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Nearby park discovery

Map protected geography around an escarpment-ringed rainforest basin

Trace nearby protected landscapes from Maliau Basin across Sabah's sandstone escarpments

Maliau Basin forms a near-perfect sandstone bowl ringed by high escarpments, enclosing primary rainforest, radiating valleys, steep ridges, Maliau Falls, Lake Linumunsut, Mount Lotung, and a single river outflow through a gorge. The nearby map places this Sabah wilderness among surrounding protected records while keeping their catchments, geology, and legal status independent.

Related tags

tropical rainforestbasin landscapesandstone escarpmentstrict nature reserveprimary forest

A remote, virtually untouched sandstone catchment deep in the heart of Sabah, often described as the Lost World of Borneo.

Maliau Basin

Maliau Basin is a vast and largely undisturbed natural region in the Tongod District of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, centered on the geological catchment of the Maliau River. Encircled by steep sandstone escarpments and reaching elevations well over 1,600 meters, the basin forms a near-rounded depression that is unmistakably visible from the air. Approximately 390 square kilometers of primary forest sit within the broader 588 square kilometer protected area, supporting an array of lowland and highland habitats that have never supported permanent human settlement. Designated a conservation area by Yayasan Sabah in 1981 and later gazetted as a Class I Protection Forest Reserve by the Sabah State Assembly in 1997, Maliau Basin has remained one of the least-explored wilderness areas in all of Borneo. Its remoteness, intact forest cover, and unusual hydrology have given it a reputation as a place of ongoing scientific discovery, with ongoing efforts to secure World Heritage recognition and a dedicated field studies centre supporting research and biodiversity documentation.

Location
Malaysia
Park type
Nature reserve
Established
1981
Area
588 km²
Maliau Basin Protected Landscape Atlas
Regional park map

See the ranked park cluster in its geographic setting

Nearby parks around Maliau Basin

This regional map shows the same 20 nearby parks ranked below around Maliau Basin. Select a ranked marker to highlight that park’s boundary where boundary data is available.
Reference park: Maliau BasinRanked nearby park20 nearby parks shown
20 nearby parks

Geographic separation, direction, and recorded environmental metrics for nearby conservation lands

Ranked Protected Areas and Surrounding Regional Geography Near Maliau Basin

Nearby protected areas are ordered by spatial proximity to Maliau Basin, establishing a structured index for regional park geography. Spatial relationships and recorded environmental metrics provide comparative baseline data for evaluating surrounding protected landscapes.
A soft watercolor painting of a winding river flowing through a lush, misty green forest under pale hills.
Wildlife reserveSabah
About 86 km away#1 closest

East

Danum Valley Conservation Area: Protected Lowland Rainforest Geography in Sabah

Examining the boundaries and terrain of this Bornean wildlife reserve

Danum Valley Conservation Area serves as a primary site for understanding undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forest in Borneo. This wildlife reserve features a complex bowl shaped basin of rivers, ridges, and dense tropical canopy. Access geographic maps and site data to understand the structural integrity of this protected region located within the state of Sabah.

Area
438 km²
Established
1980
IUCN
Ia
Relief
Highland
National parkNorth Kalimantan
About 105 km away#2 closest

Southwest

Kayan Mentarang National Park: A Protected Landscape in North Kalimantan

Explore Borneo's critical protected area and its vast forest geography.

Kayan Mentarang National Park is an immense protected area in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, renowned for being a crucial part of the Heart of Borneo conservation initiative. This national park encompasses over 13,600 square kilometers of primary tropical rainforest, sheltering diverse montane and lowland habitats along the Indonesia-Malaysia border. Its importance lies in its vast, contiguous landscape, critical role in regional biodiversity, and its representation of one of Southeast Asia's last great wilderness expanses, offering significant insight into mapped protected areas.

Area
13,605 km²
Established
1996
IUCN
II
Scope
Mixed
National parkMalaysia
About 118 km away#3 closest

Northwest

Crocker Range National Park: A Protected Landscape within Malaysia's Borneo Region

Mapped boundaries and regional geography context for exploration.

