Maliau Basin is located in a wet tropic with a geology that is extremely conducive for selective weathering, one of its feature is the magnificent 7-tier Maliau Falls. Located in the northern part of Maliau Basin is lake Linumunsut, through to be Sabah’s only non ox-bow freshwater lake. Here, one can find fossilized marine gastropods from 16-17 million years ago when the lake area was once a coastal zone.
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Enter Maliau Basin and be transported to a whole new fascinating world filled with extraordinary flora and fauna, visually stunning sceneries of magnificent forests, spectacular waterfalls and more!
Deriving from a word in the Murut language, Maliau means the Land of The Giant Staircase. It is located in the southern central of Sabah, Borneo with an area of 588.4Km2. The Basin is categorised as a Class 1 Protection Forest Reserve by Sabah’s state government.
The Maliau Basin is encircled by an almost annular outer rim made up of steep slopes and cliffs ranging from 300 to 1,600 meters in height, creating a barricade that had kept it hidden since the primal eras – thus earning its nickname as “Sabah’s Lost World”. The area was first encountered in 1947, when an aircraft nearly hit its northern rim. Later in 1980s, an expedition to Maliau Basin took place and its astonishing natural wonders were finally unveiled for the world to see.
Famed as one of the few remaining relatively untouched wilderness areas existing today, Maliau Basin boasts a high density of wildlife, plants, and waterfalls. Having at least 12 forest types in its confines, recorded sightings show that the area is home to 9 species of pitcher plants, 440 species of tress, 37 species of orchids, 69 mammal species, 290 bird species and over 35 species of amphibians. Due to the basins unique geological formation of sandstone and mudstone, Maliau Basin has the highest number of waterfalls anywhere in Malaysia.
Located in central Sabah, one of two east Malaysian states in the island of Borneo, Maliau Basin Conservation Area is accessible from Tawau or Kota Kinabalu and takes about 4 to 5 hour drive. 4WDs vehicle is recommended as part of the journey is on dirt/graveled road.
Accommodations at the study centre varies from chalets with air conditioning or fan to hostels . Meals are catered for in the main dining building. There are no shops and the lodge does not sell drinks or alcohol but you are free to bring your own. The accommodation at the study centre has no frills but is comfortable. Towels & bedsheets are provided. Food allergies and preferences can be accommodated. In order to trek the full length of the trail in Maliau, you will be trekking and staying at the research camps for most of the trip. This is the most perfect way to be as close to the flora and fauna of Maliau Basin.
Our 4 days 3 nights Maliau Basin package includes stay at the accommodation at the study centre on first night, and followed by two nights camping at the research camp before returning to the study centre on the last day. The stay at the research camp is expedition style, camp beds are set up in an open walled building. Meals at the camp is prepared by the guides and porter who will be accompanying your trek.
All our Maliau Basin expeditions are based on private guiding and transfers with a ratio of 6 guests to one driver and one guide (6:2). This way the daily program is private and tailored specifically for your small group of people.
The Downbelow Price Promise: When booking your trips with us you can rest assured that you are getting the best value for money. Our packages are protected under our PRICE PROMISE. This means that if you can provide us with a bona-fide quotation from elsewhere, we will match the price providing the inclusions and standard of accommodation is the same.
At all times you are in safe hands. We take our responsibility as a travel agent very seriously and have a number of verifications in place to ensure that we are offering quality locations to our clients and describing them honestly.
Day One
Pick up from Tawau Airport – you will be greeted by your private guide and proceed for an approximately 5 hours overland transfer to Maliau Basin. Upon arrival, check in to your accomodation and freshen up before going on a leisurely walk on the nature trail around Agathis Camp. After dinner, hop on to a open truck for a night safari in search of nocturnal animals.
Day Two
Enjoy your breakfast at the studies centre before starting on a 7km trek to your first camp at Nephentes Camp. This will take about 6 hours of trekking over the rim of the Basin. The first two hours is the most challenging uphill trek for this adventure. Stop for packed lunch and relax enjoying the surrounding rich vegetation. Lunch will be prepared at the campsite. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk and explore the the Giluk Waterfall or if you are up for it hike to the more spectacular Takob Akob Fall. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water before returning to camp. Dinner at campsite and early night.
Day Three
Wake up early and have your breakfast at the camp and then start trekking to your next camp – Ginseng Camp. Trek along the lowland dipterocarp forest and discover the amazing floras that are unique to Maliau Basin. Enjoy your packed lunch en-route. Upon arriving at camp, freshen up or take a quick rest before heading to the waterfall Maliau is well known for – the 7 tiers Maliau Falls.Return to camp and enjoy dinner prepared at the campsite.
Day Four
Hike down back to the studies centre after having breakfast at the campsite. Depart for onward travel after lunch at the studies centre.
• Chalet or dormitory accommodation on first night
• Activities as specified
• Full Board Meals
• Entrance & Permit Fees
• Return Transfers from Tawau
• English-speaking Specialist Nature Guide
• Driver & 4WD Vehicle
• Travel to Tawau (can be booked and arranged as an add-on)
• Sodas and Alcoholic Beverages
• Tipping and Gratuities to Guide
• Other Items Not Explicitly Stated
• Lightweight clothing, long sleeves &a long pants/trousers. Lycra sportswear is great too.
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Leech Socks
• Insect repellent
• Raincoat or poncho
• Good walking shoes
• Day hiking bag
• Hat
• Extra food & drink
All single travellers will be charged the single supplement rates and given their own room. Due to weather conditions, activities may be subject to re-scheduling to best meet operations, as well as clients health and safety. Wildlife cannot be predicated nor guaranteed because it is a spontaneous chance to spot any in their natural rainforest habitat.
