MALIAU BASIN JUNGLE EXPEDITION - The lost world of borneo

Maliau Basin, also known as “The Lost World of Sabah,” is one of the most remote and untouched rainforest ecosystems in Malaysia. Located deep in the heart of Borneo, it forms a natural circular basin surrounded by steep cliffs and dense primary jungle that has remained largely unexplored. Covering approximately 390,000 acres, Maliau Basin is protected as a Class I Forest Reserve, allowing only limited research, conservation and responsible eco-tourism activities.

This extraordinary wilderness is home to rare wildlife species, unique plants, over 80 documented waterfalls, cloud forests, mossy ecosystems, and the iconic 7-tier Maliau Waterfall, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable natural treasures. Due to its remote location and strict permit system, only a limited number of visitors are allowed, ensuring minimal environmental impact and a truly authentic jungle experience.

Maliau Basin is suitable for serious nature enthusiasts, adventure trekkers, naturalists, photographers, and researchers seeking a deep rainforest expedition rather than a casual holiday experience. The terrain can be challenging, and facilities are basic, making it ideal for travellers who appreciate raw, real, and pristine nature.

Explore one of Malaysia’s most untouched rainforests

Experience a protected Class I Forest Reserve that has seen very limited human activity, offering a true wilderness atmosphere.

The iconic 7-tier Maliau Waterfall

Visit one of the most stunning multi-tier waterfalls in Southeast Asia, hidden deep inside the basin and reachable only through trekking.

Prime wildlife and birdlife observation

Opportunity to encounter rare species such as Bornean gibbons, sambar deer, civets, hornbills, Bornean bristlehead and nocturnal animals through guided night walks.

Diverse ecosystems and unique vegetation

Explore lowland dipterocarp forest, heath forest, mossy cloud zones and pitcher plant habitats within a single protected basin.

Exclusive and limited-entry destination

With strict permit and capacity control, Maliau Basin offers a quiet, non-touristic environment, ideal for serious nature lovers.

Adventure-based terrain and authentic experience

Trek through muddy trails, suspension bridges, river crossings and rolling rainforest landscapes — perfect for travellers seeking real jungle conditions.

Educational and conservation-driven tourism

Managed for research and sustainability, giving visitors a meaningful insight into rainforest protection and biodiversity.

Maliau Basin hosts one of the richest biodiversity collections in Borneo. The dense rainforest supports an impressive range of wildlife including Bornean gibbons, red leaf monkeys, sambar deer, mousedeer, civets, flying squirrels, slow loris, wild cats, reptiles, amphibians and over 300 bird species including hornbills and the rare Bornean bristlehead. Although sightings are not guaranteed due to the vastness of the forest, night walks and early-morning treks offer the best chances.

The vegetation diversity ranges from lowland dipterocarp forest to mossy montane cloud forest, including pitcher plants, orchids, rattan species, ferns and medicinal plants. Multiple waterfalls and pristine rivers nourish the ecosystem, creating an environment ideal for research and conservation.

Maliau Basin is open year-round, but the preferred visiting months are:

March to October (drier period) — better trekking conditions

November to February (rainy season) — more slippery and challenging, but lush forest scenery

Regardless of season, conditions may include muddy trails, rain, leeches, and high humidity, making proper gear essential.

This expedition is moderate to challenging depending on the itinerary and weather conditions. It requires:

Comfort with long hours of trekking (6–7 hours/day)

Ability to carry personal backpack and water

Stable balance on muddy, slippery, and steep terrain

Good physical health and mental endurance

This trip is suitable for adventure travellers, wildlife lovers, nature researchers, and photographers. Not recommended for young children, casual holiday seekers or those expecting luxury accommodations.

Itinerary 4D3N

Day 01 – Kota Kinabalu → Maliau Basin Study Centre (MBSC)

0800 hrs  Pick up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Road trip into Sabah’s interior with a stop for lunch at Sapulot town.

1500 hrs  Arrive at the Maliau Basin entrance gate for documentation. Proceed deeper to the Maliau Basin Studies Centre.

1700 hrs  Registration & safety briefing by park rangers—final prep before entering the Lost World.

2000 hrs  Dinner followed by a short documentary on the basin. If weather allows, join a one hour night safari in search of nocturnal wildlife.

Day 02 – MBSC → Agathis Camp → Nepenthes Camp

0800 hrs  Transfer to Agathis Camp and begin your trek into the jungle. A 7.5km trail winds through towering Agathis trees and mossy undergrowth. Packed lunch along the way.

1400 hrs  Arrive at Nepenthes Camp, check in.

Afternoon: Trek to Giluk Falls (subject to weather). Listen to the roar of cascading water echoing in the dense forest.

1900 hrs  Dinner and free at leisure under the rainforest canopy. Overnight.

Day 03 – Nepenthes Camp → Maliau Falls → Ginseng Camp

0700 hrs  After breakfast, trek towards the basin’s most iconic landmark—Maliau Falls. The trail (approx. 10km) takes you through remote jungle before descending steeply to the magnificent 7-tier Maliau Falls. Picnic lunch by the falls, where mist fills the air and rainbows dance across the spray.

