The Maliau Basin Conservation Area is a volcanic basin formed by geological processes millions of years ago, located in southern Sabah State. Covering approximately 58,840 hectares (over 580 square kilometers), it is considered one of the most pristine rainforests in Southeast Asia.

The area's topography is surrounded by mountain ridges, with an average elevation of over 1,600 meters above sea level, creating a "closed world" within the basin, enclosed by natural water and energy circulation. The Maliao River flows through the heart of the valley and empties into the Sekame River to the east.

The area's vegetation diversity is remarkable, ranging from lowland rainforest, montane evergreen forest, peat swamp forest, and moss forests on mountaintops. Over 1,800 species of plants are found, including rare wild orchids such as the Bornean pitcher plant and valuable forest species such as the rubber tree and native deciduous trees.

The Maliau Basin Conservation Area is also home to over 290 species of vertebrates, including over 80 mammals, over 270 bird species, and over 60 reptiles and amphibians. Examples include:

• Malayan tapir

• Bornean orangutan

• Bornean clouded leopard

• White-necked hornbill

Management of the Maliau Basin Conservation Area is under the care of the Yayasan Sabah Foundation, which collaborates with scientific institutions and universities around the world to use the area as a "natural laboratory" for research on ecosystems, forests, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.

The Maliao Basin Conservation Area Learning Center, the main research center, is located on the edge of the basin. It features laboratories, a nature library, an observation tower, and eco-lodge accommodations for researchers, students, and tourists interested in in-depth environmental learning.

Popular activities in the area include

• Eco-hiking

• Nature study and bird observation

• Nature and waterfall photography

• Environmental and ecological learning

Since the area is designated as a "natural laboratory," This "closed conservation area" is not accessible to the general public. Prior permission from the responsible authorities is required. Traveling with a licensed guide is recommended for safety and to avoid disrupting the ecosystem.

The valley's atmosphere is tranquil, surrounded by the sounds of birds and water. High humidity throughout the year, with an average temperature of 22–26°C, is ideal for those seeking a deeper connection to nature and a true exploration of the conservation world.

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How to Get There

Airplane:

• Fly to Tawau Airport (TWU) or Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI).

4x4 Vehicle:

• A four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle provided by the tour operator is required to travel from nearby towns (such as Tawau) to the MBSC service center.

Access:

• The journey from the main road to the MBSC center takes several hours and is full of obstacles. Independent travel to the area is strictly prohibited.

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Travel Tips

Physical Preparation:

• You need to have high physical strength for multi-day trekking.

Licenses and Guides Required:

• Access to the area requires booking a tour with a licensed company only. Unauthorized entry is prohibited.

Booking:

• Due to limited accommodations, trips must be booked at least 2-3 months in advance.

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Admission Fees:

• There is no direct entrance fee, but expenses are included in an all-inclusive tour package, which covers permits, guide fees, basic accommodation, and meals.

Opening Hours:

• Open year-round, but some activities may have restrictions (it is recommended to check information and book activities in advance through the website).