Where to Stay in Kundasang & Kinabalu Park

The Best Places to Stay in Kundasang

Kundasang is a small highland town about a 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, making it a convenient and peaceful alternative to staying in the city.

Most accommodations are spread along the main road leading to Kinabalu Park, which was very convenient for access to the park entrance just a 10–15 minute drive away. I’ve found that staying here not only saves travel time for more time hiking, whether inside the park or on the mountain.

That said, accommodations and attractions are scattered along the main road leading to Kinabalu Park, with many hotels and lodges perched on hillsides with spectacular mountain views. While there are a few shops, eateries, and small markets in the town itself, most of the area is rural, so getting around can be tricky without your own transport (I recommend comparing prices in Kota Kinabalu with DiscoverCars rather than renting a car in Kundasang).

My Favorite Hotels in Kundasang

Accommodation options in Kundasang are varied, from affordable guesthouses and homestays to cozy lodges and high-end resorts. I've found some great budget rooms for as little as RM 50–100 per night, while the more comfortable and upscale mountain lodges or boutique stays are usually priced around RM 250–400 per night.

Again, this is still generally much cheaper than comparable options in Kota Kinabalu in my experience.

	Hotel	Price
	Kinabalu Pine Resort	$$$
	Kundasang Guesthouse	$$
	Bayu Senja Lodge	$$
	Suang Noh Homestay	$$
	Kundasang Mount Garden	$

1. Kinabalu Pine Resort 

• Location: Kundasang
• Best For: Small families and couples

Perfect for nature lovers wanting a peaceful sleep surrounded by jungle and mountain views. The resort offers modern, clean, and comfortable rooms with large balconies overlooking beautiful gardens.

Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, which is known for its delicious hot pot, a BBQ area, and a children’s playground. With Wi-Fi and plenty of outdoor space, it’s a great base for exploring Kundasang.

It is conveniently just an 800 m walk from Kundasang Market which has everything you would need.

2. Kundasang Guesthouse

• Location: Kundasang
• Best For: Large groups

This guesthouse is an ideal choice for large groups and families looking for a spacious retreat in Kundasang. With family villas that can accommodate up to 25 people, it’s perfect for big group trips.

The property offers private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi, and is kept very clean. The balconies with views of Mount Kinabalu are a highlight, making it a relaxing spot to unwind or relax with a family member. Located in a quiet area, it’s also conveniently close to Desa Dairy Farm, Mesilou Strawberry Farm, and Kinabalu Park, making it a great base.

3. Bayu Senja Lodge

• Location: Kundasang
• Best For: Couples and small groups

Best for couples and small groups wanting a comfortable and convenient stay with stunning valley views. The lodge offers large rooms with thick, comfortable mattresses, hot showers with excellent pressure (a rarity in the area), and access to a communal kitchen for cooking meals.

With free parking, Wi-Fi, and nearby shops, it’s a clean and well-equipped option for travelers wanting a relaxing base to explore Kundasang.

4. Suang Noh Homestay

• Location: Kundasang
• Best For: Couples & families

Suang Noh Homestay features large rooms, some equipped with a fridge and kitchen, and Room 4 offers breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu which I highly recommend staying in.

The facilities are spotlessly clean, and the homestay is conveniently located near Desa Dairy Farm which is an awesome day trip. With a big parking area and over 1,000 glowing reviews, I just had to add this as a top-rated choice when staying in Kundasang.

Guests staying here should also walk the 200 m to the nearby My Arab Kitchen Restaurant and feast on their Shawarma chicken.

5. Kundasang Mount Garden

• Location: Kundasang
• Best For: Couples and budget travelers

Kundasang Mount Garden is best for couples and budget travelers wanting affordable price private room. While you won’t get Mount Kinabalu views, the location offers nice scenery and a quiet atmosphere.

Some rooms come with a kitchen, fridge, and cooktop, making it convenient for longer stays. Just note the driveway is very steep. Parking is available on site for those with a car and there is a small mini-mart across the road with a selection of snacks.

