Overview:
Discover the wonders of Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah’s premier rainforest and conservation haven! Since 1986, it’s been a top destination for scientists and nature lovers alike. Explore lush rainforests, keep an eye out for rare wildlife like Bornean orangutans, sambar deer, hornbills and pygmy elephants, and enjoy thrilling activities like night safaris and birdwatching. With over 270 bird species and diverse fauna, every moment is a nature lover’s dream. Explore this tropical ecosystem alongside specialist naturalist guides and experience day-to-day life inside this hugely important conservation area!
Sample Itinerary:
Please note: All itineraries are tentative and are subject to change depending on (but not limited to) the time of year, weather, wildlife sightings and the group’s fitness ability.
Danum Valley Wonders: 3 Days to 5 Days
Day 1: Arrival at Lahad Datu/Danum Valley (Recommended Flight: MH 3012 ETA LDU 08:25)
- Pick-up from Lahad Datu Airport or hotel at approximately 8:30
- Make the 2-2.5 hour journey to Danum Valley Conservation Area
- Arrival and accommodation check-in at Danum Valley Field Centre after a briefing
- Lunch in the dining hall
- Plan your stay with your specialist nature guide
- Mid-afternoon trek to explore the rainforest
- Dinner at the centre
- 4WD night drive to spot nocturnal wildlife (weather permitting)
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Exploring Danum Valley
- Early morning nature and wildlife observation beginning around 06:00
- Hearty breakfast at the centre
- Morning trail exploration
- Relax before lunch
- Afternoon trek on various trails
- Evening relaxation and sunset viewing
- Dinner at the centre
- Guided night walk in search of nocturnal animals
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3 & 4: Deep Dive into Danum Valley
- Full-day exploration with a specialist nature guide
- Bird watching and wildlife spotting opportunities
- Explore various or longer trails (based on fitness level)
- Evening relaxation and freshen up
- Enjoy dinner at the centre
- After dinner embark on another guided night walk to see nocturnal wildlife
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
👉 Note: If you choose the 3-day, 2-night trip or the 4-day, 3-night trip, you will say goodbye to the group on the respective day and follow the itinerary provided for day 5 on your final day.
Day 5: Departure from Danum Valley/Lahad Datu (Recommended Flights: MH 3017 ETA LDU 14:25 or MH 3019 ETA LDU 16:05 HRS)
- 4WD drive to Bukit Atur for sunrise at approx. 04:30 (weather permitting)
- Enjoy breakfast at the centre
- Relax or take a nearby trail walk
- Check-out and depart for Lahad Datu around 11:30
- Tour ends
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Guests will sleep at the Danum Valley Conservation Centre. You should be aware that the accommodation here is basic. Electricity runs on a generator and shuts off every day from 23:00 until 7:00 the next morning.
There are a number of room options to choose from:
Hostel – Great for solo travellers!
Shared accommodation is in large, single-gender dorm rooms (48 beds in each). They are split into cubicles of four bunk beds. A pillow, blanket and towel are provided and there is a wall fan. Facilities are shared.
Standard Resthouse – Perfect for couples on a budget!
Basic private accommodation offered in the standard resthouse. The fan room has twin beds and an attached bathroom with a heated shower. A pillow, blanket, towel, soap and tissue is provided.
Deluxe Resthouse – All the essentials, plus AC!
Twin bedroom with attached bathroom featuring a heated shower. The room includes air conditioning, a working table, and essentials like pillow, blanket, towel, soap, and tissue.
Deluxe Chalet – Ideal for those looking for more comfort!
Air-conditioned twin bedroom with an attached bathroom featuring a heated shower. Includes a refrigerator, cupboard, sofa, working table, and essentials like pillow, blanket, towel, soap, and tissue.
Food:
Food is included as per itineraries and will be local Malaysian dishes. Some dietary requirements, for example vegetarian, can be catered for. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements by leaving a note in the ‘additional information’ box when making your reservation. You are also welcome to bring your own food (options for those with strict dietary requirements will be limited).
Guide:
All of the guides are specialised nature guides who speak English.
How to Get Lahad Datu:
The easiest way to get to Lahad Datu is to fly. MASwings operate a handful of flights per day to Lahad Datu from Kota Kinabalu Airport. It is also possible to fly from Sandakan and Kuching. Please see the recommended flight numbers on each itinerary to help you plan your trip.
Bus services run from Kota Kinabalu (approx. 9 hours) and Sandakan (approx. 4.5 hours) to Lahad Datu. Make sure you plan your transport carefully, as services are limited and journey times can be longer than suggested.
All tours include return 4WD transfer from Lahad Datu to the Danum Valley Conservation Area inclusive of the price.
What’s Included
Includes:
- Conservation fee
- Accommodation at Danum Valley Field Centre
- Meals as per itinerary
- Return scheduled transfer (Lahad Datu → Danum Valley Field Centre → Lahad Datu)
- English-speaking specialist guide
- Night drive/sunrise drive (weather permitting)
- Travel pack (includes leech socks, linen bag, 750ml refillable water bottle)
Does Not Include:
- Transport to Lahad Datu
- Porter service
- Personal travel insurance
- Binoculars
- Personal expenses
- Food outside of meals specified in itinerary
- Cash for optional activities
FAQs
- What should I pack for the trip?
Rain jacket, hat, insect repellent (one with high DEET content is best), Trekking shoes/boots, personal medication, toiletries, head torch, swimwear, cash, binoculars, basic first aid essentials, suncream, camera, dry bags, breathable t-shirts and long pants.
- What is the best time of year to do this trip?
March-October is the best time to visit the Danum Valley as this is when rainfall is at its lowest, making it easier to spot wildlife. The Danum Valley is very popular and accommodation is limited so it is best to book early to avoid missing out!
- Is there internet or phone signal at Danum Valley?
The Danum Valley is in a remote location and internet and phone signal may be limited.
- I’m a vegetarian/vegan and/or I have an allergy or a specific diet, can I be catered for on this trip?
Basic dietary requirements can be catered for on this trip but dishes will be limited. Those with strict dietary requirements are permitted to bring their own food if they’d like. Please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking using the ‘additional information’ box.
Payment:
To reserve your place on this experience, you must pay the deposit on this website by credit or debit card. The tour operator will be in contact by email to confirm your booking and provide instructions on how and when you will need to pay the remaining balance.
Hi, I’m Nikki. I started this website in 2008 after my first solo backpacking trip to Asia. A trip that changed my life. My vision was to create a travel diary for everyone – a place for all travellers to share their experiences. After living in Southeast Asia for over 10 years, I saw the opportunity to provide backpackers with the kind of experiences that I’d treasured myself in the region.
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