Must-Try Desserts and Sweets in Kundasang: Delicious Treats You Can’t Miss (2026)

Introduction

If you’re coming to Kundasang for the cool air, mountain views, and farm stops, you’re going to love the food side of the highlands too. The best part is that you don’t need a fancy dessert hunt to enjoy it.

Desserts and sweets in Kundasang show up naturally in a real travel day: a strawberry treat after a scenic stop, a creamy dairy soft serve when the air feels extra chilly, and simple kuih and snack bites you can grab at the market and eat on the go.

This guide is written for practical itineraries. The kind where you’re moving between Kundasang Town, Mesilou, Desa Dairy Farm, Ranau, Pekan Nabalu, and quick viewpoint stops. You’ll find what to try, where these sweets usually show up, what to order first, and what’s actually worth packing home.

Why Desserts and Sweets in Kundasang hit different (cool weather + highland ingredients)

Kundasang is one of those places where dessert just makes sense. The air is cooler, you’re often outdoors, and your day naturally includes scenic pauses.

That’s why desserts and sweets in Kundasang tend to be simple, comforting, and easy to enjoy between activities.

A few reasons they stand out:

Cooler temperatures make creamy desserts more enjoyable (ice cream, yogurt drinks, milk-based treats).
Highland produce gives you seasonal fruit moments, especially strawberries.
Market culture keeps things casual. You’ll see traditional kuih, snack-style bites, and packable treats without needing a “dessert shop” hunt.

And honestly, it’s a great balance. After a day of sightseeing, light hiking, or farm visits, a sweet treat feels like a reward that doesn’t slow your itinerary down.

Strawberry treats you should try (the signature Highland dessert)

When people think of desserts and sweets in Kundasang, strawberries usually come to mind first.

Even if you don’t visit a strawberry farm, you’ll still spot strawberry-themed desserts around Kundasang and along the Ranau highland route. But if you want the “proper” version of this experience, make it a point to try strawberry treats at Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm.

It’s one of the most popular places in the area for strawberry-themed snacks and desserts, and it fits naturally into a Kundasang day trip route.

Strawberry cake and cheesecake (best for a sit-down break)

If you’re doing a cafe stop, strawberry cake and cheesecake are often the easiest “everyone likes it” option. They’re filling without being too heavy, and they pair well with coffee or a warm drink when the weather turns misty.

What to look for:

Strawberry cake with a soft sponge and a clean cream finish (not overly sweet)
Strawberry cheesecake that tastes more dairy-forward than sugary
Fresh toppings that look bright and not “watery” or melting (a good sign it’s kept properly)

Small tip: If you’re traveling with kids or a group, slice-based desserts are usually the easiest to share, and you can still keep moving after a short break.

Strawberry ice cream and cafe-style strawberry desserts (quick win)

Not every stop needs a full cake moment. Sometimes you just want something cold, fast, and satisfying. That’s where strawberry ice cream and strawberry cafe treats come in, and Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm is a great place to look first if you’re nearby.

Common things you’ll see:

Strawberry ice cream (sometimes soft serve, sometimes scoop)
Strawberry sundaes or simple cups with topping
Strawberry-flavored drinks that feel like dessert (milkshake-style or yogurt-style)

If you’re only picking one, go with what looks fresh and popular. A line isn’t always fun, but it usually means desserts are moving quickly and not sitting too long.

Dairy treats at Desa Dairy Farm (the classic sweet stop)

If strawberries are the fun Highland theme, then Desa Dairy Farm is the reliable classic.

For many visitors, the dairy stop is non-negotiable, and it absolutely belongs in any list of desserts and sweets in Kundasang.

What to order at Desa Dairy Farm

Here’s a simple list that works for most travelers:

Gelato soft serve (often the #1 pick)
Desa Dairy Farm ice cream, if available (quick, easy, crowd-friendly)
Yogurt drink if you want something refreshing but still creamy
Fresh milk if you’re keeping it simple (and you actually like milk)

If you’re traveling with a group, do this:

One person gets Gelato, another gets a yogurt drink, and another gets a milk-based option.
Share a few sips and bites.
Then you’ll know what to repeat if you come back.

