“Because parenting doesn't come with a manual
- but it should!”
Growing with care & love
Pack the snacks, wrangle the car seat — your escape plan starts here.
Need a breather from routine, screens, or the sound of “Mummy!” every 3 seconds? Whether it’s a cool mountain cabin, a goat-filled farmstay, or a beach with zero Wi-Fi and maximum peace, we’ve rounded up kid-friendly spots for your next weekend escape — no passport required.
Kiulu Farmstay
(Valley in the Mist)
Riverside eco-lodge in a lush valley, community-based longhouses, river swims, cultural village walks,—and maybe plucking fresh rambutans mid-hike.
Kiulu Valley, approximately 1h15 from Kota Kinabalu

Poring Hot Springs & Canopy Walkway
Dip into sulphur-rich hot springs, stroll a 157 m canopy walkway high in the trees, explore butterfly and orchid gardens, and maybe reward the kids with a cooled-down natural bath.
Poring, Ranau, around 40 km southeast of Kinabalu Park Headquarters

Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping
Family-run farmstay group offering rustic cabins, eco tents, a river for wading, open-air kitchens, and views of the starlit Crocker Range. Nature, peace, and farm animals optional.
Kundasang/Bundu Tuhan region, near Mount Kinabalu

Ara Dinawan Private Island Retreat
Exclusive beachfront tents with air‑conditioning, private baths, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sunset strolls, bonfires and board games.
Ara Dinawan Island, ~20 km off Kota Kinabalu (20 min boat ride)

Desa Cattle Dairy Farm (Little New Zealand)
Scenic dairy farm with Holstein cows grazing against mountain backdrops, milk sampling, strawberry farms, and expansive grassy grounds the kids can run circles around.
Kundasang, at the foot of Mount Kinabalu (~2h drive from KK)

Manukan Island Resort (Tunku Abdul Rahman Park)
Manukan Island, 20 min speedboat from Jesselton Point, Kota Kinabalu
Golden beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling, swimming pool, football/sepak takraw courts, jungle hiking trails, plus chalets and restaurants right by the sea.
Manukan Island Resort (Tunku Abdul Rahman Park)

Kokol Haven Resort
Hilltop resort with panoramic mountain and sunset views, playground, mini‑golf, restaurant/bar at sunset deck, family rooms with balconies, and nature trails. Great for light glamping vibes without pitching a tent.
KM 10, Jalan Kokol, Menggatal, about 30–40 min from Kota Kinabalu city centre

Tullynaw Glamping
Cosy dome glamping site with Mt. Kinabalu views, private deck, kitchenette, board games, and a shared bathroom. Family-friendly option with breathtaking sunrise and cool highland air.
Pekan Nabalu, along the KK–Kundasang route (~1 hour from Kota Kinabalu)

We work hard (like, really hard) to compile these listings — but we know there are always hidden gems out there that we might’ve missed. If you spot something awesome that deserves a shoutout (or notice an update we should know about), give us a nudge!
Closed or under-renovation places are intentionally left out — we’re not in the business of recommending disappointments.
Pick Your Play Plan: Because "We'll See What Happens" is How Chaos Happens
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