Crocker Range National Park represents a significant protected area within Malaysia, contributing distinct geographic features and landscape context to the Borneo region. This detailed view supports atlas exploration by outlining the park's mapped boundaries and its role within the nation's protected lands. Understand the park's specific location and geographic identity, enriching your comprehension of Malaysian natural landscapes and conservation areas.

Area
1,399 km²
Established
1984
IUCN
II
Relief
Mountain
National parkSabah
About 121 km away#4 closest

Southeast

Tawau Hills National Park: Mapped Boundaries and Protected Landscape Identity in Sabah

Explore the geographic scope and regional context of Tawau Hills National Park.

Gain a structured understanding of Tawau Hills National Park as a protected area within the geography of Sabah, Malaysia. This resource details its significance as a national park, highlighting its mapped landscape and its contribution to the regional geographic context. Ideal for users interested in atlas exploration and comprehending the distribution of protected lands.

Area
280 km²
Established
1979
IUCN
II
Relief
Mountain
National parkMalaysia
About 149 km away#5 closest

North

Kinabalu National Park: Mapped Boundaries and Protected Landscape Atlas

Exploring Malaysia's Natural Terrain and Park Geography

Delve into the specific protected area identity of Kinabalu National Park, situated within Malaysia. This resource details its geographic scope and mapped terrain, providing a foundation for understanding its role as a national park. Examine the park's protected landscape context, offering valuable insights for anyone exploring regional geography and conservation areas through an atlas lens.

Area
754 km²
Established
1964
IUCN
II
Visitors
611.6K annual
A pale, minimalist watercolor painting depicting a gentle, rolling landscape with green and light red washes, suggesting hills and distant foliage against a soft, bright background.
National parkSabah
About 149 km away#6 closest

North

Kinabalu Park: Geographic Overview and Protected Landscape Mapping in Sabah, Malaysia

A study of vertical mountain terrain and biodiversity boundaries

Kinabalu Park stands as a defining natural entity in Sabah, Malaysia, characterized by its extreme elevation changes and concentration of rare botanical life. This atlas resource maps the park's physical geography, from its cloud-shrouded forests to its rocky summit plateaus, offering a detailed look at one of Southeast Asia's most significant protected mountain environments.

Area
754 km²
Established
1964
IUCN
II
Visitors
611.6K annual
Nature reserveSabah
About 156 km away#7 closest

Northwest

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre: Protected Mangrove Landscapes in Sabah, Malaysia

An urban nature reserve and critical coastal wetland site

The Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre stands as a preserved coastal mangrove fragment within the urban sprawl of Sabah's capital. This nature reserve provides a vital link between land and sea, offering a 1.5-kilometre boardwalk that allows for the observation of migratory bird populations and tidal mudflat ecosystems. As a designated Ramsar wetland, the site demonstrates the importance of small-scale conservation within fast-growing regional capital cities.

Area
0.24 km²
Established
1986
Relief
Lowland
Climate
Tropical
National parkSabah
About 160 km away#8 closest

Northwest

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park: Sabah National Park Protected Landscape & Geography

Explore mapped boundaries and regional context.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, designated as a national park, offers a specific focus on protected landscape exploration within Sabah. This entity details its geographic footprint and its significance as a mapped natural area. Understanding its role within the regional geography allows for a more complete exploration of Malaysia's protected lands through an atlas perspective.

Area
49 km²
Established
1974
IUCN
II
Relief
Mixed relief
National parkMalaysia
About 170 km away#9 closest

Northwest

Pulau Tiga National Park: A Protected Landscape within Malaysia's Geographic Context

Discover its mapped boundaries and regional natural terrain.

Pulau Tiga National Park stands as a distinct protected area, offering valuable insights into Malaysia's varied geography. This detail page is designed for structured discovery, highlighting the park's specific mapped boundaries and its contribution to the regional landscape context. Users exploring this national park will find a focused entry into understanding its protected status and its place within the atlas of Southeast Asian natural wonders.

