5D Maliau Basin - Borneo’s Lost World
Sabah, East Malaysia, Borneo
“The Maliau Basin is one of the most spectacular and pristine natural features in Malaysia, and indeed, Southeast Asia.”
The Maliau Basin is one of the most spectacular and pristine natural features in Malaysia, and indeed, Southeast Asia. The Maliau Basin is almost unvisited and completely uninhabited by man. It is located in south-central Sabah, about 40km north of the Indonesian border at between 116° 40′ - 117° 2′ and 4° 40′ 4° 50′ N.
While all of this region is rugged, remote and forested, the Maliau Basin is distinguished by its steep slopes up to 1,500m in height, making it insurmountable on foot from most directions. The size of the enclosed Basin is 390 sq. km with a maximum diameter of 25km. The highest point Mt. Lotung, on the north rim stands at 1900m. It is drained by a set of radiating tributaries of the Maliau River, one of which descends a series of waterfalls, known as the Maliau Falls.
The river drains through a gorge into the Kuamut River which in turn feeds into the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah. The basin is a faunal haven for lowland animals such as wild pigs, barking deer, proboscis monkey, clouded leopard, pythons and many species of birds including the rare Bulwer’s Pheasant, the Crimson headed Partridge and the Peregine Falcon have been sighted here.
Since 1970, the area has formed part of a large timber concession assigned to Yayasan Sabah. Since 1981, however, the Maliau Basin and another large area, the Danum Valley, have been designated Conservation Areas within the Foundation’s long-term Forest Management Plan, to remain unlogged for purposes of wildlife conservation, education and research.
Day 01 / Kota Kinabalu - Tawau - Agathis Camp
Meet/greet at Tawau airport/hotel and proceed on 4-wheel drive to the Maliau Basin Security Gate, 180km away. Weather permitting, the journey via Kalabakan will take about 5 hours. Settle in Agathis Camp.
After dinner, weather permitting, go on a night drive in search of nocturnal animals, possible encounter/sightings of Sambar deers, bearded pigs, Malay civets, flying squirrels, porcupine and Borneo’s wild ox, the Banteng or “Tembadau”. (-/L/D)
Recommend flight: MH2127 BKI/TWU 0900/0945
Day 02 / Agathis Camp - Camel Trophy Camp
Wake up by the call of Borneon Gibbon as part of the morning chorus in the rain forest. After breakfast start the day trekking into the Basin for Camel Trophy. The trek will go through a steep ascend of the formidable Maliau Basin escarpment. And into the a gentle slope of inner Basin. Vegetation vary from the lowland forest to the heath forest. Trekking will take around 5 –7 hours depending on one’s fitness.
At Camel Trophy Camp you may also trek to the spectacular Takob-Akob falls (100m or 10-story high) which is about 2 hours away from Camel Trophy Camp. Dinner and settle in for the night. (B/L/D)
Day 03 / Camel Trophy Camp - Lobah Camp
After breakfast, trek through heath/montane forests and descend through highland dipterocarp forest to reach the Lobah Camp, about 8 km away (about 5 hours). The first few kilometres upon entering the heath forest discover the abundance of Nepenthes plants or locally referred to as “monkey cup†and wild orchids.
At the heli pad near Lobah Camp, enjoy the panaromic view of the Maliau Basin. Descend to Meliau Falls and have picnic there. Back to Luba Camp for dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 04 / Lobah Camp - Agathis Camp
After breakfast, trek along the forest making a loop back to the Agathis Camp. This will take about 6 – 8 hours. Settle in at the Agathis Camp. After dinner, weather permitting, a 2nd night drive looking for nocturnal wildlife.
Day 05 / Agathis Camp - Tawau
After breakfast, drive back to Tawau for departure flight to Kota Kinabalu. (B/L/-)
Recommended flight: MH2138 TWU/BKI 1740/1820
Validity
- Apr 01, 2007 - Mar 31, 2008
Tour Cost
- S$2077 Per Person
Tour Cost Includes
- Return overland transfers from Tawau to Maliau
- Guide & Forest Ranger in Maliau Basin Conservation Area
- 3 meals a day
- Rental of VHF Radio
- Conservation Fees
- Fees for campsites and facilities
Tour Cost Excludes
- All flights and airport taxes
- Insurance
- Emergency evacuation
Please make your Enquiry using the Form below
