Kampung Kokol: Sabah's Second Kundasang
Here's everything you need to plan the trip — how to get there, what to do, when to go, and the practical stuff most guides skip.
Why locals call it the "Second Kundasang"
Three reasons:
1. Elevation. Bukit Kokol sits above 800 metres, and the paragliding take-off point is around 2,700 feet. That's high enough to shave several degrees off the coastal heat.
2. Genuinely cool air, year-round. Mornings and evenings are properly cold, often with mist rolling through. Even midday feels far more comfortable than the city below.
3. Highland village atmosphere. Wooden houses, vegetable plots, winding uphill roads, afternoon fog — it feels like a compact version of Kundasang.
The difference? Kundasang has Mount Kinabalu right in front of you and a much larger area to explore. Kokol wins on proximity — you can do the whole thing as a half-day trip without touching your holiday schedule.
Where it is and how to get there
Kampung Kokol is in Menggatal, within the Kota Kinabalu district, roughly 25–30 km from the city centre.
The easiest route (fine for any car):
- From KK city, head north through Inanam toward Menggatal
- At Menggatal town, turn onto Jalan Kokol Poring-Poring
- Follow the winding uphill road for 20–30 minutes
- A large boulder and signage mark your arrival at Kampung Kokol
Alternative route (via Kiansom): shorter, but significantly steeper. Skip it if you're in a small or underpowered rental car.
Driving time from KK city: 40–50 minutes Driving time from Kota Kinabalu International Airport: 55–65 minutes
Road warning: the climb is steep, narrow and full of tight bends. Check your brakes and tyres before heading up. In wet weather the road gets slippery and thick fog can cut visibility to almost nothing — drive slowly.
There is no public bus to the top. Your options are a rental car, a Grab (harder to get for the return trip), or a guided tour with transport included.
Best time to visit
| Time | What you get |
|---|---|
| Morning (6:30–9:00) | Thick mist, coldest air, best chance of seeing Mount Kinabalu |
| Midday (11:00–15:00) | Brightest light for photos, ideal for paragliding and ATV |
| Late afternoon (16:30–18:30) | Golden hour and sunset above the clouds — the busiest window |
| Evening (from 19:00) | City lights across KK and Sepanggar Bay |
Skies are generally most reliable from March to September. You can still visit during the wetter months at the end of the year, but be prepared for fog that hides the view entirely.
Things to see and do at Kokol Hill
1. Sunset and city-light viewpoints
This is the main draw. Several stops along the ridge look out over Kota Kinabalu, Sepanggar Bay, the South China Sea and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park all at once. Some viewpoints are privately run and charge an entry fee for access to their decks, swings and photo platforms — prices vary by operator, so ask before you commit.
2. Kokol Haven Resort
The best-known property up here, and the reference point for most activities in the area, including paragliding. A solid choice if you want to stay overnight and wake up to the view.
3. Kokol Farmstay
Famous for its swings facing the city view against a backdrop of green hills — the most photographed spot on the hill. Worth noting: the swing platforms sit close to the edge with limited safety barriers, so keep a firm hand on younger kids.
4. Kasih Sayang Health Resort
A long-established retreat on the hill with a quiet atmosphere and its own restaurant. Good for families and weekend resets.
5. St. Joseph's Church, Kampung Kokol
The village landmark, and arguably the church with the best view in Sabah. Even if you're just passing through, the grounds are worth a short stop.
6. Village cafés and food stalls
Small warungs along the road serve simple local food — fried rice, fried noodles, soto, and instant noodles with egg. Don't underestimate the last one: a bowl of hot Maggi in cold hill air is its own kind of experience.
Activities
Tandem paragliding — Kokol is one of Sabah's most popular launch sites. You take off from around 2,700 feet with views of the city, the sea and the surrounding hills. Flights typically run 10–25 minutes depending on conditions, and no experience is needed since you fly tandem with a licensed pilot. There are weight limits, so confirm with the operator when booking.
ATV rides — several operators bundle paragliding and ATV into a single day trip.
Hiking and birdwatching — gentle trails around the hill, and early mornings are excellent for birdlife.
Camping and glamping — a few sites offer pitches with city-light views.
Just a picnic — the cheapest option and still one of the best. Bring a mat, bring food, find an open spot.
Sample one-day itinerary from Kota Kinabalu
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 06:30 | Depart KK city |
| 07:30 | Arrive at Kokol — breakfast at a village stall, catch the morning mist |
| 09:00 | Paragliding (weather permitting) |
| 11:00 | ATV or a short hike |
| 13:00 | Lunch at a hilltop café |
| 15:00 | Rest and photo stops |
| 18:00 | Sunset at a viewpoint |
| 19:30 | City lights, then head back down |
Prefer something slower? Arrive after 3pm, catch the sunset, have dinner on the hill, and drive back. That's enough for a proper reset.
Practical tips
- Bring a jacket. Not optional. After 6pm it gets genuinely cold.
- Carry cash. Small stalls and some entry gates don't have reliable card terminals or QR signal.
- Fill up in Menggatal. There are no petrol stations on the hill.
- Check the weather first. Heavy rain or thick fog can reduce the view to nothing.
- Go early on weekends. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays get crowded and parking is tight.
- Take your rubbish with you. This is a working village, not a theme park.
- Respect residents. Ask before photographing homes or farm plots.
FAQ
How cold does Kampung Kokol get? Noticeably cooler than Kota Kinabalu thanks to an elevation above 800 metres. Mornings and evenings are the coldest, often with mist.
How far is Kampung Kokol from Kota Kinabalu? About 25–30 km, or a 40–50 minute drive depending on traffic and road conditions.
Is there an entry fee? Entering the village itself is free. Private attractions — farmstays, viewing decks, swing platforms — charge their own fees. Ask at the gate before paying.
Can I drive a normal sedan up? Yes, via the Menggatal route. The road is steep but paved. Avoid the Kiansom route in a low-powered car.
Is it suitable for young children? Yes, but supervise closely near decks and swings — many are close to the slope edge without full barriers.
Where can I stay? Options include Kokol Haven Resort, Kokol Farmstay and Kasih Sayang Health Resort. Weekends fill up fast, so book ahead.
Can I get there without a car? There's no public transport to the top. Ride-hailing works for the way up but can be unreliable for the way down. A guided tour with transport is the simplest option.
Want to visit Kokol without driving the hill yourself?
If you've just landed in KK, or you'd rather not tackle steep switchbacks in an unfamiliar rental, we can arrange the whole trip — transport, timing and activities like paragliding included.
Message us on WhatsApp for current packages and pricing. Tell us you want the Kokol trip and we'll handle the rest.
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