Moderate difficulty trekking icon - Maliau Basin
Sabah’s Lost World: Chasing Waterfalls

Experience a thrilling 5-day trek through Maliau Basin, visiting multiple breathtaking waterfalls while
journeying from the Studies Centre to Agathis Research Station.

from

820,83 EUR

Maliau Basin rainforest hikers on trail
Aerial view of Maliau Basin rainforest canopy
Maliau Basin jungle trekking group

A Journey Through Maliau Basin’s Hidden Waterfalls 

Falls Expedition is an extended jungle trekking adventure into the heart of Sabah’s last great wilderness. Over five unforgettable days, journey through 588 km² of pristine rainforest to discover seven magnificent waterfalls, including Takob-Akob, Fowzi, Giluk, and the breathtaking 7-tiered Maliau Falls. 

 

With nights spent at remote Nepenthes and Ginseng Camps, this expedition offers rare encounters with endemic wildlife, unique geological formations, and expert-guided exploration of the mysterious Maliau Basin. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience raw nature while contributing to the protection of one of the world’s most pristine rainforests. 

Why visit Maliau Basin?

Aerial drone landscape of Maliau Basin

Seven Magnificent Waterfalls

Experience the majesty of Sabah’s most spectacular waterfall system, including the crown jewel, Maliau Falls.

Contribute to Protecting Pristine Rainforest

Maliau Basin only allows a handful of visitors each day, helping to preserve the site for future generations.

Endemic Wildlife Encounters

Spot rare hornbills, various primate species, and nocturnal creepy crawlies with experienced rangers.

Maliau Basin tour guests during rainforest expedition

Unique Geological Features

Explore the mysterious basin formation and rare mud volcanoes found nowhere else.

✅ Services Included

  • Pick up & drop off
  • Full board
  • Conservation Fee
  • NON-DSLR Camera Fee
  • Trekking Charges
  • Maliau Basin T-shirt

 

Our scheduled transfer (Pick up & drop off) available everyday upon request:

Pick up: from Tawau airport/ town to Maliau -11:00 am
Drop off: Maliau to Tawau airport/ town- 9:30 am (The shuttle transfer out departure at 9:30 AM is only
applicable for the Centre Package. For the Trekking Package, shuttle transfer timing will depend on your arrival
at the Centre from the trekking camp)
❌ Not Included

  • Flights to/from Sabah
  • Personal Insurance
  • Local Domestic Insurance Coverage (Compulsary)
  • Anything not mention in the itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & orientation

🌿 Starting point: Maliau Gate (optional pickup from Kota Kinabalu or Tawau)

  • Registration and welcome at Maliau Basin Studies Centre
  • Gallery visit to learn about the Basin’s history
  • Dinner at 7pm followed by briefing session
  • Optional: Night safari drive (2 hours), weather permitting

 

Day 2: Journey to Nepenthes Camp

🌿 The adventure begins: Trek into the heart of the Lost World

  • 8am departure to Agathis Station with ranger briefing
  • 7.5km trekking adventure (5-6 hours) through pristine rainforest
  • Arrive at Nepenthes Camp for overnight stay
  • Evening: Stargazing session under unpolluted skies

 

Day 3: Triple waterfall discovery

🌿 Waterfall expedition: Three magnificent waterfalls in one day

  • Visit Fowzi, Takob-akob, and Giluk Falls
  • Swimming opportunities at selected falls (family-friendly spots)
  • Return to Nepenthes Camp for rest
  • Night walk to discover nocturnal wildlife

 

Day 4: Maliau Falls – The grand finale

🌿 The crown jewel: Experience the legendary seven-tiered waterfall

  • Early breakfast and departure to Ginseng Camp
  • Visit Maliau Falls with extended time at the magnificent seven-tiered falls
  • Packed lunch in pristine forest setting
  • Visit to Ginseng Falls
  • Return to Ginseng Camp for rest

 

Day 5: Return journey

🌿 Journey’s end: Return with unforgettable memories

  • Final breakfast in the wilderness
  • Trek back to Studies Centre
  • Reflection session and certificate presentation
  • Optional transport back to Kota Kinabalu/Tawau

2 nights in Jungle Camps / 2 nights at the study centre

Learn more about our accomodation options here 

💪 Fitness level
Moderate fitness required. Suitable for children 8+ with basic trekking experience.

