Borneo Jungle Trek - 5D4N Maliau Basin (Sabah's Lost World)

TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABK-JS06
DESCRIPTION: BORNEO JUNGLE TREK - 5D4N MALIAU BASIN (SABAH'S LOST WORLD)
REGION: Kota Kinabalu / Maliau Basin Conservation Area
DURATION: 5 Days 4 Nights
MINIMUM: 2 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Everyday (Pre-Book Needed)
PICK UP POINT: Your Hotel in Kota Kinabalu City
PICK UP TIME: 07:00 Hrs
DROP OFF POINT: Your Hotel in Kota Kinabalu City
DROP OFF TIME: 19:00 Hrs
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Jungle Trekking and exploration of Sabah's Lost World Maliau Basin
  • Discover untouched rainforest and changing forest vegetation bounded by escarpment reaching over 1,675M above sea level
  • Breathtaking views of Maliau rainforest in the morning
  • Visit spectacular 7-tiered Maliau Waterfalls
  • Experience Amazing Wildlife and Bird Watching
  • Jungle Night Drive or Night Walk

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu / Keningau / Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC)

  • 0700hrs: Meet and pick up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Depart for a 2-hour drive to the small town of Keningau, passing by the scenic mountainous view of Crocker Range. 
  • 0900hrs: Arrive at Keningau Town. Visit a local coffee shop for a coffee break or do some last-minute shopping. 
  • 1000hrs: Continue the journey to Sabah’s Lost World, Maliau Basin Conservation Area. 
  • 1400hrs: Arrive at the Shell Maliau Reception (SMBRIB) for lunch. Visit the Information Gallery for an overall view and understanding of the Maliau Basin, Sabah’s Lost World. 
  • 1430hrs: Proceed to the Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC). Pygmy elephants and wild cattle (banteng) are frequently seen in this area. 
  • 1530hrs: Upon arrival, registration and check-in to the accommodation. Freshen up. Free and easy at your own leisure until dinner time.
  • 1900hrs: Dinner at MBSC, followed by a video presentation on introduction to Maliau Basin.
  • 2000hrs: If the weather permits, enjoy a night drive (subject to availability) or night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife, where you can see animals, such as wild boar, sambar deer, and civet.
  • 2130hrs: Return back to MBSC for a good night's rest.
Meals : Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC)

Day 2 - MBSC / Agathis Camp / Nepenthes Camp

  • 0630hrs: Breakfast and pack up.
  • 0830hrs: Depart for Agathis Camp (1.5 hours drive), nestled in hill mixed dipterocarp forest. Agathis Camp is 8.82 kilometres away from Maliau Basin Studies Centre and located at the southernmost edge of Maliau Basin Conservation Area, about 20 kilometres to the north of the Security Gate and 500 metres above sea level. Upon arrival, you may leave your main luggage at the storeroom of Agathis Camp and bring only the necessary.
  • 0930hrs: Let the adventure begins! Trek through the rainforest for 7.5 kilometres from Agathis Camp to reach Nepenthes Camp. It was formerly known as Camel Trophy Camp and was constructed by the Camel Trophy Expedition in 1993. The trek from Agathis Camp to Nepenthes Camp will take about 5-6 hours of trekking over the rim of the Basin. The first 2 kilometres will be this adventure's most challenging part, as it involves an uphill trek. Enjoy rest stops throughout the journey, with one of them being your lunch break. 
  • 1500hrs: Arrival at Nepenthes Camp, a two-storey building with basic accommodation, such as bunk beds, and limited electricity. Take some time to settle in and explore the 33-metre-high observation tower that offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy. You may also hike to Takob Akob Falls (2.5 kilometres away), Fowzi Falls, or the nearby Giluk Falls (if time permits).
  • 1930hrs: Enjoy dinner in Nepenthes Camp and overnight.
Meals : Breakfast / Packed-lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Nepenthes Camp

Day 3 - Nepenthes Camp/ Ginseng Camp / Ginseng Falls / Ginseng Camp

  • 0700hrs: Breakfast and pack up. Collect packed lunch. 
  • 0800hrs: From Nepenthes Camp, trek through the rainforest for 7 kilometres to reach Ginseng Camp. You will be traversing through lowland dipterocarp forests, lower montane forests, and heath forests along the way, which are homes to unique floras, including pitcher plants and rafflesia. We will have our packed lunch halfway through the trek or upon reaching Ginseng Camp.
  • 1300hrs: Arrival at Ginseng Camp. Constructed in 2005 near the impressive 27-meter-high Ginseng Falls, this camp can accommodate up to 20 visitors and has hammock-style beds and toilets cum showers.
  • 1530hrs: Depart for Ginseng Falls, which is 200 metres away from Ginseng Camp 
  • 1600hrs: Arrive at Ginseng Falls.
  • 1700hrs: Head back to Ginseng Camp from Ginseng Falls.
  • 1900hrs: Dinner and overnight.
Meals : Breakfast / Packed-lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Ginseng Camp

