Hawun Valley Kiulu — Sabah's Hidden Valley Camp with Views That'll Floor You

The Vibe

Hawun Valley is one of those places you stumble across and immediately wonder why more people aren't talking about it. It's a privately run campsite in Kiulu, about an hour from Kota Kinabalu, sitting up in the hills with views of Mount Kinabalu from a completely different angle than what you get at Kundasang. Sea of clouds in the morning if the weather plays nice. That alone is worth the drive.

The owner — Ms Gladys from what reviewers mention — is the kind of host who makes you feel like you've arrived at a relative's kampung. Helpful, warm, present. The site itself has a grassy camping area surrounded by greenery, rustic cemented tables and chairs, and a lookout platform that's positioned just right for sunrise. Temperatures up here sit around 20–23°C, so it genuinely feels like a hill station without the Cameron Highlands traffic.

This place works equally well for groups, couples, or families. It's not a hardcore jungle camp — it's more of a scenic valley retreat. If you want dramatic views, cool air, and a chill host who'll sort you out, Hawun Valley delivers.

Getting There

The campsite is in Kiulu, off Jalan Gonipis Baru, postal code 89250 — about an hour from KK city. Use Google Maps and search the CID link or just search "Hawun Valley Kiulu" — reviewers confirm Maps takes you there reliably.

Fair warning though: the road up to the site is steep. We're talking around 45-degree incline according to one reviewer. Sharp corners too. The good news is a reviewer made it up in a manual Perodua Axia with no drama — so you don't need a 4WD. Just go slow, stay alert for oncoming traffic on the bends, and you'll be fine.

Look out for their signage by the roadside. You'll be greeted at the top level first, then descend to choose which of the three levels you want to set up at.

What to Expect

The site has three levels descending from the entrance. Each level has a different feel — some closer to the lookout platform, some with more shade. When you arrive, the owner will show you around and you pick your spot.

The camping ground is grassy, well-maintained, and surrounded by trees. Rustic but not neglected. There are permanent cemented tables and chairs at the site, which is a nice touch — saves you hauling your own. Crowd level based on reviews seems manageable, not the type of place that gets overrun on weekends, at least not yet.

For those who don't want to bring their own gear, there's a rental option — they'll set up a complete tent with a queen-sized inflatable mattress, pillows, and blanket. Two indoor rooms are also available for those who want walls and a roof. If you're bringing your own kit, you're free to do your own setup.

Beginners and families will feel comfortable here. The facilities are basic but decent. Views are the main selling point, especially the Mt. Kinabalu angle and the morning sea of clouds. Stargazing at night gets good mentions too.

Facilities

Toilets & Bathrooms

Public toilet and bathroom on site. Multiple reviewers say it's clean. No water heater, but at 20–23°C, a cold shower is really not that bad — most people adjust fine.

Surau

Musollah available on site. Good to know for Muslim campers.

Power Outlets

Available but you need to rent the pondok — RM30 per night for the shelter with power access. Worth it if your group needs to charge multiple devices.

Tables & Seating

Rustic cemented tables and chairs throughout the site. You won't need to bring your own.

BBQ Pit

Available on site.

Lookout Platform

Purpose-built for sunrise and sea of clouds views. Positioned at the best angle — one reviewer called it the highlight of the whole trip.

Gear Rental

Tents, queen inflatable mattress, pillows, and blankets can all be rented. Full catalogue available from the owner. Good option if you're flying in or going lightweight.

Indoor Accommodation

Two holiday home rooms available for those who want to stay indoors. Clean, spacious, with a balcony and outdoor kitchen on request.

Entrance Fee

RM5 per person.

What Campers Are Saying

Liliy, who came in November 2025 and booked through Ms Gladys directly, said the owner being on-site made a huge difference. Facilities were clean, the socket rental was useful, and the stargazing genuinely impressed her. She's already planning to go back.

Tribez set up on the grassy area and called it one of his most memorable camping trips. The overcast weather actually added to the atmosphere rather than ruining it — gave the valley a moody, mystical look. Cemented tables nearby made mealtimes comfortable without needing to pack extra furniture.

WILL M appreciated the low entrance fee (RM5 per head), said the toilets were clean, and flagged the musollah — which is a detail that matters for a lot of campers and doesn't always get mentioned in reviews. Short review, but he was clearly happy enough to give it five stars and say he'd return.

Alynd's review is the most detailed and probably the most useful. She highlighted the Mt. Kinabalu view from a completely different angle, the sea of clouds, the lookout platform's positioning, and the tent rental setup. She also flagged the steep road but said it's manageable without a 4WD. Her take: highly recommended, and she'd go back herself.

Shahrulnizam, coming with a well-equipped group, gave an honest ground-level breakdown — three levels at the site, steep road with sharp corners, pondok with power outlets at RM30/night, and a rentals catalogue for everything else. No complaints, four stars.

TAHAN Tip

If catching the sea of clouds over Mt. Kinabalu is why you're going — and it should be — your best shot is early morning, so don't sleep in. Set your alarm for 5:30am and get yourself to the lookout platform before the sun climbs. Clear sky the night before is a good sign. If it rained the evening before, even better. The clouds tend to pool in the valley after rainfall and burn off by mid-morning, so the window is short. Miss it and you're waiting for another day.

About Mike

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

• Kokol Haven Campsite — another Sabah hillside camp near KK with cool air and great elevated views, worth comparing before you book.
• Kinabalu Park Campsite — if Hawun Valley's Mt. Kinabalu views have you curious about getting even closer to the mountain, this is the next step up.