Kisakot Campsite, Kota Belud — Kinabalu Views and a Quiet Corner of Sabah

The Vibe

Kisakot Campsite is one of those spots in Sabah that most people outside Kota Belud don't know about. It's quiet. Like, genuinely quiet — none of that packed-weekend-campsite chaos. The kind of place where you wake up, unzip your tent, and Gunung Kinabalu is just sitting there in the sky, looking massive and clean in the morning light. If the weather plays nice, the view alone makes the trip worth it.

The crowd here is small by design. A few reviewers noted they basically had the whole place to themselves. It's not trendy, not on any viral travel list (yet), and the owner runs it in a very kampung, hands-on kind of way — friendly staff, personal touch. There's even a flying fox on-site, though it was closed at time of one visit, so check ahead. It's a good one for those wanting something low-key in Sabah beyond the usual Kinabalu Park or Poring circuit.

Nights here are genuinely cool — this is Kota Belud, not the coast. Pack a proper layer. The raw water source and basic setup tell you this isn't glamping territory, but it's comfortable enough for families who don't mind roughing it a little.

Getting There

Kisakot Campsite is in the Kota Belud district, Sabah, at postcode 89150. From Kota Kinabalu city, you're looking at roughly an hour's drive northeast toward Kota Belud town. Take the Jalan Kota Belud highway heading up from KK — it's a straightforward main road drive most of the way. Once you're near Kota Belud town, you'll need to navigate to the campsite from there. Best to call the owner ahead of time at 019-672 1492 for exact directions or drop a pin via the Google Maps link — the campsite might not be immediately obvious once you're in the smaller roads around the area. No reviews mention needing a 4WD, so a normal car should be fine.

What to Expect

This is a laid-back, semi-rural campsite with open ground and a natural, no-frills feel. The terrain is flat enough for tent pitching and there's shade around the area. One of the biggest draws — and I can't stress this enough — is the Gunung Kinabalu view. On a clear day, especially in the early morning, the mountain is right there in your sightline. That alone sets Kisakot apart from most campsites in Sabah that don't have this kind of unobstructed view.

Crowd levels are very low. Multiple reviewers said they felt like they had the whole place to themselves. It's not a place where strangers will be blasting music next to your tent at midnight. Good for families, couples, or anyone who just wants peace and quiet with Borneo scenery around them. Not suited for those expecting resort-style facilities or a busy social scene — this is a proper quiet retreat.

The campsite also has rentable equipment if you don't want to haul everything from KK. But if you're sleeping on the ground and it gets chilly at night, bring proper sleep gear. The TAHAN HexLink Sleeping Bag is rated down to 18°C which suits the cool Kota Belud nights — especially for those who feel the cold at higher elevations.

Facilities

Hut Rental

There's a hut available for rent that comes with chairs, electricity sockets, lighting, water, and a washing basin. Solid option if you want a covered base of operations.

Equipment Rental

They rent out canopies, tents, tables, and barbecue sets on-site. Good if you're travelling light from KK or flying in from West Malaysia.

Water

Raw water source nearby. Not piped tap water — treat it or boil it before drinking.

Electricity

Available at the hut. Not clear if there are any power points out in the open camping area, so bring a powerbank for the tent area.

Flying Fox

There's one on-site but it was closed at time of at least one recent visit. Call ahead to confirm if it's operational before you get the kids hyped up for it.

What Campers Are Saying

Firdhaus gave it 5 stars but had one clear warning — skip rainy season. He said it's not crowded, the owner is friendly, the place is clean, and the Kinabalu view is sharp and clear from camp. That last point keeps coming up — people are genuinely surprised by how good the mountain view is from here.

Benjamin and his group basically had the whole campsite to themselves, which they loved. He also confirmed the rental options — hut with electricity, water, washing basin, plus canopy, tent, table and BBQ set all available to hire. Good to know you don't have to pack everything if you're just exploring Sabah.

Lex Lee stopped by for a sightseeing visit (the flying fox was closed that day) and was impressed enough that he's already planning to book for a proper stay. He mentioned the staff are well-trained and gave them a proper tour. That kind of hospitality goes a long way when you're at a smaller, owner-operated site.

NoHa kept it simple — basic facilities, raw water source nearby. That about sums up the infrastructure. Manages expectations well. Don't come expecting glamping comforts, and you'll enjoy yourself.

TAHAN Tip

The best Kinabalu view from Kisakot happens early morning, before clouds roll in — usually by 9am or 10am the peak starts getting covered. Set your alarm, step out before breakfast, and get that shot. Also, avoid the rainy season (roughly October to February) — the site gets messy and visibility drops. Dry season between March and August is your window. And if you're renting the hut, book early because it's the only sheltered option and the owner runs a small operation. The TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern is worth bringing too — if you're camping in the open area without access to the hut's electricity, you'll want a reliable rechargeable light for the evenings, and it doubles as a powerbank for your phone.

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 Kisakot's Kinabalu views got you hooked, the park itself is the next level up
• Mesilau Nature Resort Campsite — another Sabah highland camp with cool temperatures and mountain scenery worth exploring