Mesilau Nature Resort — A Highland Escape for Serious Kinabalu Climbers

The Vibe

Mesilau Nature Resort, sitting at around 1,900 metres in montane forest on Kinabalu's eastern slope, has been inaccessible since the June 2015 earthquake and mudflows damaged the access road and bridge. This review celebrates what made it special and why it still matters to serious climbers — in case it reopens.

That said, this place deserves a proper write-up because it was genuinely special — and because people still search for it, still ask about it, and the Mesilau Trail itself is still one of the two official routes up to Laban Rata on Gunung Kinabalu. The resort sat at around 1,900 metres above sea level, deep in montane forest on the eastern slope of Kinabalu. Cool air, thick forest, quiet. The kind of place where you arrive tired and within 10 minutes you're already feeling like a different person.

Before the earthquake, Mesilau was the preferred base for climbers taking the longer, wilder Mesilau Trail instead of the main Timpohon Gate route. It attracted serious hikers and nature lovers — people who wanted fewer crowds, more forest, and that extra-cool highland chill before tackling the mountain. If it ever reopens, it'll be on every serious Kinabalu climber's radar again immediately.

Getting There

The resort is located in Pekan Ranau, off the road toward Kinabalu Park. From Kota Kinabalu, you'd head east on the Tuaran-Ranau highway — roughly 90 to 100km, about 2 hours depending on traffic. The turnoff for Mesilau is before you hit Ranau town proper, with signage pointing toward the Mesilau Nature Resort and Mesilau Trail gate.

Before the earthquake, the road in was paved but narrow and winding — typical highland access road. If and when it reopens, confirm status with Sabah Parks on 088-871 519 before planning your trip.

What to Expect

Mesilau sits in proper montane forest — mossy, misty, cold. We're talking temperatures that drop to 10°C or lower at night. Not your typical Malaysian camping weather. You'd want a proper sleeping bag and a warm layer even in the middle of the year. This isn't a casual picnic spot.

The whole draw of staying here was access to the Mesilau Trail — a longer, more challenging alternative to the Timpohon route up Kinabalu. Less traffic, more wildlife sightings, and genuinely beautiful forest. Climbers who've done both routes often say Mesilau is the more rewarding experience, even though it adds distance and difficulty.

Crowd-wise, it was never as packed as the main Kinabalu Park headquarters. That was kind of the point. If you were here, you were here for a reason — you wanted the mountain, not the Instagram crowd. Suited for intermediate to experienced hikers and highland camping enthusiasts. Not really a beginner destination.

Facilities

Accommodation

The resort had proper chalets and lodging — not tent pitching. Think nature resort-style rooms, heated by the cool highland air rather than air conditioning you'd actually need. It was a step above roughing it but still very much surrounded by wilderness.

Food

Buffet meals were available on-site. Reviewers described it as basic but decent — enough to fuel you before a big mountain day. Don't expect hotel-standard food, but you wouldn't go hungry.

Common Areas

There was a communal gathering space for groups — useful for trail briefings or just gathering around after a long day on the mountain.

Trail Access

Direct access to the Mesilau Trail gate was the main practical facility here. That was the whole reason most people booked this place over staying at the main park HQ.

What Campers Are Saying

A reviewer who visited in August 2014 called it a calming escape from the city, with green forest views unlike anything in the urban jungle — the kind of reset you need before tackling a big mountain.

One hiker who used it as a pre-climb base said it was the perfect energy reset before hitting the Mesilau Trail the next morning. The buffet did the job, the common area was great for a big group to decompress together, and the overall facilities were solid. His word: "up to par." Coming from someone about to climb Kinabalu, that's good enough.

Reviewers consistently noted the value of the experience — a premium for the calm, cool, nature-surrounded setting that justified the investment before the earthquake.

The consistent thread across all the reviews: this place had a real quality to it. Not flashy, not cheap, but genuinely special. The kind of spot that people still talk about years later, which says a lot.

TAHAN Tip

When Mesilau reopens, book at least 6 months ahead — the Mesilau Trail has limited daily slots that fill fast during peak periods. Always confirm your trail permit before booking accommodation.

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 Mesilau is still off-limits, this is your best base for the Kinabalu climb, right at the main park HQ with proper facilities and the Timpohon Trail on your doorstep.
• Gunung Nuang Basecamp — not in Sabah, but if you're chasing that proper highland mountain basecamp experience, Nuang is the closest thing Peninsular Malaysia has to offer.