Hi, Lykkers! Danum Valley Conservation Area in Lahad Datu, Sabah, is a protected lowland rainforest known for its rich biodiversity and opportunities to experience Borneo’s natural environment.

Located about 80 kilometres from Lahad Datu town, the conservation area covers 43,892 hectares and is classified as a Class 1 Protection Forest Reserve under the Sabah Forestry Enactment 1968.

Danum Valley Conservation Area

Danum Valley is one of Sabah’s important rainforest conservation areas. The forest provides habitat for wildlife including orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, banteng, clouded leopards, slow lorises, and proboscis monkeys.

Its protected status also makes the area an important location for research, education, and nature-based activities.

Rich Biodiversity

Sabah Tourism Board describes Danum Valley as a highly biodiverse rainforest environment with more than 15,000 plant species, 100 mammal species, 300 bird species, and thousands of insects. These natural features make the area suitable for visitors interested in wildlife and rainforest observation.

The conservation area is also recognized as a birdwatching destination, with various Bornean rainforest bird species found in the lowland forest.

Wildlife Activities

Visitors can experience Danum Valley through activities such as guided jungle treks, birdwatching, and night drives. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the conservation area provides opportunities to observe animals within their natural forest environment.

The area also contains ancient burial sites, including locations with belian coffins and porcelain spirit jars. Sabah Tourism Board states that three burial sites have been uncovered within the Danum Valley area.

Menara Tree

One of Danum Valley’s notable natural features is Menara, a Yellow Meranti tree belonging to the species Shorea faguetiana. Sabah Tourism Board records its height at 100.8 metres, or 330.7 feet, and identifies it as the tallest tropical tree in the world.

The tree demonstrates the impressive scale of the lowland rainforest and has become one of the notable natural features associated with Danum Valley.

Danum Valley Studies Centre

The Danum Valley Studies Centre was established in 1986 and was formerly known as the Danum Valley Field Centre. The centre supports research, education, training, and outdoor recreation activities in the conservation area.

Accommodation at the centre includes chalets, a resthouse, and hostel facilities. Activities that can be arranged include guided walks, birdwatching, nature photography, camping, swimming, and dawn observation.

Ticket Price

Danum Valley does not have a single standard admission price presented as a general entrance ticket. Visitors must make arrangements in advance for permission, transportation, and accommodation.

Access is restricted to officially registered vehicles with permits. Tour packages generally range from three days and two nights to five days and four nights, with additional nights possible.

Because costs depend on the accommodation and activities selected, visitors should check the latest rates directly with the Danum Valley Studies Centre or a licensed tour operator.

Tips for Visiting

Arrange permission, transportation, and accommodation in advance.

Use an officially registered vehicle with the required permit.

Follow the instructions of guides and conservation staff.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear for rainforest activities.

Bring suitable equipment for birdwatching and nature photography.

Allow several days for the full experience.

Discover Danum Valley

Danum Valley offers visitors the opportunity to experience one of Sabah’s protected lowland rainforest areas through guided walks, wildlife observation, birdwatching, and other arranged activities.

Its extensive forest, diverse wildlife, research centre, and remarkable Menara tree make it an important nature destination in Lahad Datu.