Lohan Adventure with Desa Dairy Farm & BBQ Pork in Kota Kinabalu

Ranau’s big draw is the chance to glide above the foothills with Mount Kinabalu in view, then switch gears for a short ATV ride and a stop at a working dairy farm. I like that the day combines a proper outdoor thrill with familiar, easy-to-enjoy stops, and that the guide and hotel transfers take care of much of the long journey from Kota Kinabalu.

The main trade-off is the distance: expect an early start and a long day, with mountain weather and traffic able to reshape the schedule. Paragliding is never guaranteed, and you’ll pay a compulsory RM40 insurance fee on site, even though the headline price starts at $117.89.

At a glance

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• The flight is the main event: Tandem paragliding lasts about 5 to 8 minutes in the planned schedule. Wind determines whether you fly and how long you stay up.
• The ATV ride is brief: A shared ATV ride of about 10 minutes is included. You can pay RM30 at the base to drive your own vehicle.
• Desa Dairy Farm adds a different pace: Admission is included, with mountain scenery, cows and sheep, and farm products to try or buy.
• Wild boar is an optional extra: Roasted wild boar and teh tarik are not included in the price.
• Budget for the compulsory insurance: Pay RM40 cash per person for the required paragliding insurance at the site.
• Plan for a full day: Pickup starts around 7:00am. The return is scheduled for about 6:00pm, but traffic can push your arrival at your hotel to 7:00pm or 8:00pm.

👉 See our pick of the 3 Best Guided Tours In Kota Kinabalu

A mountain flight, with a weather-shaped schedule

This is a full-day run from Kota Kinabalu into the Ranau area, not a quick activity close to town. The listed activity duration of 10 minutes refers to the short ATV ride, not the entire excursion. The day starts with hotel pickup around 7:00am and can stretch into the evening once the drive back and traffic are factored in.

At the paragliding base, you register, attend a safety and operating briefing, sign a liability form, then travel by 4×4 to the takeoff point. From there, the pilots wait for suitable wind. That waiting is part of the deal, not a flaw in the schedule: flying when conditions are wrong would defeat the point of going up.

The planned flight lasts about 5 to 8 minutes, at a stated height of roughly 600 to 800 metres above sea level. Actual flight time can vary with the wind. The pilot decides whether conditions are safe, so treat the flight as a real possibility rather than a guaranteed appointment.

Paragliding is the high point, if the wind cooperates

You fly tandem with a certified paraglider, wearing the supplied safety equipment and following the pilot’s instructions. The appeal is the unusual viewpoint: open air above Ranau, with Mount Kinabalu as the major landmark when the weather allows a clear view.

Some people have described longer flights, but don’t plan your day around getting 15 minutes in the air. The stated schedule is 5 to 8 minutes, and the operator may cancel flights for wind or other safety reasons. If you don’t fly because the operator cancels the activity, the stated refund is MYR50 per adult or MYR40 per child. If you choose not to fly for personal reasons, a refund is not offered.

The rules are especially important for children. Participants must be at least 3 years old. Children weighing under 20kg can fly only in a specially approved tandem setup with a parent or legal guardian, with signed consent and the pilot’s approval. Children weighing 20kg or more fly with their own professional tandem pilot and are charged the adult rate. Children must be in good health and able to follow basic instructions.

Paragliding is not recommended for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, a fear of heights, pregnancy, recent surgery or a weight over 85kg. Those are safety limits to take seriously, not boxes to negotiate around at the launch site.

The ATV ride is a short bonus, not a long trail tour

The included ATV ride lasts about 10 minutes, with two people sharing a vehicle. If your group has an odd number, the extra person is paired with an instructor. You can pay RM30 at the base for a solo ATV, subject to the operator’s arrangement that day.

Expect a brief ride on tracks around the hills, rather than an extended off-road outing. That makes it a fun extra alongside the flight, but it shouldn’t be the reason you book if you’re looking for a substantial ATV session. The tour description highlights views of nature and mountain country, though the exact route and ride conditions may vary.

Children aged 3 to 11 must be with a paying adult for the ATV. The maximum load for a double ride is 130kg. ATV riding is not recommended for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, a fear of heights, pregnancy, recent surgery or a weight over 130kg.

Desa Dairy Farm brings cows, cool air and a change of pace

Admission to Desa Dairy Farm is included. This is the gentler stop after the adventure activities, with cows and sheep, farm products and views that can make the mountain setting feel a little like a different country. Some tour parties have been able to feed calves; the exact farm activities can depend on what is available during your visit.

The farm is a popular photo stop, but the view is not guaranteed to be clear. Clouds and rain can roll in, and you may miss the hoped-for Mount Kinabalu backdrop. A few visitors have also found the farm less pristine than its postcard-style reputation suggests, with flies and cleanliness issues. Go for a working farm visit and the mountain setting, not a polished theme-park attraction.

Milk, yoghurt and ice cream are tempting purchases if available. A packet of milk has been included for some tour parties, but it is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion, so consider it a possible extra rather than part of the deal.

Lunch and roasted wild boar are separate parts of the bill

Lunch is included, but the menu can change with the season and ingredient supply. Keep expectations practical: this is a meal on a full-day group excursion, not a dining tour. It helps keep you going between stops, rather than providing a reason to book on its own.

