Imbak Canyon Conservation Area

Imbak Canyon Conservaton Area is the last remaining untouched and relatively unexplored area of Sabah. Located to the north of Maliau Basin in Lahad Datu, it is almost right in the centre of Sabah.

Part of Sabah Foundation/Yayasan Sabah's Forest Management Area, the 300 square kilometres conservation area was established as a protected area in 2003, making up of probably the largest lowland dipterocarp tropical rainforests left in the state of Sabah.

Imbak Canyon is actually a 25km long sweeping valley hemmed-in on three sides by high and fascinating sandstone ridges with the highest peak of which soars abruptly to 1,120m above sea level.

The Canyon is rich in medicinal and herbal plants as well as being important as a potential botanical gene bank for forest rehabilitation. The mossy forest we passed through was teeming with beautiful orchids, pitcher plants and rhododendrons.

As a pristine area of forest, Imbak Canyon also forms a vital component in the biodiversity and wildlife corridor linking Maliau Basin to the south and Danum Valley to the east.

Due to its shape and location, the Canyon also serves as the catchments area for the Imbak River that discharges into Melian River which in turn feeds into Kinabatangan, Sabahs longest river.

Hence, it is not surprising that Imbak Canyon is also enclosed by imposing waterfalls, with the Imbak Waterfall located on a northern ridge about two days walk from the main Imbak Fall campsite, being the most popular in the conservation area. Discovered in 2004 by Raleigh International volunteers, the 60-ft wide bottom tier of the 120m (394ft) 8-tier waterfall is a spectacular sight to behold and will likely be the main tourist attraction in the near term.

Currently, tours to the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area are still very much in its infancy. Developments are progressing to make the Canyon more assessable and friendly to tourists. Until such time, permits would need to be acquired from Yayasan Sabah and the trip would be more suitable for the hard core adventure and nature travelers.

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