Waterfalls in Sabah: Kabulongou and Borneo's Hidden Jungle Falls

Sabah's most famous waterfalls sit in the north, close to Kota Kinabalu and the tourist trail. But the ones worth travelling for are further south, hidden deep in the primary rainforest of the Sapulot interior. These are waterfalls you trek to through untouched jungle, where you will very likely be the only people there.

This guide covers the waterfalls of the Orou Sapulot region: what they are like, how to reach them, and how they fit into a wider journey through Borneo's last frontier.

The Waterfalls of Sabah's Interior

Most travellers who search for waterfalls in Borneo end up at the well known spots near the coast. The waterfalls of Sapulot are different. They are not roadside attractions. They sit within ancient primary rainforest that has never been logged, reached only by longboat and a jungle trek, and they remain almost completely undeveloped.

That is exactly what makes them special. No railings, no ticket booths, no crowds. Just cold, clear water falling through some of the most intact forest left in Sabah.

Kabulongou Waterfall

Kabulongou is the centrepiece. It is a dramatic cascade set within an active forest rehabilitation area, and a visit here is about more than the waterfall itself. Guests can take part in planting high value native seedlings, contributing directly to reforestation while they explore.

The trek in passes through old growth forest alive with birdsong, ferns and towering hardwoods. The reward is a pool cold enough to take your breath away on a humid afternoon. Kabulongou is available through the Kabulongou Earth package series, which builds the reforestation experience into the tour.

Vangkaakon Waterfall

Vangkaakon is a natural pool deep in the primary forest, accessible by jungle trek. Cold, clear and completely undeveloped, it is one of those places where you arrive planning to stay an hour and end up staying three. It is included in several Orou Sapulot packages alongside the climb up Batu Punggul and a visit to the sacred Pungiton Cave.

How Sapulot's Waterfalls Compare

Sabah has bigger and taller waterfalls. What Sapulot offers instead is solitude and setting. When people search for waterfalls in Borneo, they are usually picturing exactly this: falling water in deep jungle with no one else around. In the north you share the view. In Sapulot you have it to yourself.

The other difference is who takes you there. The waterfalls of Sapulot are reached with guides from the Murut community who founded tourism in this region. Their families have lived in this forest for generations, and that knowledge turns a walk to a waterfall into something deeper.

How to Visit the Waterfalls of Sapulot

There is no independent access. The waterfalls sit within the Orou Sapulot region, reached from Kota Kinabalu by road to Keningau, then onward into the Sapulot district, with the final approach by traditional wooden longboat. All transport, meals, accommodation and guides are arranged through Orou Sapulot tour packages.

The journey itself is part of the experience. The longboat ride through jungle rivers, the trek through primary forest, and the arrival at a waterfall almost no other visitors ever see.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, roughly March to October, is the most reliable time to visit. River levels are easier for longboat travel and the jungle trails are less slippery. The wet season from November to February brings fuller, more powerful waterfalls, but higher rivers and muddier trails. For the best balance of access and flow, aim for April to September.

What to Bring

• Swimwear and a quick dry towel for the pools
• Trekking shoes or local rubber shoes with cleated soles
• Leech socks for the jungle trek
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• A dry bag for phones and cameras
• Cash from Keningau, the last town with ATMs

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the waterfalls suitable for swimming?Yes. Both Kabulongou and Vangkaakon have natural pools that are safe for swimming with your guide's advice on conditions.

How hard is the trek to the waterfalls?Moderate. The trails are uneven and can be slippery, but they do not require any technical skill. A reasonable level of fitness is enough.

Can I visit the waterfalls without booking a tour?No. There is no public transport, no walk in access and no marked trails. All visits happen through Orou Sapulot tour packages with local guides.

The Bottom Line

The waterfalls of Sapulot are not the easiest in Sabah to reach, and that is the whole point. They reward the effort with something increasingly rare: wild water in wild forest, experienced with the people who know it best. Pair them with the Batu Punggul climb and a Murut cultural night, and you have one of the finest journeys in Borneo.

Waterfall tours are operated by Orou Sapulot Tours, founded by the original Murut community of the Orou Sapulot region.