MY · Sabah · 5.97°N 116.21°E

kionsom waterfall

A four-tiered forest waterfall with pools to wade in, about 40 minutes from KK via Inanam.

Best time
February to April is usually driest on the west coast. Go on a weekday morning to have the pools mostly to yourself, and skip it after heavy rain.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
Fly from KL to Kota Kinabalu (about 2 hours 35 minutes). The falls are about 25 km away, 30–40 minutes' drive: head for Inanam, turn onto Jalan Kionsom at the roundabout and follow it to the end. Drive, or sort out a ride back before you go.
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MY · Sabahkionsom waterfall5.97°N 116.21°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A four-tiered forest waterfall with pools to wade in, about 40 minutes from KK via Inanam.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKionsom WaterfallMY, Sabah
KLkionsom waterfall
≈ 1,640 km from KL, as the crow flies

The closest waterfall to Kota Kinabalu, at the end of the Kionsom road past Inanam. Cemented paths lead to the first two of its four tiers, with pools and rocks for a cool-off, and KK families fill it on weekends. Mari Mari Cultural Village is on the same road, so you can do both in a day.

Makan

  1. Stalls at the entranceSimple food and drinks by the car park. Bring a picnic if you want more.Map ↗
  2. Tuaran meeTuaran is about 20 minutes up the road from Inanam, for its springy fried egg noodles.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The lower fallsCemented paths lead to the first and second tiers, with shallow pools and flat rocks to sit on.Map ↗
  2. The top tierA scramble up a steep, slippery slope, holding on to roots. Fine for the sure-footed, not for small children.Map ↗
  3. The stream trailA narrow jungle path upstream past smaller cascades.Map ↗
  4. Mari Mari Cultural VillageJust before the falls on the same road, with traditional houses of Sabah's ethnic groups.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Wear shoes with grip. The rocks and roots are slippery even on a dry day.
  • Get out of the water if it starts raining upstream or the stream turns muddy.

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