Maliau Basin is a remote, pristine wilderness located about 7-8 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu in the south central Sabah. It is also known as Sabah's Lost World covering a conservation area of 58,840 hectares.
Two weeks ago, a small group of Japanese took up a 3D/2N tour to explore and experience part of the "Basin". My guide came back with a report and pictures for my reference. According to my guide, it was a pleasant drive all the way to the Maliau Basin Security gate with brief stops at Kimanis, Keningau and Sook.
However, the nightmare began as soon as they entered the Maliau Security gate road leading to the Studies Centre.
Two weeks ago, a small group of Japanese took up a 3D/2N tour to explore and experience part of the "Basin". My guide came back with a report and pictures for my reference. According to my guide, it was a pleasant drive all the way to the Maliau Basin Security gate with brief stops at Kimanis, Keningau and Sook.
Over the Crocker range with Keningau in sight.
Normally, the drive would take about an hour or so, but it took them more than 3 hours because of the deplorable road conditions after the recent heavy downpour.
The 4WDs seemed useless going through the rough and muddy road.
Even the 4x4 Specialist hired to lead our 4WDs got stuck now and then.
Eventually, they made it to the Maliau Basin Studies Centre at 8:00 PM after struggling for more the 3 hours.
The next morning, a long bearded wild boar was seen roaming around the Centre.
The Studies Centre consists of the main administrative building, laboratory, research area, souvenir shop, restaurant, staff quarters, exhibition centre, theater, conference room, as well as accommodation for visitors. Deluxe or Standard room and hostel dormitory are available.
These two "guides" posed for the camera with their 4WD before proceeding to the Agathis camp to challenge the jungle trails.
The camp is equipped with hammock-style accommodation, electricity and toilets and showers for up to 30 people. However, It was empty on that day.
The bridges spanned over eight trees, 400m-long and suspended 22m above ground.
The returning leg from the Studies Centre to the Security gate was just as bad. Most of the 4WDs got stuck, even the brand new ones like the Toyota Cruisers.
Agathis Camp is located at the southernmost edge of Maliau Basin Studies Centre. It is the starting point to all trails: Nephentes Camp (Camel Trophy Camp) and Ginseng Camp.
Visitors who are not taking the long jungle trail can do a one km self-guided nature trail at the camp and experience a fascinating introduction to the forest and its wildlife.
The group entering the trail to the Camel Trophy Camp.
The rest of the pictures showed the trails and what they encountered, like huge rainforest trees, rare plants, water catchment streams and others.
The group completed their Jungle activities in the late afternoon and returned to Studies Centre by evening. According to my guide, it was a hard day spent in the jungle trails. Almost all the participants donated their blood to the leeches of Maliau unintentionally.
On the 3rd day, before leaving Maliau Basin, they visited the "Sky Bridges" for the canopy walk.
All vehicles had to queue and prepare to be towed at many of the impassable parts of the road.
Another 3 hours were wasted and finally they were cleared leaving the muddy and rough road behind.
According to my Nature guide, who frequented Maliau Basin, the 3D2N tour is too short to see Maliau Basin. For those who are keen in jungle and nature adventure, a 5D4N tour is recommended. With this duration, they will be able to cover more trails especially trail ending at the majestic 7 tiers Maliau Water Falls and enjoy the panoramic full view of the Maliau Basin rim at the Lobah Helipad.
Maliau Basin Conservation Area is controlled and managed by Yayasan Sabah. Over 20 staff members are based there, monitoring the area and carrying anti-poaching patrols. The Maliau Basin Studies Centre, established at the southeast edge of the Basin is for research, education and nature tourism purposes.
Over 1800 species of plants have so far been identified. Nine species of pitcher plants and more than 80 kinds of orchids, several of which are said to be new for Sabah and also the bio-symbiotic Ant plants.
The real beauty of Maliau Basin is mainly in the fact that most of its areas are yet to be discovered as there are no human inhabitants in the Basin.
More than 70 mammal species like, the rare Sumatran rhinoceros, Clouded Leopards, Proboscis monkeys and Malay Bears are found in the area. The Studies Centre has also identified 261 species of birds and more than 30 amphibian species. The insect fauna is largely unknown.
Maliau Basin Conservation Area is ideal for adventure jungle trekking & wilderness experience, bird watching, photography and night walks, night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife along the access roads, swimming and recreation.
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