Wonderful Malaysia

Few destinations in Malaysia are so unique that they top many travelers’ bucket lists. This is especially true of the Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA), a 130-million-year-old primary jungle in eastern Sabah. We first visited the place on our most recent trip through Malaysian Borneo, and yeah — it really is the pinnacle of a jungle adventure. A visit almost guarantees “Memories of a Lifetime,” and although it has a price tag to match, it’s worth every penny as far as we’re concerned. A three-day visit (the shortest possible trip to the nature park) is already a fantastic experience. We’ve never seen so many species of wildlife on any of our other trips, but as always, the chances of spotting animals, birds, insects, and reptiles are influenced by several factors — plain luck being one of them.

Here you can read about our extensive experience with Danum Valley and our tips on how to slightly reduce the total cost of this unique trip.

Danum Valley comprises an area of about 438 km², making it roughly twice the size of Kuala Lumpur (or Amsterdam). It’s considered one of the richest ecosystems in the world. The vast area is home to incredible biodiversity, full of rare and endangered species such as the orangutan, the Borneo pygmy elephant (now recognized as its own species), pangolins, tarsiers, the clouded leopard, and more. The protected reserve is also home to a wide variety of plant, tree, and bird species, making it a paradise for nature researchers, bird-watchers, and ecotourists.

The preserve has held protected status since 1980 and is officially classified as a Conservation Area (not a National Park). Famous visitors before us include Sir David Attenborough, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Jane Goodall, Judi Dench, and many other well-known names. They come for the incredible biodiversity — and because the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge offers the ultimate in exclusive jungle experiences. I stayed there myself, and you can read all about how incredibly cool it was right here.

Several activities are scheduled daily during a visit, aimed at spotting wildlife and exploring the rainforest. Think guided walks (with highly experienced guides), wildlife observation, and night safaris to discover the unique flora and fauna. There are canopy walkways, multiple viewing platforms, and you can also explore the river by boat — or even by tube if you’re feeling adventurous.

Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) is the research center at the entrance to the nature park — think of it as the park headquarters (HQ). Further in, you’ll find the particularly luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge, even more remote and tucked deep in the jungle. You can explore any of these places for your own unforgettable jungle adventure.

High probability of spotting wildlife

This part of Sabah contains many protected wildlife areas, so it’s home to a large population of Borneo pygmy elephants and orangutans. Although the animals can move freely across large distances, their population density is highest around the Danum Valley Field Centre — thanks to the many fruit trees in the area that the wildlife gravitates toward. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge also has plenty of fruit trees, so the chances of spotting wildlife are high there too — sometimes even from your room.

That said, animals have a pretty wide range of movement, so they won’t always be hanging around your accommodation. Even though the chances of spotting them are good, if you’re only staying for 3 or 4 days, you might just get unlucky and not see any wild animals. Still, you’ll definitely see cool insects, snakes, spiders, and lots of interesting bird species.

Wildlife you might encounter on a hike in Danum Valley includes: Borneo pygmy elephants, orangutans, sun bears (honey bears), red leaf monkeys, gibbons, sambar deer, monitor lizards, civet cats, clouded leopards, flying squirrels, snakes, spiders (including tarantulas), frogs, tarsiers, pangolins, and a wide variety of insects and birds.

Tours and activities

There are a large number of tours and activities available in Danum Valley, and some of them are standard activities typically included if you stay for 2 or 3 nights. These activities are part of the package you booked. All activities are optional, and you can also choose to spend the day hiking on your own or simply relax at the lodge or research center. However, you won’t get the full jungle experience in that case. As far as we’re concerned, the cool daily activities are the main reason to visit Danum Valley.

The 3D/2N trip to Danum usually includes the following tours: a hike after lunch, a night safari (on the first evening after arrival), a morning hike, an afternoon hike or tubing, and in the evening, another night safari or night hike. On the morning of departure, you wake up early for a morning hike or a super-early trip to the viewing platform at Bukit Atur for sunrise.

