MALIAU BASIN CONSERVATION AREA
Maliau Basin Conservation Area (MBCA) also known as Sabah's Lost World, is a 58,840 ha Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve and one of Malaysia's finest wilderness areas with outstanding natural features such as the majestic seven-tiers Maliau Falls, breathtakingly Takob-Akob and Giluk Falls and many other numerous spectacular waterfalls. Situated in south central of Sabah, this virtually self-contained ecosystem is drained by the Maliau River that flows out of a gorge in the southeast of the Basin, joining the Kuamut River and eventually forms one of the headwaters of the Kinabatangan River, Sabah's most important and largest waterway. Lake Limununsut, Sabah's only true lake, is set in lush lowland dipterocarp forest just outside and below the steep northern rim of the Basin.
MBCA contains an unusual assemblage of 12 forest types, comprising mainly of lower montane forest dominated by majestic Agathis trees, rare montane heath forest, and lowland and hill dipterocarp forest. The flora of Maliau is distinct and diverse, including at least six species of pitcher plants, Tengku-adlinii rafflesia, rhododendrons and 150 species of orchids including the striking necklace orchid Coelogyne odoardi, endemic to Borneo. MBCA is a tremendously valuable botanical resource; over 1,800 species of plants are found here, including 54 species mentioned in the IUCN Red Data book.
Teeming with biodiversity, MBCA and its surrounding forests harbor 92 rare mammal species, including Borneo's wild ox - the Banteng, Sunda clouded leopard, Bornean bay cat, Bornean sun bear, and Bornean pygmy elephants, alongside a rich avian population exceeding 290 species.
Reaching Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC) requires the use of 4x4 vehicles, either via Tawau or Keningau road. Basic accommodation facilities in the form of research station/satellite camps, ranging from camping areas to well-equipped permanent camp grounds are available in and on the periphery of MBCA, namely Agathis, Nepenthes, Belian, Ginseng, Seraya, Rafflesia, Lobah and Strike Ridge Camps are located along a series of trails. While accommodations and meals are basic, if you crave a remote, challenging, and distinctive rainforest experience, this is the place!
Join our programs for a not to be missed opportunity to visit somewhere off the grid! In addition to being an ideal place for research and environmental education, Maliau Basin is perfect for adventure jungle trekking, bird watching, nature photography, night safari to spot nocturnal wildlife, waterfall swimming and simply experiencing the thrill of being in a truly unspoilt wilderness!
4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS MALIAU PRELUDE
5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS MALIAU BASIN FULL LOOP TREK
Accommodation
Accommodation options at the Center include Hostel, Standard Resthouse, Deluxe Resthouse, and Chalet with either Deluxe and Master Room. During trekking, accommodation at Satellite Camps features shared bathroom and shower facilities. Sleeping arrangements at these camps involve stretcher hammock-style beds and dormitory setups.
Generator Supply (Electricity)
ON: 0700 hrs – 2300 hrs
OFF: 2300 hrs – 0700 hrs
Meals
Served in buffet style. Special dietary needs, including vegetarian options, can be catered for.
Guides
Our Maliau Basin expeditions are organized in small groups led by our knowledgeable nature guides, with a guest-to-guide ratio of 6:1. Additionally, we can also arrange for private or specialized guides, such as birding guides, upon request.
Important Note
Given the remote nature of this trek, all Maliau visitors are required to have travel insurance that includes coverage for helicopter evacuation in case of emergencies. All evacuation costs are at your own expense.