Borneo Expedition

Discover Sabah's Lost World

Deep in the heart of Borneo’s Sabah lies a land so wild, rugged and isolated that its beauty has been seen by few people. Welcome to the glorious Maliau Basin, a circle of lush forest and waterways rimmed on all sides by steep cliffs and embankments. Our 10-day trekking expedition takes you into this protected, restricted-access area to discover wild orchids and cascading waterfalls set in forest so green it seems to glow. With a homestay in a historic village and a well-earned night in a hotel bookending a three-and-a-half-day trek, this trip is for people seeking active adventure, natural splendour and a personal challenge.


We end the trip with a quick flight to Sandakan, followed by a boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island to witness sea turtles laying their eggs and the magical moment as hatchlings are released into the vast sea. Our last full day will be spent visiting conservation centers for three different local species; the orangutan, Bornean sun bear and the Proboscis monkey.

About the trip leaders

Jamie Owens and Sam Plavins

Jamie Owens

TropEco Travel

Jamie Owens hates the things most people tend to love—sorry Taylor Swift, Disney and coffee! Fortunately for us, she’s passionate about travel. As a licensed Travel Advisor and former PADI Divemaster, Jamie specializes in adventure, dive and sustainable travel. She’s been all over the world herself, exploring both above and underwater, with a camera in tow and on the hunt for the local good eats. Jamie knows a few things about the ocean—thank you University of Tampa, degree in Environmental Science and Marine Biology—and thrives when the sun is out. She hangs her hat in San Diego, CA, where she also teaches paddleboarding to dogs and humans alike. Her mantra? “Fill your life with adventures, not things!”

Sam Plavins

She Walks The Walk

Sam Plavins is a Canadian adventurer, entrepreneur and staunch advocate for taking back lost time. A former workaholic, she set out in 2019 to walk all 500 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago, where she had the epiphany that her finance career was killing her. So she decided to strike a new path, launching She Walks the Walk in 2020. Sam helps women rediscover themselves through her Global Walking Adventures. She urges you to step off that treadmill, because life is NOW. Not in some fantasy future. This year, she'll lead her clients on epic journeys to Norway, Tanzania, Borneo and Jordan. When not adventuring, Sam is usually looking for her lost phone or dispensing unsolicited advice to her daughters.

Why travel with us?
This is the only picture we have together...


Sam and I met on a familiarization trip in Jordan and hit it off immediately, I like to call her my Canadian counterpart. When Sam asked me to partner up on a group trip, there was no hesitation, the answer was a resounding yes.


Sam brings calm and calculated thinking to any situation, while I bring the laughter and silly faces. We both have a deep-rooted call for adventure travel and want to share that with all who are willing.

Is this trip right for you?
Ladders + Leeches galore!
  • The three-and-a-half-day trek in the Maliau Basin will be very challenging, even for experienced trekkers. Sections involve scaling vertical ladders and scrambling for hours at a time. You will need a high level of fitness and mental fortitude in order to participate in this adventure. The reward for those who are up to the task? Exploring where few people (and even fewer foreigners) have ever set foot.
  • All travellers who enter the Maliau Basin Conservation Area with the intention of hiking must have travel insurance that includes emergency helicopter evacuation.
  • During the trekking portion of this trip, you will sleep in basic camping huts on stretchers or bunk beds. Toilets will be squat style during this time. There are multiple nights without showers while on the trek.
  • You will need to bring quality shoes made for hiking in wet and slippery conditions. Our local experts recommend a local shoe colloquially known as the ‘kampung Adidas. These are similar to rubber soccer boots with spikes, and your leader can help you purchase these. You must also bring a hat, a reusable water bottle, a water purifying method, leech socks (or two pairs of football socks which can also be bought locally) and sunscreen.
  • Did you catch that comment above about leech socks? Yep, leeches thrive in damp environments, so the many waterways of the basin are a haven for the critters. You’ll need to dress to minimise skin exposure, keep strong insect repellent handy and have a tolerant attitude to creepy crawlies. Doubling up long football socks is a great way to protect yourself from leeches.
I was going to make a joke about leeches...

but I was too afraid it might suck.

Borneo Expedition: Discover Sabah's Lost World

$3,760 per person

Trek through the rarely visited Maliau Basin and be surrounded by lush rainforests, powerful waterfalls and steep cliffs.

View Trip Itinerary