Mount Kinabalu is known to be the highest mountain in Malaysia and the island of Borneo with a height of 4, 095 meters. Many travellers from all over the world have ascended the mountain and revelled in the scenic view of the peak which is incomparable. The peak of the mountain is also known to be a popular spot for proposals! So, if you are planning to visit Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, it is crucial for you to find the perfect accommodation to make sure that you are well-rested and ready to conquer the climb of your life.
There are so many options available that are suitable for every type of preference and budget. The Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that surrounds Mount Kinabalu, is surrounded by many hotels that are bound to be the perfect staycation for you and your loved ones. The hotels are all located far from the city center of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, which is wonderful for a peaceful stay away from the noisy and crowded city life. What’s more, they are located at Kundasang, which is known to have a cool atmosphere, beautiful lush greenery, and refreshing air perfect for travellers who wish to escape the humidity and polluted city air.
Where to Stay Around Kinabalu National Park: Accommodation Options for Every Budget
Kinabalu National Park houses a few accommodations which provide top-notch services and sufficient facilities for the comfort of travellers. There is also a resting place provided that acts as a space for mountain climbers to take a break. For those who love nature, the Kinabalu National Park serves as a haven with its variety of flora and fauna as well as awe-inspiring landscapes that fulfil the wanderlust spirit of travellers.
The accommodations available around Kinabalu National Park are varied in terms of price, facilities provided, views, and architectural designs. However, they all have one thing in common which is that they all have breathtakingly picturesque and idyllic sceneries. Regardless of which hotel you choose to stay in or where your lodges are, you can count on having a spectacular view of the mountain and lush greenery of Kundasang. Many of the accommodations in this list are only a walking distance to the Mount Kinabalu Park entrance which provides easy access to the glorious Mt. Kinabalu.
1. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges is a great accommodation if you wish to climb Mount Kinabalu as there are two guest houses located near the mountain which are Kinabalu Park and Laban Rata. Kinabalu Park is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site located at 1,584 meters above sea level. The Sutera Sanctuary Lodges are situated in Kinabalu Park close to the Mount Kinabalu Park entrance.
The luxurious accommodation provided by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Kinabalu Park includes the Rajah Lodge, Kinabalu Lodge, Grace Lodge, Garden Lodge, Summit Lodge, Peak Lodge, Nepenthes Villa, Nepenthes Suite, Hill Lodge, and Liwagu Suite.
Photo of Rajah Lodge from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Photo of Kinabalu Lodge from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Photo of Garden Lodge from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Photo of Nepenthes Suite from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Photo of Hill Lodge from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
The Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Kinabalu Park also has an event hall called Balsam Hall and a restaurant that serves Western Asian cuisine and a steamboat called Liwagu Restaurant. Some of the amenities and services provided at the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Kinabalu Park include luggage storage, a private bathroom paid airport shuttle service, a 24-hour front desk, room service, daily housekeeping, a snack bar, and a paid car park. The Laban Rata guest house operated by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, however, has four types of accommodations namely Buttercup 1, 2, 3, and a dormitory-style guest room.
Photo of Balsam Hall from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Photo of Liwagu Restaurant from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Photo of Buttercup 1 from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
The Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Laban Rata also has a restaurant that serves buffet meals and other types of ala carte meals to keep you energised before your climb to the mountain summit. Some of the amenities provided at the Laban Rata Lodge are hiking trails, a breakfast buffet, a restaurant, a small convenience store, and non-smoking rooms. At Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, you get to enjoy the stunning view of Mount Kinabalu and take part in various outdoor activities such as nature exploration and diving besides mountain climbing. If you love watching sunsets, you can book a 3-hour sunset cruise with Amazing Love and set sail into the open sea with your loved ones.
