Maliau Basin Experiences
Maliau Basin is one of the most untouched places in the world - it has never been inhabited by humans! Often referred to as the "Lost World of Sabah," it was only discovered in 1947 when a plane almost crashed into the mist-shrouded rim! It's home to a 130 million year old rainforest and one of the most important places in the world for conservation.
You can either do short wildlife treks and safari drives at the Maliau Basin Studies Centre (outside Maliau Basin), or you can do a trek into Maliau Basin to see the virgin rainforest. If you trek into Maliau Basin, you'll see the seven levels Maliau Falls, uncover the enchanted Nepenthes Garden (full of pitcher plants!), and get to spot wildlife.
Go during dry season from April to October. If you're just staying at Maliau Basin Studies Centre, you'll just be doing light walks and wildlife safari - so the rain might bother you less. If you're doing a trek into Maliau Basin, it would be very uncomfortable if it rains because there isn't much shelter except at the camps, and there are ladders to climb.
Adventure seekers! Maliau Basin is one of the most untouched places on earth, so a trip there is very exciting but as with any untouched places it's not an easy ride. The infrastructure at Maliau Basin is basic at best, and the journey there is long. If you love adventure and outdoors, this is one of the last frontiers.
- If you're able to, definitely do the trek into Maliau Basin. There's something incredible about being one of the last places on earth that has never been inhabited by humans. We would recommend the 5 day trek as Nepenthes Garden is a highlight!
- By simply being here you're helping to conserve one of the most biodiverse places on earth. So it's worth a trip!
