Live Your Best Lives
In southern Sabah, Malaysia, lies a 4.38 million square kilometer pristine lowland tropical rainforest reserve, undisturbed by human activity. The Danum Valley is known as one of the world's most renowned natural reserves, boasting over 200 tree species and over 270 bird species per hectare. Even Prince William and Kate Middleton made Danum Valley a stop during their visit to Malaysia to learn about the research conducted by the Rainforest Research Centre.
This ancient pristine forest, located in a remote and sparsely populated area, is undisturbed and has extremely rich wildlife resources, including endangered Sumatran rhinoceros, Bornean pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards and so on.
Danum Valley is well-preserved. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge, the only eco-resort in the area, offers nature lovers the chance to explore wildlife in the pristine rainforest. A minimum stay of two nights is required to truly experience the wonders of Danum Valley. Located on the banks of the Danum River, the 31-room lodge strives to minimize impact on nature while offering ecotourism. Therefore, booking early is crucial to avoid disappointment. Wildlife that may be observed includes macaques, long-tailed monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, big-eyed monkeys, wild boars, leopard cats, civets, clouded leopards, gibbons, orangutans, red leaf monkeys, gibbons, pygmy elephants, various small lizards, monitor lizards, otters, various hornbills, stork-billed kingfishers, three-toed kingfishers, eagles, owls, egrets, and herons.
The climate is tropical rainforest, with a dry season from March to November and a rainy season from November to February, but you can visit all year round.
Recommended travel time: 3 days and 2 nights
Recommended experiences: Rainforest hiking adventure; nighttime wildlife hunting by four-wheel drive; rainforest suspension bridge hiking to explore the vast array of flora and fauna.
Vehicles are strictly restricted from entering and exiting the reserve, and a shuttle service is provided every day from 12:00 to 17:00 to leave the reserve.
Dannon Valley Conservation Area is dedicated to the protection of native biodiversity and natural ecosystems. It is part of Malaysia's conservation efforts to protect endangered species and promote ecological education and research.
The Dannon Valley Conservation Area is located in the central part of Malaysia. It is accessible by car or taxi from nearby towns, with no direct metro or bus service. The area is ideal for a scenic drive through nature.
The conservation area is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the dry season (March to October), as trails and paths are more accessible, and the weather is pleasant.
The entrance fee for the Dannon Valley Conservation Area is typically free, though some special tours or activities may have a nominal charge. Tickets can be purchased on-site or booked through local conservation services.
Booking in advance is not generally required for regular visits, but it is recommended for guided tours or group activities. Booking at least 1-2 days in advance ensures availability.
A visit typically takes 2-3 hours to explore the trails and nature walks. If you want to participate in a guided tour or photography, you may want to allocate a full day.
Guided tours are available in English and Malay. They are led by knowledgeable local guides who provide in-depth information about the flora, fauna, and conservation efforts in the area.
Start at the entrance and take the main nature trail, which leads to the conservation center. From there, branch off to secondary trails for birdwatching or photography. Conclude your visit by relaxing at the picnic area or visiting the education center.
Night visits are not typically available, but special nighttime tours may be organized by the conservation authority for star gazing or nocturnal wildlife observation. These are limited and require advance booking.
The area can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially during the dry season. The least crowded times are weekdays early in the morning or late afternoon.
The conservation area has basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas. There are no food vendors inside the park, so visitors should bring their own water and snacks. The nearest shops are located outside the area in nearby towns.
The trails are not fully wheelchair accessible due to the natural terrain. However, elderly visitors and children can enjoy easier paths around the main areas. It is advisable to check with the local office about specific accessibility needs.
Cash is accepted on-site, though mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are becoming more common. It’s advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases in the area.
There are no restaurants inside the conservation area, but nearby towns offer local eateries serving traditional Malaysian food. Options include seafood, noodles, and rice dishes.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available in the nearby towns, with local restaurants serving traditional Malaysian cuisine catering to different dietary needs.
Souvenir shops are available outside the conservation area in nearby towns, offering items such as handmade crafts, traditional Malaysian textiles, and nature-themed souvenirs like bird figurines and postcards.
Visitors can use taxis, private cars, or local buses to continue their trip to nearby attractions. Renting a car is recommended for easier access to multiple destinations in the region.