A great choice if you're on a budget.

The Best Places to Stay in and Around Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main starting point for climbing Mount Kinabalu. The park itself has accommodations, but availability is limited, and prices are higher compared to options in Kundasang or the surrounding areas.

In my experience, staying inside the park is convenient if you want to be as close as possible to the Timpohon Gate (the main starting point for the climb), or if you want to do some of the foothill trails straight from your accommodation. But in all honesty, it’s not strictly necessary, as most places nearby are just a 10–15 minute drive away.

Plus, staying inside Kinabalu Park means you’ll pay park entrance fees, which are RM 15 for Malaysians and RM 50 for non-Malaysians per day, on top of your accommodation cost.

If you’re not climbing, a single night in the area is usually enough to explore the park’s trails and enjoy nearby attractions like the Botanical Garden or the Timpohon Viewpoint. For climbers, I recommend staying at least two nights, with one night before the climb to acclimatize and another after to rest and recover.

Driving is the easiest way to get around here, and I highly recommend renting a car. This gives you the flexibility to stay just outside the park gates and explore other attractions like Poring Hot Springs or Desa Dairy Farm. Public transport options are limited, so having your own vehicle makes everything much more accessible.

Best Hotels & Lodges in & Around Kinabalu Park

Rooms and chalets within the park start at RM 200–400 per night, but the trade-off is being able to wake up right at the trailhead. However, I’ve found it more practical and budget-friendly to stay outside the park in Kundasang, where accommodations often cost less and offer better views of Mount Kinabalu.

	Hotel	Price
	Sutera Sanctuary Lodges	$$$
	Ayana Holiday Resort	$$$
	J Residence	$$
	Happy Garden	$

1. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges

• Location: Inside Kinabalu Park
• Best For: Large groups or families

Sutera Sanctuary Lodges is perfect for groups or families, with rooms that sleep 4-6 people and some featuring a kitchen, dining area, and a fireplace which is needed during the winter months as the accommodation is situated at 1,585m above sea level. The lodges offer beautiful mountain views and access to amazing walking trails like the Kiau View Trail which you'll find inside Kinabalu Park.

Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast and dine at the on-site Liwagu Restaurant. The beautiful surroundings add to this incredible accommodation and I recommend 1-2 nights here!

2. Ayana Holiday Resort

• Location: Just outside Kinabalu Park
• Best For: Solo travelers or couples

Ayana Holiday Resort is best for couples or solo travelers looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Nestled in the jungle with lush garden views and located above the clouds, it’s perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds and relax.

The resort offers a range of spacious rooms and is conveniently located near Kinabalu Park and the Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden. For meals, the nearby Lily Cottage & Kitchen serves delicious food, making your stay even more convenient.

3. J Residence

• Location: Outside Kinabalu Park
• Best For: Climbers, couples, and nature lovers

The modern rooms feature large balconies and private bathrooms, offering a relaxing space to unwind especially if you've been hiking the nearby trails in Kinabalu Park.

Located less than 100m from Kinabalu Park, it’s an excellent choice for those preparing to climb Mount Kinabalu or explore the park's natural beauty. The price is another major factor that J Residence made the list as it is very affordable.

4. Happy Garden

• Location: Outside Kinabalu Park
• Best For: Backpackers and small groups

If you're still looking for where to stay near Kinabalu Park then don't miss this unique stay with pod beds. The comfortable bedding, clean bathrooms, and stunning mountain views it puts this as one of my favorite hostels in the area. With a kitchen for cooking and spacious common areas to relax and connect with other travelers, it’s an excellent choice for a cozy and social stay.

Just a short walk away guests can find the Puncak Marisini Theme Park, known for its quirky selfie spots and a cute rabbit park. Entry fees are RM5 for the Rabbit Park and RM5 for the Selfie Park, making it an affordable and entertaining outing.