Eco Camp Bayayat Kadamaian, Kota Belud — Kinabalu Views and River Vibes in One Spot

The Vibe

This is the kind of campsite that catches you off guard. You're on the road between Kundasang and KK, and then you stumble onto Eco Camp Bayayat Kadamaian — and suddenly there's a suspension bridge, a river, and Gunung Kinabalu sitting right there in the background like it owns the place. Because it does.

It's a quiet spot. Not the type with loud music and big weekend crowds. The people who come here tend to be folks who want a proper outdoor experience — river swimming, fresh air, that suspension bridge crossing, and a legit view of Kinabalu if the weather plays along. Families come here, friends on road trips stop over, and some regulars come back again and again for exactly that reason — it's calm here.

The camp boss (uncle, as the regulars call him) is one of those genuinely helpful and cheerful hosts who makes the whole trip feel warmer. That matters more than people think when you're far from home and things go sideways.

Getting There

The campsite is in Kota Belud, Sabah — postcode 89150. It's along the route between Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu, so if you're doing that drive, this makes for a perfect overnight stop.

There are two ways to get into camp. One is to park on the other side of the river and cross on foot using the suspension bridge — which honestly sounds like half the fun. The other is to drive all the way in if the route is passable. Based on what regulars say, that access road is uneven and challenging, so a 4WD or at least a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended if you want to drive to the campsite directly. If you're in a regular sedan, play it safe — park on the other side and walk across the bridge.

Use this Google Maps link to navigate: Eco Camp Bayayat Kadamaian. For enquiries or to confirm access conditions before you go, call 019-812 2287.

What to Expect

You're camping by a river. There's a proper river here for swimming, and the campsite is split across two levels — upper ground near the kitchen area, and lower ground closer to the river. Both areas have washrooms nearby, which is a genuinely thoughtful layout.

The suspension bridge is a highlight in itself. Cross it for the view, for the fun, or just because it's there. And if the sky is clear, Mount Kinabalu will be sitting right there across the horizon — that view from the bridge is reportedly stunning.

This place suits families and friends looking for a laid-back nature trip. Not a hardcore jungle expedition — more like a proper chill outdoor escape with activities. The vibe is relaxed, the crowd is manageable, and the setting does most of the heavy lifting. Beginners are welcome here. Experienced campers will appreciate the quieter, less commercialised feel compared to busier Sabah spots.

Facilities

Toilets / Washrooms

Two washrooms on site — one up near the kitchen, one down by the river. For a campsite of this size and type, that's actually pretty well thought out. Reviewers didn't complain about cleanliness, which is always a good sign.

Kitchen Area

There's a communal kitchen area up top. Useful for meal prep if you're not just cooking on a camp stove.

River Access

Direct river access for swimming. The lower campground is right by it. That's the main draw for most people here.

Suspension Bridge

Functional, fun, and comes with one of the better views of Kinabalu you'll get from a campsite. Also serves as the entry point if you park on the far side of the river.

Activities

The camp has various outdoor activities on offer — the uncle (camp host) will fill you in. Multiple reviewers mention there's plenty to keep you busy.

What Campers Are Saying

One regular who's visited twice — once parking on the far side and crossing the bridge, and once driving all the way in — said this place has a quieter, more genuine feel compared to other nearby camping spots. He caught perfect weather on his second visit and got that clear Kinabalu view from the suspension bridge. His verdict? He keeps coming back. That says enough.

A few campers pointed out that entry itself is already an adventure — either you cross the hanging bridge on foot or you take the 4x4 route which is bumpy and challenging. Either way, the journey sets the mood right.

Multiple people highlighted how friendly and helpful the camp host is. One camper specifically said the uncle is "so very supporting and cheerful" and that the activities on site made the whole trip genuinely fun — not just sitting around.

Families and friend groups both seem to have a great time here. One reviewer put it simply: "This place is so chill." Boss-level endorsement, honestly.

TAHAN Tip

The view of Mount Kinabalu from the suspension bridge is the money shot — but only if the weather cooperates. Mornings tend to give you the clearest skies before clouds roll in. Set your alarm, walk to the bridge early, and you'll get that view. Wait until noon and you might be looking at cloud soup. Totally worth waking up for.

Mike has been camping across Malaysia for over 10 years — from jungle treks in Taman Negara to beach camps in Perhentian. He writes about it so you don't have to find out the hard way. Follow along on TAHAN Outdoor's blog for honest campsite reviews, every week.

You Might Also Like

• Kinabalu Park Campsite — if the Kinabalu views got you, this one puts you right at the mountain's doorstep with proper basecamp facilities.
• Mesilau Nature Resort Campsite — another Sabah highland gem on the Kinabalu circuit, cooler temps and serious scenery included.