Danum Valley Conservation Area

Kawasan Pemuliharaan Lembah Danum

A pristine rainforest reserve covering 43,800 hectares of primary and secondary tropical forest with exceptional biodiversity and few visitors. It offers jungle treks, canopy walks, and opportunities to spot orangutans, elephants, and rare wildlife in their natural habitat.

Things to do

• Canopy Walkway Trek — Experience the rainforest canopy 25 meters above ground on a suspended walkway system that offers unparalleled views of birds, insects, and arboreal wildlife.
• Jungle Trail Hiking — Trek through primary forest trails of varying difficulty to encounter orangutans, pygmy elephants, and numerous endemic bird species in their natural habitat.
• Danum Valley Field Centre Visit — Tour the research station where scientists study rainforest ecology and wildlife, offering insights into ongoing conservation work and biodiversity research.
• Night Jungle Walk — Guided nocturnal trek to observe nocturnal creatures including civets, flying squirrels, owls, and insects that emerge after dark.
• Borneo Rainforest Lodge Grounds Exploration — Walk the lodge's private trails and observe wildlife from accommodation areas while enjoying comfortable forest immersion.
• Waterfall and Pool Swimming — Discover natural jungle waterfalls and cool forest pools along riverside trails, offering refreshing swimming opportunities.

Food to try

• Nasi Kuning (Turmeric Rice) — Aromatic rice cooked with coconut milk and turmeric, a staple at jungle lodges often served with curried dishes.
• Jungle Fish Curry — Fresh local river fish cooked in traditional Sabahan curry with coconut milk, lemongrass, and local spices.
• Bamboo Shoots with Sambal — Tender bamboo shoots sourced from the forest prepared with spicy sambal relish, reflecting local forest harvesting traditions.
• Sabahan Roti Canai — Flaky Indian-influenced flatbread served with curry dipping sauce, commonly available at lodge dining facilities.
• Wild Boar or Venison Stew — Slow-cooked game meat with root vegetables and forest herbs, occasionally featured on lodge menus sourced sustainably.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Sites and Research Areas — Follow all lodge guidelines regarding restricted areas and sacred indigenous sites, as the region is home to indigenous Dusun communities with long-standing land connections.
• Hire Local Guides — Engage certified local guides from nearby communities who possess deep forest knowledge and ensure tourism benefits local economies.
• Practice Quiet Observation — Maintain silence during wildlife viewing to respect animal behavior and follow strict conservation ethics that protect endangered species like orangutans.
• Request Permission for Photography — Ask guides before photographing local staff or any cultural activities, as some community members prefer privacy regarding their involvement in tourism.

Nearby

• Lahad Datu — 54 km
• Semporna — 62 km
• Sipadan Island — 103 km
• Sandakan and Kinabalu (Sarawak) — 118 km