The Mountain Camp @ Mt. Kinabalu by PrimaStay — Glamping with Soul at the Foot of Borneo's Highest Peak

The Vibe

This isn't your average pitch-your-own-tent-and-figure-it-out kind of spot. The Mountain Camp by PrimaStay is a managed glamping experience near Mesilau, right at the base of Mount Kinabalu — and it's set up beautifully. Think loft-style tented cabins with proper sleeping setups, mountain views when you wake up, and a host who actually cares whether you have a good time. The kind of place where your skeptical husband arrives, looks around, and immediately thanks you for booking it.

The atmosphere here is cool, misty, and moody in the best way. You're at altitude — temperatures can drop to 14°C at night, sometimes lower when the clouds roll in. The fog comes and goes. It rains. And honestly? The rain just makes it better. Campfire, popcorn, grilling wagyu under a shelter while the mist swirls around you — that's the vibe. First-timers love this place because everything is handled. Seasoned campers love it because the setting is genuinely stunning.

It's also pet-friendly, which is harder and harder to find these days. The hosts even have a corgi named Corgi on-site, which, come on — that alone is worth mentioning. Families, couples, first-timers, pet owners — this place works for all of them.

Getting There

The camp is located along Jalan Golf Course Mesilau in Ranau, Sabah — that's the Mesilau area, which sits on the eastern side of Kinabalu Park. If you're coming from Kota Kinabalu city, you're looking at roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by road. Take the route through Tamparuli and Ranau. Once you're past Kundasang town, follow signage toward Mesilau.

The drive through the highlands, especially as you gain elevation, is spectacular — and expect fog and rain, especially in the afternoons. One family reviewer described the drive itself as feeling like an adventure, winding through clouds and greenery. It's not a rough 4WD trail or anything — normal cars can make it, but drive carefully when it's wet. Roads in this area can get slippery.

You can reach the hosts at 016-583 9880 to confirm directions before you go — worth doing since highland roads don't always match what Google Maps expects.

What to Expect

This is glamping, not roughing it. The tents are set up for you, beds are made, the compound is clean and well-maintained. You're not hauling gear through mud — you park, you arrive, you relax. The host stays on-site, which is a huge plus for first-timers or families. You're not alone in the dark figuring things out.

There's a creek about 3 minutes' walk from the camp. Icy cold, crystal clear, surrounded by jungle. Even older guests in their 70s managed the short trail without issue. The view of Mount Kinabalu — when the clouds clear — from your sleeping loft is the kind of thing people come back for. Stargazing on clear nights is exceptional up here, far from city lights.

Crowd level is very low. The setup appears to accommodate small groups, and reviewers mentioned being the only campers on site during their stay. That kind of privacy is rare and genuinely special.

This is ideal for families, couples, first-time campers, and anyone who wants the full Kinabalu highland experience without the stress of managing everything yourself. If you're the type who brings a well-organized sleep kit, the TAHAN Panthera Inflatable Sleeping Pad pairs well with the loft setup — 10cm thick with built-in foot pump, so you're not sleeping on a hard floor even if you add your own bedding layer.

Facilities

Tent Setup

Pre-set up for you. Loft-style sleeping area, cozy and comfortable. Multiple reviewers mentioned sleeping well even through rainy nights — no leaks, no drama.

Toilets

Clean. Like, genuinely clean. One reviewer literally said she booked the place because of the toilet photos and had zero regrets. For a camp toilet, that's high praise.

Showers

Hot showers available. At 14°C nights, this is not a luxury — this is a necessity. Glad they have it.

Water

Drinkable hot water provided on-site. No need to boil your own.

Cooking Setup

Grilling facilities available — guests cooked wagyu at night in the rain with no issues. The host recommends buying meat in KK town before you head up.

Camping Gear

Quality gear provided by the hosts. First-timers don't need to bring their own equipment.

Parking

On-site parking available at the compound.

Host Presence

Hosts stay on-site. They're warm, knowledgeable, and will go above and beyond — yes, including retrieving your drone from a tree.

What Campers Are Saying

Alvin came up without checking the weather forecast properly and didn't pack warm enough — temperatures hit 14°C and he felt it. But he still rated it five stars and called the stargazing and campfire popcorn priceless. The point: the experience is worth it, but please pack warm clothes.

Miradonna brought her family of six, including elderly parents in their 70s. They slept through a rainy night without a single leak, took a dip in the icy creek 3 minutes from camp, and even had their drone rescued from a tree by a local villager the hosts called in. She says they're already planning to come back.

Elsie was a first-timer and said everything looked exactly like the photos — rare for any listing, honestly. The pet-friendly setup was the deciding factor for her family, and the hosts' corgi was an unexpected highlight of the trip.

Liyana booked the place over her husband's hesitation. By the time they arrived, he was thanking her. They grilled wagyu in the rain, woke up to Kinabalu views from the loft, and appreciated the eco-friendly setup. Her one regret? Not visiting the stream because the current looked a bit deras. Next time, she says.

Azrina celebrated a birthday here and the hosts arranged special deco for the occasion. She highlighted the privacy, the glamping comfort, and the cleanliness — calling it a perfect combination of all three.

TAHAN Tip

14°C is the average — it can dip lower, especially before sunrise or after heavy rain. Don't make Alvin's mistake. Even if it looks sunny when you leave KK in the morning, by evening up at Mesilau it'll be a different story. Pack a proper layer. The TAHAN HexLink Sleeping Bag is rated down to 18°C and converts into a blanket — bring it even if the hosts provide bedding, just as your backup layer for the coldest part of the night around 3–5am. You'll thank yourself.

Also — go visit the creek. Don't let a slightly fast current stop you. It's 3 minutes from camp, and it's one of the most refreshing things you can do at altitude. Early morning is best when the mist is still sitting on the water.

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 go deeper into the Kinabalu experience, this is the official park campsite right at the trailhead
• Mesilau Nature Resort Campsite — same Mesilau area, different setup — worth comparing if you're deciding how to do your Kinabalu highland stay