Imbak Canyon Conservation Area is one of Sabah’s last untouched wilderness treasures—an ancient rainforest cradle rich in biodiversity and Indigenous heritage. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a deep immersion into Borneo’s interior, where towering dipterocarp trees, rare orchids, and medicinal plants thrive in one of the oldest rainforests on Earth.
Your journey takes you into a conservation haven that doubles as a living gene bank, where the forest remains largely undisturbed. Expect guided treks through pristine jungle trails, visits to waterfalls and river crossings, and the chance to encounter wildlife such as gibbons, hornbills, and pygmy elephants. Nights are spent at the base camp in basic but comfortable accommodations, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
This is not just a tour—it’s an expedition for nature lovers, researchers, and those seeking a raw, real rainforest experience in a protected area that few have explored.
Explore one of Sabah’s last untouched rainforests. Imbak Canyon offers rare wildlife, ancient trees, and raw jungle adventure—perfect for nature lovers and explorers.
Access to Imbak requires permits and is typically done via 4WD from Kota Kinabalu or Telupid, followed by basic accommodation at the Imbak Canyon Studies Centre, which caters to researchers and eco-tourists seeking immersive jungle experiences.
Located in the heart of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, Imbak Canyon is one of the region’s last untouched frontiers — a vast, pristine rainforest ecosystem rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. Spanning over 30,000 hectares, this conservation area lies between the more famous Danum Valley and Maliau Basin, forming part of Sabah’s “Corridor of Life” — a critical wildlife corridor in the central forest spine.
Imbak Canyon is often referred to as a “Living Laboratory” due to its incredible variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic or rare. It is home to towering dipterocarp trees, orchids, gingers, pitcher plants, and medicinal plants used by local indigenous communities for generations.
But unlike the more accessible parks, Imbak Canyon is remote and rarely visited, offering an off-the-grid experience for explorers, researchers, and serious nature lovers. The forest here remains largely undisturbed, providing valuable insights for conservation and a serene escape from modern life.
A scenic drive deep into Borneo’s interior to one of Sabah’s most remote conservation areas.
Guided jungle treks through primary rainforest with towering trees, medicinal plants, and untouched biodiversity.
Swim in clear jungle rivers and explore cascading waterfalls.
Opportunity to spot wildlife such as hornbills, gibbons, civets, and other rainforest dwellers.
Immersive rainforest experience with overnight stays at Imbak Canyon Base Camp (basic dorm-style or twin-sharing rooms).
Insight into conservation work and the ecological importance of the area through briefings by local rangers or guides.
Depart early from Kota Kinabalu or Telupid by 4WD for an overland journey into the interior of Sabah (approx. 6–7 hours from KK, 2–3 hours from Telupid).
Enjoy scenic views of rural villages, forest reserves, and the central mountain range.
Arrive at the Imbak Canyon Studies Centre (ICSC) in the late afternoon.
Check in to basic accommodation and receive a safety briefing and introduction to the conservation area.
Enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Free and easy in the evening — relax, stargaze, or join a short night walk for the chance to see nocturnal wildlife and insects.
Overnight at Imbak Canyon Studies Centre (ICSC).
After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided trek into the jungle.
Hike along Tampoi Trail or Kangkawat Trail, depending on fitness level and weather, where you’ll explore dense rainforest rich with endemic plants, towering trees, and birdlife.
Trek to Imbak Waterfall, one of the area’s hidden gems — a picturesque multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by pristine jungle.
Enjoy a packed lunch in the forest and perhaps a refreshing dip by the falls (weather permitting).
Return to the station in the late afternoon.
After dinner, join an optional night walk to spot frogs, civets, flying lemurs, and forest insects.
Overnight at Imbak Canyon Studies Centre.
Optional sunrise walk to the nearby observation deck for panoramic views of the canyon and awakening forest.
After breakfast, take a short guided loop walk around the forest near the station — ideal for birdwatching and learning about medicinal plants used by the local communities.
Begin your journey back by 10:00 AM, departing Imbak Canyon by 4WD.
Arrive at Telupid or continue on to Kota Kinabalu by late afternoon.
