Takob Akob Falls
The tallest single waterfall in Maliau Basin, and one a surprising number of trekkers never see — because it is optional, it comes at the end of the hardest day of the trek, and by then plenty of people have nothing left.
What Takob Akob Falls is
A single drop of 38 metres, the tallest in the conservation area. Where Maliau Falls is a stepped seven-tier cascade, Takob Akob is one sheer fall, which makes it the more dramatic of the two in a photograph even though it is far less famous.
It sits within reach of Nepenthes Camp, roughly 3.5 kilometres away, in lower montane forest on the western side of the trekking loop.
img/takob-akob-drop.jpgThe 38 metre single drop of Takob Akob Falls21/9How to reach Takob Akob Falls
Only on the five-day trekking itinerary, and only as an option. It is offered as a two to three hour return walk from Nepenthes Camp on the afternoon of the first trekking day.
That timing is the problem. You reach Nepenthes after 7.5 kilometres and about five hours of the steepest sustained climbing on the entire loop — a day operators rate as challenging. The offer of another two to three hours on your feet arrives exactly when most people are least inclined to take it.
If Takob Akob matters to you, train for it specifically. The falls are not the hard part; arriving at Nepenthes with enough left to want them is. Preparation advice here.
Not on the four-day trek
The four-day itinerary substitutes Giluk Falls, about 3 kilometres each way from the same camp, on the same afternoon. You cannot do both on a standard package, so if Takob Akob is the draw, book the five-day.
Takob Akob Falls questions
How tall is Takob Akob Falls?
38 metres, making it the tallest single waterfall in Maliau Basin Conservation Area. Unlike the seven-tiered Maliau Falls, it drops in one fall.
How do you get to Takob Akob Falls?
As an optional two to three hour return walk from Nepenthes Camp, roughly 3.5 kilometres away, on the five-day trekking itinerary. It is offered on the afternoon of the first trekking day.
Is Takob Akob Falls included in every Maliau Basin trek?
No. It appears only on the five-day trekking itinerary and only as an option. The four-day trek substitutes Giluk Falls instead, and Studies Centre packages do not reach either.
Why do many trekkers skip Takob Akob Falls?
Because it is offered after a 7.5 kilometre day of the steepest climbing on the loop, which operators rate as challenging. Many people arrive at Nepenthes Camp without the energy for another two to three hours on their feet.
Which is better, Takob Akob or Maliau Falls?
They are different. Takob Akob is a single 38 metre drop and the taller of the two. Maliau Falls is a seven-tiered cascade and the more celebrated. Maliau Falls is scheduled on both treks; Takob Akob is optional on one.
Book the five-day trek
Takob Akob only appears on that itinerary. Tell us your dates and we will check availability.
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