Map of Borneo Expedition: Maliau Basin - Sabah's Lost World Trek including Malaysia

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.


Start
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finish
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Destination
Malaysia
Style
Original
Theme
Expedition, Walking & Trekking
Code
TMXS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.

Itinerary

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Borneo, Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, you can immerse yourself in the history of this intriguing city between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea at the Sabah State Museum.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
You'll wake with excitement for your first full day of Intrepid adventure today. And, if it's the right time of season, we'll kick things off with a walk near the Tambunan Rafflesia Centre in search of the famous Rafflesia Flower, the largest flower in the world, with a local guide leading the way. Then, we'll bid farewell to the modernity of Kota Kinabalu and make your way to tonight’s homestay, located in the district of Tambunan. You'll arrive in Sunsuron Village and meet your Dusun hosts. While the government counts the Dusun people as part of the larger Kadazandusun indigenous group, they have a culture distinct from the Kadazan people. In the afternoon, you'll join a walking tour of the village and explore a local bamboo house and skull house. After some time discovering the sights here, you'll get a chance to cool off with a refreshing dip in a local river. This evening, feast on delicious home cooked treats.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tambunan - Tambunan Rafflesia Center
  • Tambunan - Kampung Sunsuron village tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The group will be split among multiple local homes, all within walking distance of each other. All rooms are twin share and each home has one to three bedrooms. As we are staying with locals, the style and facilities vary from home to home. Some rooms have en suite toilets while others are in the main house. Toilets may be either squat or sit down style.
After breakfast this morning, depart for the Maliau Basin Conservation Area by private vehicle. Today's journey is on the longer side, so it’s a good idea to have a book, podcast, or some questions ready for your leader about the history of the area to pass the time. Arrive in the basin in the late afternoon and settle in at the Study Centre, a research base where you will spend tonight in dormitory-style accommodation. Later head to the Maliau Observation Tower. From here you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the area you’ll spend the next several days exploring.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Maliau Basin - Maliau Rim Observation Tower
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 6-7 hours including lunch break.

The next three days will be spent trekking through wilderness. Please note that the hiking will be strenuous, and you will need a high level of fitness in order to participate in this adventure.

During the trekking portion of this trip you will sleep in basic camping huts on stretchers or bunk beds. Toilets will be squat style. Food on the trek will be simple and filling. Think rice, eggs, canned food and simple curries.

Porters are available at extra cost during the trek, but this trip does not include porters in the price. You will be able to stow your main luggage at the study centre before you depart on your trek. Please bring a day pack suitable for hiking and carrying essentials. Please see the Packing List for more info on what to bring with you.

All travellers who enter the Maliau Basin Conservation Area with the intention of hiking must have travel insurance that includes emergency helicopter evacuation.
After breakfast, make the drive to the starting point for your trek in Agathis camp and then listen to a briefing from a local trekking guide or ranger before starting the hike to Nepenthes Camp. Your trekking adventure begins with the most difficult portion, a seven-and-a-half-kilometre hike, uphill to the rim of the basin (elevation 1300 metres). Depending on the conditions, the time spent hiking today will be around 6 hours. You'll hike over dense detritus while surrounded by towering trees, looking out for the incredible insects, flowers and mammal species that live among them. Today you'll encounter your first set of metal ladders, there will be quite a few of these over the next couple of days. These are not for the novice trekker, you will need to have an adventurous spirit. These ladders are fixed to the ground, rock or tree trunks which help you to climb the steep terrain. Some ladders along the trail can be almost at a 90 degree angle. There are also fallen tree trunks used to cross the rivers. But don't worry, while the going will be tough, you’ll be rewarded by the immense beauty of the environment. If time permits, it may be possible to stop at terraced Giluk Falls or cascading Takob Akob Falls. You'll arrive at Nepenthes Camp in the late afternoon or early evening.
Accommodation
  • Camping (under basic shelter) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Maliau Basin - Stargazing activity
Optional Activities
  • Maliau Basin - Trek from Agathis Camp to Nephentes Research Station - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's hiking distance is about 7.5km long and will take between 5-6 hours to complete.

Today you’ll get the chance to check out not one, not two but three stunning waterfalls. And what's best is you’ll hike your way to each one, making the cascading reward at the end even more worth it. After about 2 hours of trekking you’ll reach the first falls, Takob-Akob Falls, which plunge 38 metres into the rainforest below. Next up, hit the trail towards Fowzi Waterfall where you’ll sit down for a picnic lunch and enjoy the views. Finally, you’ll discover Giluk Waterfall, with an easy trek to finish the day. This evening you’ll head back to your camp at Nepenthes Camp to relax and rest your weary legs before another big day on the trails tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Camping (under basic shelter) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Maliau Basin - Takob Akob Falls, Fowzi Falls & Giluk Falls trek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's hiking distance is about 8km long and will take between 6-7 hours to complete.
Today’s trek is to Maliau Waterfall, continuing to Ginseng Camp in the evening. This 10-kilometre hike follows a relatively gentle trail to the seven-tiered falls. Listen out for the calls of Borneo gibbons, which are plentiful in the area (though hard to spot). Depending on recent rainfall, you may hear the thunder of the falls before you see them. The highest tier is 28-meters-tall, with each section set a fair distance forward from the last, making this a captivating sight.
Accommodation
  • Camping (under basic shelter) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Maliau Basin - Trek to Maliau Falls & Ginseng Camp
  • Maliau Basin - Stargazing activity
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's hiking distance is about 16km long and it will take up to 10 hours to complete.
Set off in the morning and begin the final leg of the nine-kilometre trek to Agathis Camp (approximately 5—6 hours). Arrive at the camp hut at around 1 pm. Make the return drive by private vehicle to Kota Kinabalu and arrive at the hotel by 7 pm. Treat yourself to a shower, then choose whether to join your group for an optional final dinner together.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Maliau Basin - Trek from Ginseng Station to Agathis Camp
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's hiking distance is about 9km long and will take up to 6 hours to complete.

You will be reunited with your main luggage today, as our driver will bring them to the transport pick-up point. We recommend leaving a change of clothes in your main bag in case you want to change out of any wet clothes immediately. The first opportunity for a shower will be back at your hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private mini van, On foot

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Dormitory (1 night), Camping under basic shelters (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Tambunan - Tambunan Rafflesia Center
  • Tambunan - Kampung Sunsuron village tour
  • Maliau Basin - Maliau Rim Observation Tower
  • Maliau Basin - Stargazing activity
  • Maliau Basin - Takob Akob Falls, Fowzi Falls & Giluk Falls trek
  • Maliau Basin - Trek to Maliau Falls & Ginseng Camp
  • Maliau Basin - Trek from Ginseng Station to Agathis Camp

Dates & availability

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.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

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.

Essential trip information

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.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews