Happy Village Kundasang

The drive into the village is a bit of a challenge, with a steep slope and road in slightly poor condition. Also, the hair dryer is weak, probably not enough for people with lots of hair. But the room was spacious and clean, the restaurant had a great Mountain KK view, and on a clear night you might see the Milky Way. Fiona, who was in charge, and the workers were friendly and always smiling.

The temperature was just right for me, cool even in a regular shirt at 2 pm, but neither too cold nor too hot. I also slept really well because the rooms were so soundproof. I normally don't get a good night's sleep on holiday, and here I couldn't hear running feet, kids yelling, people talking or laughing. We came with a family group of more than 50 and booked the whole area except for two houses. The kids' playground kept them close by and made it easier for parents to know where they were. A rubber floor would be better, though, since even careful parents can't prevent every scrape on a knee. BBQ is available, but you need to buy charcoal and soap for the dispenser, and bring your own trash bags. The place isn't ideal for a big family gathering because there's no large hall for activities. The restaurant closes at 10 pm, and staying later costs extra, which was frustrating when we wanted to spend time together.

Getting here is the hard part. The road is steep, narrow and one-way, and you'll want a well-maintained car, especially good tyres. We drove an Axia and made it safely, but get your car serviced before coming. I booked a studio with a queen bed for me, my husband and our toddler. It was comfortable and kid-friendly, with safe stairs and a playground. From our room we couldn't really see the mountain, so I had to go outside or to the canteen for the view. The place is on the same road as Hidden Hill Kundasang, which I could see from Happy Village. The canteen seemed a bit pricey, and I didn't order anything there. BBQ needs to be ordered through the canteen, though bringing your own is better. The sofa was torn when I visited, and there was dust behind the curtain, so it could use more regular cleaning. The toilet was comfortable, but only shower soap was provided, no other toiletries. The water heater worked, though the water wasn't very hot. For the price, I thought the stay was worth it. Book ahead rather than just walking in.

The drive in was the only real downside, with a narrow, bumpy road and some very steep slopes. Once there, the view was spectacular, and the stay was a good experience overall.