[5][6] Malinau was originally a residential area inhabited by the Tidung ethnic group.

Based on information from Tidung community leaders, the name Malinau originated when the Dutch settled an area formerly known as Selamban.

[7] As people migrated into Selamban, it eventually grew much larger and became a town, renamed Malinau.

In December 2012, Malinau Regency became part of the new province of North Kalimantan.

The regency is considered located at a relatively high altitude compared to its neighbouring regions.

[9] Soil composition in the region is mostly ultisol, inceptisol, entisol, and podzol and most of them are of old formation.

The majority of soil composition in the region is considered infertile and unsuitable for large-scale farming.

However, there is also a significant area dominated by alluvium soil which is mostly found at lower altitudes between 15 and 25 metres above sea level.

The coldest period is between November and January while highest average temperature is on April.

Meanwhile, head of districts are appointed directly by the regent with the recommendation of the regency secretary.

[10][11][12] Malinau Regency is part of the 3rd North Kalimantan electoral district, which has 4 out of 35 representatives in the provincial parliament.

On local level, the regency is divided into two electoral districts that in total have 20 representatives.

[13] Economy of the regency is dominated by mining industry, which consist of 48.29% of its gross regional product.

Dominant religion in the regency is Protestant which sits around 60% of the population followed by minority of Muslim, Catholic, and Buddhist.

It is a private institution established in 2007 and offers diplomas in business administration, accounting, plantation cultivation, and information.

The only Balinese Hindu temple in the regency is named Pura Agung Femung Jagatnatha and located in Malinau Kota district.