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24 - 29 Jun 2006 Sabah's Maliau Basin Trek 6-days
Rm1350 (per pax for group of 10 pax) Rm1150 (12 pax) Rm1050 (14 pax) excluding airfares KUL Tawau.
Those interested have the option to go. For details click Sipadan 4D3N

Update 4 Jan 06 - This trip is to coincide with a Maliau Trek, schedule to start on 24 Jun. If you like to do this short trip at other times, please contact me. Divers are also welcome and can visit any/all of the dive centers in Mabul Island to arrange to dive.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
This is meant to be a "free and easy" budget trip. Participants should be relatively fit (for Maliau trip, participants have to be fit or get fit) with a good sense of humour, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similiarly assorted types! Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun!

 
Part of the seven-tier Maliau Falls / Satelite Photo of the sunken Basin

This trip is for regular trekkers to whom Maliau Basin needs no introduction. One has to be fit or has to get fit to endure the long hours of jungle trekking. After a tough 4 days, we will "lepak" in the famous islands of Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. Its probably one of the best snorkling areas in Malaysia. For those with more time on their hands, one can proceed on to Sandakan to visit Sepilok Orang Utan Centre or the Kinabatangan proboscis monkeys.

Day 1 Agathis Camp: Assemble at KLIA early morning and expect to arrive in Tawau by noon. We'll be taken by 4WD into the Maliau Basin Conservation Area 190km that should take about 5 hours. Note that all meals in Maliau is not covered in the cost. We will have a group fund of Rm100 each pax for food, gas and other camping equipment. Everyone is expected to help out in cooking and cleaning up. An optional night game drive of 27km costing about Rm20 per pax is suggested. Overnight at base camp Agathis. This camp is named after the many large Agathis trees found in the vicinity.
Day 2 Camel Trophy Camp: After breakfast, we trek 7kms (six hours) through steep hills, as we will ascending to the highest level of the Basin. After a short break, we proceed to the nearby Giluk and Takob Akob waterfalls. We enjoy the forest at this comfortable bungalow equiped with solar-powered florescent lighting. Overnight Camel Trophy Camp, which was built by the Camel Trophy Sabah Expedition in May 1993.
Day 3 Camel Tropy Camp: We visit the other waterfalls in the area. There are a total of 10 listed on the topo map of Maliau. A visit to the nearly heath forest is also recommended. Overnight Camel Trophy Camp.
Day 4 Bambangan Helipad: Its 8kms (five hours) trek to get to the Bambangan Campsite. We pass through the previous day beautiful heath forest with moss-covered ground, abundance of orchids and pitcher plants - a photographer's paradise. There are virtually no trees with diameter exceeding two inches as the soil is thin and nutrients deficient. We are now in the midst of what is know as the "Lost World of Sabah". After lunch we head to the spectacular 7-tiers Maliau Falls 4kms 2.5hrs return journey. Daredevils can swim accross the 50 meter pool at the base of the falls. Overnight Bambangan Campsite.
Day 5 Back to Agathis Camp: Its a 4kms (two half hours) return journey to the spectacular 7-tiers Maliau Falls from Bambangan. We spent a large portion of the morning here and dare-devils can take a swim accross the 50 meter pool to the base of the falls. Later its a journey of 3kms (two hours) to Ginseng Camp, named after a solitary Ginseng (ala Korean medicinal root!) plant growing nearby. Another tall waterfall, Ginseng Fall is located some 20 mins from this camp. Then its another 6kms (five hours) to get to Agathis Camp. We expect to arrive early to clean up and do up our washing and also to prepare a sumptous dinner to celebrate the completion of this 30kms trek. Overnight Agathis Camp.
Day 6 On to Semporna: We depart by 4WD out and make our way to Tawau and fly home. Those going on to Sipadan proceed on to Semporna. This coastal town is the boating point to Sipadan and other islands and has good seafood. Overnight motel in Semporna. MALIAU TRIP ENDS HERE BUT I PLAN FOR A GROUP FOR SIPADAN 4D3N ONLY TRIP. THE SIPADAN GROUP WILL ARRIVE ON THIS DAY AND TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL ON THIS NIGHT. MALIAU TREKKERS CAN ALSO PARTICIPATE.
Day 7 Off to Sipadan: We depart as early as possible to maximise our time in Sipadan and the surrounding equally beautiful islands. Its one hour by speedboat to Mabul, where we overnight in a former fisherman's wooden house, built on stilts over the clear waters. Mabul is a small island with a fishing village and police station. From Mabul, its 20 mins to Sipadan. We spend the day snorkling in these two islands. Note that all meals on the island trip is covered in the trip price. Note also that accomodation on the Island is very basic. Beds and mattresses are provided in this simple homestay village house.
Day 8 Kapalai Island: After breakfast we boat to Kapalai Island 15mins away, which is actually an atol. Its reputed to be one of the best snorkling sites in the area. We leave Mabul after lunch, return to Semporna.
Day 9 Semporna then go home: After breakfast, we spent sometime visiting the market and some shopping. Sea cucumbers and shells are good buys. We leave for Tawau Airport to catch the evening flight.

 
Sipadan clear waters / The famous Dive Wall is just under us

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. Cost covers the accomodation, boat rides and transport.
  2. Cost covers Maliau permits, consevation fees, guide fees, personal accident insurance and 4WDtransport.
  3. Cost covers Semporna islands stay and food. There is complimentary breakfast at the Semporna hotel.
  4. Cost does not cover airfares, airport taxes and your meals, unless stated above.
  5. An additional Rm100 each participant will be pooled to buy food, camping gas and other essentials for the 5 days stay in Maliau.
  6. As mentioned earlier, participants are expected to assist in food preparation and cleaning up for the duration of the Maliau trek. There will be no porters to carry our stuff and everyone is expected to carry equal load of provisions and equipment.
  7. Personal porters are available at Rm100 per day for maximum load of 12kgs. Two pax can share a porter to lower costs.
  8. I will plan out the menu and buy the provisions.
  9. Rangers will be with us to act as guide and carry VHF radios for emergency use.
  10. A deposit of Rm650 is payable to confirm your place.

Email: yongo@unifi.my or Rachelheng123@gmail.com
Phone: Lee Min: 016-220 9033 or 603-4031 6225
Phone: Rachel Heng 012 352 0868
Address: No 2 Lrg Air Bersih Satu, Air Panas, 53200 Kuala Lumpur

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