☀️ Seasonal availability
Available year-round. Dry season (April-September) recommended for optimal family experience.

👉 Group size
Maximum 20 participants per trip ensures personalized attention.
🎒Must Bring Items:

  • Light sleeping bag
  • Water bottle
  • Torchlight (extra batteries & spare bulbs)
  • Powerbank
  • Personal toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
  • Raincoat
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Leech socks (available for sale at the Maliau’s souvenir shop)
  • Proper trekking shoes (e.g. “Adidas Kampung”)
  • Extra socks
  • Long pants
  • Long sleeve shirts / T-shirts
  • Towel
  • Slippers

 

Optional items:

  • Camera / video camera
  • Binoculars
  • Insect repellent
  • Plastic bags (to keep items dry)
  • Backpack / daypack for essentials

 

💡 Tips:

  • Travel light
  • Pack only essentials
  • Keep clothes and electronics in waterproof plastic bags
  • Prepare for wet, muddy, and cold jungle conditions at night

Standard Resthouse
(Twin sharing, Min 2 pax)
3,870 MYR per person (children same rate)

Deluxe Resthouse
(Twin sharing, Min 2 pax)
3,890 MYR per person (children same rate)

 

Note:

  • All quoted prices are subject to 8% SST and tourism tax of RM10/room/ night where applicable.
  • An additional surcharge applies for single travellers.
  • Group rates are applicable for a group of more than 2 persons.
  • Children aged 6 years and below are free of charge (FOC), except for an additional mattress which will incur an additional charge. Meanwhile, special rates are applicable for children aged 7–12 years.

 

Package includes:

  • Conservation Fee
  • Non DSLR Camera Fee
  • Accommodation
  • Guided jungle trekking
  • Full meals (Starting dinner day 1)
  • Return transfer Tawau-MBSC-Tawau
  • Transfer Centre- Agathis camp (trekking starting point)- Centre

 

Package excludes:

  • Insurance coverage is not included in the package. Guests are advised to purchase insurance coverage prior to entering the conservation area.
  • Personal porter charges available at an additional charge of RM168 / per porter/ day (Max 12 kg) and additional RM14/kg for additional weight

 


✨ Available Add-Ons

  • Night/Dawn Wildlife Drive
  • Extra Night Extension
  • Porter Service (upon request)
  • Airport Transportation
  • Tree Planting Experience – RM100 per tree

 

*Price upon request

 

Yes. All permits are arranged in advance as part of the tour.

Transfers from the nearest airport or your hotel can be arranged.

Yes. All hikes are guided; independent hiking is not permitted.

Tours are offered in three levels: Easy, Medium, and Advanced.

Short walking days at a relaxed pace, suitable for most visitors and families with children.

Up to 10 km per day with 300–400 m elevation gain, requiring good general fitness.

Visitors with good fitness and multi-day hiking experience, comfortable with longer and more demanding days.

Group sizes are kept small in line with conservation and permit requirements. Specialist group tours have a maximum of 20 participants.

Rainforest trails, uneven ground, and occasional river crossings

Year-round access is possible; trips are planned around seasonal conditions.

Exceptional birdlife and a chance to encounter mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Lodges, research facilities, or approved camps, depending on the itinerary.

A packing list is provided in advance, and we assist with preparation.

Yes. Travel insurance covering hiking activities, medical treatment, and emergency evacuation is required.

Yes, selected Easy and Medium programmes are designed with families in mind.

Get an offer to begin planning your unforgettable adventure to Maliau Basin

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