Maliau Falls
Seven tiers of water dropping through primary rainforest, deep enough inside the conservation area that no day trip reaches it. This is the image most people carry before they arrive, and the reason they book the trek rather than the Studies Centre.
What Maliau Falls is
Maliau Falls sits on the Maliau River in the interior of the basin, a seven-tiered cascade stepping down through forest that has never been logged or settled. It is the best known of the basin's waterfalls, and the one every trekking itinerary is built around.
The Murut people, whose territory borders the basin, hold the falls as the home of a mythical water dragon. The Murut name for the wider area translates roughly as the land of the giant staircase, a reference to the stepped landscape and the extraordinary number of waterfalls stacked down it. Standing at the base of a seven-tier drop, the name makes sense immediately.
The water runs a dark tea colour, stained by tannins leaching from the peaty leaf litter and heath forest upstream. It is clean, highly acidic and low in nutrients, which is why the basin's rivers support very few fish. More on why the water looks like that here.
img/falls-maliau-tiers.jpgThe seven tiers of Maliau Falls21/9How to get to Maliau Falls
Only on foot, and only on a trekking itinerary. There is no road, no shortcut and no day-visit option. The falls are reached from Ginseng Camp, which is itself two days' walk from the trailhead at Agathis.
On the five-day trek
An out-and-back from Ginseng Camp: roughly 4.5 kilometres each way, two to three hours in each direction. You carry a packed lunch, spend a long stop at the falls, and return to Ginseng for a second night. This is the relaxed version and it is why most people should book the five-day itinerary.
On the four-day trek
The falls are crossed rather than visited. Day three is a 10 kilometre, roughly seven hour push from Nepenthes Camp over Maliau Falls and on to Ginseng, carrying everything. Arrival at the falls is around 2.30pm and at camp around 5.30pm. You see it, but you arrive tired and you do not linger.
The final climb
The approach ends with a steep section where fixed ropes assist the climb. It is short and it is not technical, but it is the first thing guides cut when the rock is wet. If heavy rain has come through, be prepared to be turned back on safety grounds — that call is not negotiable.
The honest summary. Maliau Falls costs you two days of walking each way and a night in a dormitory with no power. If that trade does not appeal, the Studies Centre packages are a genuinely good trip with the Sky Bridge and the Observation Tower instead — but they do not reach the falls, and no amount of asking will change that.
img/falls-maliau-ropes.jpgRope-assisted final approach to the falls3/2
img/falls-maliau-pool.jpgPlunge pool at the base of Maliau Falls3/2What to expect at the falls
- Time there. On the five-day itinerary you get a genuine stop with lunch. On the four-day, closer to a pause.
- Swimming. Follow your guide. Pool conditions vary with flow and what was safe last month may not be today. Ginseng Falls, near camp, is the reliable swim on this trek.
- Photography. Bring more memory and battery than you think. There is no power in the interior. Note that packages include a non-DSLR camera fee only — a DSLR attracts a separate charge, so confirm the amount when booking.
- Footing. Wet rock, roots and rope sections. This is not the place to be in worn-out boots.
- Leeches. Present, as everywhere in the basin, and worse near water.
A note on tier heights
You will find individual tier measurements quoted online. We have not been able to verify them against a source worth citing, so we have left them out rather than repeat a figure that may be wrong. What is documented is that the falls drop in seven tiers, and that Takob Akob Falls at 38 metres is the tallest single drop in the basin.
Maliau Falls questions
How do you get to Maliau Falls?
Only on foot, on a trekking itinerary. The falls are reached from Ginseng Camp, two days' walk from the trailhead at Agathis. On the five-day trek it is an out-and-back of about 4.5 kilometres each way, two to three hours in each direction.
Can you see Maliau Falls on a day trip?
No. There is no road access and no day-visit option. Studies Centre packages do not reach the interior, so the falls require a multi-day trek with camp overnights.
How many tiers does Maliau Falls have?
Seven. It is the best known waterfall in the conservation area and the sight most trekking itineraries are built around.
Is the climb to Maliau Falls difficult?
The final approach includes a steep section with fixed ropes assisting the climb. It is short and not technical, but guides will turn a group back if the rock is wet after heavy rain. The greater difficulty is the two days of trekking required to get within range.
Can you swim at Maliau Falls?
Follow your guide, as pool conditions vary with flow. Ginseng Falls, a short walk from Ginseng Camp, is the reliable swimming spot on the trekking loop.
Is there a legend about Maliau Falls?
Yes. Murut tradition holds the falls as the home of a mythical water dragon. The Murut name for the wider area translates roughly as the land of the giant staircase, referring to the stepped landscape and its many waterfalls.
Book a trek that reaches the falls
Only the trekking itineraries get there. Tell us your dates and fitness and we will say which one fits.
Enquire Read the trek loop