The 4D/3N trip is much the same, but on the extra day, you’ll explore a few more trails and have more time to spot wildlife. You’ll also have more time to relax, especially if you stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

We stayed at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) for 3 days (2 nights) and did some amazing hikes. The longest hike was on the 2nd morning (alarm went off at 5:00) to the Viewpoint viewing platform high up a nearby mountain. The Viewpoint Trail passed by Coffin Cliff (where tribal chiefs are buried at altitude), and because we took the longer route, we also passed Fairy Water Falls and the Jacuzzi Pool (where little fish nibble at your toes) on the way back. It was an incredible trip. We even spotted an orangutan with a baby and several other species. If you stay at the Field Center, you’ll do similar activities, with great wildlife spotting opportunities and plenty of cool sights during the hike.

If you stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, you’ll have access to their 300-meter-long canopy walkway, which in some places is suspended up to 26 meters above the ground. Tubing is also available for lodge guests. You’ll first walk your tube upstream a bit, then float back to the resort at a leisurely pace with the current. While it may not be the picture-perfect jungle adventure, it’s still a lot of fun!

Valhalla for hikers

There are over 32 kilometers of hiking trails around the Danum Valley Field Centre and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, including more than 13 well-marked and well-signposted trails. You can hike most of them independently, but it’s more fun to do so with a guide. If a guide isn’t included in your tour package, you can book one at the Field Centre or check if there’s space with a group on a guided tour. At the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, guided walks are always included in your tour. The guide knows and sees everything. Looking for a Keeled Pit Viper? Chances are you’ll walk right past it, while your guide will spot the magnificent snake. As far as we’re concerned, no visit is complete without at least a couple of hikes, usually on the most popular trails, which you can easily do in a few hours.

Three accommodations at Danum Valley

In Danum Valley, you can stay at three accommodations. The first two, which we mention below, are the most popular because they are located within the nature park itself:

Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) is a luxurious 5-star lodge deep in the jungle. It’s perhaps one of the most beautiful jungle lodges in the world. A stay here is truly unique and unforgettable. It’s an exclusive jungle experience, with a maximum of 60 guests at any given time. While it’s not cheap, we believe it’s absolutely worth the price. Read our experiences at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge here.

If you think that much luxury might not be necessary in the jungle, consider staying at the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC), which is located near Park HQ. Here, you can book various types of rooms. A room that includes transfers, meals, and all activities (with a guide) still comes with a hefty price tag, but compared to Borneo Rainforest Lodge, it’s much more affordable. This is also a unique stay with great opportunities for spotting rare animal species. If you’re traveling with small children, DVFC might be the best choice, as everything there is more relaxed and casual.

The third option is INFAPRO, where you can book a fixed package for 2 or 3 nights. Located just outside Danum Valley, its day activities still take place within the preserve. INFAPRO offers decent (if basic) rooms, and its pricing is similar to that of DVFC.

How do you book a trip to Danum Valley?

A visit to Danum Valley is usually booked on a full-board basis, which means all meals are included in the price. The fairly hefty price of the trip is also explained by the fact that all activities are included, with a guide for all activities and a driver for the safaris. Transfers from Lahad Datu are also included. The trip typically comes in two variations: 3D/2N or 4D/3N. The extra night costs a bit more but includes an additional full day, which means more daytime activities than the 3D/2N version—more activities and, therefore, more chances to spot wildlife.

If you want to visit Danum Valley by yourself, there are three options:

Borneo Rainforest Lodge ***** (directly or through a travel agent)
The most special and exclusive option: Borneo Rainforest Lodge by Borneo Nature Tours. It does cost a bit, but it’s worth every penny. Think of it as a “Once in a Lifetime” experience. Many big names have visited before you for a reason. The accommodation is truly unique, and the tours are of very high quality. The location is fantastic, and the atmosphere at the resort is indescribable. You can book directly through the resort or through intermediaries (often popular, highly-rated local travel companies that only operate in Sabah).

Danum Valley Field Centre ** (through local tour operators)
A little less luxurious but more affordable, you can book a basic stay at the Danum Valley Field Centre (at Park HQ) through one of the popular local tour agencies. A booking includes food, drinks, transfers, and all on-site activities. This will also lead to unforgettable memories, though it’s a bit more basic, and the price is still on the high side.

