Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Borneo? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of one of the world’s oldest and most intact rainforests? Do you want to encounter some of the rarest and most endangered animals on the planet? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should visit Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah, Malaysia.
Danum Valley Conservation Area is a 438-square-kilometer protected area that boasts a rich and varied biodiversity, a pristine and undisturbed rainforest, and a range of exciting and educational tours and activities. It is widely regarded as one of the best places in Borneo to see wildlife, such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, bantengs, and more. It is also home to the tallest tropical tree in the world, the ancient burial sites of the local tribes, and the longest canopy walkway in Malaysia.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Danum Valley Conservation Area, including its wildlife and nature, its tours and activities, its accommodation options, and its location and travel. We will also provide you with some tips and tricks to make the most of your visit, and some tour packages that you can book with Tripoto, a reliable and reputable travel platform. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something that suits your budget and preferences in Danum Valley Conservation Area.
Rich Biodiversity
One of the main attractions of Danum Valley Conservation Area is its incredible biodiversity. The conservation area hosts more than 200 species of trees, 300 species of birds, 120 species of mammals, 72 species of reptiles, and 56 species of amphibians. Many of these species are endangered and endemic to Borneo, such as the orangutan, the pygmy elephant, the clouded leopard, the banteng, the proboscis monkey, the Bornean gibbon, the Bornean rhinoceros, and the sun bear. You can also spot some of the smaller but equally fascinating creatures, such as the flying squirrel, the flying lemur, the tarsier, the slow loris, the civet, the mouse deer, and the Bornean bearded pig.
Danum Valley Conservation Area is also home to the tallest tropical tree in the world, a yellow meranti that stands at 100.8 meters high. This tree is estimated to be more than 700 years old, and it can store up to 180 tons of carbon, equivalent to the emissions of 50 cars in a year. You can admire this majestic tree from the canopy walkway, a 300-meter-long suspended bridge that offers a stunning view of the rainforest from above.
Another unique feature of Danum Valley Conservation Area is the ancient burial sites of the local tribes, such as the Orang Sungai and the Murut. These sites contain wooden coffins and ceramic jars that date back to more than 1,000 years ago. They are believed to be part of a complex ritual system that involved human sacrifice and headhunting. You can learn more about these sites and the culture and history of the local people from the local guides who accompany you on your tours and activities.
Tours and Activities
There are plenty of tours and activities that you can enjoy in Danum Valley Conservation Area, depending on your interests and preferences. You can choose from a variety of forest trails that range from easy to challenging, and explore the different habitats and ecosystems of the rainforest. You can also climb up to the observation towers that offer a panoramic view of the valley and the wildlife. You can also join the night safaris that allow you to spot the nocturnal animals that are active after dark, such as the civets, the owls, the frogs, and the fireflies.
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also sign up for the jungle treks that take you deeper into the rainforest, where you can camp overnight and experience the wilderness. You can also participate in the research projects that are conducted by the scientists and researchers who work in the conservation area. You can learn about the methods and techniques that they use to study and monitor the wildlife and the environment, and contribute to the conservation efforts.
No matter what tours and activities you choose, you will be accompanied by the local guides who are knowledgeable and experienced in the rainforest. They will help you identify and appreciate the wildlife and the nature, and share with you their stories and insights. They will also ensure your safety and comfort, and provide you with the necessary equipment and supplies.
The best time and season to visit Danum Valley Conservation Area is between March and October, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the wildlife is more active and visible. However, you can visit the conservation area all year round, as the rainforest is always green and lush, and the wildlife is always present. You can expect some rain and humidity, especially in the late afternoon and evening, so make sure to bring some waterproof and breathable clothing, and some insect repellent.
Accommodation Options
There are three accommodation options that you can choose from in Danum Valley Conservation Area, depending on your budget and preferences. They are:
Borneo Rainforest Lodge:
This is the most luxurious and exclusive option, located in the heart of the conservation area. It offers 31 chalets that are spacious and comfortable, with private balconies, en-suite bathrooms, and hot water. Some of the chalets also have outdoor tubs and river views. The lodge also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a library, a spa, and a gift shop. The price for a stay at the lodge ranges from RM 2,500 to RM 4,000 per person per night, depending on the season and the type of chalet. The price includes all meals, transfers, tours, and activities.
Danum Valley Field Centre:
This is the most affordable and basic option, located near the entrance of the conservation area. It is a research facility that also caters to visitors who want to experience the rainforest. It offers 23 rooms that are simple and clean, with shared bathrooms and cold water. The rooms can accommodate up to four people each. The centre also has a cafeteria, a conference hall, a laboratory, and a library. The price for a stay at the centre ranges from RM 150 to RM 300 per person per night, depending on the season and the type of room. The price includes all meals, transfers, tours, and activities.
Kawag Danum Rainforest Lodge:
This is a new and mid-range option, located about 20 kilometers from the conservation area. It offers 30 rooms that are modern and cozy, with private bathrooms and hot water. The rooms can accommodate up to three people each. The lodge also has a restaurant, a lounge, a swimming pool, and a garden. The price for a stay at the lodge ranges from RM 800 to RM 1,200 per person per night, depending on the season and the type of room. The price includes all meals, transfers, tours, and activities.
Location and Travel
Danum Valley Conservation Area is located about 70 kilometers from the town of Lahad Datu, in the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. The easiest and fastest way to get to Lahad Datu is by flying from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur, the two main cities in Malaysia. There are daily flights operated by Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, and the flight time is about an hour from Kota Kinabalu, and about three hours from Kuala Lumpur.
From Lahad Datu, you can take a transfer to your accommodation option, which will take about two to three hours, depending on the road conditions and the traffic. The transfer is usually arranged by your accommodation provider, and it is included in the price of your stay. The transfer is done by a 4X4 vehicle, as the road to the conservation area is unpaved and bumpy. You can enjoy the scenic views of the rainforest and the plantations along the way, and you might even spot some wildlife.
Danum Valley Conservation Area is a hidden gem of Borneo’s pristine rainforest and wildlife, and a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers. It offers a range of tours and activities that will allow you to experience and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the rainforest, and encounter some of the rarest and most endangered animals on the planet. It also offers a variety of accommodation options that suit different budgets and preferences, and a convenient and comfortable travel experience.
If you are interested in visiting Danum Valley Conservation Area, you can book your tour package with Tripoto, a reliable and reputable travel platform that can help you with everything you need.
You can also browse our website for more information and inspiration about Sabah, Borneo, and other conservation areas. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover one of the most amazing and untouched places in the world, and book your trip to Danum Valley Conservation Area today!
