Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm: A Sweet Escape in the Highlands of Kundasang

More Than Just Strawberries Despite being known as a strawberry farm, Mesilou has a lot more going on than you'd expect. Wander through the grounds and you'll find rows of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley — each with little signboards explaining what they are and how they're used. It's surprisingly educational, especially if you're used to seeing these ingredients dried up in a supermarket bottle. There's also a rose and flower garden on the property, with lilies, cacti, sunflowers, and more varieties than you can count. Everything here grows healthier and more vibrant than what you'd find in the lowlands — the cool highland climate does wonders for plants.

Picking Your Own Strawberries This is the highlight for most visitors. The strawberry plants here are grown from Japanese seeds, which makes the fruit noticeably sweeter and the plants slimmer and more delicate-looking. You can walk through the rows and hand-pick the ripest ones yourself. Just a heads-up — the harvested strawberries are weighed at the exit, priced at around RM60 per kilogram. So pick wisely, but don't hold back too much. Fresh-picked strawberries from the highlands hit different. Note: Strawberry availability depends on the season. Sometimes you'll arrive and find more flowers than fruit — still worth the trip either way.

The Café and Strawberry Treats After all that walking, the on-site café is a welcome pit stop. They serve strawberry-based desserts and drinks made from their own farm produce. The strawberry cheesecake has gotten solid reviews, and the strawberry ice cream at RM7 a pop is basically a non-negotiable if you're here for the first time. There's also a small gift stall where you can pick up jams and other strawberry products to bring home as souvenirs.

Great for Families and Photos The farm has a children's playground, wooden swings, a water fountain, and giant strawberry sculptures scattered around — perfect for photos with the kids or just some fun shots for your feed. The surrounding hills and cool air make the whole place feel calm and unhurried. It's the kind of spot where you naturally slow down. The staff here are known for being genuinely friendly, often happy to show you around and tell you a bit about what's growing.

The Practical Stuff Address: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Wednesday closes at 4:00 PM) Entrance Fee: RM5 for adults, RM3 for children Strawberry price (if picking): ~RM60/kg Getting there involves a slightly winding road with some steep bits and potholes, so take it slow if you're driving. Once you're there though, it's all worth it.

Worth the Detour? Absolutely. Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm isn't going to blow your mind with scale or spectacle, but it delivers exactly what it promises — a relaxed, fresh, and genuinely pleasant highland experience. It pairs naturally with a Kundasang itinerary that already includes Mount Kinabalu, Desa Dairy Farm, or the Kundasang War Memorial. If you're road-tripping through Sabah and Kundasang is on your list, add this one in. Come with an empty stomach, good shoes, and a willingness to just... enjoy the cool air for a bit.