Disan Baang Campsite, Kiulu — Quiet, Cold Nights and a Friendly Owner

The Vibe

Disan Baang sits in Kampung Ranap, deep in the Kiulu valley of Sabah — one of those places you find yourself exhaling the moment you arrive. It's calm. Proper kampung calm. The kind where the only sounds at night are insects and flowing water, and by 9pm you're already wrapped up and nodding off.

This place is built for families who need a break from KK city life, and it shows. Got a mix of options — you can pitch your own tent in the open area, camp inside the hall, or rent a hut. There are also 9 chalets if you want a roof over your head. The owner even set up a small pool for kids so they're not going near the river unsupervised. That's a thoughtful touch, especially if you're bringing small ones.

Don't expect a resort. This is a laid-back kampung campsite with genuine hospitality. The owner is famously friendly — multiple reviewers called it out specifically — and that kind of host makes a big difference when something doesn't go to plan.

Getting There

Head towards Tamparuli from Kota Kinabalu, then follow signs towards Kiulu. From Tamparuli, it's roughly a 20-minute drive into the Kiulu valley. Plug "Disan Baang" into Google Maps or use this link: Google Maps. The address is Kampung Ranap, Pekan Kiulu, 89250 Tamparuli, Sabah.

Road into Kiulu is generally fine for normal cars — no 4WD needed. Just watch out for the narrow stretches closer to the kampung. If you're arriving at night, take it slow because there's not much lighting on the rural roads.

If you need directions or want to confirm access before you drive out, call them at 013-804 2390. The owner will sort you out.

What to Expect

Kiulu is already known as one of Sabah's quieter getaway valleys — it does whitewater rafting, but Disan Baang sits away from the rafting crowds. You get the river environment without the noise. Nights here get genuinely cold, especially if you're camping in the open area or the hall. Multiple reviewers mentioned waking up cold in the best possible way.

The campsite isn't huge — it's not a festival-style campground. More like a small family retreat. Good for beginners, families with young kids, and anyone who just wants to detox from the city without hiking anywhere difficult. If you're an experienced camper looking for a challenge, this isn't that place. But if you want to actually rest, this is exactly that place.

Afternoons can get warm, particularly in the huts — one reviewer flagged that the bamboo-floor huts get a bit stuffy midday. So plan your activities then and enjoy the cool morning and nights. For the open camping area, the Pavilion Family Camp Bundle (4 pax) is worth considering if you're bringing the whole family and want to cover all your bases in one go — tent, sleeping gear, the works.

Facilities

Accommodation Options

Three setups available — open camping area (bring or rent a tent), hall camping, and traditional huts. Nine chalets also on site for those who want walls and a door.

Tent Rental

Yes, you can rent tents here. Good if you're a first-timer or just testing the waters before buying your own gear.

Children's Pool

There's a small pool specifically for kids — keeps them safe and happy away from the river area. Big plus for parents.

River Access

River is nearby but the owner has set up the pool as a safer alternative for children. Adults can still enjoy the river area.

Chalets

Nine units available at around RM70/night. One reviewer noted they're a bit narrow and the bamboo floors can get uncomfortable, especially in the afternoon heat. Good value for what it is, but manage expectations — it's not glamping.

Staff and Owner

Genuinely friendly, multiple reviews confirm this. Late check-out reportedly not charged. That alone is rare.

What Campers Are Saying

Edward, who brought his family out here, said the place is quiet and cold at night — exactly what they needed to heal from the busyness of daily life. He's already planning to come back, and that says enough.

Siti Nursyafiqah painted the clearest picture of the campsite — she mentioned you can camp open air, in the hall, or in the huts, and you can bring your tent or rent one. Nine chalets, kids' pool, comfortable environment. "You can really heal until morning," she said. That's not a quote I'd normally use but it's very Sabahan and I respect it.

Jusli gave it 3 stars, which is actually more useful than any 5-star review. He said the atmosphere deserves 5 stars — quiet, away from city chaos — but the accommodation itself needs work. At RM70/night, the hut is narrow, bamboo-floored, and gets hot in the afternoon. His take: raise the price, improve the comfort, and people would still come. Fair point. He also noted the staff didn't charge for late check-out, which he appreciated.

The consensus is clear — come for the environment and the owner's hospitality, not for premium accommodation. If you're camping in the open area, you'll probably have the best experience anyway.

TAHAN Tip

Kiulu nights can drop enough to catch you off guard, especially if you're used to lowland camping around KK. If you're sleeping in the open camping area or the hall, bring a proper sleeping bag — something rated for Malaysian cool-weather camping. The TAHAN HexLink Sleeping Bag is rated down to 18°C and packs small — solid pick for Kiulu valley nights where it gets genuinely chilly after midnight. Don't assume you can just sleep with a bedsheet like you would in KK town.

Also, if you plan to stay in one of the huts, request one that gets more shade or faces away from the afternoon sun. The bamboo floor issue isn't a dealbreaker but bring a mat or sleeping pad for comfort — it makes a real difference.

You Might Also Like

• Hawun Valley Kiulu — another campsite in the same Kiulu valley if you want to compare options before you book
• Kokol Haven Campsite — cool elevated campsite near Kota Kinabalu, great for families wanting similar quiet Sabah vibes