2. Perkasa Hotel Kundasang
The Perkasa Hotel Kundasang is a resort located 5000 feet above sea level from the Kinabalu National Park which gives an excellent view of the beautiful and majestic Mount Kinabalu. The accommodation includes a Heritage Suite, an Executive Suite, a Honeymoon Suite, a Suite Room, a Superior Twin room, a Superior Double room, a Chalet Standard room, and a Chalet Deluxe. The hotel also has a spa called the Heritage Spa that offers services such as therapeutic massages, steam baths, and sauna. Perkasa Hotel guests can pamper themselves with the spa services that are catered to help them relax and unwind.
Photo of Heritage Suite from Perkasa Hotel Kundasang website
Photo of Suite Room from Perkasa Hotel Kundasang website
Photo of Superior Twin from Perkasa Hotel Kundasang website
Photo of Superior Double from Perkasa Hotel Kundasang website
Some of the places of attraction near the hotel include the Kundasang market at the idyllic Kundasang town, the Kundasang War Memorial, Desa Dairy Farm, Taman Botani, and Arnab Village which is just a bit further off, but it is worth it to check out.
Photo of Kundasang War Memorial from Perkasa Hotel Kundasang website
The facilities and amenities of Perkasa Hotel Kundasang include a gift shop, safe deposit boxes, seminar and meeting rooms, a private bathroom, spa facilities, free private parking, laundry and valet services, free wifi, clean rooms, and photocopy and fax services. The Perkasa Hotel has a cafe called the Topion Cafe that serves a breakfast buffet by a lovely garden. Furthermore, they also have a restaurant which serves Asian, local, and international cuisine called Tinompok Restaurant to accommodate a bigger guest capacity.
Photo of Topion Cafe from Perkasa Hotel Kundasang website
3. Kundasang Mount Garden
Kundasang Mount Garden is a tranquil accommodation on top of a hill that provides an amazing view of the green Kundasang town and emits a calm atmosphere. The accommodation is located 15 minutes away from Mount Kinabalu by car and provides free private parking for its guests. The rooms provided have excellent mountain views and are equipped with air-conditioning and free internet access.
Although the accommodation is quite a distance from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, it is far from the hustle and bustle of the city center which is a great location for an idyllic and quiet getaway. Some of the room types include a Standard Double Room, a Standard Twin Room, a Family House, and a Caravan Family Room. All the rooms are attached with private bathrooms. Some of the popular attractions near Kundasang Mount Garden include the Australia Garden, the Botanical Garden, Poring Hot Springs, and Damai Eko Ranch.
Photo of Standard Double Room from Kundasang Mount Garden Facebook page
Photo of Standard Twin Room from Kundasang Mount Garden Facebook page
Photo of Caravan Family Room from Kundasang Mount Garden Facebook page
Photo of Family House kitchen from Kundasang Mount Garden Facebook page
The Family House has three bedrooms and the Caravan Family Room has three single beds. Both accommodations allow guests to make their own food on the stovetop provided in the private kitchen and enjoy a good barbecue outside the guest house. Some of the amenities and services provided include a clothes rack, a picnic area, daily housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk, a shower, toiletries and a flat-screen TV.
4. H. Benjamin Residence
H. Benjamin Residence has an open deck that lets you enjoy close-up mountain views of Mount Kinabalu where you can bask in the fresh cool air of the high altitude and the breathtaking view of Kinabalu Park. It is truly a place to unwind and release your daily stresses. It is also close to many places of attraction such as the Desa dairy farm, the Mount Kinabalu Golf Park, the Mesilau Highland Strawberry Farm, and the Monteki Eko Ranch fish pond. There are plenty of things to do when you stay at H. Benjamin Residence which guarantees hassle-free and relaxing travel for you and your loved ones. The hotel also provides their hotel guests complimentary parking at their private car park area.
Photo from H. Benjamin Residence website
Photo of Benjamin Restaurant from H. Benjamin Residence website
H. Benjamin Residence also has a restaurant called Benjamin Restaurant that sells delicious local and Western cuisines. However, the most popular dishes that a lot of travellers prefer when dining at their restaurant are the steamboat and barbecue. There are three types of rooms available in this hotel which are Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and a Family Room. The Superior Rooms are equipped with two single beds, the Deluxe Rooms have two double beds, while the Family Room has a double bed, a single bed, and two single mattresses.
