MY · Sabah · 5.05°N 117.12°E

imbak canyon

A wide jungle waterfall, giant belian trees and ranger-led walks deep in Sabah's interior.

Best time
The drier months, roughly March to September, make the trails and the gravel road easier. Expect rain in any month; November to February is wettest.
How long
3 days, 2 nights
Getting there
Fly from KL to Kota Kinabalu (about 2 hours 35 minutes) or Sandakan (about 2 hours 40 minutes). It's about 6–7 hours by road from KK, or about 5 from Sandakan, both via Telupid. The last 2 hours or so is gravel and needs a four-wheel drive, which Yayasan Sabah or a tour operator can arrange.
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MY · Sabahimbak canyon5.05°N 117.12°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A wide jungle waterfall, giant belian trees and ranger-led walks deep in Sabah's interior.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingImbak CanyonMY, Sabah
KLimbak canyon
≈ 1,724 km from KL, as the crow flies

A 25 km valley of untouched rainforest in the middle of Sabah, hemmed in by sandstone ridges and looked after by Yayasan Sabah. You come for walks under huge trees with a ranger, a wide waterfall with pools to cool off in, and hardly anyone else around. Getting in takes planning, which is why it stays quiet.

Makan

  1. Nasi campur in TelupidThe last proper town on the way in. Fill up before the gravel road.Map ↗
  2. Base camp mealsThere are no shops or stalls inside. Packages include meals; if you go on your own, bring food for the base camp kitchen.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Imbak FallsA waterfall about 30 metres wide spilling over rock ledges near the studies centre, with pools for a swim.Map ↗
  2. The giant belianA guided walk to an enormous ironwood tree, said to be around a thousand years old.Map ↗
  3. Jungle treksRangers lead longer walks on the canyon's trail network, past streams, palms and towering dipterocarps.Map ↗
  4. Night walkOut with torches for frogs, insects and sleeping birds.Map ↗

Good to know

  • You need permission from Yayasan Sabah before you go, and a ranger has to walk with you on most trails. Book well ahead.
  • Entry needs personal accident insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
  • Bring leech socks and a dry bag, and leave a spare day at either end in case rain slows the road.

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