National parkSabah
About 170 km away#10 closest

Northwest

Tiga Island National Park: Geological Mapping and Protected Coastal Landscapes in Sabah

A marine protected area shaped by mud volcano activity

This park encompasses three distinct islands created by mud volcanic eruptions in the South China Sea. Featuring a unique combination of soft, water-saturated terrain, white sandbars, and rocky outcrops, the area offers a compelling look at dynamic coastal geography. The marine environment supports extensive coral reefs and shoals, making the protected zone a key example of geological and marine diversity within the Sabah region.

Area
158 km²
Established
1978
IUCN
II
Relief
Lowland
National parkBrunei
About 192 km away#11 closest

West

Ulu Temburong National Park: Brunei's Protected Rainforest Landscape and Geographic Context

Mapped natural terrain and conservation significance.

Ulu Temburong National Park represents Brunei's commitment to preserving its most ecologically significant tropical rainforests, covering approximately 550 square kilometers. This protected area is characterized by its remote location in the Temburong District and its diverse topography, ranging from lowland areas to mountainous ridges, all within a largely undisturbed natural setting. The park's mapped boundaries encompass a vital transboundary conservation landscape, making it a key site for understanding Borneo's unique ecosystems and forest protection policies through an atlas-driven exploration approach.

Area
488.59 km²
Established
1991
IUCN
II
Relief
Mixed relief
Nature reserveTemburong District
About 193 km away#12 closest

West

Peradayan Forest Reserve Nature Reserve: Understanding its Protected Landscape and Geographic Setting

Explore mapped boundaries and the natural terrain of this Brunei reserve.

Peradayan Forest Reserve stands as a significant protected natural area within Brunei's Temburong District, an exclave characterized by vast tropical rainforests. This entry focuses on its identity as a nature reserve, providing key geographic context and details about its mapped boundaries. Understand its role within the regional landscape and how its protected status contributes to the conservation of Brunei's natural heritage, facilitating a deeper dive into atlas-style geographic exploration.

Area
26.5 km²
Relief
Upland
Climate
Tropical
Access
Moderate access
National parkMalaysia
About 194 km away#13 closest

Northeast

Turtle Islands National Park: Marine Protected Area and Island Geography in Malaysia

Coastal landscapes and coral reef protected zones

Explore the geographic footprint of Turtle Islands National Park, a marine-focused sanctuary in Malaysia. This protected area encompasses three islands and surrounding Sulu Sea reef ecosystems, providing critical nesting habitat for marine turtles. Learn about the island-based terrain and the marine boundaries that define this protected landscape.

Area
17.4 km²
Established
1977
Relief
Lowland
Climate
Tropical
National parkSabah
About 194 km away#14 closest

Northeast

Turtle Islands National Park: Marine Geography and Protected Island Landscapes in Sabah

A Sulu Sea sanctuary for coral reefs and sea turtle nesting grounds.

Located north of Sandakan, Turtle Islands National Park is a key marine protected area defined by its island geography and extensive coral reef habitat. The park protects critical nesting beaches for green and hawksbill sea turtles, offering a focused look at how marine conservation intersects with tropical island terrain in the Sulu Sea. This geographic profile details the park's offshore environment and its connection to broader maritime conservation efforts in the region.

Area
17.4 km²
Established
1977
IUCN
II
Relief
Lowland
Wildlife reserveSabah
About 200 km away#15 closest

East

Tabin Wildlife Reserve: Exploring Protected Landscapes and Terrain in Eastern Sabah

An essential conservation stronghold featuring unique mud volcano terrain and dipterocarp forest.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve encompasses a sprawling expanse of lowland jungle in the heart of the Dent Peninsula. This protected area plays a vital role in safeguarding Borneo's largest mammal populations and maintaining the ecological connectivity of riverine habitats and mineral-rich forest floors within the Sabah region.

