Ulu Kionsom Waterfall — Attraction in Borneo

Kionsom Waterfall

Is one of the favourite parts of the Kota Kinabalu. Strictly speaking it’s not part of Kota Kinabalu but a small kampung (village) around 30 minutes from downtown Kota Kinabalu on the edge of the rain forest that contains a beautiful waterfall.

First, you need to head towards the industrial part of Kota Kinabalu, known as Inanam.

The road to Kionsom Waterfall is just under 10km long and climbs from sea level to around 240 metres (just under 800 feet) and the vegetation visibly changes to bracken and ferns as the surroundings start to take the appearance of rain forest. Near to the top of the climb, you pass Mari Mari Cultural Village and Kionsom Waterfall is just another 500 metres where the road comes to a dead-end.

VISITING KIONSOM WATERFALL;

From the small car park pay your admission fee (International RM10 / Child RM5) or (Malaysian RM3 / Child RM1) and start to climb the steps to the series of waterfalls with the sound of the rushing angry water increasing with every step. The locals have done a great job ensuring that the walkways are safe and contain hand-rails but take notice of the signs in English and Malay warning the visitor that the pathways, and stones beyond the pathways are very slippery! There are around five different vantage points to enjoy different views of the falls together with photo opportunities.

The waterfall has four main tiers of different types. The first and second tiers are easily accessible by using a cemented path. The third fall is inaccessible. To go to the last tier, you have to scramble up the slope. Be careful of every step. The rocks and roots can be...

Very disappointed! 5 Jun 2022 There were nine of us, Originally planned to go inside to visit the waterfall, But...! Disappointed with the attitude of the ticket seller at the counter! We asked her how much did the tickets cost for a person? She may look at us like foreign tourists, She said directly to us RM10 one person!! Actually we've seen the price list, tempatan [RM3] foreign [RM10], We told her we were Malaysians from sarawak tempatan juga bukan! Have an ID card. You determine the charges RM10!! We told her that your price list states tempatan RM3 foreign RM10, We are tempatan and you are sure to charge RM10, She insisted that yes! We wouldn't come to visit your place in the future and wouldn't recommend...

If you love outdoor activities, you'll love this place too. Here, you can swim in the river (the water is deep—don’t jump in if you don't know how to swim). You can also do a short hike to the main waterfall (Air Terjun Tingkat 7), and if you're more of an adventurer like me, you can follow the trail for a longer jungle trek.

At the end of the trail, if you still don't feel like you've had enough, you can follow the little creek uphill and discover more hidden gems—but at your own risk. The rocks by the river are slippery, and if you get hurt, no one will find you easily. We actually followed the creek upward for hours and camped overnight—but again, do so at...