The H. Benjamin Residence has private balconies in every room with a spectacular Mount Kinabalu view. The private bathroom of all the guest rooms is furnished with a hot shower powered with high water pressure to keep you relaxed at night. Some of the basic amenities provided in each guest room are free Wi-Fi access, adjoining rooms, free breakfast, bath towels, shower gel, and shampoo. The hotel also offers bed and breakfast services if you plan to surprise your loved ones with a romantic breakfast in bed.
Photo of Superior Room from H. Benjamin Residence website
Photo of Family Room from H. Benjamin Residence website
Photo of Family Room from H. Benjamin Residence website
5. J Residence
J Residence is located only 300 meters away from the Mount Kinabalu park entrance which is convenient for guests who travel to Kundasang specifically to hike up Mount Kinabalu. It is also one of the best budget hotels available around Kinabalu Park that provides top-notch services and facilities that scream comfort. J Residence is also surrounded by lush greenery which makes it easy for guests to relax on the patio and sit in the midst of the quiet natural ambience.
Guests will also be greeted by trees when they open their bedroom window which is a welcoming morning view that exudes calmness at the start of the day. On top of that, the guest house has a big beautiful garden outside where guests can take a nice morning and evening walk and watch the sunrise and the sunset. J Residence also provides free private parking which applies to selective guest rooms such as the Superior Villa, as well as the Superior twin and triple rooms. Free WiFi is also available throughout the whole vicinity which makes it convenient for you to post your beautiful scenic picture on social media.
All the balconies in the guest rooms overlook the beautiful mountain views in which guests can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or two while enjoying the coolness of the mountain air. Some of the amenities provided include a private bathroom with a water heater, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free bottled water, coffee and tea-making facilities, towels, and free toiletries. The room types available are Superior Villa, Superior Twin Room, Superior Triple Room, and Superior Triple Room without parking. Some of the places of attractions around the hotel include the Kundasang War Memorial, Canopy Walkway & Poring Hot Spring, Sabah Tea Garden, Botany Garden, the Orang-utan viewpoint, Desa, Dairy Farm, Kundasang market, and Sosodikon Hill.
Photo of Superior Twin Room from J Residence website
Photo of Superior Triple Room from J Residence website
Photo of Superior Triple Room without parking from J Residence website
Photo of Poring Hot Springs from Wikipedia
6. Mesilau Mountain Retreats
Mesilau Mountain Retreats is the perfect holiday home for families who wish to stay amid lush nature, amazing views of Mount Kinabalu, and a refreshing atmosphere. They also provide free private parking for their guests and have a beautiful garden where guests can take a walk and enjoy the sunset and sunrise, an open terrace where guests can sit and have a nice cup of tea or coffee in the fresh air, and some barbecue facilities perfect for a night out of family barbecue dinner. This resort has an on-site restaurant called Chill Cafe that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The restaurant also serves wine and champagne for guests who wish to have a nightcap on the outdoor terrace or in the comfort of their rooms.
Photo from Mesilau Mountain Retreat Facebook
The room types available at Mesilau Mountain Retreat include Agapanthus House, Morning Glory House, and Strawberry House. Some of the facilities and amenities provided in the resort include a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free toiletries, a hot shower, and a spacious living area with a sofa, a warm fireplace, and a desk. The kitchen in the guest rooms is equipped with an electric kettle, refrigerator, kitchenware, kitchenette, and dining table. Mesilau Mountain Retreat also provides several services such as daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, and laundry service.
