The Danum Valley Conservation Area is considered one of the most strictly protected tropical rainforest areas in Southeast Asia. The area covers over 438 square kilometers of ancient rainforest that has remained largely intact and minimally disturbed by human activity. The terrain consists of complex small mountains, streams, and winding rivers, which serve as important water sources for the surrounding ecosystem.

Within the area, there are over 200 species of forest plants, including large trees, ferns, and carnivorous plants, as well as rare orchids and endemic plant species of Borneo. Regarding wildlife, more than 120 mammal species have been recorded, along with over 300 bird species and hundreds of reptile and amphibian species. Notable species include the Bornean orangutan, clouded leopard, Bornean elephant, giant flying squirrel, and various hard-to-find hornbill species.

This area is also a center for environmental and ecological research in Malaysia, home to the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC), which serves as a base for scientific studies in biology, forestry, and conservation. Visitors can explore the area through guided jungle treks, night wildlife spotting, early morning birdwatching, and learning about the rainforest ecosystem.

For accommodation, tourists can choose between the Danum Valley Field Centre, which focuses on scientific and nature education, or the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, a luxury resort located in the heart of the Danum Forest, offering a truly immersive natural retreat with full amenities such as a spa, natural swimming pools, and rooms with private balconies overlooking the forest.

The Danum Valley Conservation Area is also an important example of sustainable ecotourism management, limiting the number of visitors at any given time to maintain ecosystem balance and minimize environmental impact. As a result, it has been recognized by international conservation organizations as one of the world’s exemplary conservation areas.

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How to Get There

• Fly to Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) from Kota Kinabalu. Access to the conservation area requires advance booking only (4-wheel drive vehicles) through accommodation operators or tour companies. The travel time is approximately 2-2.5 hours for unpaved roads. Self-driving is not allowed.

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Travel Tips

• You should prepare breathable clothing, hiking shoes, and insect repellent because the weather is humid and it can rain throughout the year.

• It is advisable to book in advance, as accommodations are limited and highly popular among foreign tourists.

• You should respect the rules of the conservation area, such as no loud noises, no picking plants from the area, and no flying drones without permission.

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Admission Fees:

• There are admission fees and accommodation charges, with prices depending on the type of lodging or package selected from the research center or resort, such as Danum Valley Field Centre or Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Opening Hours:

• Visits and stays are available throughout the year, but entry depends on the check-in/check-out schedule of the pre-booked package (typically 3 days 2 nights or 4 days 3 nights).