Kiau Paka Campsite and Farmstay — Stunning Views Near Kinabalu, Still Being Built

The Vibe

This one's for the explorers who don't mind being early to the party. Kiau Paka Campsite and Farmstay is tucked away in Kampung Kiau Paka, sitting somewhere between Tamparuli and Ranau — which means you're in serious Sabah hill country, with Kinabalu ridge country all around you. The views? Reviewers are unanimous. Superb. The kind that makes you stop mid-tent-peg and just stare.

Fair warning though — this place is still under construction. The host is building it up, and right now it's got that raw, unfinished charm. The bones are clearly there. The hospitality is solid. But don't roll up expecting a polished campsite with all the trimmings. Think of it more like camping with a family who happens to have one of the best views in Sabah.

It draws international visitors already — a Dutch traveller named Jeroen was raving about it — and the fact that people are making the effort to get here even before it's fully done says a lot. When this place is complete, it's going to be something special.

Getting There

The address is along Jalan Tamparuli-Ranau, Kampung Kiau Paka, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah. You're looking at a route that branches off the main Tamparuli-Ranau road, heading into kampung territory. Use Google Maps and save the CID link: click here — searching by name alone might not be accurate enough out here.

The road into Kiau Paka can get narrow and rural. Nothing extreme, but a higher ground clearance vehicle would make the drive more comfortable. If it's been raining, take it slow. Once you're in the village area, the views will start telling you that you're heading the right way. Call ahead on 012-617 1407 to confirm directions — the host is responsive and will guide you in.

What to Expect

This is hill country camping in Sabah. You're getting elevated terrain, cool-ish air, and that open sky that Borneo highlands do so well. There's a short hike involved to reach the actual camping spot — reviewers mention a few minutes of walking, nothing crazy, but enough to make you feel like you earned the view.

Crowd-wise, this is still very much off the beaten track. You won't find the weekend warrior hordes here. The kind of camper who ends up at Kiau Paka is either someone who did their research, or someone who wandered in curiously and got lucky. It suits intermediate campers and those who are comfortable with a site that's still developing — beginners can manage, but bring your own everything because facilities are minimal for now.

The farmstay element means there's some human activity around — you're camping near a working kampung setup, not in a remote wilderness. That's actually a plus. The hospitality has been praised across the board. The host clearly takes pride in this place. Nights here with that elevation, you'll want a proper sleeping setup. The TAHAN HexLink Sleeping Bag handles down to 18°C — the kind of cool nights you can expect up in the Kiau Paka hills.

Facilities

Toilets

Not clearly detailed by reviewers, but given the construction status, expect basic. Bring your own tissue and hand sanitiser.

Water

Not specified in reviews. Being a farmstay, there's likely some access to water on site — but don't assume. Bring extra.

Electricity

No mentions of power supply. Pack a powerbank and a good lantern. The TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern recharges via USB and doubles as a powerbank — exactly what you need when there's no plug point in sight.

Parking

Likely available near the entrance given the farmstay setup, but nothing confirmed from reviews. Drive in and park sensibly.

What Campers Are Saying

Jeroen, a traveller who came all the way from the Netherlands, put it well — great view, still under construction, but the promise is already there. He specifically called out the hospitality as perfect. For a place that's not even finished yet, that's a meaningful review.

Olga kept it real — serene place, amazing view, requires a few minutes of hiking to reach the camping area. She said it was worth it. Coming from someone who actually hiked up there with gear, I'll take that seriously.

Kasma and Andy? Short reviews, both five stars, both essentially saying the same thing — superb, best. Sometimes the simplest reviews are the most honest. When people are that happy, they don't need paragraphs.

The common thread here is the view. Everyone mentions it. And for Sabah, that means something — you're competing with some of the best scenery in the country. If Kiau Paka is beating that bar for multiple visitors independently, the view must genuinely be something else.

TAHAN Tip

Call ahead before you go — 012-617 1407. This site is still being developed, so facilities and access may have changed by the time you read this. Confirm what's currently available, whether the camping spot is accessible, and if you need to bring any specific gear or food. The host is helpful and will give you the honest picture. Don't just show up and wing it here — the location is too far from town to be caught unprepared.

You Might Also Like

• Kokol Haven Campsite — another Sabah hillside camp with great elevated views, closer to Kota Kinabalu
• Mesilau Nature Resort Campsite — if you love the Kinabalu highland atmosphere, this one is right in the thick of it