Mesilau Nature Resort — What You Need to Know Before You Go

The Vibe

Let me be straight with you upfront — Mesilau Nature Resort has been closed indefinitely since June 2015. The 5.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Ranau on 5 June 2015 triggered massive mudflows that wiped out the access road and the bridge leading to the resort. So before you pack your bag and drive all the way to Ranau thinking you'll check in here, know this: the resort is currently inaccessible. Nobody wants to find that out after a 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu.

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.

Pre-earthquake, the road in was paved but narrow and winding — typical highland access road. Nothing that required a 4WD under normal conditions. But right now, the access road and bridge were destroyed by the 2015 mudflow and as of the last known updates, have not been rebuilt. Don't rely on Google Maps alone — call ahead on 088-871 519 or check with Sabah Parks before attempting the drive.

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 — just months before the earthquake — called it a calming escape from the city. Said the green forest views were unlike anything back in the urban jungle. She mentioned she wasn't sure what the place looked like after the disaster hit. Honestly, none of us really do until someone gets back in there.

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.

A few reviewers straight-up confirmed what we already flagged — the resort is cut off. Access road gone. Bridge gone. One guy said "closed indefinitely after the quake" with a tone that told you he genuinely missed the place. Another noted the budget was on the higher side compared to regular campsites, but said the calm, cool, nature-surrounded experience was worth every ringgit.

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

If Mesilau ever reopens, book your stay the moment registrations open — and do it at least 6 months in advance. The Mesilau Trail has limited daily climber slots just like the Timpohon route, and those fill up fast, especially for peak periods around school holidays. Don't book the resort without confirming your trail permit first. Getting the room but missing the climb slot would be a real sakit hati situation.

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.