When to go and how to avoid the “everyone is here” rush

Desa is popular, so timing helps. If your schedule is flexible, try:

Going earlier in the day, before peak crowds, or
Going later when some tour buses have moved on

Even if it’s busy, it’s still worth it because it fits naturally into a Kundasang day. You’re already in the area, and it’s one of the easiest “treat + photo + quick rest” stops you can make.

Traditional kuih and local sweet bites at the markets

This is the part that feels most local. While cafes and farms get the attention, markets are where you’ll find the everyday version of desserts and sweets in Kundasang. It’s snacky, practical, and often surprisingly satisfying.

You’ll mainly see these at:

Kundasang Market (Kundasang Town area)
Pekan Nabalu market-style stalls (on the route)

What to look for at Kundasang Market (snacks, sweets, and easy souvenirs)

Kundasang Market is known for local produce, but you’ll also spot snack and sweet options if you browse a little. Think of it as a “grab-and-go dessert” rather than a plated dessert.

Common finds:

Traditional kuih like kuih pinjaram and kuih pisang (variety depends on day and vendor)
Sweet snack packs that are easy to share in the car
Simple local bites that can become souvenirs if sealed and clean

How to choose well:

Pick stalls where items are covered
Packaging looks clean
Prices are clearly displayed
The stall that looks active (things selling = fresher rotation)

If you’re unsure, buy a small pack first. If you love it, go back. That’s the smartest way to enjoy desserts and sweets in Kundasang without overbuying.

What to look for at Pekan Nabalu (market-style browsing, easy snack buys)

Pekan Nabalu is famous as a quick stop on the highland route. Even if you’re “not shopping,” the market-style browse is part of the experience.

And yes, it’s also one of those places where you suddenly realize you’re hungry again.

For sweets and snacks, you’ll often see:

Packable local snack packs
Traditional kuih options like steamed banana cake and kuih pisang too (depending on the day)
Quick bites that work as road-trip snacks or simple souvenirs

A practical note: Many snack packs here are priced in small, friendly amounts, often around RM10 and below, depending on the item and stall. It’s why this stop is great for “try a few things” instead of committing to one big purchase.

Easy-to-pack sweet souvenirs: kuih cincin and local snack favorites

If you want sweet souvenirs that travel well, look for items that are:

Dry or semi-dry (less messy)
Sealed (more hygienic and easier to pack)
Not too temperature-sensitive

Two common Sabah snack favorites you may spot:

Kuih cincin (often slightly sweet, crunchy, very snackable)
Amplang (more savory-leaning but commonly bought as a local snack)

Not everything has to be “dessert dessert.” In the highlands, the line between snack and sweet treat is blurry, and that’s part of the charm of desserts and sweets in Kundasang.

Dessert cafes in Kundasang (for chill afternoons)

Sometimes you want a proper sit-down break: warm drink, dessert, and a slow moment while you wait for clearer skies. Kundasang is perfect for that, especially if you’re timing your day around visibility.

If you’re looking for a reliable dessert cafe stop, two good names to keep in mind are Anooh Coffee and L’armonia Cafe & Dessert. They work well as flexible pauses when you want something sweet without turning your whole day into a cafe crawl.

Coffee and dessert pairing ideas (simple and satisfying)

These pairings are easy wins at spots like Anooh Coffee and L’armonia Cafe & Dessert:

Brownies + hot coffee (classic, not too sweet)
Cheesecake + latte (richer, better for a longer stop)
Chilled dessert + hot drink (nice contrast in highland weather)

If you’re traveling with friends, let each person choose something different. That way, your cafe stop becomes a mini tasting session and feels like a proper desserts and sweets in Kundasang moment.

If you want more cafe options beyond desserts, like brunch spots, cafes with views, and places that work as a longer “chill stop” in your Kundasang itinerary, check out our supporting guide: Top 6 Best Cafes in Kundasang

What to eat in Kundasang besides main meals (dessert edition)

A lot of people plan Kundasang around the big attractions and “main meal” stops, then realize the best moments are actually the small ones in between.

That’s where desserts and sweets in Kundasang come in.

They’re not something you need to schedule like a restaurant booking. They naturally fit into your day when you’re doing short scenic pauses, waiting for the clouds to clear, or taking a break after a farm visit.

