Sondot View Camp, Kota Belud — A Hidden Riverside Gem Near Kinabalu

The Vibe

If you're doing anything around the Kinabalu area and want to sleep somewhere that doesn't feel like a crowded campsite resort, Sondot View Camp in Kota Belud is the kind of place you stumble upon and end up telling everyone about. It's a small, family-run campsite right by a river — clean water, cold air, and none of that chaos you get at more popular spots. The Sondot family runs it, and that personal touch shows.

It's low-key in the best way. No big crowds. No lights blaring from nearby pondoks until 2am. Just river sounds, fresh air, and people who actually want to be out in nature. The kind of place that doesn't try too hard but delivers anyway. Good for families, couples, solo travellers, even first-timers who show up without gear — which brings me to the next point.

Don't have a tent? Not a problem. They rent tents here. Don't have sleeping stuff? They'll lend you a mattress, pillows, blankets, even chairs. One traveller literally showed up unprepared and still had a great night. That's how flexible and accommodating this place is. Rare to find that kind of hospitality at a campsite.

Getting There

The campsite is in Kampung Kebayau, Kota Belud — about an hour's drive from Kota Kinabalu city. From KK, take the Jalan Tuaran road heading towards Kota Belud town. Once you're in Kota Belud, you're looking for Kampung Kebayau. Use the Google Maps link (cid:9343378252309129568) to get you right there, or just call ahead at 011-5129 5620 — the owner is friendly and will help you find the place.

Road conditions should be generally fine for a standard car. No reports of 4WD being needed. Parking is right next to the campsite, so unloading your gear is easy — no long carry-ins. That's a win.

What to Expect

The campsite sits beside a river that reviewers consistently call clean and cold — the kind of river you actually want to swim in, not just look at. Some spots can fit two bungalow tents side by side, others fit one. Not a huge site, so it never gets that shoulder-to-shoulder festival campsite feel.

Crowd levels are low compared to other campsites in Sabah. That's one of the most consistent things people mention — you get to actually enjoy the nature without feeling like you're sharing it with half of KK. If you're coming from Peninsular Malaysia, think of it as the calmer, quieter East Malaysia alternative to something like a busy Selangor riverside spot.

This place suits beginners and families well. The campsite is flat, parking is close, facilities exist (basic but there), and the owner is the kind of person who'll step in and help if you're stuck. Hardcore campers who want total wilderness will find it too tame — but for everyone else, it hits the sweet spot.

Facilities

Toilets

Mixed feedback on this one. One reviewer said they were very clean. Another said there are too many bugs and it needs improvement. Probably depends on when you visit and how recently it was cleaned. Bring your own toilet paper either way.

Water

No sink, but each pondok comes with a pipe. River is clean and swimmable. Fine for washing up.

Electricity

Available. There's a pondok with plug points, so you can charge your devices. Not every spot has access, so if you need it, ask the owner when booking which spot to take.

Parking

Right beside the campsite. One of the better setups for a campsite this size — no lugging your cooler through the jungle.

Campfire

They provide logs for a campfire. One reviewer specifically mentioned this. One other reviewer said no fire pit — could be that conditions vary or the setup depends on your spot. Confirm with the owner when you arrive.

Tent Rental

Yes, tents are available for rent. Sleeping gear (mattress, pillows, blankets) also available. Good safety net if you're new or travelling light.

Cabana / Pondok

Available as an option if you'd rather not sleep in a tent. Comes with a plug point.

Phone Coverage

Celcom and Digi work fine. Other networks untested, so check your line before you go.

What Campers Are Saying

A traveller who was doing a route near Kinabalu — without any camping gear at all — ended up here and said it was an amazing experience. The owner provided everything: mattress, blanket, pillows, chairs. That's not something you get at most campsites. They rented a tent and pitched it riverside and called it one of their best nights. That says a lot about how the Sondot family runs the place.

Another camper gave it four stars and highlighted the view as a solid five — that river backdrop clearly does the job. They flagged the toilets as needing a bit more attention (bugs, not the cleanest), but said the owner's friendly and soft-spoken manner made the whole experience feel safe and welcoming.

On the river itself — multiple people called it very clean and cold, safe to swim in. That's the main draw here. You're not coming for fancy glamping setups. You're coming to sit by a clear Sabah river and not have fifty other campers doing the same thing next to you.

One camper flagged that a dog got into their food and tent at night. Minor thing, but worth knowing — keep your food sealed and stored properly, especially overnight.

Price is RM50 per campsite per night. Reasonable for what you get, especially with the gear rental option.

TAHAN Tip

When you arrive, talk to the owner and ask specifically for a riverside spot that fits two tents — those are the nicest pitches on site. They're more spacious and the river is literally right there. Don't just take whatever spot is available. A quick request makes all the difference here.

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're already in the Kinabalu area, this is the natural next stop for your bucket list
• Mesilau Nature Resort Campsite — another Sabah highland camp with a river feel and cooler temperatures, worth pairing with your Kota Belud trip