MY · Kelantan · 5.38°N 102.01°E

dabong

Ride the jungle train to Gua Ikan and the Jelawang waterfall under Gunung Stong.

Best time
March to October. During the north-east monsoon, roughly November to February, rivers rise and trails get slippery or close.
How long
1 day for the caves and waterfall; 2 days, 1 night to climb Gunung Stong
Getting there
The jungle train is the classic way in: Dabong is on KTM's East Coast Line, about 3–4 hours from Wakaf Bharu near Kota Bharu. By road it's about 2.5 hours from Kota Bharu, or about 5–6 hours from KL via Gua Musang.
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MY · Kelantandabong5.38°N 102.01°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Ride the jungle train to Gua Ikan and the Jelawang waterfall under Gunung Stong.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingDabongMY, Kelantan
KLdabong
≈ 252 km from KL, as the crow flies
The interior of Gua Ikan, a cave and tourist attraction in Dabong.

Photo: Fikku fiq · CC0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A small town on the Galas River in southern Kelantan, best reached on the jungle railway. It's the base for Gua Ikan, a cave with a stream running through it, and for Gunung Stong, whose Jelawang Waterfall tumbles down the mountainside in tiers.

Things to do

  1. Gua IkanA limestone cave with a stream flowing through it, and a picnic area outside.Map ↗
  2. Jelawang WaterfallA tall, tiered waterfall on the side of Gunung Stong, reached by a steep trail.Map ↗
  3. Gunung StongClimb past the waterfall and camp on the mountain, then push for the summit at dawn.Map ↗
  4. The jungle trainThe slow ride in, through forest and kampung country, is half the fun.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Gunung Stong is a state park. Register before you climb, and go with a local guide.
  • Waterfall and river levels rise fast after rain. Stay out of the water if it turns murky.
  • Leeches love these trails after rain. Long socks help.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.