Borneo Expedition: Maliau Basin - Sabah's Lost World Trek
Borneo Expedition: Maliau Basin - Sabah's Lost World Trek
8 Days Starting and ending in Kota Kinabalu
Visiting: Kota Kinabalu, Tambunan, Tambunan - Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Sabah's Lost World trek, Sabah's Lost World trek - Kota KInabalu, Kota KInabalu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TMXS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Day 2: Tambunan
Location: Tambunan
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Tambunan - Maliau Basin Conservation Area
Location: Tambunan - Maliau Basin Conservation Area
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Sabah's Lost World Trek
Location: Sabah's Lost World trek
Accommodation: Camping (under basic shelter)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Sabah's Lost World Trek
Location: Sabah's Lost World trek
Accommodation: Camping (under basic shelter)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Sabah's Lost World Trek
Location: Sabah's Lost World trek
Accommodation: Camping (under basic shelter)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Sabah's Lost World Trek - Kota Kinabalu
Location: Sabah's Lost World trek - Kota KInabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota KInabalu
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Dormitory (1 night), Camping under basic shelters (3 nights) -
Tambunan - Tambunan Rafflesia Center
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Tambunan - Kampung Sunsuron village tour
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Maliau Basin - Maliau Rim Observation Tower
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Maliau Basin - Stargazing activity
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Maliau Basin - Takob Akob Falls, Fowzi Falls & Giluk Falls trek
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Maliau Basin - Trek to Maliau Falls & Ginseng Camp
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Maliau Basin - Trek from Ginseng Station to Agathis Camp
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
- Private mini van , on foot
Included Activities
- Tambunan - cycling village tour
- Tambunan - Sunrise walk
- Maliau Basin - Maliau Rim Observation Tower
- Maliau Basin - Ginseng Waterfall
- Maliau Basin - Maliau Falls
Accommodation
- Please note some of the multishare/dormitory accommodation can be mixed gender.
Important Information
- 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.
Mode of Transport
- Private mini van , on foot
Check out our Q&As
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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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Book with Confidence
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Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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