1500 hrs  Trek back to the junction and continue to Ginseng Camp (700m away).

1730 hrs  Arrival at camp, settle in for the evening.

1900 hrs  Dinner and storytelling around the jungle night sounds.

Day 04 – Ginseng Camp → Agathis Camp → Kota Kinabalu

0700 hrs  Early breakfast, short trek to Ginseng Falls for a final group photo.

0830 hrs  Begin your last 9km trek—an undulating but mostly downhill journey back to Agathis Camp.

1400 hrs  Arrival at Agathis, check out, and transfer out of the basin.

1530 hrs  Drive back to Kota Kinabalu with dinner en route at Keningau.

0000 hrs  Estimated arrival in Kota Kinabalu.

Itinerary 5D4N

Day 01: Kota Kinabalu – Gateway to the Lost World 

0800 hrs  Pickup from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Begin your overland journey deep into Sabah’s heartlands, passing through rugged countryside and stopping at Sapulot town for a hearty local lunch. 

1500 hrs  Arrive at the guarded gates of Maliau Basin. After documentation, continue to the Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC) – your last frontier of modern comfort before the jungle swallows you whole.

1700 hrs  Registration and safety briefing with the rangers. Learn the “do’s and don’ts” of surviving in one of Borneo’s toughest terrains. 

2000 hrs  Dinner followed by a short documentary about Maliau’s secrets. Weather permitting, embark on a Night Safari Drive – headlights scanning the darkness for civets, deer, leopard cats, or even the rare Bornean pygmy elephant. Return to MBSC and rest for the adventure ahead.

Day 02: Into the Wild – MBSC → Agathis Camp → Nepenthes Camp 

0830 hrs  After breakfast, transfer to Agathis Camp, the starting point of your jungle trek. From here begins a 7.5km trek through ancient dipterocarp forest to Nepenthes Camp. The trail is alive with bird calls, strange fungi, and carnivorous pitcher plants waiting quietly in the shadows. Packed lunch en route. 

1400 hrs  Arrive at Nepenthes Camp, nestled in the forest. After check-in, continue trekking to the stunning Giluk Falls, a secluded cascade hidden within the trees. 

1900 hrs  Dinner at camp. Free at leisure, listening to the symphony of cicadas and frogs under a canopy of stars. 

Day 03: Waterfalls of the Basin – Nepenthes Camp Exploration

0800 hrs  After breakfast, gear up for a full-day trek. Today you will chase waterfalls deep in the basin: Takob Akob, Fowzi, and Giluk Falls, each unique in size and character. Picnic lunch at one of the falls, followed by refreshing swims in pristine jungle pools. 1700 hrs – Return to Nepenthes Camp, exhausted but exhilarated. Dinner and rest – tomorrow, the legendary Maliau Falls awaits.

Day 04: The Icon of Maliau – Nepenthes Camp → Ginseng Camp via Maliau Falls

0700 hrs  Breakfast and check out. Begin your 10km trek towards the crown jewel of the basin: Maliau Falls, a colossal 7-tiered waterfall plunging 28 meters into a jungle amphitheatre. Along the way, stop for packed lunch at the junction. 

From the junction, take a detour: a steep 5km descent through tangled roots 

and mossy ground to reach the thunderous roar of Maliau Falls. Stand in awe before its raw power – few outsiders have laid eyes on this view. 

After soaking it all in, trek back to the junction and proceed a short 700m further to Ginseng Camp. 

1730 hrs  Arrive at camp, check in, and rest. 

2030 hrs  Dinner under the jungle canopy. Free at leisure.

Day 05: Farewell to the Lost World – Ginseng Camp → Kota Kinabalu 

0700 hrs  Breakfast. Before departing, take a short 300m trek to Ginseng Falls for a final group photo. 

0815 hrs  Begin your 9km trek back to Agathis Camp, mostly downhill but still testing your endurance. Packed lunch en route. 

1400 hrs  Arrive at Agathis Camp, board your transport, and exit through the Maliau Basin gate. 

1530 hrs  Begin the long return journey to Kota Kinabalu, with dinner stop at Keningau town. 

0000 hrs  Estimated arrival in Kota Kinabalu. Expedition complete – you have conquered the Lost World of Sabah.

What’s Included

Professional licensed nature guide

Park entrance permits & conservation fees

Accommodation (camp / basic lodge depending on itinerary)

Meals & drinking water

Shared group equipment & safety briefing

Not Included

Personal gear & clothing

Travel insurance

Private transportation (unless arranged)

Optional add-ons or porter services

What to Bring

Proper trekking shoes (water-resistant recommended)

Lightweight quick-dry clothing

Headlamp / flashlight

Personal medication & first aid items

Dry bag & rain cover

Insect repellent & leech socks

Reusable water bottle or hydration pack

Cash for small expenses

Power bank (limited electricity available)