Photo of Agapanthus House from Mesilau Mountain Retreat Facebook
Photo of Morning Glory House from Mesilau Mountain Retreat Facebook
Photo of Strawberry House from Mesilau Mountain Retreat Facebook
7. Kinabalu Pine Resort
Kinabalu Pine Resort is an affordable resort that has a magnificent mountain view of Mt Kinabalu from their cabin’s open porch which makes it the perfect getaway from the overcrowded Kota Kinabalu city center. This resort has won numerous awards for its outstanding accommodation and services such as the Malaysian Tourism Award Sabah Tourism Award, and National Landscaping Award which boasts first-rate comfort. They also have a restaurant called The Pines that serves Local, Chinese and Western cuisines. Kundasang is known to be very cold at night in which the steamboat menu serves to be a saving grace during these times. The Pines Restaurant also opens for bar and karaoke every night which is a great entertainment hub for those who love a fun night out.
The room types available in the resort are Standard Valley Room, Standard Room, Superior Standard Room, Deluxe Room, and Superior Deluxe Room. The guest rooms which have the best mountain views are from Superior Deluxe and Superior Standard. The Standard Valley is the only guest room that has a partial view of the mountain. All the guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, a hot water shower, free toiletries, complimentary bottled water coffee and tea-making facilities, spacious balconies, and hair dryers in their high-class private bathrooms. Some of the facilities and amenities also include a children’s playground, outdoor barbecue pits, and a multipurpose hall,
Photo of Standard Room from Kinabalu Pine Resort website
Photo of Superior Standard Twin from Kinabalu Pine Resort website
Photo of Superior Deluxe King from Kinabalu Pine Resort website
Photo of Deluxe King from Kinabalu Pine Resort website
Photo of The Pines Restaurant from Kinabalu Pine Resort website
8. Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping
Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping is a great place to stay if you wish to enjoy the outdoors and revel in the natural air of the highlands countryside. Located far away from the Kota Kinabalu city center, it is the best accommodation to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of city life. Filled with greenery and spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu, guests will never want to leave this magical place and return to reality.
There are 12 rooms available and two dormitories for lodging. Other facilities provided include a cafe, a camping site, a barbecue facility, and a common kitchen, shower and toilet facilities. Hounon Ridge is a place for those who enjoy stargazing and strolling around nearby village farms. It is a place close to nature and a haven for lovers of the outdoors. The wide field outside of the farm stay makes for an enjoyable camping ground for you and your loved ones.
Photo from Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping website
Photo from Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping website
Photo from Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping website
Photo from Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping website
Photo from Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping website
9. Ausvilla
Ausvilla is an extraordinarily beautiful resort that has impeccable landscaping and is surrounded by wide fields of green with a backdrop of the majestic Mount Kinabalu. Furthermore, there are plenty of things available at the resort which help to further bring you peace and easy mobility such as the Koi lake and the mini golf course. Ausvilla is a great place to unwind and de-stress from work and life.
Some of the other facilities included are a function room that accommodates up to 60 people, and a restaurant located in the lobby of the resort which serves a variety of cuisines such as Japanese, Western, Chinese, and local Malaysian food. The room types available are 2-storey Deluxe Home Suite, Family Room Type A, Family Room Type B, Tatami Room, Grand Suite, Superior King, Deluxe Suite, Superior Room, and Deluxe Twin.
Photo of 2-storey Deluxe Home Suite from Ausvilla website
Photo of Tatami Room from Ausvilla website
Photo of Grand Suite from Ausvilla website
Photo of Deluxe Suite from Ausvilla website
Photo of Ausvilla Restaurant from Ausvilla website
10. Ayana Holiday Resort Kundasang
Ayana Holiday Resort Kundasang is an affordable but comfortable and beautiful resort located very close to the Mount Kinabalu National Park. It also faces the Bundu Tuhan Village situated at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. Ayana Holiday Resort is located in the middle of the Kiau Valley and Bundu Tuhan Valley which occasionally experiences the passing of misty cool air that the resort also gets to enjoy. Hence, guests of Ayana Resort get to revitalise themselves from the humidity of the city center and experience a cooling environment for a change. The resort also has free WiFi, free parking, and a marvellous garden for you to have a nice walk. The room types provided are Standard Room, Deluxe Room, Superior Room, and Holiday-House which accommodates up to 9 guests.