Day 4 - Nepenthes Camp/ Maliau Falls/ Ginseng Camp

  • 0700hrs: Wake up and enjoy breakfast. 
  • 0800hrs: Pack up your stuff and collect the packed lunch. Trek 4.8 kilometres along the lowland dipterocarp forests to Maliau Waterfalls.
  • 1200hrs: Expected to arrive at Maliau Waterfalls. The awesome Maliau Waterfalls are the most famed and undisputed jewel in the crown of Maliau Basin. Maliau Waterfalls are a spectacular seven-tiered waterfall cascading over and over into Maliau River, with the highest fall reaching a magnificent height of 28 metres. Stop for lunch and rest.
  • 1400hrs: Depart Maliau Waterfalls and return to Ginseng Camp via the same trail. 
  • 1700hrs: Expected arrival at Ginseng Camp.
  • 1900hrs: Dinner & overnight at Ginseng Camp.
Meals : Breakfast / Packed-lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Ginseng Camp

Day 5 - Ginseng Camp/ Agathis Camp/ Kota Kinabalu

  • 0700hrs: Breakfast and pack up.
  • 0830hrs: Depart Ginseng Camp. Enjoy your packed lunch along the way.
  • 1330hrs: Estimated arrival at Agates Camp. Begin your journey back to Kota Kinabalu upon arrival.  
  • 1900hrs: Estimated arrival at Kota Kinabalu and onward transfer to your hotel.
Meals : Breakfast / Packed-lunch

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Meals 04 Breakfast, 01 Lunch, 04 Packed-Lunch & 04 Dinner
Includes Hotel Pickup & Drop off, Land Transportation (Seat-In-Coach), Meals as Stated, 04 Nights Accommodation, Permits & Conservation Fees, User Fees (Campsite), VHF Radio Rental, Forest Ranger cum Radioman, English Speaking Guide
Accommodation Day 1: MBSC (Hostel - Bunk Bed) 
Day 2: Nepenthes Camp (Hostel - Bunk Bed)
Day 3: Ginseng Camp (Hostel - Bunk Bed)
Day 4: Ginseng Camp (Hostel - Bunk Bed)
Excludes Porters (to carry personal belongings), Camera and Video fees, Personal Expenses, Any Items Not Mentioned

Personal Porter Service
Porter services can be engaged at guest's own personal account and to be settled in cash on the spot to the porter. Advance booking (1 week before trip) is recommended and subject to availability of porter. Personal Porter will assist guests and provide general help around the camp.

- Maximum of 12kg = MYR 100 Per Day Per Porter.
- Additional 5kg = MYR 40 Per Day Per Porter.
- Additional 6-10kg = MYR 100 Per Day Per Porter.

RECOMMENDED TREKKING ATTIRE

  • Quick Dry T-shirt
  • Trekking Pants
  • Comfortable Trekking Shoes/Boots
  • Leech Socks

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING

  • Extra socks
  • Change of Clothes
  • Waterproof Backpack
  • Raincoat
  • Head Torch
  • Trekking Pole
  • Insect Repellant
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Person First Aid Kit
  • Personal Medication
  • Personal Toiletries (Non-Fragrance)
  • Porter Fees
  • Water Bottle
  • Sleeping Bag

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • All guests MUST provide the following information to us upon registration.
    i.    Full Name (as in passport)
    ii.   Gender
    iii.  Date of Birth
    iv.  Passport / IC No
    v.   Nationality
    vi.  Address

  • This tour is not recommended for children under 12 years old as it is much physical demanding during the tour.
  • All guests MUST purchase Personal Travel Insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation and submit to us a copy of the policy.
  • Guest MUST submit to us a latest fitness certificate confirmed by physician or doctor.
  • Special permission is needed and separate charges are levied for professional photography or filming.
  • Guest is to be accompanied by guide at all times and not allowed to wander on their own.

You Also Need to know:

  • You must have a very good level of fitness for this tour as you are required to be outdoors the entire time and be prepared to trek for up to 7-8 hours at each time.
  • The camp is very basic and you must be prepared to rough it out. However your meals will be well-taken care of.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • This package is based on join-in basis of shared guide and transport vehicle.  Private Guide or Tour is available upon request at a reasonable fee.  Please inform us when making the bookings.
  • The itinerary of the tour is subject to changes due to weather conditions, health & fitness conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Departure time is approximate and varies from different hotels due to traffic conditions, please reconfirm with our staffs. Should the transport be delayed, please call the relevant telephone number as stated on the voucher before making alternative arrangements.
  • Tipping is like giving a hug. Although it’s never expected, it’s always very much appreciated.

USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS

  • The tour can be done throughout the whole year. That being said, dry season is usually between March to October.
  • This trek is not suitable for the faint-hearted as there are four vertical ladders to traverse.
  • Humidity is high in the jungle, hence you must drink enough water to prevent dehydration throughout the trekking.