Today was a day of discovery, reflection, and appreciation for the beauty and history of Kundasang.
We began the morning by visiting Desa Dairy Farm, often called the “little New Zealand of Sabah.” And it truly felt that way. Rolling green pastures stretched across the hills, with Mount Kinabalu standing quietly in the background. The air was cool, fresh, and incredibly clean.
We watched the cows grazing peacefully across the fields, completely at ease in their surroundings. There was something very calming about that scene. Life moving at its natural rhythm.
We also visited the calf pen and had the chance to feed the little calves. They were curious and gentle, and it was heartwarming to see them up close. Afterward, we enjoyed some fresh milk and yoghurt produced right there at the farm. It tasted pure and creamy, a simple pleasure that felt even better in such a beautiful setting.
Later, we visited the small town of Kundasang, nestled quietly within the valley of the surrounding mountains. The town carries both beauty and deep history.
We stopped at the Kundasang War Memorial, built in remembrance of the tragic events during World War II. Thousands of Allied soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom were captured as prisoners of war and forced to march across the mountainous terrain during what became known as the Sandakan Death Marches. Only six survived.
Standing there, surrounded by peaceful gardens and mountains, it was hard to imagine the suffering that once took place in this very landscape. It is a powerful reminder of the cruelty and tragedy of war. No one truly wins. The cost is always human lives, dignity, and suffering.
I spent a quiet moment there, offering my respect and prayers for those who endured such hardship.
It also reminds me how fragile peace can be. Even today, conflicts continue in different parts of the world, including the tensions we are witnessing in places like Iran. History reminds us of the importance of compassion and wisdom.
After the memorial, we had lunch at a cosy spot called August Café, where we enjoyed a relaxing meal and a quiet break before continuing the day.
In the afternoon, we visited Mount Kinabalu Park and took a gentle walk along one of the trails. Being within the park, surrounded by rainforest and with the presence of Mount Kinabalu towering above, felt grounding and humbling. Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, and standing near its base reminds you how small we are in the grand scale of nature.
Today was a beautiful mix of joy, nature, history, and reflection.
Grateful for the fresh mountain air.
Grateful for the peaceful farms and happy animals.
Grateful for the lessons of history that remind us to value peace.
And grateful to walk among such magnificent landscapes.
Kundasang truly holds both beauty and memory within its mountains.
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