Maliau Basin, a nature explorer’s paradise

Written by Aleena Che Ramli

Welcome to Sabah’s Lost World

A trip to Maliau Basin is all about your imagination. For intrepid travelers, the Maliau Basin Rainforest represents an escape into a mysterious world of hidden secrets and unexpected adventures. It’s like your very own Indiana Jones experience. For passionate nature lovers, picture yourself as David Attenborough, exploring the kingdom of weird and wonderful creatures, hidden to the rest of the world. Wherever your imagination takes you, you will not be disappointed with Maliau Basin — also known as the Lost World of Sabah.

The Untouched Heart of Borneo

Maliau Basin Rainforest is one of the most pristine, bio-diverse areas on the planet. The rich flora and fauna are a treat for your senses while you are surrounded by nature in its purest form. This phenomenal wilderness invites you to enjoy jungle trekking, bird watching, swimming, night drives, and more. The basin is best suited for those who are fit and adventurous, ready to trade city comfort for pure wilderness.

The Meaning of “Maliau” – Land of the Giant Staircase

In the Murut language, Maliau means “Land of the Giant Staircase.” Its almost circular rim, rising from 300 to 1,600 meters, isolates it like a natural fortress — earning it the name Sabah’s Lost World. This ancient bowl of rainforest, millions of years old, spans 390 km² and remains 50% unexplored.

A Land of Waterfalls and Changing Forests

The Maliau Basin encompasses 12 distinct forest types and over 30 pristine waterfalls, making it Malaysia’s richest waterfall region. The largest and most famous is the seven-tiered Maliau Waterfall — about 28 meters high — reachable by a 1.5-hour trek from Lobah Camp. Reaching it rewards visitors not only with a certificate but also unforgettable views of shifting landscapes from dense rainforest to mossy forest.

Wildlife Encounters Like No Other

Maliau Basin is home to some of Borneo’s most extraordinary wildlife. Over 82 species of mammals have been recorded, including Orangutans, Bornean Pygmy Elephants, Clouded Leopards, Sumatran Rhinos, Sun Bears, Sambar Deer, Bearded Pigs, and the Banteng — a wild ox extinct elsewhere in Malaysia. You may also encounter rare amphibians that live inside pitcher plants and discover fish species adapted to the basin’s acidic, tea-colored rivers.

Birdwatching Paradise

Bird enthusiasts will find paradise here. The forest shelters around 300 species, including Bulwer’s Pheasant, the Bornean Bristlehead, and the Rhinoceros Hornbill — the loud-winged king of the canopy. Trekkers often hear their calls echoing through the jungle, alongside the laughter-like call of the Helmeted Hornbill. Maliau Basin truly is a dream destination for keen birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

A View from the Canopy

For a breathtaking view, visit the 30-meter canopy observation platform at the Camel Trophy Camp. From here, you can admire panoramic views of the rainforest, spot wildlife with binoculars, and capture unforgettable moments with your camera. With its vine-clad jungles, ancient trees, and rare wildlife, Maliau Basin feels like stepping into a prehistoric world — a place to reconnect with nature in its purest form.

Discover Maliau Basin with HAK’s World

Spending a few days exploring Maliau Basin is an experience of a lifetime. HAK’s World Travel & Tours (formerly Bike and Tours) offers “Discover Maliau Basin 5D4N Expedition” and “Maliau Basin 4D3N Adventure” — immersive journeys into the heart of Sabah’s Lost World that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Discover Maliau Basin with HAK’s Travel — guided jungle expeditions, hidden waterfalls, and one of Borneo’s most mysterious rainforests. Start your adventure into Sabah’s Lost World today.

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