Danum Valley Field Centre ** (arrange yourself = cheapest)
The most budget-friendly option is to arrange a stay at Danum Valley Field Centre yourself. This option was originally intended for researchers and students but is now open to tourists as well. However, it’s a bit cumbersome, as communication can be tricky due to the staff being busy throughout the day.

You can arrange a room without going through tour providers by calling, emailing, or contacting the research center (+60123488437) directly. Here is a link to an online booking form for DVFC (last checked in April 2025). You can also visit their office in Lahad Datu, which is within walking distance of the airport. However, if you visit the Lahad Datu office, there’s a higher chance that everything may already be fully booked.

If you book directly with the Danum Valley Field Centre, you can opt for a complete 3D/2N or 4D/3N package. The cost is about €450 per person (for 3D/2N) and includes all meals, park fees, guided walks, night hikes, and transfers in addition to the nights. Please note that you must pay in advance by credit card. Extra activities, as well as meals and drinks outside the package, will incur additional costs.

The final cost isn’t fixed in advance, as you’ll pay extra for additional activities on-site. A more detailed cost breakdown of all components can be found in the tips section at the bottom of this page.

Expensive trip, but absolute value for money. A cost comparison

When you first look at the prices, you’ll probably be shocked at the cost of a 3D/2N trip to Danum Valley. For 3D/2N, think around €2000 per person for a luxury chalet at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (with air conditioning and a private pool), including exceptionally good meals and a full day program of activities. Before you think it’s crazy to pay that much for a few nights in the jungle, we should mention that this is the ultimate jungle experience. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is considered one of the most exclusive jungle lodges in the world and has been winning award after award for years.

The alternative is the Danum Valley Field Centre, where you’ll pay a minimum of €1300 per person for 3D/2N in the most basic accommodation — a bed in a dormitory at Park HQ — including good but basic meals and all on-site activities (though for some additional activities you pay extra). These are the prices if you book through local tour agencies like Sticky Rice, River Junkie, etc., often as part of a larger Sabah trip.

When comparing costs, we noticed that the most luxurious and most basic variant differ only slightly in price. Especially at Park HQ, there are several types of accommodation — from pretty basic to very basic — but the price difference was often just a few hundred euros for exactly the same tour. So it’s mostly a matter of booking early. That way, you might get a room with air conditioning for pretty much the same price. If you book closer to your travel date, chances are only a dormitory bed will be left for almost the same price.

There are virtually no other trips in Malaysia that come with such a hefty price tag. Yet, it’s still absolutely worth it — you get a once-in-a-lifetime experience in return. And hey, if you’ve got something special to celebrate, this might be the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a visit to Danum Valley 😊.

NOTE: We’ve listed amounts in euros here. Accommodation prices are always subject to change. We do our best to keep the information on this page as up to date as possible. The same goes for the links to websites or booking forms, and the phone numbers we’ve shared.

Food and drinks

In the case of an organized trip or a package based on 3D/2N or 4D/3N, all meals are included—whether you’re staying at the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge or at the Danum Valley Field Centre, and whether you’ve booked directly with the accommodation or through an intermediary (like a local travel agency as part of a roundtrip).

The food is buffet-style. Fairly simple (yet delicious and mostly based on local ingredients) at the Danum Valley Field Centre, and much more extensive and of the highest quality at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. At the Lodge, there are also a few live cooking stations where certain dishes are freshly prepared. Think an omelet in the morning or some satay skewers at dinner. Both accommodations offer plenty of vegetarian options, but if you’re vegan, it’s best to let them know in advance so they can take that into account.

If you want something to eat outside the usual mealtimes (which usually have set start and end times), you’ll need to order it separately, and that comes at an extra cost. The same goes for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Most airports and even Lahad Datu have a simple 7-Eleven where you can stock up on snacks before your visit. We brought a few bags of nuts with us, so we always had something to munch on between meals or during the longer jungle hikes.

Checklist

The following checklist is essential when visiting Danum Valley (and pretty much any other nature park in Malaysia). You’ll usually get a packing list with your booking too, which will be more or less the same as ours.

