Mentoki Hideout Campsite, Kundasang — Highland Views and Cool Mountain Escapes in Sabah
The Vibe
Kundasang already hits different. You're up in the highlands of Sabah, surrounded by cabbage farms, cool mountain air, and if the clouds behave — a jaw-dropping view of Mount Kinabalu right in front of you. Mentoki Hideout sits right in the middle of all that. It's the kind of campsite where you unzip your tent at 6am, look out, and just go quiet for a moment. That kind of place.
The crowd here is a mix — people who want something more adventurous than a resort stay but still appreciate some basic facilities. It's got that raw highland feel without being completely roughing it. Friendly staff, cabbage fields all around, cold air from the moment you arrive. At night, expect temperatures to drop to around 14°C. By 3am, the wind picks up and it gets properly cold. Pack accordingly.
This isn't a fancy setup, but that's the whole point. You're here for the view, the cold air, and the feeling of being away from everything. It delivers on all three.
Getting There
The campsite is in Kundasang, Sabah — about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu city. From KK, take the road towards Ranau (Jalan Ranau). Once you pass Nabalu market, you're heading into highland territory. Kundasang town is your landmark. Plug the Google Maps CID into your phone: search for Mentoki Hideout Campsite here.
The road leading in is a kampung road — rough and narrow. Bring a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle; a sedan, especially after rain, won't handle it well. Budget extra time for the drive up. It's part of the highland adventure.
What to Expect
You're camping in the highlands at close to 1,500m above sea level. The ground is surrounded by vegetable farms — mostly cabbage. It's a uniquely Kundasang scene that you won't find anywhere else in Malaysia. Views of Gunung Kinabalu on a clear day are genuinely stunning. Not every campsite in Malaysia lets you wake up to that.
One thing to know going in — it's a farming area, so flies are present during the day, especially when it's warm. Bring insect repellent. Once the temperature drops at night, the flies disappear completely.
Crowd-wise, it fills up on weekends and holidays. Book a specific plot in advance if you want your own space without camping right next to others. The operator is responsive — call or WhatsApp 013-833 3334 to arrange. Moderate camping experience and cold-weather gear (proper sleeping bag rated for 10°C or lower) will make your stay much more comfortable.
Facilities
Toilets
Available on site. Check with the owner (013-833 3334) on current facilities status before your visit — the campsite is regularly upgraded. On busy nights, arriving early and showering before peak hours helps avoid queues.
Electricity / Charging
Charging is available but only starts from 6pm. Plan your power usage around that. Bring a powerbank for daytime use.
Equipment Rental
You can rent camping gear on site at reasonable rates. Good option if you're flying in from KL or elsewhere and don't want to haul your whole setup.
Access
4WD strongly recommended. The road in is rough. Don't push your luck with a regular car.
Campsite intel, weekend spot ideas, and family camping tips — straight from campers who just got back. Ask before you book.
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What Campers Are Saying
The view gets mentioned by literally every single reviewer. Gunung Kinabalu from your campsite — it's hard to overstate how good that is on a clear morning. One camper called it "view 10/10" and honestly that tracks.
The rough road in is part of the experience — knowing what to expect means you'll appreciate the arrival at the top even more.
Bring insect repellent for daytime comfort — the farming area does mean flies, but they're manageable with preparation.
Staff come up consistently as a highlight. Friendly, helpful, and the owner is hands-on. That goes a long way when you're camping somewhere remote.
One camper who clearly loved the isolation angle summed it up well — this place is good for temporarily disconnecting from the busy world. Surrounded by cabbage farms and mountain views, no distractions. That's exactly the appeal of Mentoki Hideout.
TAHAN Tip
Book a specific ground plot in advance if you're going on a weekend or public holiday. The campsite can fill up, and without a booking you might end up pitched right next to strangers with barely any gap. Call 013-833 3334 or WhatsApp ahead — the owner is responsive. Also, that 3am wind is no joke. Bring a proper sleeping bag rated for at least 10°C, not just a thin blanket. You will regret it otherwise.
About Mike
Campsite intel, weekend spot ideas, and family camping tips — straight from campers who just got back. Ask before you book.
💬 Join the Camping CommunityFree, one click. No spam — the occasional promo at most.
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 you want to camp even closer to the mountain itself, this is the one.
- Mesilau Nature Resort Campsite — another highland Sabah option with cool temperatures and great mountain views, on the other approach to Kinabalu.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park — also in Sabah and worth comparing before you book.
- Kiau Paka Campsite and Farmstay — also in Sabah and worth comparing before you book.
- Poring Hot Spring Review — also in Sabah and worth comparing before you book.
- Danum Valley Conservation Area — another Sabah spot I've reviewed if you're planning a trip out this way.