The Holiday House is 2, 200 square feet and has 3 bedrooms, a living and dining area, a kitchen, a private balcony with a barbecue pit, and an en-suite shower among others. All the guest houses have private balconies except for the Standard Room. Some of the facilities and amenities provided in Ayana Holiday Resort include a public barbecue facility, en-suite bathrooms equipped with hot showers, free toiletries, coffee and tea-making facilities, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels in every room.
Photo of Standard Room from Ayana Holiday Resort website
Photo of Superior Room from Ayana Holiday Resort website
Photo of Deluxe Room from Ayana Holiday Resort website
Photo of Holiday House from Ayana Holiday Resort website
11. Celyn Resort Kinabalu
Celyn Resort Kinabalu is a modern sanctuary amid the green of Mount Kinabalu and the jungle surrounding the area at Kinabalu National Park which makes it one of the best budget resorts. The resort also has 53 clean rooms, meeting or event facilities and a cafe called Bunga Raya Cafe that serves halal local cuisine.
Some of the other facilities and amenities provided at Celyn Resort Kinabalu also include a karaoke area, a games room, free private parking, 24-hour reception, barbecue facilities, nature walkways, and a cafe. The room types include Valley Wing, Kinabalu Wing, Kinabalu Suite, Jungle Villa, Jungle Mountain, Jungle Junior, and Family Room.
Photo of Kinabalu Wing from Celyn Resort Kinabalu website
Photo of Jungle Mountain from Celyn Resort Kinabalu website
Photo of Jungle Junior from Celyn Resort Kinabalu website
Photo of Family Room from Celyn Resort Kinabalu website
Photo of Bunga Raya Cafe from Celyn Resort Kinabalu website
12. Mile 36 Lodge
Mile 36 Lodge is surrounded by lush greenery that offers a beautiful view of Mount Kota Kinabalu and provides free parking and free WiFi that is accessible everywhere in the building. The Mile 36 Lodge is made up of many room types that accommodate different types of travellers be it solo or in groups and is a great play to stay if you are on a budget.
The lodge also has an attached bathroom which has the option of a cold and hot shower and different types of views that range from the garden view to the mountain view. The in-house cafe, Mile 36 Ricky’s Cafe, serves breakfast every day and has multiple dining areas outside and inside the lodge. Some of the facilities and services provided include a 24-hour front desk manned by their friendly staff, a small convenience store, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping.
Photo of Bungalow from Mile 36 Lodge website
Photo of Double Garden View from Mile 36 Lodge website
Photo of Double Suite Mountain View from Mile 36 Lodge website
Photo of Family Room from Mile 36 Lodge website
Photo of Ricky’s Cafe from Mile 36 Lodge website
13. Blue Mountain Lodge
Blue Mountain Lodge is a great budget lodging that has beautiful scenery of the trees and the mountains that looks like it came directly from a National Geographic magazine. It also has barbecue facilities that allow you to have a big barbecue dinner with your family and friends while enjoying the fresh outdoors. The Blue Mountain Lodge is located a bit further off from Kinabalu Park but it is close to the Kundasang War Memorial and the Kundasang Market where you can learn about the history of Kundasang while shopping for souvenirs or memorabilia.
There are 10 rooms in total and all of them have double beds and a shared balcony outside the entrance of each unit which overlooks the scenic view of Mount Kinabalu. Some of the facilities and amenities provided include luggage storage, an on-site car park for free parking, a hot shower, fans, and a pantry with an electric kettle. The Blue Mountain Lodge does not have twin rooms, televisions, and internet connection which makes it a perfect guesthouse for those who want to keep away from the distractions of the online world and bask in the natural surroundings of the lodge.