• Leech socks – We used leech-resistant socks from Travelsafe. You can also buy them at the accommodation.
• Raincoat – We always carry a lightweight waterproof sports jacket for light rain.
• Poncho or umbrella – Handy when it really pours; good to have one just in case (but really hot and sweaty).
• Water bottle – We just bought some in advance somewhere in Kuala Lumpur, but also got on at the lodge.
• Cap or hat – Something to protect you from the sun.
• Light, quick-drying hiking shoes – We wore sporty low hiking shoes, but some people had mid-height hiking boots.
• Walking stick (or two, if you need extra support) – Not really necessary on the Viewpoint Trail, but could be helpful elsewhere.
• Long hiking pants and long-sleeved shirt – Preferably quick-drying (like polyamide fabric). You’ll get sweaty fast because of the humidity.
• Swimwear – For river swims or tubing (at Borneo Rainforest Lodge).
• Zip-lock bags – Super useful! We brought different sizes (Ikea ones are great).
• Binoculars – If everyone else has one and spots something cool, it’s a shame to have to wait your turn.
• Camera + tripod – A tripod is great for low light in the jungle. A monopod is easier to carry around. I mostly ended up shooting handheld, though.
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen
• DEET / insect repellent
• Anti-itch cream – Really nice to have at night if you’ve been bitten.
• Headlamp or flashlight
• UK power adapter
• Portable charging block / power bank
• Slippers – Great for lounging around the resort and letting your hiking shoes dry between treks.
• Toiletries
• Mosquito net – Not needed at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, but may come in handy elsewhere.
• Water shoes
• Overshoes (optional) – For really wet hikes.
• Snacks and drinks from a 7-Eleven
• Small thermos – You can fill it at breakfast and bring it along for hikes.

How to get to Danum Valley

There’s a 55-minute MASWings (soon to be rebranded to AirBorneo) flight from Kota Kinabalu Airport to Lahad Datu, running four times a day. This is the starting point for several cool adventures on the east side of Sabah. Ideally, book MASWings flight MH3012, which leaves Kota Kinabalu at 7:30 AM (or MH3014 an hour later), and flight MH3019 for your return from Lahad Datu. When we booked this return flight, we paid RM438 per person during low season. Alternatively, you can take the (night) bus from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, but it’s a long journey—over 8.5 hours. The advantage is that a one-way ticket only costs RM52, which makes it an interesting option for budget travelers.

From Lahad Datu, a daily (mini) bus goes to the Danum Valley Field Centre—about 80 km away, taking roughly 2.5 hours. The first part of the drive is fairly smooth, followed by a long stretch on unpaved (and bumpy) roads. Keep in mind that this transfer is part of a package—you can’t just head to Danum Valley on your own without arrangements. If you’re doing a budget-friendly 3-day or 4-day trip with overnight stays at the Field Centre, transfers are included in the price.

If you’ve booked the amazing Borneo Rainforest Lodge, your package includes a pickup in a large 4×4 from the Lodge’s office in Lahad Datu, right next to the Field Centre office. On arrival at the office, you’ll be offered a drink and can use the restroom before the long drive begins.

On the way there (and back), keep your eyes open for wildlife. The driver is usually sharp-eyed, and it’s not unusual to suddenly stop for an elephant or orangutan sighting from the road—so I always have my camera ready now!

Lahad Datu is roughly located between Sandakan and Semporna. Between Sandakan and Lahad Datu, you’ll also find the Kinabatangan River. Many travelers visit Danum Valley after a river cruise on the Kinabatangan, or after diving in Semporna. You can cover these distances by public bus or arrange private transport. Rental cars aren’t super common on this route, but in recent years, we’ve heard from more travelers choosing to explore Sabah independently by car. The roads are decent, but the weather can sometimes slow you down, making travel times longer than expected.

You can also rent a car near Lahad Datu Airport for a self-drive trip through the region. That way, you can combine a visit to the Field Centre with a stop in Semporna or Kinabatangan—and return the car in Lahad Datu afterward.

