The Maliau Basin Conservation Area is a natural catchment area, which has remained unknown for millions of years.

It was only recently that the Maliau Basin Conservation Area, situated just above the Equator in south central Sabah, began to be explored for its beautiful and natural wonders.

There are more than 30 species of mammals, 270 bird species and over 80 species of orchids, rare and endemic, were recorded. Numerous waterfalls have also been discovered throughout the Basin.

The Maliau River drains through a gorge out of the southeast of the Basin into the Kuamut River, which in turn feeds into the Kinabatangan, the longest river in Sabah.

There is so much to discover in the unspoilt wonderland, and due to its importance in the conservation of the ecosystem, visitors to the park are limited especially at the various camps set up.

* Images of Maliau Basin, courtesy of Sabah Tourism.

Key Tips

The Basin is almost unvisited and completely uninhabited by man.

How To Get There

Plane
Visitors can arrange to get on a plane from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, before proceeding with own arrangements to Maliau Basin.

Who To Contact

The Secretariat Maliau Basin Conservation Area Research & Development Division Yayasan Sabah Group P.O. Box 11622. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Tel: (6 088) 326300 / 326318 Fax: (6088) 326316 / 326315 Email:albinus@icsb-sabah.com.my http://www.ysnet.org.my/maliau http://www.borneoforestheritage.org.my

Maliau Basin Sabah

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To visit the caves, permission must be obtained from the Idahan elders. Visitors may visit the District Office in Lahad Datu town to make prior arrangements for entrance permission.

Key Tips

The most valuable – and rarest – nests are the white ones, which can fetch RM2,000 or more per kg.

How To Get There

By Road
The caves are near the Lahad Datu-Tawau Highway. The turn-off is 69km from Lahad Datu. Watch out for the signpost that says ‘Gua Madai’. From the turn-off, it is 3km to the caves.

By Bus
All buses between Lahad Datu and Semporna or Tawau will pass the turn-off to the caves. From here, you’ll be able to find a minivan to take you to the caves. But you might have to walk back out to the highway to catch your ride back.

Who To Contact

For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

Madai Caves Sabah

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Sabah tourist destination | Sabah tourist attractions

It was gazetted to preserve this valuable natural environment. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking ‘just’ a million years to form. The mighty Mount Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface.

Subsequent erosion removed thousands of feet of the overlying sand and mud stone, exposing this massif. During the Ice Age, glaciers running across the summit smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface remained unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged surfaces. This rugged mountain is the focal point of the National Park.

Key Tips

If you plan to climb the mountain, be sure to bring a head torch for the early morning climb to the summit which starts in utter darkness and cold weather gear. The summit temperatures have been known to dip to below freezing! Climbing Mt Kinabalu is a different experience for each person, but what makes most people succeed above all, is perseverance.

How To Get There

By Taxi
Car rentals can be arranged through major hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Taxis go to Park HQ at Ranau and take a maximum of four passengers. You can negotiate for the taxi to pick you up from Park HQ for your return if you hire the whole taxi.

By Bus
All express and minibuses between Kota Kinabalu and Ranau or Sandakan pass the park turn-off, from where it is just 100m to the Park HQ.

Who to Contact

For more information about Kinabalu Park, kindly contact their office at (+6088) – 211 881 or (+6088) – 212 719. You could also visit their website at http://www.sabahparks.org.my Tourism Malaysia Sabah also could provide some information about this place by contacting them at (+6088) -248 698 / 211 732 / 447075

Danum Valley

The Danum Valley Conservation Area, 83km south-west of Lahad Datu, is blessed with a startling diversity of tropical flora and fauna. This vast Eden-like basin is home to the rare Sumatran Rhinoceros, orang utans, gibbons, mousedeer and the beautiful clouded leopard. Some 270 species of birds have been recorded in the area. The Danum Field Research Centre is located within the confines of the 440 sq km forest reserve.

It also boasts one of the first eco-resorts in Sabah, known as the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. This comfortable resort has a restaurant, bar and comfortable chalets overlooking the Danum River. Jungle treks, river swimming, bird watching, night jungle tours and excursions to nearby logging sites and timber mills are some of the activities offered here.

For malaysia accommodation, feel free to visit www.dynamictourism.com

sabah danum valley

Batu Punggul Pinnacle

Situated on the banks of Sungai Sepulot (Sepulot River) in the remote interior of southern Sabah, not far from the Kalimantan border, Batu Punggul is a limestone massif with amazing views over the jungle from above and with caves below. Accommodation is available at a rustic resort nearby which offers anything from a Murut longhouse or native huts (called sulap), to a hostel or guesthouses, complete with modern facilities.

Cave exploration is an exciting treat of unusual stalactites, stalagmites and bats. The Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, can be found about 25-minutes’ walk from the caves. The area is also home to wild orchids. It is possible to climb to the top of the massif for panoramic views of the surrounding forest. At night, there is impressive music coming from the ‘jungle symphony’…

As limestone massifs are normally found in coastal areas, the existence of Batu Punggul deep in the interior of Borneo is a source of geological wonder to scientists visiting the area.