Photo from Blue Mountain Lodge Facebook
Photo from Blue Mountain Lodge Facebook
Photo from Blue Mountain Lodge Facebook
Photo from Blue Mountain Lodge Facebook
14. Nabalu Kundasang
Nabalu Kundasang boasts a cosy and homey ambience that reminds you of home with their home-cooked meals prepared specially for their guests. The guest house has both a bakery and a restaurant which makes sure that you lack nothing when it comes to food choices. They also have a garden where you can take morning walks or have your own quiet time in nature amid the cool Kundasang air. The options for breakfast include halal Asian, American, and Vegetarian cuisines.
Nabalu Kundasang also provides free parking for their guests and has a total of 20 rooms. The room types include Junior Suite, Studio Chalet, and Nabalu Room. Some of the amenities and services available are free internet connections, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, event facilities, safety deposit boxes, fans in the rooms, free bottled water, hot shower, and toiletries. Many couple hold their wedding receptions at Nabalu Kundasang because of the top-notch service from the friendly staff, their beautiful atmosphere, and the delicious food.
Photo of Nabalu Room from Nabalu Kundasang Lodge Facebook
Photo of Junior Suite from Nabalu Kundasang Lodge Facebook
Photo of Studio Chalet from Nabalu Kundasang Lodge Facebook
Photo of Restaurant Puteri Nabalu from Nabalu Kundasang Lodge Facebook
15. Dream World Resort Kundasang
Dream World Resort Kundasang is a haven on a hill where guests can be enveloped by the coolness of the misty clouds that would often surround the resort. Guests can park for free at a designated parking area and be welcomed by the 24-hour reception desk where the friendly staff of the resort happily attend to your needs. The main building of the resort is surrounded by various types of guest houses namely Ixora, Rosa, Canna, Mimosa, and Lantana. The guest houses are filled with lush greenery and walkways that connect one area to another making it accessible to every part of the resort. Some of the amenities provided include blackout curtains, balconies or terraces, coffee and tea-making facilities, fans, and a hot shower.
The Kundasang Restaurant serves Fusion and Western cuisines, steamboats, and grilled barbecue. The Sky Room is a multipurpose hall where guests can hold meetings, seminars, or events for a maximum of 120 people. CloudNine is their banquet hall where guests can have a more private event for a maximum of 50 pax. House guests can also request for Karaoke equipment to be set up in the multipurpose hall and banquet hall for entertainment. Some of the services that Dream World Resort provides include daily housekeeping, laundry service, and dry cleaning.
Photo of Deluxe Room from Dream World Kundasang website
Photo of Executive Suite from Dream World Kundasang website
Photo of Junior Suite Ixora from Dream World Kundasang website
Photo of Superior Room from Dream World Kundasang website
Photo of Kundasang Restaurant from Dream World Kundasang website
16. Rocky Mountain Lodge
Rocky Mountain Lodge is an affordable hostel-type accommodation located 12.2km away from Kinabalu National Park. They have units suitable for various types of travellers ranging from small groups to big family groups. They are all equipped with comfortable and clean rooms that guarantee a good night’s sleep. Furthermore, both the parking and internet access are free which makes it convenient for guests to travel by car and share about their travels with their loved ones. Guests can take a walk in the garden and hike up Mt Kinabalu which is only 20 minutes away from the lodging area.
The room types provided are Heritage Chalet, Family Suite, Deluxe Room, Superior Suite, and Pyramid Room. Some of the facilities and amenities provided include barbecue facilities, a restaurant, a fireplace, a designated smoking area, luggage storage, daily housekeeping, and laundry services. Rocky Mountain Lodge also has a beautiful view of the mountain which can be seen from the balcony of every room due to its high altitude. The places of attractions near the hostel include the Desa Dairy Farm, Mt Kinabalu Golf Club, and Monteki Eko Ranch.
