The ONLY Guide You Need to Explore Danum Valley for a Worry-Free Rainforest Excursion!
One of the world’s oldest rainforests, Danum Valley, is a place so rich in nature that visiting it is a must. It has been home to many animal species for over 130 million years, where various endemic, endangered, and rare creatures can be found.
It’s no doubt awe-inspiring and absolutely beautiful. With birds chirping nature’s melody, monkeys swinging in the trees, elephants crossing the trails, and reptiles lurking in the shadows, standing in the middle of it feels surreal!
In this day and age, visiting an untouched ecosystem is rare, so give it a go and admire the phenomenal surprises that Danum Valley has in store. Here’s our fool-proof guide, complete with transportation, tours, and lodging, to make your trip stress-free!
Time Zone
Malaysia Standard Time (GMT +8)
Best Time to Go to Danum Valley
The best time to go to Danum Valley is anytime between March and October. These months have a lower chance of rainfall, giving you plenty of time to complete your activity list.
Do note that these months are also peak season. If you’re booking a tour or accommodation, it’s best to do it as early as possible to guarantee a spot.
It’s open year-round, though, so you can still visit anytime. However, visiting during the wet season makes jungle activities tough because of the muddy trails. Furthermore, some experiences may also be cancelled depending on the weather.
Things to Know about Danum Valley
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Languages: Malay (primary), English (widely spoken)
Admission: Permits are required. You must arrange these at the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC), and the prices will depend on your booked tour and accommodation. Advanced booking is highly recommended.
Status: Class 1 Protection Forest Reserve
Area Size: 438 sq km
Trail Difficulty: Moderately challenging
How to Get to Danum Valley
To get to Danum Valley, you must go to Lahad Datu, which is the closest town. From there, the 81 km drive to the rainforest will take approximately two and a half hours.
Note that you cannot drive on your own to Danum Valley because you need a permit, which is given only to regulated authorities.
Air: Book a flight to Lahad Datu Airport. You can use MAS Wings from Kota Kinabalu for a direct flight.
If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, land in Kota Kinabalu International Airport first and then fly to Lahad Datu Airport. You can find connecting flights at Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia.
Where to Stay in Danum Valley
Since Danum Valley is a remote location, there are only two available accommodations—both located within the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Both options offer multi-day packages, meals, transfers to and from Lahad Datu, and guided nature activities.
Danum Valley Field Centre
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Contact: [email protected], enquiry form
Check-in & Checkout: 11:30 am & 10:30 am
Best For: Couples, solo travellers, and large groups looking for an affordable option
Pricing: $$
The Danum Valley Field Centre is the more affordable option. It’s not exactly a hotel, as it’s a place that researches the local ecosystem, and it offers accommodation and daily meals.
There are three kinds of lodgings here: a resthouse, a chalet, and a hostel. The first two are private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, while the last one has single gender rooms with bunk beds and shared bathrooms.
For the most comfortable stay, book the chalet for its amenities. In every room, there’s an air-conditioner, refrigerator, heated shower, soap, tissue, towel, pillow, and blanket.
The resthouse is slightly more affordable and comes with two options: deluxe and standard. Both have heated showers, soaps, and tissues; however, the deluxe has air-conditioning, while the standard only has a ceiling fan.
The cheapest option is the non-air-conditioned dormitory, which accommodates large groups. Here, you’ll get a pillow, blanket, and towel, but toiletries are not included.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
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Contact: +60 17-818 7727, [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout: 2 pm & 12 pm
Best For: Couples and small groups who want a premium stay and total privacy
Pricing: $$$
The award-winning Borneo Forest Lodge is for locals and visitors who have the budget. Even if it’s on the expensive side, you’re getting what you pay for because it’s premium accommodation!
You can choose between a chalet or a villa, which come with premium options if you want to splurge. All provide incredible views of Danum Valley, either the forest or the river.
Your stay is guaranteed to be private since you’ll have your own little lodge. They all have good ventilation systems, allowing the air to flow through for a comfortable stay.
The amenities are complete—all meals, an air-conditioner, a coffee and tea maker, a mini bar, an in-room safe, and an electric repellent. If you need to cool down after a day of hiking, some rooms even have a plunge pool!
Another perk is the spa right in the middle of the forest! Unwind and recharge by getting relaxing treatments using local herbs at the Jari Jari Spa.
What to Do in Danum Valley
Go trekking to see the wildlife
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… with a nature guide! Trekking is the main activity in Danum Valley. It’s a protected and massive area, so wandering alone is prohibited for your safety, the animals, and the ecosystem.
No worries, though! Tour packages will include guided hikes, and even your accommodation will offer these during your stay. If you’re coming alone without purchasing a package, the DVFC will assign you a guide.
The trek will take you to various trails in the rainforest, allowing you to see wild animals, such as orangutans, gibbons, elephants, and various fascinating reptiles and birds. It’s basically a nature lover’s dream!
Explore the rainforest at night
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Trekking the rainforest at night, when the only light source comes from the sliver of the moon, provides a unique and exciting experience. The best part? There’s a chance you’ll see nocturnal animals, like the common palm civet and the flying squirrel!
Plus, you’ll see totally different species of animals. If you’re lucky, you might spot the elusive clouded leopard and the tiny tarsier.
