Kun Kun Riverside Park, Sabah — Hidden River Gem Worth the Bumpy Road
The Vibe
Kun Kun Riverside Park is the kind of place that rewards the people who actually make the effort to get there. You're looking at a proper riverside campsite tucked into a river bend in Sabah — surrounded by plantation and forest, with crystal clear water that'll make you want to jump in the moment you arrive. And jump in you can, because there's a log extending out into the deeper part of the river for exactly that.
This place draws a mixed crowd — families looking for a relaxed picnic or swim, campers wanting to overnight next to a river, and anyone who just wants to disconnect from the city noise for a bit. The vibe here is unhurried. Flat rocks by the water, cool air, kayaks to rent — it's the kind of spot where you end up staying longer than you planned.
There's also a chalet option with air-conditioned rooms if you're not into sleeping on the ground. But honestly, the camping is the real reason to come. The setting is too good to waste on four walls.
Getting There
The address puts this in Sabah, and getting there is part of the adventure. You'll be driving through plantation land and secondary forest, passing through three checkpoints before you reach the campsite. The road is rough — don't come in a low-clearance car and expect a smooth ride. A regular SUV should be fine, but drive slow and watch the road condition especially after rain.
Call ahead at 012-814 5772 to confirm the checkpoints are accessible and the site is open. Alternatively, pull up the Google Maps listing before you leave and save it offline — because once you're past a certain point, signal is basically gone.
What to Expect
The campsite sits right on a river bend — which means you get river access from multiple angles. There's a deeper section with a log jump for the more adventurous, a small jetty, and plenty of shallow spots for kids or those who'd rather wade than swim. The water is genuinely crystal clear. Not "clear for a Malaysian river" clear — actually clear.
It's a good fit for families, beginner campers, or anyone who wants a nature fix without a hardcore jungle trek. The covered areas give you shelter if the rain rolls in. Kayaks and life vests are available to rent on site, which is a nice bonus. If you're bringing the whole family and want to sleep comfortably, the TAHAN Panthera Inflatable Sleeping Pad is worth throwing in the car — 10cm thick with a built-in foot pump and integrated pillow, so nobody wakes up with a sore back complaining they want to go home.
One heads-up — there's no mobile signal here. That reviewer who complained about it? Yeah, that's just part of the deal at a place like this. Plan accordingly. Tell someone where you're going before you leave.
Facilities
Toilets
Toilets are available on site. No word on how clean they are, so bring your own paper and hand sanitiser just to be safe.
Covered Shelters
There are covered areas — useful for cooking and hanging out when it rains, which in Sabah can happen without much warning.
Fire Pits
Fire pits are available. Bring your own firewood or check if the site provides it.
Water Activities
Kayaks and life vests available for rent. There's a log jump into the deeper part of the river and a small jetty. Shallow sections for kids and non-swimmers.
Accommodation
A chalet with 3 air-conditioned rooms is available — but you need to book in advance. Don't just show up and expect a room.
Electricity
Not mentioned by any reviewer. Assume none at the tent area. Bring a powerbank.
Mobile Signal
None. Multiple reviewers confirm this. Don't rely on GPS once you're in. Download your maps offline before the drive.
What Campers Are Saying
Alistair, who gave the place a full five stars, said the rough road through plantation and forest — including three checkpoints — is "well worth the effort." He highlighted the river bend setup, the log jump, the flat rocks, the shallow sections, and the fact that kayaks and life vests are available to rent. He also flagged that the chalet needs to be booked in advance. Solid all-round review from someone who clearly knows what they're looking at.
The staff here come up multiple times. Multiple visitors mentioned the team is friendly, which matters when you're at a remote site and need help sorting something out.
One reviewer summed it up simply: "Clear crystal water, cool air, suitable for picnic and camping." That's pretty much the whole pitch right there. No exaggeration needed.
The only real gripe from any reviewer was the lack of mobile signal. One person wanted to go live on social media. Can't help you there — that's just the trade-off for being in the middle of actual nature in Sabah. Take it as a win.
TAHAN Tip
The road condition depends heavily on whether it's rained recently. Sabah gets a lot of rain — especially between October and March. If you're planning a trip during the wetter months, call 012-814 5772 a day before to check if the access road through the plantation is passable. Getting stuck on a plantation road in the mud is not the kind of adventure you want. Go during dry stretches for the best experience, and the river will still be flowing clear without being dangerously high.
And since there's no electricity on the tent grounds and no signal to call for help, a rechargeable lantern that doubles as a powerbank is genuinely useful here. The TAHAN Luminate Multifunction Lantern covers both — four lighting modes and it can top up your phone if needed. Small thing that makes a real difference at a remote site like this.
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
- Poring Hot Springs Campsite — another Sabah classic with natural water features, great for families looking to combine river swimming with hot spring soaks.
- Kokol Haven Campsite — if you want to stay in Sabah but prefer cooler highland air with a view, Kokol is the logical next stop.
