Explore the richness of Danum Valley, the joy of making new friends and sharing a bunk with friendly travellers and nature enthusiasts who would love to know you better.
Spanning 438 square kilometres of land area, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is a vast exposure of the bountiful and beautiful nature of Sabah, Malaysia. Stepping in, take your time to breath in the fresh mountainous air and marvel at the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna that surrounds the valley. It is also unsurprising that there have been various movement to nominate the area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you make your way in, keep your eye on the lookout for some of the jungle’s prominent flora and fauna species that grow and roam wildly in the untamed forest.
Aside from being a lush verdant haven for nature lovers, the valley is also home to many wild animals and plants. The animals include primates such as the Bornean orangutans and the Muller Bornean gibbons, deer, wild cats and also the rare Bornean pygmy elephant. Interestingly, the Danum Valley is also considered as one of the richest snail land plots in the world, with at least 61 species over a 1-km plot. Not forgetting the fact that the valley is also home to a variety of floral species found on the forest floor. True to its Bornean origin, the forest is thronged with the Dipterocarpaceae family flowering plant. If you are lucky you may also spot one of the few pitcher plants that grow amidst the dense forest.
In this tour, you will get to sleep on a bunk bed alongside other fellow travellers, share your stories, bond and make new friends during your journey. What better way to go on a journey than by getting to know more about your travel mates and their different stories.
Day 1
Upon departing from Lahad Datu, you will first register yourself at the welcome centre and check yourself in after a briefing by Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) staff members. Once you get your belongings settled, your in-house guide will direct you to the lunch table where you will be able to enjoy your scrumptious lunch while you are accompanied by the scenic view from the restaurant window and terrace. During your lunch, feel free to also talk with your fellow travellers and guide to help plan your day at DVFC. With a full tummy and the food comma kicking in, you will have some time to yourself to just chill and lie down for an afternoon siesta or to go for a mid-afternoon walk and burn that calorie you just put in. The area around the field centre is brimming with wildlife and if you are lucky, you might spot some resident orangutans and hornbills.
Then, make your way back to the centre before sunset and enjoy your delicious dinner at 7 P.M. cooked by your very own professional chef. After a good dinner, go for a night walk with your guide and fellow travellers or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive (the drive will be an additional activity at your own expense). Then, go back to your room, spend some quality time with your fellow bunkmates and roommates, catch up with them for the day before retiring for the night.
Day 2
Wake up and freshen up for an early morning walk around the vicinity of DVFC and see the forest come to life. If instead, you would like to catch the morning sunrise, you can also opt for a pre-arranged 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur. Up the canopy, you will be able to see for yourself the wondrous horizon as the sun slowly rises and illuminates the sky. Since the drive is an additional activity at your own expense, please do inform your guide beforehand if you are interested in this. After the walk and the ride, make your way back to the centre where breakfast will be waiting for you hot and ready. With breakfast done, you can use the time you have to trail along the area before resting and having your lunch. With lunch done, go for a dip at the Ulu Segama River and wash off that afternoon heat. Once you feel rejuvenated and ready, dry yourself up and head off for another trek with your guide. There will be many choices of trek routes so be sure to discuss which route you wish to explore with your guide. During the trek, be sure to close your eyes and listen closely to the rhythm of the forest. You will be able to hear the chirping of birds, the cry of cicadas and the call of the forest insects all blending in into a melodious forest tune.
Return to the centre just in time to watch the ethereal sunset overlooking the field centre. After dinner, you can again go for a night walk with your guide or, if you are feeling drained, go for an optional 4x4 night drive at your own expense. Then, return to your room, have a good chat with your fellow bunk and roommates as you lull yourself to sleep for your return journey tomorrow.
Day 3
The morning fills the sky with the scent of nature and the coolness of the dawn. Wake up to the refreshing air and go for a walk around the centre to see more of the rich biodiversity of the valley. If you did not strike luck with the fauna yesterday, you might just strike gold today so be sure to give it a go. Next, return to the dining room and have your breakfast prepared and ready for you. With a stuffed tummy, you will have your own leisure time all the way until 11.30 A.M. when it’s checkout time. Board your transport to Lahad Datu and arrive at about 1:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. where you will then make your way back to your accommodation. We recommend boarding MH3019 for your travel back to Kota Kinabalu or you can also let us know and we will arrange for your onward transfers to Semporna).
Refer to the map below to see a list of pick up location(s) that are available for you to choose from. You can select your desired pick up location when you book the tour.
List of Location(s):
Pick up is also available for other location(s) under the vicinity of Lahad Datu. For more information, please contact Adventoro's concierge service.
Make use of Adventoro's complimentary concierge service by emailing info@adventoro.com to effortlessly plan your next adventure!
Visit Sabah, a rare gem in the Bornean chest, and experience its culture, conquer Mount Kinabalu or delve into its enchanting forests with our adventure tours.