The Lost World of Sabah’s Maliau Basin
Surrounded by pristine green skyscrapers more than 80 metres-high and over 100 years old, Sabah’s ‘Lost World’ – known as the Maliau Basin – covers an area slightly bigger than Singapore and is insurmountable by foot in all direction. The only way in is at the point where the Maliau River exits the basin. But even this is guarded by a series of impressive waterfalls and gorges. Inaccessibility has led to its natural secrets being hidden from mankind for millions of years.
In 1988, the first expedition to the Maliau Basin unveiled the mystery and beauty of a world untouched by the passage of time; where nature and wildlife coexist in perfect harmony, tucked in what seemed to be the very edge of the world: A ‘Jurassic Park’ sans dinosaurs.
Today, intrepid travellers up for a challenge can arrange a visit to this real ‘lost world.’ Maliau Basin contains over 70 km of trails, and visitors must be accompanied by a guide. To trek the land of Maliau Basin requires good physical fitness as the trails range from easy to steep and the terrain can be challenging. Though a porter is provided to carry food supplies, hikers are responsible for carting in their own personal belongings and water. Campsites equipped with basic facilities are available for trekkers where one’s guide is officially the ‘jungle chief.’
For more information on our Maliau Basin 5D/4N programme, visit the Agent Hub.
Trekking Off the Beaten Trail in Pu Luong
Stretching all the way from Mai Châu to Cuc Puong National Park, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is known for its outstanding natural beauty, slopping rice terrace fields, winding mountain passes, and traditional villages of ethnic minorities who still retain their unique cultural heritage and way of living.
Located roughly 180 southwest of Hanoi, Pu Luong Nature Reserve spans 17,662 ha with three-quarters of the nature reserve covered in primary tropical forest. Various trekking options are available for travellers to take in the panoramic views and breath-taking scenery. With each step, descend into the valley of sloping rice terraces and walk along small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque Uoi village sitting at the base of a towering mountain.
At the village, visit local families and learn about their traditional brocade weaving, before walking through the rice paddies back to the main road and to the car pick-up point.
For more information on our Puluong Retreat – 3D/2N programme, visit the Agent Hub.
Mount Kinabalu Climb & Walk the Torq Adventure
Located in the West Coast Division of Sabah, Malaysia, and standing at 4,095m, Mount Kinabalu is not only the highest peak in Borneo’s Crocker Range, but also the highest mountain in Malaysia. Situated within Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Kinabalu is also the 20th most prominent mountain in the world by topographic prominence. For those seeking a thrilling adventure, the Mount Kinabalu climb and Walk the Torq Via Ferrata offers majestic views over the park, as well as an added rush of adrenalin.
After a morning pick-up, transfer to Kinabalu Park and embark on a 4-5 climb up Mount Kinabalu to Pendant Hut. Stay overnight at Pendant Hut – sitting at 3,289m – where a mandatory Via Ferrata training will take place with the Mountain Torq trainer. A buffet dinner will be served at Laban Rata Restaurant; after which an early rest is highly recommended as the following morning will see an early start. At 3,521 m and 430m in length, this initiation Via Ferrata route is designed for beginners. A leisurely 2-3 hour climb offers dynamic mountain vistas laced with spectacular views; plenty of scenic opportunities are available while being securely fastened to the mountain.
This tour is best suited for people of all ages who are physically fit and are looking for a thrill. The minimum age is 10 years old; participants must also be at 1.3m tall.
For more information on our Mount Kinabalu Climb & Walk the Torg Adventure – 3D /2N programme, visit the Agent Hub.
Exploring Remote Muang La
Explore Laos’ untouched wilderness on an adventure across Laos’s northern mountains and Mekong valley. Start your trip with a luxury cruise along the Mekong River in northern Laos, spending a few nights in Muang La Resort. The seamless coexistence of the lodge with the local communities and its natural surroundings is what makes Muang La truly special.
Embark on a boat ride along the Nam Ou River to the iconic riverside city of Nong Khiew before venturing deeper into the wild far east of Laos to Nam Nern Night Safari and eco-lodge. Here guests will have the opportunity to spot local wildlife with a night-time trip down the Nam Nern River. Other activities include bird watching, wildlife tracking, searching for medicinal plants, and early morning hikes.
For more information on our Exploration Muang La 3D/2N programme, visit the Agent Hub.
Mulu Cave Experience
Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of outstanding natural beauty in Sarawak, Malaysia, is one of the ‘Jewels in the Crown’ of Sarawak’s expanding network of forestry. Covering 544 sq km of primary rainforest crisscrossed by fast-flowing rivers and clear jungle streams, Mulu is also the largest national park in Sarawak.
Although dominated by three mountains – Gunung Mulu (2,376 m), Gunung Api (1,750 m), and Gunung Benarat (1,858 m), many of Mulu’s greatest attractions lie deep below the surface. Hidden underneath the forested slopes of these mountains is one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world. This system, a breath-taking natural wonder, contains a number of record-breaking caves. With the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world’s largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber), and the longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave), it is not surprising that Mulu is now world-famous. Over 200 Km of cave passages have been surveyed but this is thought to represent just 30-40% of the actual total.
For more information on our Mulu Cave Experience 3D/2N programme, visit the Agent Hub.