Kiansom Waterfall
A refreshing natural escape near Kota Kinabalu, featuring tiered waterfalls and jungle trails for adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Kiansom Waterfall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A refreshing natural escape near Kota Kinabalu, featuring tiered waterfalls and jungle trails for adventure and relaxation.
"Beautiful waterfall, refreshing, clean and shaded. It's nice to get away from the heat."
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Slippery rocks are a major hazard. Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential for safety.
💧 Swim Smart
The river can be deep. Only swim if you're a confident swimmer and aware of the currents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Waterfall (Air Terjun Tingkat 7)
Main cascade
Hike to the primary waterfall for stunning views and refreshing dips. Multiple tiers offer unique photo opportunities.
River Swimming Spots
River downstream
Enjoy a swim in the river's designated spots. The lowest spot is recommended for a more relaxed experience.
Jungle Trekking Trails
Beyond the main waterfall
For the adventurous, explore longer jungle treks and discover hidden gems further upstream. Proceed with caution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Slippery Rocks
Getting There & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Slippery rocks are a major hazard. Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential for safety.
💧 Swim Smart
The river can be deep. Only swim if you're a confident swimmer and aware of the currents.
🚗 Plan Your Return
Grab services can be hit-or-miss for pick-ups. Consider arranging transport in advance.
💰 Entrance Fees
Expect to pay a small entrance fee, with different rates for locals and foreigners.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Slippery rocks are a major hazard. Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential for safety.
💧 Swim Smart
The river can be deep. Only swim if you're a confident swimmer and aware of the currents.
🚗 Plan Your Return
Grab services can be hit-or-miss for pick-ups. Consider arranging transport in advance.
💰 Entrance Fees
Expect to pay a small entrance fee, with different rates for locals and foreigners.
📸 Capture the Views
Multiple vantage points offer great photo ops, especially of the tiered waterfalls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kiansom Waterfall for its refreshing natural beauty and accessibility from Kota Kinabalu. It's a great spot for a picnic and a dip in the river. However, many warn about the significant risk of slippery rocks, making it less suitable for young children or those not wearing proper footwear. Inconsistent Grab services for return trips are also a common point of frustration.
"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 your own risk."
Farinlee Danganu
"What a nice place to have a picnic with friends and family. Just need to pay Rm5 per person to enter this place if i am not mistaken. But beware with slippery rocks where it may cause an accidents."
Phoenix S.
"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 slippery."
SOLO ROAMER
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kiansom Waterfall is located about a 30-minute drive from downtown Kota Kinabalu, heading towards the Inanam industrial area. The road is about 10km long and climbs into the rainforest.
Driving or taking a taxi/Grab is the most convenient. Be aware that Grab availability for return trips can be inconsistent, so it's wise to arrange your transport beforehand or have a backup plan.
Public transport options are limited and may require multiple transfers. Driving or ride-sharing services are generally recommended for ease of access.
The drive involves a climb from sea level to about 240 meters, with vegetation changing to a rainforest appearance. You'll pass the Mari Mari Cultural Village before reaching the waterfall.
Yes, there is a small car park available at the entrance to the waterfall area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee. For Malaysians, it's typically RM3 for adults and RM1 for children. For international visitors, it's around RM10 for adults and RM5 for children.
While specific official hours aren't always posted, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Visiting on weekdays is recommended to avoid crowds.
No, tickets are usually purchased on-site at the entrance. It's advisable to bring cash for the entrance fee.
There are no strict age restrictions, but the terrain can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues due to slippery surfaces.
While children can visit, the slippery stairs and rocks make it less suitable for very young children. Adult supervision is crucial.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the river, hike to the main waterfall (Air Terjun Tingkat 7), and for the adventurous, embark on longer jungle treks. Picnicking is also popular.
Kiansom Waterfall has four main tiers. The first two are easily accessible, the third is inaccessible, and the last tier requires scrambling.
Swimming is possible, but the river can be deep and the rocks slippery. Only swim if you are a confident swimmer and aware of the risks.
The primary concern is slippery rocks and pathways, which can lead to accidents. It's also advised to be cautious when venturing further upstream or camping overnight.
Yes, there are clean toilets available, and some gazebos for picnicking.
📸 📸 Photography
There are around five different vantage points offering various views of the tiered waterfalls. The main cascade and the riverbanks provide excellent photo opportunities.
Nature photography, landscape shots of the waterfalls, and adventurous action shots are popular. The lush greenery and flowing water create a beautiful backdrop.
Morning light can be beautiful, especially on weekdays when there are fewer people. Golden hour in the late afternoon might also offer nice lighting, but be mindful of the slippery conditions as it gets darker.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the multi-tiered effect of the main waterfall and the serene river scenes. Exploring slightly off the main path (with caution) can reveal unique perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water. Waterproof protection for your gear is advisable due to the mist.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Adventurous Trekkers
📸 Nature Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain Safely
When hiking to the higher tiers or exploring beyond the main paths, exercise extreme caution. The rocks and roots can be treacherous, especially after rainfall. If you choose to follow the creek uphill or camp overnight, understand that you are doing so at your own risk, as rescue can be difficult.
For those who enjoy swimming, the river offers several spots. The lowest swimming area is generally considered the most suitable for a relaxed dip. However, always assess the water depth and current before entering.
Exploring Beyond the Main Falls
Some visitors have reported following the creek uphill for hours, discovering 'hidden gems' along the way. This type of exploration is not officially maintained and carries significant risks. It's crucial to be well-prepared with navigation skills, sufficient supplies, and to inform someone of your plans if you intend to venture off the beaten path.
Camping overnight is also an option for the truly adventurous, but this should only be undertaken with extreme caution and preparedness. The remoteness means that assistance may not be readily available in case of an emergency.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the main falls, the surrounding rainforest environment offers lush greenery and a sense of tranquility. Early mornings on weekdays are often recommended for a more serene experience and better lighting conditions, with fewer people in the frame.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit