DAY 1: Kota Kinabalu – Maliau Basin Study Centre

Depart early in the morning with a pickup from Kota Kinabalu at approximately 7:00 am (pickups from Semporna or Tawau can be arranged upon request). Travel for about 5–6 hours into Sabah’s remote interior, passing through the scenic winding roads of the Crocker Range. A brief stop at Keningau town may be made for last-minute supplies if needed.

Upon arrival at the Maliau Basin Gate, complete registration before continuing another 30–40 minutes to the Maliau Basin Study Centre, your accommodation for the night. Lunch will be served on arrival, followed by check-in and a short orientation briefing.

Later in the afternoon, join a guided walk around the study centre to gain insight into the remarkable biodiversity of this rarely visited rainforest. After dinner, opt for either a guided night walk or night drive (subject to weather and road conditions) to observe nocturnal wildlife.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MBSC Deluxe Room

DAY 2: Agathis Camp – Nepenthes Camp

Begin the day with an early breakfast before repacking your essentials and transferring to Agathis Camp, the starting point of the Full Maliau Basin Trekking Loop. Today’s 7.5km trek to Nepenthes Camp begins with a steep ascent, making it one of the more physically demanding sections of the journey.

The hike takes approximately 5 hours, with scheduled rest stops along the trail, including a break for packed lunch. Upon arrival at Nepenthes Camp, settle in, enjoy light refreshments, and explore the surrounding area. Depending on time and energy levels, an optional 2–3 hour return trek to Takob Akob Falls may be undertaken. Dinner and overnight stay at Nepenthes Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nepenthes Camp

DAY 3: Nepenthes Camp – Ginseng Camp & Ginseng Falls

After breakfast, continue the trekking loop towards Ginseng Camp on a 7km hike that takes around 5 hours. This day offers the most varied terrain and is generally less strenuous, passing through a mix of lower dipterocarp forest, lower montane forest, and heath forest.

Along the way, keep an eye out for unique pitcher plants, rafflesia blooms, and wildlife such as Bornean gibbons and red-leaf monkeys. Ginseng Camp is located close to Ginseng Falls, where you can spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying a refreshing swim before returning to camp for dinner and overnight rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ginseng Camp

DAY 4: Maliau Falls Expedition

Following breakfast, pack your lunch and set out on a guided trek to the spectacular Maliau Falls, the highlight of the basin. The trail covers approximately 4.5km each way and takes about 2–3 hours per direction. The final section involves a steep climb with rope assistance in certain areas.

Enjoy ample time at the falls to relax, have lunch, and appreciate the dramatic natural surroundings. In the early afternoon, begin the return trek back to Ginseng Camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ginseng Camp

DAY 5: Ginseng Camp – Agathis Camp – Return to Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast at Ginseng Camp, begin the final 9km hike back to Agathis Camp, taking approximately 5 hours with a break for packed lunch along the way.

Upon reaching Agathis Camp, meet your driver, clean up, and begin the 5–6 hour return journey to Kota Kinabalu (drop-offs in Semporna or Tawau can be arranged). Estimated arrival in Kota Kinabalu is around 7:00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch