A view from above

Imbak Canyon- Where is it?

Malaysia Map

Imbak Canyon Conservation Area is located almost right in the heart of Sabah, just north of the famous Maliau Basin. It is in the Yayasan Sabah Forest Management Area, approximately 80 kilometers south of Telupid.

Sabah Map

 

Geographical Features

The area inside Imbak Canyon displays a system of sub parallel streams trending approximately N-S to the main Imbak River, which flows from the west to the east. The orientation and shape of the Canyon follows the main Imbak River system. The 25 km long Canyon averages about 750 m deep and about 3 km wide. The floor of the Canyon lies about 150 m above sea level whereas the rim of the canyon rises to over 1500 m above sea level on the southern ridge. A broad valley floor characterizes the Canyon with gentle slopes on its northern and southern sides, the slopes abruptly becoming steep near the rims of the canyon.

Headward erosion along the N-S trending river tributaries has created V-shaped valleys and several waterfalls. Along the North Tributary of Imbak River, deep gorges, up to 50 m wide and 30 m deep, have been carved into the recent alluvium (boulders and gravel) and bedrock (sandstone and mudstones).