If you want a simple way to think about it, build your dessert stops around your route. Midday is a great time for a dairy treat at Desa Dairy Farm because it feels refreshing without slowing you down.

Later in the afternoon, a strawberry dessert stop (especially around Mesilou) works well as a reward after sightseeing, and it’s usually the point in the day when you’ll appreciate a sit-down cafe break the most.

Toward the end of your day, markets become the easiest “snack-dessert” option. Picking up kuih or packable sweet treats from Kundasang Market or Pekan Nabalu gives you something to nibble on during the drive, and it doubles as a simple souvenir you can share later.

This is a practical way to enjoy the highlands, because even if the weather changes, you’ll still have a good food memory from Kundasang.

Mini guide: how to choose clean, fresh market sweets (so you don’t regret it)

Markets are fun, but you still want to be smart.

Here’s a simple checklist for picking market-style desserts and sweets in Kundasang safely:

Choose items that are covered or in a display case
Prefer sealed packaging when possible
Avoid desserts that look like they’ve been sitting in heat (soft, soggy, melting)
If you’re sensitive, skip creamy items that aren’t chilled
Buy smaller portions first, then go back for more

And if you’re traveling long distances (or you have a packed itinerary), focus on packable snacks instead of fragile desserts. You’ll enjoy them more when you’re not worried about mess.

Conclusion

The best part about exploring desserts and sweets in Kundasang is that you don’t need to overplan it. A good Kundasang day naturally gives you plenty of chances to enjoy something sweet, whether it’s strawberry treats at Mesilou, a creamy dairy stop at Desa Dairy Farm, or simple kuih and snack packs from Kundasang Market and Pekan Nabalu.

Just keep it flexible, follow your route, and choose what looks fresh and popular, because in the highlands, timing and weather can change fast.

If you want to connect this dessert list with the rest of your eating and shopping stops, read our pillar guide, Ultimate Kundasang Food and Shopping Guide. It pulls everything together, from where to snack and what to buy, to the best places to browse and eat, so you can plan a full Kundasang day that flows smoothly from one stop to the next.

FAQs: Desserts and Sweets in Kundasang

1. Are fresh strawberries always available in Kundasang?

Fresh strawberries are seasonal and depend on supply. However, strawberry-themed desserts and sweets are commonly available throughout the year.

2. Where to buy strawberry desserts in Kundasang?

You’ll usually find strawberry desserts around cafes in Kundasang town areas, along the Ranau-Kundasang route, and at strawberry farm-style stops. If you want a specific place to anchor your dessert stop, Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm is a popular option to try strawberry-themed treats while you’re in the area.

3. Is Desa Dairy Farm's gelato soft serve worth it?

For most visitors, yes. It’s one of the easiest and most iconic stops for desserts and sweets in Kundasang, and it fits naturally into a typical Kundasang day. If you like dairy-based treats, it’s a simple win.

4. What snacks are sold at Pekan Nabalu?

Pekan Nabalu often has market-style stalls with packable local snacks, traditional kuih (depending on the day), and small bite-sized treats that work well as quick road snacks or easy souvenirs.

5. What to buy at Kundasang Market for souvenirs?

If you want souvenirs that don’t stress you out, choose sealed snack packs and dry treats that travel well. Traditional kuih can be great too, but pick items that are covered, clean, and fresh, and keep your travel time in mind.

Join Our Kundasang Tours (See More, Stress Less)

If you’d rather not plan every stop yourself, our Kundasang tours are built for the kind of day most travelers actually want: smooth pacing, scenic stops that make sense, and enough flexibility to enjoy the highlands without feeling rushed.

At ExploreKundasang, we map the route around the must-see highlights, then layer in the fun parts people always appreciate, like market browsing, cafe breaks, and food stops that fit naturally into the day, including desserts and sweets in Kundasang when the timing and weather are right.

Our tours are also great if you’re traveling with family or friends, because the day stays organized while still feeling relaxed.

Reach out to our team if you have a specific travel style in mind, and we’ll recommend the best option based on your date, group size, and pickup location.

Talk To Us

Our Top Tours You’ll love: