Mentoki Hideout Campsite, Kundasang — Cold, Windy, and Worth Every Bit of It
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 — expect it to be rough and narrow. Multiple reviewers are clear about this: bring a 4WD or at minimum a high-clearance vehicle. Don't try it with a small sedan, especially after rain. The road is part of the challenge. Budget your time accordingly.
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 — flies. A few campers mentioned this. It's a farming area, so flies come with the territory. Bring repellent. It's not a dealbreaker but it's real, especially during the day. At night when it gets cold, that problem sorts itself out.
Crowd-wise, it can get busy enough that toilet queues form. If you want your own patch of ground without camping too close to the next group, book a specific plot in advance. The operator is responsive — they have a phone number (013-833 3334), so just call or WhatsApp ahead. This place suits campers who can handle a bit of roughness — moderate experience level and above. Not ideal for first-timers who've never camped in cold conditions before.
Facilities
Toilets
Available on site. Currently being upgraded but as of recent visits, only 2 toilets were functional — and the queue can get long when the camp is full. Hot showers exist but weren't operational yet at time of writing. They're working on it, so check with the owner before you go.
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.
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.
A few people flagged the road as the first hurdle. One camper said the first impression was "very terrible" because of how rough the drive in was. Fair point. Go in knowing that, and it won't ruin your mood when you get there.
The flies are real. One camper was glad they packed repellent but still found it annoying during the day. Farming area lah — can't avoid it completely. Just come prepared.
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
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.