Area
1,225 km²
Established
1984
IUCN
IV
Relief
Lowland
National parkSabah
About 201 km away#16 closest

East

Tun Sakaran Marine Park National Park: Sabah Marine Archipelago Atlas

Explore the islands, sand cays, and coral reef geography.

Tun Sakaran Marine Park is a protected national park in Sabah, Malaysia, known for its stunning marine biodiversity and archipelago landscape. This atlas entry details the park's distinct islands, dynamic sand cays, and extensive coral reef systems within the Celebes Sea, offering insights into its unique geographic setting and ecological significance.

Area
101 km²
Established
2004
IUCN
II
Relief
Lowland
Watercolor painting of a lake surrounded by green trees and distant pastel-colored hills.
Marine protected areaSabah
About 208 km away#17 closest

East

Sipadan Island Park: Marine Protected Area and Volcanic Seamount Landscape in Sabah, Malaysia

Exploration of submerged coral terrain, reef boundaries, and marine geography.

Sipadan Island Park encompasses 16,860 hectares of protected marine waters, centered on a singular volcanic seamount. This record details the park's underwater landscape, from shallow coral-fringed plateaus to deep-sea drop-offs, providing a clear geographic view of this essential Malaysian marine sanctuary.

Area
168.6 km²
Established
1933
Relief
Lowland
Climate
Tropical
Wildlife reserveTawi-Tawi
About 208 km away#18 closest

Northeast

Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary: Mapping the Protected Archipelago of Tawi-Tawi

Coastal landscapes, marine habitats, and island terrain

Spanning six islands at the maritime boundary of the Philippines and Malaysia, Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary is defined by its extensive nesting beaches and remnant forest. This protected area integrates marine and coastal habitats, ranging from the volcanic activity on Lihiman to the forested shores of Baguan, offering a unique look at the maritime geography of the Tawi-Tawi region.

Area
2,429.67 km²
Established
1999
National parkLimbang Division
About 222 km away#19 closest

Southwest

Pulong Tau National Park: A Protected National Park in Malaysia's Limbang Division

Explore its mapped boundaries and regional landscape context.

Pulong Tau National Park represents a key protected area within the Limbang Division, offering valuable geographic and atlas-based discovery opportunities. This page details the park's identity as a national park, focusing on its mapped boundaries and its role within the protected landscapes of Malaysia. Users can explore the park's specific geographic characteristics and understand its context within the regional atlas, providing a factual foundation for appreciating its natural landscape value.

Area
665.25 km²
Established
1998
IUCN
II
Relief
Mountain
National parkSarawak
About 226 km away#20 closest

West

Gunung Buda National Park: Sarawak National Park Protected Landscape and Geography

Explore the mapped boundaries and regional context of this Malaysian national park.

Gunung Buda National Park is a significant protected area within Sarawak, Malaysia, contributing to the region's diverse geography. As a national park, it offers specific insights into mapped protected lands, providing a focal point for understanding Borneo's natural landscapes. This entry details its geographic identity and its role as a protected natural space, crucial for any atlas-driven exploration of East Malaysia's conservation areas.

Area
66.2 km²
Established
2001
IUCN
II
Relief
Mountain
Distance methodology

Geographic measurements, not driving distances

How nearby park distances are calculated

Distances use park boundaries whenever the available geometry allows it. When one or both boundaries are missing, the mapped park locations provide a clearly labelled estimate. Every value represents straight-line geographic separation and does not use roads or routing.

Boundary distance

Calculated between the nearest points of both park boundaries.

Location-to-boundary estimate

Estimated from one mapped park location to the nearest boundary of the other park.

Mapped-location estimate

Estimated between the mapped locations of both parks.

MoriAtlas Explorer

Explore the Geographic Boundaries and Terrain of Maliau Basin

Trace the sandstone ring and internal river catchments of Maliau Basin through this detailed protected area profile. Use these resources to understand the scale of this undisturbed Sabah wilderness and its place within the broader Borneo landscape. Start your exploration of the basin's unique topography and forest cover with the comprehensive MoriAtlas dataset.