to Visit Highlands: Head to Kundasang farms (Desa Dairy Farm, Sosodikon Hill) before 10:00 AM. Fog and mountain clouds typically roll in by midday, obscuring the views of Mount Kinabalu.
- Transportation: While Kota Kinabalu-area spots are accessible via Grab, renting a car or booking a private driver is recommended for day trips out to Tuaran, Kundasang, or Kudat.
- Footwear: Pack comfortable walking shoes with good grip; some farm paths can be wet or muddy.