Photo from Rocky Mountain Lodge Facebook
Photo from Rocky Mountain Lodge Facebook
Photo from Rocky Mountain Lodge Facebook
Photo from Rocky Mountain Lodge Facebook
17. Bayu Senja Lodge
Bayu Senja Lodge is a Muslim concept lodge located on a hill near the Kinabalu National Park at Kota Kinabalu. The location enables guests to look out at the lush greenery of Kundasang in the cool air that revitalises the soul. There are 11 units altogether and they are all non-smoking rooms. The room types available are Deluxe Queen, Standard Triple, Standard Twin, Family Room, and Budget Twin. Most of the rooms are equipped with balconies that overlook the beautiful garden. The bathroom amenities include a bidet and a separate shower and toilet.
Some of the facilities and amenities of the guest house include free WiFi, free parking, a dining area, an electric kettle, a shared kitchen equipped with a microwave and a mini refrigerator, barbecue facilities, free toiletries, laundry services, room services and flat-screen TVs. Furthermore, some of the places of attractions near Bayu Senja Lodge are Desa Dairy Farm, Mesilau’s Cat Village, Sosodikon Hill Kundasang, and Taman Botany in Kinabalu National Park.
Photo from Bayu Senja Lodge Facebook
Photo from Bayu Senja Lodge Facebook
Photo from Bayu Senja Lodge Facebook
Photo from Bayu Senja Lodge Facebook
18. Kundasang Guesthouse
Kundasang Guesthouse is one of the most beautiful budget guest houses in Kota Kinabalu around the Kinabalu Park area. The buildings are designed with a modern brick design with a beautiful green landscape filled with plants and flowers that brighten up the place. Their guest houses are suitable for different numbers of guests, ranging from solo travellers to big families which makes it a perfect place to stay for various types of guests. There are 14 units available which are called Capsicum, Bambu, Meranti, Caladium, Kapur, Zucchini, Raspberry, Strawberry, Lemongrass, Mulberry, Spring Onion, Soursop, Avocado, and Pumpkin.
The family units have living rooms, kitchens, and balconies that overlook the mountain view. Some of the facilities and amenities provided include free internet access, disabled-friendly facilities, free parking, 24-hour reception, a garden around the guest houses with outdoor furniture, cable television, a conference room for events, private bathrooms, electric kettles, and security cameras outside the property and in common areas for the safety of the guests.
Photo of Bambu Room from Kundasang Guesthouse Facebook
Photo of Capsicum Room from Kundasang Guesthouse Facebook
Photo of Pumpkin Room from Kundasang Guesthouse Facebook
Photo of Zucchini Room from Kundasang Guesthouse Facebook
19. Zen Garden Resort
The Zen Garden Resort is a great place for guests who wish to have a peaceful staycation away from the busy city life because it has a pagoda for guests to relax and chill as well as a zen garden. The homestay truly lives up to its name as a zen garden resort because the beautiful green landscaping that surrounds the guest house exudes tranquillity and joy.
Some of the facilities and amenities provided are non-smoking rooms, free parking for guests, private bathrooms, family rooms, free internet access, a terrace to gaze upon the peaceful garden and majestic mountain, a hot shower, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air-conditioning, daily housekeeping, dining area, coffee and tea-making facilities, electric kettle, and 24-hour reception. The room types available include Deluxe King, Deluxe Triple, Deluxe Twin, and Executive Suite which can accommodate different numbers of guests.
Photo from Zen Garden Resort Facebook
Photo from Zen Garden Resort Facebook
Photo from Zen Garden Resort Facebook
Photo from Zen Garden Resort Facebook
20. Hidden Hill Homestay Kundasang
Hidden Hill Homestay Kundasang is a Japanese-inspired guest house that has multiple room types proudly donning Japanese names such as Izukogen, Kamakura, Azabu, Shimokitazawa, Meguro, and Kawagoe. The homestay is located 10 minutes away from the mount kinabalu park entrance which makes it a convenient place to stay if you wish to climb Mount Kinabalu. Furthermore, they also rent out yukata and cosplay from 9 am-5 pm in the vicinity of the homestay where guests can take a lot of wonderful and interesting pictures in their outfit Mount Kinabalu Park with the serene and glorious backdrop of the mountain.
