Trek pristine, prehistoric wilderness in ‘Sabah’s Lost World’
Deep in the heart of Borneo’s Sabah lies a land so wild, rugged and isolated that its beauty has been seen by few people. Welcome to the glorious Maliau Basin, a circle of lush forest and waterways rimmed on all sides by steep cliffs and embankments. Our 8-day trekking expedition takes you into this protected, restricted-access area to discover wild orchids and cascading waterfalls set in forest so green it seems to glow. With a homestay in a historic village and a well-earned night in a hotel bookending a three-and-a-half-day trek, this trip is for people seeking active adventure, natural splendour and a personal challenge.
Spend three-and-a-half days trekking in one of the most pristine self-contained environments on earth, parts of which are still yet to be explored.
Begin your adventure with a homestay with a Dusun family in Tambunan, including a local village tour to a house filled with headhunter skulls.
The myriad waterways that flow into the basin’s Maliau River have created dozens of known waterfalls. Take in their hidden beauty during your trek, including the seven gorgeous tiers of Maliau Waterfall.
Wonder at the bizarre flora that has adapted to this environment, like ‘ant plants’ that survive and grow by feeding on the waste of the ants that live on them.
Tourism to the basin is restricted, which means after this trip you’ll be part of a very exclusive group of people to have experienced the majesty of this wilderness.
The three-and-a-half-day trek in the Maliau Basin will be very challenging, even for experienced trekkers. Sections involve scaling vertical ladders and scrambling for hours at a time. You will need a high level of fitness and mental fortitude in order to participate in this adventure. The reward for those who are up to the task? Exploring where few people (and even fewer foreigners) have ever set foot.
All travellers who enter the Maliau Basin Conservation Area with the intention of hiking must have travel insurance that includes emergency helicopter evacuation.
Porters are available at extra cost during the trek, but this trip does not include porters in the price.
During the trekking portion of this trip, you will sleep in basic camping huts on stretchers or bunk beds. Toilets will be squat style during this time. There are multiple nights without showers while on the trek.
You will need to bring quality shoes made for hiking in wet and slippery conditions. Our local experts recommend a local shoe colloquially known as the ‘kampung Adidas. These are similar to rubber soccer boots with spikes, and your leader can help you purchase these. You must also bring a hat, a reusable water bottle, a water purifying method, leech socks (or two pairs of football socks which can also be bought locally) and sunscreen.
Did you catch that comment above about leech socks? Yep, leeches thrive in damp environments, so the many waterways of the basin are a haven for the critters. You’ll need to dress to minimise skin exposure, keep strong insect repellent handy and have a tolerant attitude to creepy crawlies. Doubling up long football socks is a great way to protect yourself from leeches.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Borneo Expedition: Maliau Basin - Sabah's Lost World Trek trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2,3,4,5, and Day 6 where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. The trek in the Maliau Basin will be very challenging, even for experienced trekkers. Sections involve scaling vertical ladders and scrambling for hours at a time. You will need a high level of fitness and mental fortitude in order to participate in this adventure
3. It is a condition of entry to the Maliau Basin Conservation Area that all hikers have insurance cover that includes emergency helicopter evacuation. You must take proof of this with you on the trip.
4. Drone usage is not permitted, and DLSR must be declared on arrival at the Conservation Area and a permit acquired for use (100 MYR per camera).
5. No styrofoam, polystyrene containers or canned foods are permitted in the Conservation
Area and all litter must be brought out.
6. Malaria can be a risk in this area. Ensure you take precautions against mosquitoes.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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