The roasted wild boar, known locally as sinalau bakas, and teh tarik are at your own expense. The meat is a distinctive local taste and a worthwhile option if you’re curious about Sabah food, but the portion can be small. Bring cash for it, drinks and any farm purchases. One past price suggestion was RM5 per person, but prices can change, so confirm on the day rather than relying on that figure.

There is no alcohol included. Other personal expenses, tips, GoPro rental and anything not specifically listed as included are also extra. GoPro rental is stated at MYR50 per unit per person.

The long drive makes hotel pickup valuable

Pickup is offered from hotels in central Kota Kinabalu, with the operator reconfirming your time in advance. Be in the lobby 10 minutes early, and don’t treat the scheduled time as flexible: the shared vehicle may leave after its confirmed pickup window, with no refund for a missed pickup. The journey is shared with other people, typically in a group of 2 to 12.

The drive is a significant part of the day. That is where a guide and driver can make a difference, especially when weather, queues or traffic shift the plan. Tour guides named in accounts of the operation include Jerry and Victor, but staff assignments vary. The guides speak Chinese and English; some have also communicated in other languages.

The stated return time is 6:00pm, with hotel arrival estimated between 7:00pm and 8:00pm depending on traffic. During busy periods or poor weather, the drive can take longer. One tour party returned as late as 9:30pm after holiday traffic, so avoid scheduling a tight connection or an important evening booking.

Outlying hotels can add considerable cost and complexity. The supplied pickup terms give different surcharge amounts for different areas, including RM15 per person per way for some outskirt pickups and RM80 per person return for certain locations less than 10km away. Some hotels more than 10km out may not be served. Confirm your exact address and surcharge directly with the operator before booking.

What the price includes, and what it doesn’t

The advertised price starts at $117.89, though the displayed package price may vary by option and booking date. For that, the core value is the combination of a tandem flight, a short ATV ride, Desa Dairy Farm admission, lunch, guide, safety gear and round-trip hotel transfers. Those transfers matter: arranging transport to Ranau independently would add another layer to an already long day.

The compulsory paragliding insurance fee is not included. It costs RM40 per person and must be paid in cash on site, for Malaysian and non-Malaysian participants alike. Add your personal spending for wild boar, teh tarik, farm purchases, tips and optional GoPro rental. A Chinese New Year surcharge also applies from 17 to 24 February 2026: RM35 per adult and RM25 per child, payable in cash to the guide.

For the price, this is good value if you want several activities bundled into one mountain day and are comfortable with the flight being weather-dependent. It is less compelling if you mainly want a long paragliding flight or an extended ATV outing. Those activities are short, while the drive takes up much of the day.

Who should book this day out?

I’d consider this for active families and couples who want a mix of scenery, farm time and a proper adrenaline moment, without organizing transport and stops themselves. The listed minimum age is 3, but the child flight rules are specific, and the pilot has the final say about weather and safety. Check those details carefully before booking for a young child.

It also suits visitors with a spare day in Kota Kinabalu who are happy to spend many hours on the road. It is not the best fit if you dislike early starts, need a fixed evening arrival, want a private itinerary or would be disappointed if the flight is cancelled. A private 4 to 10 seat vehicle can be arranged for an additional MYR500 per vehicle, if you request it before the tour.

Bring warm clothing, running shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, toiletries, cash and a water bottle. The mountain can be chilly, and weather may change quickly. The schedule and route can shift with traffic, weather and other conditions beyond the operator’s control.

Should you book it?

Book if paragliding is your priority but you also want the farm, the brief ATV ride and a local food stop in the same day. The strongest reasons are the certified tandem pilots, hotel transfers and variety; the main compromises are the long drive, short activity times and uncertain flying conditions.

Before paying, check your pickup address and surcharge, confirm the selected package includes the activities you want, and set aside cash for the RM40 insurance fee and optional food. If a missed flight would ruin the day for you, choose a tour with a more reliable weather window or keep a backup plan in Kota Kinabalu.

FAQ

How long is the full tour?

Pickup begins around 7:00am. The scheduled return is about 6:00pm, with hotel arrival estimated between 7:00pm and 8:00pm. Traffic and weather can delay the return.

How long does the paragliding flight last?

The planned flight is approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Wind and safety conditions affect whether the flight goes ahead and how long you stay in the air.

Is paragliding guaranteed?

No. The certified pilot decides if conditions are safe. If the activity cannot be carried out, the stated refund is MYR50 per adult or MYR40 per child. Choosing not to fly for personal reasons does not qualify for a refund.

Is the ATV ride included?

A shared ATV ride of approximately 10 minutes is included. Two riders share one ATV, and an odd-numbered group may have one person paired with the instructor. Solo driving costs an extra RM30 at the base.

What extra fees should I budget for?

The compulsory paragliding insurance fee is RM40 per person, payable in cash on site. Roasted wild boar, teh tarik, personal purchases, tips and optional GoPro rental are also extra. A Chinese New Year surcharge applies from 17 to 24 February 2026.

Can children join the paragliding activity?

Participants must be at least 3 years old. Children under 20kg may fly only with a parent or legal guardian in an approved tandem harness, with consent and pilot approval. Children weighing 20kg or more fly with their own professional tandem pilot and are charged the adult rate.

Is hotel pickup available outside central Kota Kinabalu?

Some outskirt pickups are available for an extra fee, but coverage and charges depend on the hotel’s location. Some outlying hotels may not be served. Confirm your address and the exact surcharge with the operator before booking.