Maliau Basin Conservation Area
Maliau Basin Conservation area, also known as Sabah's Lost World, is 58,840 hectares of untouched primary rainforest. It is claimed to be one of the few remaining virgin rainforests in the World. The whole Basin is a single huge water catchment area resourced by only one river, the Maliau River, which flows out through a canyon southeast of the Basin, joining the Kuamut River and eventually the Kinabatangan, Sabah's largest and most important river.
BIRDs
Maliau Basin has recorded over 270 species of birds, some of the notable highlights are the Helmeted Hornbill, Bornean Bristlehead, Bulwer's Pheasant, Bornean Banded Kingfisher, Bornean Black Magpie, Blue Headed Pitta, and it is the only place in Sabah to see the rare Blue-Winged Leafbird.
BIRDing locations + trails
Birding along the Maliau Basin Field Centre gives you the best chance to see the species you had in mind. The main road and trails are fantastic places for birding. The trails around the field centre don't require a guide, although for anyone who is new to the rainforest, a guide is always advisable.
Getting there
Maliau is approximately 310 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu. The easiest way to get there is by car using the Keningau-Tawau road, which is sealed and partly gravel.