Each of the room types is different in their unique way but they all have a magnificent view of Mt. Kinabalu to greet them every morning outside the windows of their guest rooms. Some of the amenities and facilities provided are free Wi-Fi, free parking, a a kitchen, luggage drop-off, a bathtub, a a private balcony or patio, and security cameras for the safety of everyone in the homestay.
Photo from Hidden Hill Kundasang Facebook
Photo from Hidden Hill Kundasang Facebook
Photo from Hidden Hill Kundasang Facebook
Photo of Yukata Cafe from Hidden Hill Kundasang Facebook
Conclusion
There are so many accommodations available near the Mount Kinabalu National Park which makes it easy for guests to hike Mount Kinabalu and roam Kundasang. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site in Sabah where you will be met with the cooling and refreshing Kundasang air away from the humidity of the rest of Malaysia. It is also a great location for you to unwind and relax as the greenery and views from the hotels, regardless of where you stay, are to die for. There are plenty of hotels for every kind of budget available for you near Kinabalu Park to accommodate all travellers. Whichever hotel you choose to stay in, make sure to check availability for the rooms as the area is often popular with tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the best Mount Kinabalu hotel for myself?
The best way to choose the best hotel or guest house for yourself near Mount Kinabalu is to identify your budget first and foremost, then decide on the facilities or amenities that are useful to you. For example, if you are driving or renting a car, it is best to get a hotel that provides a free parking area. Then, choose a guest house that can accommodate the number of people you are travelling with so that everybody will have ample space for themselves. Some of the hotels in this list do not have free Wi-Fi, hence, if a free internet connection is important to you, make sure to check that it is available at your guest house.
What is the average distance of Kinabalu National Park hotels or accommodations to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport?
The average distance of the hotels at Kinabalu National Park area is estimated to be about 102 km away and takes about 2 hours to reach by car.
Which of the Kinabalu Park hotels offer breakfast?
Most of the hotels in this list offer breakfast to their guests. Some of them include Ayana Holiday Resort Kundasang, Kundasang Mount Garden, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Perkasa Hotel Kundasang, Kinabalu Pine Resort, J Residence, Celyn Resort Kinabalu, Zen Garden Resort, and H. Benjamin Residence.
What are the things to do in Kinabalu National Park for nature lovers?
There are a lot of things for nature lovers to do in Kinabalu National Park. The park is designed especially for those who love to immerse themselves in flora and fauna. The most popular activity for travellers to do at Kinabalu National Park is to climb Mount Kinabalu. You will need a guide with you and it takes a total of two days to complete the excursion. Another activity is to explore the hiking trails around the park area. The trails have different levels of difficulty which caters to different types of adventurers. Another activity you can do is is to simply explore the quaint city of Kundasang. Kundasang itself has numerous places of attractions such as Sabah Tea Garden, Kundasang War Memorial, Gold Club and Desa Dairy Farm where you can try fresh milk that tastes like no other!
Cheap places to stay in Kinabalu National Park
Some of the cheap and affordable places to stay around Kinabalu Park that range between RM50 – RM150 are Laban Rata Resthouse, Kundasang Mount Garden, J Residence, Kinabalu Pine Resort, Hounon Ridge Farmstay and Camping, Ayana Holiday Resort, Celyn Resort Kinabalu, Mile 36 Lodge, Blue Mountain Lodge, Nabalu Kundasang, Dream World Resort, Rocky Mountain Lodge, Bayu Senja Lodge, and Kundasang Guesthouse.
What are the luxurious hotels near Mount Kinabalu?
Some of the luxury hotels near Mount Kinabalu which start from RM300 and above include the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, H. Benjamin Residence, Mesilau Mountain Retreats, Ausvilla, and Hidden Hill Kundasang.