Discover the wild heart of Borneo on this immersive rainforest journey through Sabah’s most iconic nature reserves. From the mystical Maliau Basin, known as the “Lost World of Borneo,” to the pristine Danum Valley Conservation Area, experience lush jungles, canopy walks, river treks, and rare wildlife encounters. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to explore untouched Bornean wilderness in comfort.
PROGRAM ITINERARY
CODE : MD09
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN TAWAU & TRANSFER TO MALIAU BASIN STUDIES CENTRE
Morning – Arrival at Tawau Airport. Meet and greet by driver/guide.
Private overland transfer to Maliau Basin Studies Centre (approximately 5–6 hours drive, including a short break at a local rest stop).
Upon arrival at Maliau Gate (around 2:00 pm), enjoy a welcome drink at the Maliau Basin Shell Building.
Free time to visit the Information Gallery or relax with snacks at the Maliau Café.
3:00 pm – Proceed to Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC).
3:30 pm – Arrival and check-in. Visit the souvenir shop near reception.
5:00 pm – Visit the Nature Gallery to learn about the Maliau Basin ecosystem, also known as The Lost World of Borneo.
7:00 pm – Dinner at the Dalit Dining Hall.
8:00 pm – Orientation video at the A/V Lounge and briefing on park rules.
8:30 pm – Optional Maliau Safari Night Drive (add-on; weather permitting).
11:00 pm – Rest and overnight at Maliau Basin Studies Centre.
DAY 2 – CANOPY WALK & RIVER RELAXATION
5:00 am – (Alternative to Night Drive) Dawn Drive and sunrise viewing from the Observation Tower.
7:00 am – Breakfast at Dalit Dining Hall.
8:00 am – Forest Canopy Walk on the 138.4m-long Maliau Sky Bridge, 40m above the rainforest floor.
11:00 am – Return to the Studies Centre.
12:00 pm – Lunch and rest.
3:00 pm – Short trek on the EE Trail to learn about rainforest flora and fauna.
4:00 pm – Relax and swim in the river.
5:30 pm – Return to accommodation.
7:00 pm – Dinner at Dalit Dining Hall.
10:00 pm – Overnight at Maliau Basin.
DAY 3 – AGATHIS CAMP TREK & SUNSET VIEWING
6:00 am – Optional morning birdwatching.
7:00 am – Breakfast.
8:00 am – Hike to Agathis Camp (1 km) and experience trekking through pristine forest.
11:30 am – Return to the Studies Centre.
12:00 pm – Lunch and rest.
5:30 pm – Visit the Observation Tower for sunset views (weather permitting).
7:00 pm – Dinner at Dalit Dining Hall.
8:00 pm – Free & easy evening.
10:00 pm – Overnight at Maliau Basin.
DAY 4 – DEPART MALIAU BASIN & OVERNIGHT IN LAHAD DATU
7:00 am – Breakfast at Dalit Dining Hall.
9:00 am – Check-out and souvenir shopping.
10:00 am – Group photo before departure.
Midday–Afternoon – Overland transfer to Lahad Datu (approx. 6–8 hours).
Late Afternoon – Arrival and check-in at hotel .
Evening – Dinner at a local restaurant and free time to explore Lahad Datu town.
Overnight in Lahad Datu.
DAY 5 – TRANSFER TO DANUM VALLEY STUDIES CENTRE
9:30 am – Registration & check-in at Danum Valley Studies/Field Centre (DVSC/DVFC) Office, Fajar Centre, Lahad Datu.
12:00 pm – Transfer to Danum Valley, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes on a gravel road.
1:00 pm – Arrival and welcoming briefing at the reception counter.
3:30 pm – Lunch (optional add-on).
5:00 pm – Evening walk (approx. 1.5 hours) in search of wildlife.
6:30 pm – Tea break or own leisure time.
7:00 pm – Dinner at dining hall.
8:00 pm – Optional Night Drive to observe nocturnal wildlife (add-on; subject to weather).
11:00 pm – Lights off; overnight at DVSC.
DAY 6 – JUNGLE TREKKING & NIGHT WALK
7:00 am – Breakfast at dining hall.
8:00 am – Guided trekking activities (approx. 4 hours).
12:00 pm – Lunch at the Centre.
1:00 pm – Rest and leisure.
3:00 pm – Evening walk/trek (approx. 2.5 hours).
5:30 pm – Free & easy / tea break.
7:00 pm – Dinner at dining hall.
8:00 pm – Night Walk (max. 1 hour) to observe nocturnal species.
11:00 pm – Lights off; overnight at DVSC.
DAY 7 – FOREST EXPLORATION & OPTIONAL NIGHT DRIVE
6:00 am – Morning walk around the vicinity.
7:00 am – Breakfast.
8:00 am – Guided trekking (approx. 4 hours).
12:00 pm – Lunch at the Centre.
1:00 pm – Rest and relax.
3:00 pm – Evening walk or trek (approx. 2.5 hours).
5:30 pm – Tea break or leisure time.
7:00 pm – Dinner at dining hall.
8:00 pm – Optional Night Walk or Night Drive (add-on; subject to availability).
11:00 pm – Lights off; overnight at DVSC.
DAY 8 – FAREWELL TO DANUM VALLEY
6:00 am – Morning walk around the vicinity.
7:00 am – Breakfast at dining hall.
9:30 am – Check-out from Danum Valley.
12:00 pm – Arrival back in Lahad Datu (town or airport).