Shittim Camp, Tamparuli — River Camp with Real Sabah Hospitality
The Vibe
Shittim Camp sits along the Kiulu River in Tamparuli, and the moment you arrive, you get that feeling — the kind where you're not just checking into a campsite, you're stepping into someone's home. This place is run by Mr. Chua, and that personal touch comes through in everything. It's not a big commercial operation. It's a proper riverside camp with that raw, unpolished charm that you don't find much anymore.
The camp attracts a mix of lasak types — people who want to do ATV, team activities, maybe splash around in the river. It's also a stopover for adventurers passing through Sabah on bigger trips. Kiulu is already known as a white water rafting area, so this stretch of river has that energy — moving water, jungle sounds, cool air. Whether you're there for a night or just the day, it genuinely feels like a place worth being at.
There are homestay huts available too, so if the weather turns bad — and Sabah rain is no joke — you've got options. The camp sites are on elevated platforms, which is smart thinking for a riverside location.
Getting There
The address puts you at Tamparuli, about an hour's drive from Kota Kinabalu. Head toward Tamparuli town, then follow the Google Maps pin — the CID is solid and reviewers confirm it's accurate. One guy arrived on a bicycle in heavy rain and still found it fine, so if you're driving, you shouldn't have issues.
The road description says "unnamed road" which usually means rural kampung roads. Go slow, watch for narrow sections. A normal car should manage but if you're coming after a heavy downpour, just be alert — this is riverside Sabah terrain, and the ground can get soft. Call Mr. Chua at 019-880 8082 before you head out, especially if it's been raining. He seems like the type who'll tell you straight if conditions are fine or not.
What to Expect
This is an activity camp more than a chill-and-stare-at-the-sky camp. ATV is available on site, with guides who actually help when you get stuck and are solid enough to take good photos for you. There's team activity potential here — the reviews mention it's great for group outings, lasak trips, corporate-style adventures.
The campsite platforms are elevated, which means you're not pitching on raw ground. The huts are clean and well-maintained according to people who've stayed in them. Crowd level isn't clear from reviews, but given the location — off the beaten track in Tamparuli — it's unlikely to be overwhelming on a random weekday. Weekends might be busier if local groups book activities.
Good fit for: adventure seekers, families who want structured activities, groups doing team building, solo travellers passing through Sabah on bigger expeditions.
Facilities
Camp Platforms
Elevated platforms for tent pitching. Good call given the riverside location — keeps you off the wet ground when rain hits.
Homestay Huts
Available as an upgrade option. Reviewers say they're clean and well-maintained. Mr. Chua has been known to upgrade campers to the hut if weather gets bad — solid guy.
ATV
On-site ATV activity with a guide. The guide gets good marks — helpful when riders get stuck, and apparently takes decent shots for your Instagram too.
Host
Mr. Chua runs the place and his hospitality is genuinely warmly reviewed. Don't be shy to call ahead — 019-880 8082.
What Campers Are Saying
Danny, who was doing a full Borneo tip-to-tip ride from Kudat all the way to Teluk Melano, stopped here on day one after landing in KK. He booked a campsite but arrived in torrential rain — Mr. Chua bumped him up to a hut for free and even invited him for dinner at his nearly-completed new home nearby. That kind of hospitality is rare. Danny said he'd go back, and given that he was cycling Borneo solo, he's not someone who gives out easy praise.
A group reviewer described it as a solid spot for "lasak people" — their word, and they mean it as a compliment. The kind of place where you sweat a bit, get muddy, do stuff. Good for team activities where you want that genuine outdoor challenge rather than a sanitised glamping setup.
Leon, who did the ATV here, had nothing but good things to say about the guide. Got stuck on the trail, guide helped him out without making it awkward, and even took great photos throughout. That's the kind of detail that separates a good activity camp from a just-okay one.
Razak gave it 4 stars and called it beautiful with many challenging activities on offer. The one-star drop probably comes down to something minor — maybe facilities aren't five-star polished — but the experience itself lands well across the board.
TAHAN Tip
Book the campsite but tell Mr. Chua you want the riverside spot. The Kiulu River is the whole draw here — elevated platform or not, your tent placement matters. Get as close to the water as safely possible for the full experience. And check weather before you go — Sabah interior rain comes fast and heavy, and while Mr. Chua will sort you out, it's better to arrive when the river is calm than raging.
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
- Kokol Haven Campsite — another Sabah camp with great views and that same raw, non-commercialised feel that makes KK-area camping worth doing.
- Tegudon Tourism Village — if you want that Sabah cultural village experience with camping, this one delivers in a similar heartfelt, host-led way.