Cross the canopy walkways
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It’s time to be brave and cross the several canopy walks in Danum Valley. It’ll show you a different perspective, as you’re up high in the rainforest, surrounded by the trees.
If you’re not afraid of heights, this is a must-try activity! There are several suspension bridges connected by the towering trees, measuring up to 300 m in total, which you can access by climbing up the stairs attached to a tree.
This isn’t for the faint of heart, though! As you cross more canopy walks, you’ll continue to go higher and higher, reaching 26 m from the ground! The silver lining is that there’s a chance to spot orangutans chilling in the trees.
Watch the sunrise at Bukit Atur
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Watching the sunrise at Danum Valley introduces a new way of seeing things. As the sun rises, the rainforest is surrounded by a heavy mist that opens up the whole place.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and something you must do at least once. You do have to wake up really early to hike, but it’s worth it, we promise!
Float down the river
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Danum Valley is hot and humid, so a way to refresh your body is by river tubing! Instead of trekking, you’ll be floating along the currents of the Danum River, which is a cool way to see the rainforest.
For the adrenaline junkies, whitewater rafting is a high-energy activity. You’ll be paddling along the river currents, which also gives you the chance to see wild animals hanging in the trees.
Safety is paramount, so river activities shouldn’t be done alone. You must book a tour package that includes this or look into customising your booking.
Join a bird watching tour
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Danum Valley is a playground for birdwatchers. It’s home to over 300 bird species, including endemic and endangered species.
Some birds you might be able to see here include the Bulwer’s pheasant, blue-headed pitta, whiskered treeswift, and the Bornean bristlehead.
Where to Book a Tour in Danum Valley
Danum Valley Field Centre
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Contact: [email protected], enquiry form
Pricing: $$
Yes, the DVFC also offers tour packages aside from accommodation. Your room booking will include a range of activities and delicious Malaysian home-style meals.
They offer a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights’ stay for two persons, but they also have a 5-day package for an extended trip. It includes pickup and drop-off within Lahad Datu and guided treks in various locations.
They have a sample itinerary, which you can follow. But if you want to do something else, you’re free to ask your guide to customise it.
Borneo Nature Tours
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Address: Block B, Lot 11 & 12, 3rd Floor, KK Times Square, Off Jalan Coastal, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +60 17-818 7727, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
Pricing: $$$
Borneo Nature Tours provides guided experiences through accommodations booked at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. You get to stay in a luxury room, complete with meals, nature activities, and scheduled transfers.
The jungle activities include trekking, night drive, and the canopy walkway. You can go for tailored packages if there are specific experiences you want to try.
Borneo Adventure
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Address: Block E-27-3A, KK Times Square, off Coastal Highway 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +60 88-486800, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Pricing: $$$
For locals and tourists who want the convenience of booking multiple tours in one place, Borneo Adventure is who you should call. It has mainly been providing Sarawak and Sabah rainforest tours for decades.
They offer several packages, including budget and premium options. You can choose between a 3-day or 4-day tour, including accommodation at the DVFC or the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Everything’s sorted out here. You’ll get picked up and dropped off at the Lahad Datu Airport, making them an ideal choice for tourists or Malaysians who don’t live in the area.
What Should You Expect from the Weather in Danum Valley
The weather in Danum Valley is hot, humid, and wet year-round, with a daily temperature of around 27°C to 30°C, because of its tropical rainforest climate. You should also be ready for lots of intense rain.
What to Pack for Danum Valley
A trip to Danum Valley requires careful planning and packing since you’ll be in a remote area. While there’s a shop at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, it has limited options and may not have your size in clothing.
So, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need for a safe and comfortable experience. Here’s a list of the essentials you must bring:
- Breathable and quick-drying clothing because the weather is hot and humid, and you need something that will help cool your body. And when it rains, you won’t have to worry about wet clothes most of the time.
- Hiking shoes that offer ankle support and have traction for the muddy trails.
- Leech socks because these slimy creatures can go through small openings. If you don’t have one, the Borneo Rainforest Lodge sells these in their shop, but we wouldn’t risk not bringing one already.
- Waterproof bag to keep all your belongings safe from the rain.
- Natural insect repellent to keep you safe from bites because you’ll be in the middle of the forest, where all sorts of bugs roam around.
- Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
- Raincoat to keep you dry when it’s raining.
- Swimwear for river activities.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your jungle treks.
- Torchlight to use during night hikes.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting.
- Camera to capture wildlife in the area. Consider bringin some sort of protection from the rain.
- First-aid kit and medications in case of emergencies. The nearest hospital is in Lahad Datu, which is a couple of hours away, so it’s best to bring all the essential medicines you take or might need.
A Sample Itinerary for Danum Valley
Itineraries in Datum Valley will vary based on the tour operator and your length of stay, although they mostly do the same things. To give you an idea, here’s a sample itinerary for a 3-day and 2-night stay.
- Day 1 – Pick up from Lahad Datu and depart for Danum Valley. Upon arrival, check in at the accommodation, have lunch, and start the guided tour.
- Day 2 – Get breakfast, start the morning tour, return to the accommodation for lunch, depart for another guided tour, and return to the room for dinner. If the weather permits, go on a night tour.
- Day 3 – A guided sunrise hike, have breakfast at the accommodation, pack up, and have lunch. After that, check out and depart for Lahad Batu.