5 Days Maliau Basin Trek
Maliau Basin is Sabah’s Lost World located in the south central region of the state, approximately 40 km off the Kalimantan border. Over 1,800 plant species have been identified here, including six species of pitcher plants, 80 species of orchids, as well as over 82 mammal species, 270 bird species and over 30 species of amphibians. With an area of 590 sq-km, Maliau Basin was part of the Yayasan Sabah Concession Area and voluntarily designated as a conservation area in 1981 for research, education and training purposes. It was upgraded in 1997 to a Class I Protection Forest Reserve and extended to its present size. Its protection was further enhanced when it was gazetted as a Cultural Heritage Site under the state Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Enactment in 1999. The main forests are lower montane, heath, lowland and hill dipterocarp forests.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Our journey to Maliau Basin leaves early as we travel overland, taking about five to six hours. On the way we pass Sook, Nabawan and Sapulut until we reach the security gate at Maliau Basin Conservation Area. We visit the information centre and after dinner, we enjoy a night drive in search of nocturnal animals (subject to weather conditions).
Overnight at Maliau Basin Study Centre (Hostel).
Discover Sabah’s Lost World as we spend the day trekking among the lush vegetation of the Maliau Basin. After breakfast, we start with a 7.5km trek through this lost wilderness uphill to Nepenthes Camp. Once we have reached this camp, we break for a simple refreshment while relaxing our muscles, ahead of continuing the trek.
Next we proceed for 3 km to reach the Takob Akob Falls and for a further 2.8 km for the Giluk Falls. Dependent on the weather and time permitting, we can enjoy the beauty of these waterfalls, swimming, or just relax in this natural wonderland, ahead of returning to Nepenthes Camp for overnight.
Overnight at Nepenthes Camp.
Our Maliau Basin exploration continues as we trek about 6.7 km to reach Ginseng Camp. On the way, we discover the abundance of nepenthes plants along Jalan Babi and soak up the surrounding flora and fauna that marks this ancient tropical rainforest.
Upon arrival at Ginseng Campsite, subject to weather and time, we relax and swim in the nearby cool forest waterfall as we immerse ourselves into the sound of the wilderness. We stay overnight at Ginseng Camp.
Overnight at Ginseng Camp.
Continuing our adventure through the natural beauty of the Maliau Basin’s rich biodiversity, we resume our trek journeying to Maliau Falls. This spectacular seven-tiered waterfall is said to be the basin’s prized feature and here we stop for a refreshing swim before trekking back to Ginseng Campsite for our overnight stay. The trek is 4.8km each way.
Overnight at Ginseng Camp.
Our final day in this untouched rainforest starts after breakfast as we leave Ginseng Campsite for a 9 km trek to Agathis Camp. We pack up our belongings before we transfer to Maliau Gate for our departure to Keningau, en route to Kota Kinabalu.
Route
- Effective from 01st September 2017 onwards, a Tourism Tax of MYR10.00 per room per night will be levied directly to the non-Malaysian guests at the hotel upon check-out;
- Temperature at night could drop to 13°-15°C. Personal Porter is available on request at a surcharge. All trekkers are required to fill in a confidential Medical Information Form and Indemnity Form which will be provided during pre-briefing session prior to the commencement of tour. In the event of heat exhaustion, injury or sickness, helicopter rescue can be arranged at guest’s expense;
- We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this tour; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant;
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Guests traveling over and during local holidays may experience longer waiting times than normal, may see certain sites being closed down, and this program may be subject to supplementary charges;
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this;
- Tours and excursions often include obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Please ensure that you bring along long pants for trekking, rain cover or water tight proof bags, at least 2 -2.5 Litter / day of drinking water bottle, swim wear, Insect repellent, walking stick, head lamps (including extra bulb and batteries), personal toiletries, slipper or sandals, energy food (chocolate, raisins, nuts, rehydration salt, glucose, etc). It is recommended to bring your own sleeping bag;
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control;
- Seat-in-coach tours operates daily with English-speaking guide; minimum 2 pax required unless stated otherwise; 100% surcharge applicable for single traveller.
- Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services / assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability;
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
- Accommodation as mentioned above;
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only);
- Certificate, leech socks, sleeping bags & conservation fee;
- All applicable taxes and service charges.
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the programme;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers;
- Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day.
This is one of our Sustainable Trails, an excursion that maximises positive impacts on local communities and minimises negative impacts on the environment in the following ways:
- Eat locally – Meals are cooked by local communities using delicious locally-sourced ingredients;
- Stay eco-friendly – Stay overnight at eco-lodges or environmentally-sensitive camps that immerses you in local nature;
- Transport alternatively – Much of the tour is spent hiking, getting you up close and personal with nature.