Tips

• Preferably take the earliest MASWings flight from Kota Kinabalu. You’ll arrive in Lahad Datu nice and early, giving you enough time to start your first activity in the afternoon. If all goes smoothly, you’ll reach the nature reserve around noon, and the adventure can begin right after lunch.
• There is Wi-Fi at Danum Valley Field Centre, but the speed is very slow (2G). With a local SIM card and data bundle, you’ll sometimes have coverage and sometimes not. Wi-Fi in the lobby of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge is slow but decent. With your own SIM card, you might get slightly better coverage, depending on where you are.
• As we mentioned in the checklist: bring Zip-lock bags and use them to store anything that might attract pests during your stay—even snacks you take along on hikes.
• If you’re booking at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge or the Danum Valley Field Centre and already know you won’t be participating in the standard activity program (e.g., for travelers with disabilities), be sure to mention this when booking. That way, you might get a customized price without the full day program included.
• If you’re staying at the Danum Valley Field Centre, note that there’s no power between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., so bring a power bank or charging block.
• At the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge, there is power available all night.
• Although many elephants live in the nature park, they’re rarely seen. When you do spot them, it’s quite special—they’re smart enough to avoid areas with tourists. So during your visit, assume that sightings are rare. (Your best chance is usually during the drive to the park.)
• Day activities in the standard 3D/2N and 4D/3N programs are subject to change. Heavy rainfall can make some trails impassable, and programs may be adjusted on the spot.
• Flying a drone over the protected area is not allowed. If you’d like to use one for photos or videos, you need to request approval in advance via Sabah Tourism, the MAAC (Malaysian Aviation Association), and Danum Valley Field Centre.
• If you’re staying at the exclusive Borneo Rainforest Lodge, you can apply directly to the lodge for drone approval. If granted, you may only fly in designated areas and only when accompanied by a guide.
• Accommodations at the Field Centre are basic but totally fine. The Superior Deluxe Chalet and the Deluxe Resthouse have air conditioning, which is a real bonus in the hot and humid jungle. (But note that AC won’t run at night due to the power shutdown.) Standard rooms and dormitories only have fans.
• The ultra-luxurious chalets and villas at Borneo Rainforest Lodge all have air conditioning, and many offer stunning jungle or river views.
• If you’re starting and ending your trip in Kota Kinabalu, consider booking the same hotel before and after. That way, you can leave extra luggage there and travel to Danum Valley with just the essentials. We did this at the very pleasant (and luxurious) The LUMA Hotel.
• Wild animals can hear you coming from far away—so be as quiet as possible during hikes. Avoid long conversations with fellow travelers if you really want to spot something. If you’re traveling with small kids, keep in mind that everyone paid good money for this experience, and loud noises can scare off birds and animals. In that case, consider booking a private guide.
• Get advice from the GGD in advance. Depending on your travel route, they may recommend malaria medication. Ultimately, it’s your personal choice. Just because someone else skipped it and didn’t get sick doesn’t mean you’ll be the same. We chose to bring a malaria emergency cure, just in case.
• You can try arranging your Danum Valley Field Centre stay separately, which might give you more flexibility and potentially save some money. For example, there’s a daily shuttle bus from Lahad Datu (Field Centre office) to the Field Centre for around RM100 one-way. Dorm stays cost around RM100 per night, and you can arrange tours and meals on site. Meals cost up to RM100 per day (3 meals), or you can choose individual meals for around RM30, or bring your own food. Single tours and activities usually cost between RM100–RM200 including a guide and transport. You can also book a private guide on site. Costs can be lower if you join others. Note: If you try arranging everything locally at the Lahad Datu office, there’s a risk that the Field Centre is fully booked—or that the shuttle is full.
• Face The Future has several projects around the world, including the INFAPRO forest restoration project near Danum Valley. Their research center is just outside the park in the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve, less than a 5-minute drive away. They also offer packages (3D/2N or 4D/3N including transfers, meals, and activities) at a good price. They have 4 air-conditioned rooms and 12 with just fans. You can book through local tour agencies or contact them directly, which is often cheaper.
• Don’t feel like bringing expensive shoes just to get them muddy? Consider a pair of “Adidas kampung”—cheap plastic shoes sold at local supermarkets, Mr. DIY, or Supersave. Sometimes they cost as little as RM10. After your trip, just give them away to a local.
• Danum Valley cannot be visited as a day trip. It’s only accessible via pre-booked trips. So always stop by the Field Centre office in advance—or book online ahead of time.

Suggestions?

Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do in Sabah, or tips on the best places to eat? Let us know by leaving a reply below!

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